The Solar Policy Scoop: June 2023

Minnesota’s renewable energy sector will be boosted by the new law.

Minnesota governor signs $80 million renewable energy bill
St. Paul, Minnesota

Governor Tim Waltz signed legislation that includes an $80 million investment in solar and energy conservation incentive programs for the state of Minnesota. The law also expands the state’s Community Solar Garden Program and adds new requirements for utilities to acquire distributed solar power.

North Carolina grid gauge changes occurred from July to October
Raleigh, North Carolina

The North Carolina Public Utilities Commission agreed to delay implementation of new net metering rules after several solar companies and other parties asked the NCUC to give Duke Energy more time to develop an online bill meter required by the commission’s order. The time of use rate transition will now be moved from July 1st to October 1st.

Colorado Passes Law to Streamline Solar Permits and Inspections
Denver, Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis signed a new law that will create the Streamlined Colorado Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program and provide nearly $1 million to help local governments adopt permitting and inspection software like SolarAPP+. The bipartisan bill aims to reduce the time and cost burden of manual permitting for housing projects.

The New York Power Authority can now develop its own renewable energy projects
Albany, New York

New York’s recent state budget empowered the New York Energy Authority to develop, own and operate renewable energy projects to help meet the state’s renewable energy goals. NYPA is beginning to review its own land for renewable development opportunities.

Center for Biological Diversity and other groups file suit against California PUC, major utilities
Sacramento, California

The Center for Biological Diversity and two other groups petitioned California’s appeals courts in early May to review the state’s new rooftop solar policy for legal errors. The action comes after the CPUC ignored a request to delay the policy’s enactment until regulators resolve an appeal filed by the groups in January.

California Senate Budget Committee Proposes $400 Million Investment for Community Solar and Storage
Sacramento, California

The California Senate Budget Committee proposed a $400 million investment in community solar + storage in its latest budget following a request from the Environmental Justice Coalition. This funding could help the state build on the potential of AB 2316, which creates a new community solar program in California to benefit low-income residents.

US-made trackers, solar panels, inverters and more can add 10% “domestic content” under certain rules.
Washington, DC

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have issued guidance for solar project developers seeking a bonus credit for using “domestic content” through the Inflation Reduction Act. Projects that use American-made racks, ground screws, trackers, solar panels, inverters and energy storage systems may receive bonus credit subject to certain requirements.

Treasury Releases New IRA Low Income Bonus Loan Definitions, Opens Public Comment
Washington, DC

The IRS and Treasury have released new proposed definitions and requirements for the IRA Low Income Bonus Credit, including additional details on the application process and priority projects. The administration is seeking public comments on those proposals until June 30, 2023.