In a landmark moment for California’s solar community, Assembly Bill 942 (AB 942), originally poised to cut rooftop solar incentives, has undergone significant transformation – much to the relief of solar advocates statewide. This legislative turnaround marks a hopeful chapter in the ongoing battle to support renewable energy adoption and empower homeowners to generate clean power.
The Original Controversy: Curtailing Rooftop Solar Credits
AB 942, authored by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, was initially introduced to address the so-called "cost shift" — the perceived financial burden on non-solar ratepayers subsidizing rooftop solar users. Specifically, the bill sought to alter net metering agreements, which allow solar homeowners to earn credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid. Under the original legislation, new property owners with pre-installed solar systems would be forced to switch to lower, less favorable net metering tariffs rather than benefiting from the more generous contracts secured by previous owners. This proposed change threatened to slash rooftop solar incentives, stirring alarm among the solar community.
A David Versus Goliath Struggle
Solar supporters vocalized strong opposition, framing the debate as a David versus Goliath fight — everyday citizens and environmental advocates standing up against powerful utility companies, lobbyists, and political interests. One such advocate, Greg Sparks from Davis, attended the critical Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee hearing on July 15th to make his voice heard.
After hours of waiting and public testimony, the committee’s chairman dramatically amended the bill, effectively removing all references to rooftop solar. This unexpected pivot was met with relief and celebration from solar homeowners and advocates who had feared losing vital incentives.
What AB 942 Looks Like Now
In its revised form, AB 942 abandons its previous focus on rooftop solar net metering reforms. Instead, it now concentrates on consumer access to carbon credits—another important tool to encourage sustainable behaviors and reduce carbon footprints across the state. By preserving existing rooftop solar agreements, the bill helps maintain the economic motivation for homeowners to install and keep solar panels, fostering continued growth in distributed solar generation.
With these changes, many solar advocates have withdrawn their opposition, signaling a rare moment of alignment between legislators and environmental stakeholders. Bernardet Deliaro of the Environmental Working Group highlighted how public opposition played a pivotal role in influencing state senators, with packed hearings and rallies creating undeniable momentum against the original bill’s provisions.
What’s Next for AB 942 and Solar Policy in California?
AB 942 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where its future will be decided. The committee could approve the bill, refer it to the Senate floor for a full vote, amend it further, or hold it indefinitely. Meanwhile, advocates remain vigilant, focused on other important legislation such as Senate Bill 710, which also aims to support rooftop solar growth.
Moreover, recent developments have deepened the complexity of California’s solar policy landscape. The California Supreme Court struck down a 2022 California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decision that significantly cut payments to solar homeowners for electricity returned to the grid—a decision widely viewed as damaging to the solar industry. The court’s ruling mandates a reevaluation of that policy, delivering another win for solar supporters working to ensure fair compensation for clean energy producers.
A Renewed Commitment to Solar in California
AB 942’s transformation is a clear demonstration of public advocacy’s power to shape energy policy in favor of sustainability and consumer rights. Assemblymember Calderon emphasized that the legislature remains focused on addressing California’s affordability crisis, with AB 942 evolving to provide tangible relief for consumers in a balanced manner.
For many advocates like Greg Sparks, the fight continues but the victory signaling that “David,” the ordinary renewable energy supporter, can indeed overcome “Goliath” forces offers inspiration. As California moves forward, the promise of expanding rooftop solar and empowering homeowners to contribute to a cleaner energy future remains a top priority, with the eyes of the state and nation fixed on forthcoming legislative developments.
California’s solar landscape is in flux, but the recent amendments to AB 942 serve as a hopeful sign that incentives supporting rooftop solar will endure, and perhaps grow stronger, for the benefit of all Californians. The ongoing dialogue between lawmakers, industry experts, and community advocates will shape how the state balances affordability, environmental stewardship, and energy innovation in the years to come.
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