The California State Assembly has passed S.B.350, a mandate that pushes the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50% by Dec. 31, 2030, from the current 33% by 2020.
California is currently ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for installed solar capacity, with more than 11 GW of solar energy installed.
Additionally, S.B.350 will also double the energy-efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas final end uses of retail customers through energy efficiency and conservation.
‘The passage of S.B.350 is a huge win for Californians and solar power is going to be key in making this win a reality,’ says Sean Gallagher, the Solar Energy Industry Association's vice president of state affairs. ‘The industry, in response to the state's current RPS, and other leading California policies like net metering, has produced nearly 55,000 solar jobs in California and more than $11 billion a year in state investment, all while achieving dramatic cost reductions. Solar is now among the most economic energy options. Through the wise passage of this ambitious legislation, we look forward to more jobs and consumer benefits.’
Although it is a significant milestone, notes SEIA, more renewable energy will be needed to meet the state's broader goal of a 40% carbon emissions reduction by 2030.
"While today we're celebrating S.B.350's success, our work is far from over," Gallagher notes." Now, we must focus our efforts on the bill's implementation and the essential need for a fair outcome in the upcoming net-metering decision at the Public Utilities Commission – which will determine the future of the rooftop solar market.’
To read the full text of the bill, click here.
