Solar energy could help create a clean energy future, but special interest groups are trying to keep us in the past.
As solar energy grows across the nation, utility companies and special interest groups are pushing for costly fixed charges on solar panels and limits on incentives like net metering. Environment America Research & Policy Center published a report, “Blocking Rooftop Solar,” on June 17 that pulls back the curtain on strategies used by pro-fossil fuel lobbying groups and many utilities that harm solar energy consumers in 40 states and Washington, D.C.
“Utilities and other special interests are getting together to undermine rooftop solar by making it more expensive — just as it is proving its importance to America’s clean energy future,” said Susan Rakov, chair of Environment America Research & Policy Center’s Clean Energy program.
Environment America will continue urging legislators to block efforts to limit solar and protect the consumer’s ability to use solar energy.
Photo: Susan Rakov, chair of Environment America Research & Policy Center’s Clean Energy program, advocates for 100 percent renewable energy in 2019. Credit: Staff
In many communities, it can take days, weeks or even months to get a straightforward rooftop solar installation approved. It doesn't need to be this way.