California solar access and energy legislation

California lawmakers have passed two bills to expand solar energy access for renters and residents lacking roof access. Assembly Bill 1813 instructs the California Public Utilities Commission to create a more robust community solar program, enabling residents to join local solar arrays for discounted electricity bills. Senate Bill 868 legalizes “balcony solar,” which allows users to utilize small plug-in solar systems on patios or fences. Senator Scott Wiener noted these devices could reduce annual living costs by hundreds of dollars. However, a provision included by Pacific Gas & Electric will require the Legislature to reauthorize the law before 2030.

These legislative actions follow a decline in state solar installation rates, attributed to reduced incentives and opposition from utility companies. Utilities have contended that high compensation for rooftop solar places a disproportionate burden on customers without solar systems, who must still fund the maintenance of overhead lines.

Recent legislative developments have moved these energy bills to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. The state is also advancing SB 905 and SB 913, which focus on grid utilization and modernizing resource adequacy rules to allow customer-owned resources, such as home batteries, to compete more effectively in the energy market. Additionally, AB 2163 seeks to establish a framework for Strategic Energy and Critical Mineral Development Zones.

Despite these efforts to reshape the energy landscape, lithium extraction in the state’s ‘Lithium Valley’ remains stalled. Projects in Imperial County, including the Hell’s Kitchen project by Controlled Thermal Resources, face delays due to legal challenges regarding environmental impacts on water and air quality. Lithium resources remain largely untapped due to funding issues and litigation.