E2 Advocacy Projects: Community-Based Renewable Energy Self-Generation Program

Community-Based Renewable Energy Self-Generation Program (SB 843 - Wolk) allows an electricity customer an option to own solar generation (or other renewable energy) in a shared facility at a lower cost than using their own roof. It can be built on degraded or idle land near preferred distribution points and it creates local jobs. SB 843 depends purely on economics and does not require any state subsidies. It provides a framework to benefit electricity customers, utilities, and, on a broader level, California's economy. By expanding the retail market, SB 843 will help California meet its goal of 33 percent renewable power by 2020. By cost-effectively supplementing on-site generation, SB 843 provides an economically advantageous method for facilitating the state's long-term goal of zero net-energy buildings.

Community-Based Renewable Energy Self-Generation Program Bill Summary
SB 843 expands access to renewable energy by enabling all customers of SCE, SDG&E and PG&E access to virtual net-metered renewable electricity. Customers can purchase up to 100% renewable power with no state subsidies or costs burdens on non-participating customers.

SB 843 Current Text
Current Bill language as filed for SB 843 (amended May 9, 2012)

SB 843 Q & A (For Customers)
This document - targeted to customers - covers commonly asked questions about the Community-Based Renewable Energy Self-Generation Program, including costs and savings and how the bill credits work.

SB 843 Q & A (For Policy Makers)
This document - targeted to policy makers - covers commonly asked questions about the Community-Based Renewable Energy Self-Generation Program, including how it differs from other policies like Virtual Net Metering and how it insures grid reliability and fairness to all electricity customers.

SB 843 Q & A (For Schools)
This document - targeted to schools - covers commonly asked questions about the Community-Based Renewable Energy Self-Generation Program, including the economic benefits of renewable energy self‐generation to school facilities.

Renters in California May Gain Access to More Renewable Energy - Aug 16, 2012, KQED

California Weighs Innovative Community Solar Bill - Aug 5, 2012, San Jose Mercury News

California's Shared Clean Energy Bill Wins Pivotal Vote - Jun 26, 2012, Pacific Swell

California's Community Shared Solar Bill Clears Critical Vote - Jun 26, 2012, Renewable Energy Now

Report: Wolk Community Shared Solar Bill Would Boost California Jobs, Economy - Jun 6, 2012, Business Wire

Community Solar Rides into Town in New Californian Gold Rush - May 15, 2012, PVTech

New Bill Aims to Give all Californians Clean Energy Options - May 14, 2012, Pacific Swell

Wolk Gives Power to Residents Who Want Clean Eergy with SB 843 - May 12, 2012, The Davis Enterprise

Bringing Solar to the Masses: Community Shared Solar Gains Popularity Nationwide - Apr 13, 2012, Renewable Energy World

How New Financing Models Could Make Solar the Facebook of the Energy Industry - Dec 30, 2011, Forbes

The Benefits of Solar With the Beauty of Trees - Nov 16, 2010, New York Times

The Country's First Community-Owned Solar Garden - Aug 17, 2010, CalFinder

SB843 List of Supporters (Aug 16, 2012)

Yingli Green Energy Support Letter for SB843 (Aug 8, 2012)

Swinerton Incorporated Support Letter for SB843 (Aug 7, 2012)

Suntech America Support Letter for SB 843 (Aug 3, 2012)

Recurrent Energy Support Letter for SB 843 (Jun 8, 2012)

Chapel of Peace Lutheran Church Support Letter for SB 843 (Jun 7, 2012)

California Interfaith Power & Light Support Letter for SB 843 (Jun 6, 2012)

Yolo County Board of Education SB843 Declaration of Support (Jun 5, 2012)

Affordable Housing Alliance Support Letter for SB 843 (Jun 5, 2012)

Ella Baker Center Support Letter for SB 843 (May 24, 2012)

Small Business California Support Letter for SB 843 (Jul 12, 2011)

NRDC Support Letter for SB 843 (Jul 1, 2011)

Green Group Support Letter for SB 843 (Jul 1, 2011)

Renewable Funding Support Letter for SB 483 (Jun 29, 2011)

California League of Conservation Voters Support Letter for SB 843 (Jun 29, 2011)

E2 Letter Supporting OffSite Solar (SB 843) (Jun 24, 2011)

EDF Support Letter (Apr 27, 2011)

Offsite Solar - A New Way to Finance Solar Facilities
Offsite Solar expands the number of electricity customers that can directly buy power from renewable sources to include renters, people living in multi-family units, people who lack sufficient credit or do not have an appropriate roof for roof-top solar. It accomplishes this through market competition without any state subsidies. This concept paper describes how it works.