Menendez, Cardoza, Ferguson Introduce Solar Energy Legislation

Press Release

MENENDEZ, CARDOZA, FERGUSON INTRODUCE SOLAR ENERGY LEGISLATION

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) today introduced new legislation to give fair treatment to consumers seeking access to solar power. The Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights (SOLAR) Act would improve net metering and interconnection standards, prohibit homeowners associations from restricting access to solar and reduce local permit fees.

"Tackling our nation's energy challenges in a clean and efficient way should be our top priority," said Menendez. "Rather than putting up roadblocks to those who want to use alternative energy sources, we should be incentivizing such consumer initiative. This Act would ease restrictions on those who want to harvest alternative energy, enhance the security of our energy grid, and relieve the load on often overwhelmed power sources."

"I installed solar panels on my own home because I believe alternative energy sources such as solar are critical for the future of our environment, economy and national security," said Cardoza. "We must remove obstacles standing in the way of Americans who wish to become good stewards of the environment by utilizing solar power. This bill will benefit consumers and spur needed investment in the solar energy industry, which promises to play a big role in America's drive to energy independence."

"New Jersey is the nation's leader in solar power with deployment of more than 2,000 solar-powered homes and businesses," said Ferguson. "This important legislation takes all the good things we're doing in New Jersey to increase the use of solar energy and makes them available to the rest of the nation. New Jersey leads the way in making solar energy simple and easy to use. Solar power benefits our environment and Congress must do more to make solar power more accessible and affordable to consumers."

The SOLAR Act makes it easier for consumers to install solar cells on their property by ensuring that utility companies allow alternative energy generators to connect to the power grid, and guarantees that excess power generated by these sources can be sold back to the utility at a fair rate. The bill would also help protect prospective consumers from exorbitant permitting and licensing fees.

"Every American should have the right to own a solar energy system," said Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association. "Consumers who take a personal step to increase our energy independence and reduce pollution should have the strength of the law behind them. This bill would truly empower more Americans to make the switch to clean, renewable solar energy."

Currently, California and New Jersey are the two largest state markets for solar power in the nation.

Source