The summer of 2017 will be remembered as a pivotal moment for the solar industry in Nevada, and quite possible the rest of the country as well.
Not only has net metering been reinstated, but there are now other benefits for those that wish to produce their own energy.
Net metering is now reinstated with producers of solar power benefiting from compensation for their excess electricity provided to the grid at a rate of 95 percent of retail value. The compromise part of the Assembly Bill 405 is that, after an extensive amount of new solar installs occur, net metering compensation reduces to a floor of 75 percent. It has taken about a year and a half of public outcry to bring back what the Nevada Public Utilities Commission took away from its solar customers.
In addition to this favorable net metering change, AB 405 also calls for a legal guarantee for “the right to self-generate.” This is an extremely powerful idea. It not only guarantees the basic right of individuals and businesses to continue to install solar panel systems, but it also has implications for energy storage. Nevada Power (and eventually other utilities) will not be able to prevent the use of home energy storage systems in conjunction with solar power systems. These rate payers will be in the same class as other energy customers and not charged any new additional rates. Nevada is the first state to add this right in addition to a basic net metering law.
The implication that this favorable solar-plus-storage bill has for the rest of the country cannot be understated. As battery storage technologies continue to decrease in cost, it will not be much longer before it makes economic sense for the adoption of energy storage systems along with solar panel systems all across the U.S. It’s been stated before – utilities will become primarily a provider of back up energy services.
This new change has considerable implications for the Las Vegas solar market, as a very high percentage of homeowners have yet to go solar in Nevada’s largest city. While the large solar panel companies are headed back to Vegas, they will find considerable competition by the much more nimble, and often more cost competitive smaller businesses. This new competitive landscape will provide more choice and ultimately more value for Las Vegas solar shoppers.
In conclusion, solar energy has made a significant comeback in Nevada. With the state’s abundant sunshine and favorable policies, solar power has regained its prominence as a major source of renewable energy. The resurgence of solar in Nevada not only promotes a cleaner and more sustainable future but also creates new job opportunities and economic growth. As more individuals and businesses recognize the benefits of solar energy, we can expect to see an even bigger impact in the coming years.
In conclusion, the resurgence of solar energy in Nevada is a promising development for both the state and the renewable energy industry as a whole. The reinstatement of net metering and the increased investment in solar projects demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and a shift towards cleaner energy sources. With its abundant sunshine and favorable policies, Nevada has the potential to become a leading solar energy producer, contributing to a greener future and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
In conclusion, solar energy has made a significant comeback in Nevada. With the state’s abundant sunshine and recent policy changes, the solar industry is experiencing a resurgence. This is great news for both the environment and the economy, as solar energy offers a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. The renewed focus on solar power in Nevada is a promising sign for the future of renewable energy in the state and beyond.
In conclusion, solar energy has made a significant comeback in Nevada. With the reinstatement of net metering and the increase in solar installations, the state is once again embracing renewable energy sources. This shift towards solar power not only benefits the environment but also creates job opportunities and reduces electricity costs for residents. Nevada’s commitment to solar energy is a positive step towards a more sustainable and greener future.
In conclusion, the resurgence of solar energy in Nevada is a significant development for the state and the renewable energy industry as a whole. With the reinstatement of net metering and the increasing affordability of solar installations, more residents and businesses are embracing solar power as a reliable and sustainable energy source. This shift not only reduces carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels but also stimulates economic growth and job creation in the solar sector. Overall, the return of solar energy in Nevada represents a promising future for clean energy and a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.