California throws shade on solar panel users, reduces payments for second time in a year

by Ben Christopher and Julie Cart, CalMatters November 21, 2023November 20, 2023

Solar panels line the rooftops of carports at a senior housing complex. The California Public Utilities Commission has reduced solar energy incentives for owners of buildings with multiple electrical meters such as apartments and schools, which industry experts say will further harm the widespread adoption of solar power at a time when the state wants to reduce carbon emissions. (National Renewable Energy Lab/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND)

AFTER MONTHS OF debate and two postponed votes, California’s utility regulator unanimously decided last week to overhaul incentives for owners of apartment buildings, schools and businesses that install solar panels.

The new regulations are the second major step that the California Public Utilities Commission has taken in the past year to reduce power companies’ financial support for rooftop solar. In December, the commission reduced payments to homeowners who sell excess power from newly installed solar panels on single-family homes.

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