Will California Supreme Court make a decision on rooftop solar panels?

The state Supreme Court heard arguments from both sides and will make a decision at a later date. The California Public Utilities Commission failed to abide by state law when it slashed financial incentives for residential rooftop solar panels in 2022, environmental groups argued before the California Supreme Court on Wednesday.

What happened to solar panels in California in 2022?

The 2022 decision by the California Public Utilities Commission, which reduced payments to solar panel owners for selling excess power back to utility companies, was upheld by the state Court of Appeal in December 2023 following a lawsuit by environmental groups.

Did solar panels violate state law?

The commission violated state law, the groups argued, by not considering all the benefits of the solar panels in its decision and by not ensuring that rooftop solar systems could continue to expand in disadvantaged communities.

Can solar panels be sold back to utility companies?

In a unanimous vote, justices told a lower court to revisit a ruling that upheld reduced payments to solar panel owners for selling excess power back to utility companies. Justices did not rule on whether the changes to the solar program were legal, requiring the court of appeals to determine this.

Are solar panels causing Californians to invest in solar panels?

The big utilities have for decades tried to reduce the energy credits aimed at incentivizing Californians to invest in the solar panel systems that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The rooftop systems have cut into the utilities’ sale of electricity.

Are rooftop solar panels affecting California's electricity sales?

The rooftop systems have cut into the utilities’ sale of electricity. On another front, the state’s three big utilities are now lobbying in Sacramento to reduce credits for Californians who installed their panels before April 15, 2023.