More Solar on California Schools – What a Bright Idea!

California’s schools, libraries and prisons are going solar in droves to take control of their energy bills – and they’re saving taxpayers billions of dollars in the process. But the size of solar energy systems that qualify for the bill credit benefits of California’s net metering program is capped at 1 megawatt – that falls well short of the amount of solar power our public facilities could put to good use. AB 2234 would change that.

One-third of all the rooftop solar energy systems installed in California are on public buildings. By embracing solar in a big way, cash-strapped public agencies are already set to save $2.5B in electricity costs. Yes, that’s a B, as in billion. Schools alone will save $1.5B. That’s a lot of money that can now be invested in our classrooms rather than monthly power bills.

But the size of solar energy systems that qualify for the bill credit benefits of California’s net metering program is capped at 1 megawatt – that falls well short of the amount of solar power our public facilities could put to good use.

AB 2234 would allow public agencies to get those bill credit benefits for five times more solar power, up to 5 megawatts. More solar, more savings – that’s good for everyone. If you live in California, and want to take action to support this bill click here.

Solar power should be plentiful, free, and accessible to everyone. There’s no better way to accomplish that than by putting solar on the buildings that serve us all. Let’s work together to pass AB 2234 and increase the public agency cap on net metering.

Vote Solar is a non-profit grassroots organization working to fight climate change and foster economic opportunity by bringing solar energy into the mainstream.