California rethinks rooftop solar rules

The state’s Public Utilities Commission proposes controversial changes to net-metering programme that would cut payments to homeowners in US’ largest solar market

Californian regulators could vote as soon as late January to radically change the state’s net-metering programme for rooftop solar in a move critics say could hamper growth in a market that is home to 1.3mn residential solar systems. The net-metering programme, which allows owners of solar panels to sell their excess power back to utilities, was instituted in 1995. Regulator the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has proposed reducing payments made to homeowners for selling power back to the grid. It would also impose higher fixed fees averaging some $40 per month to cover costs such as grid maintenance, expansion and wildfire remediation. The proposal is expected to double the ti