SAN FRANCISCO - The California Pubic Utilities Commission on Thursday issued requirements and other details for a new energy program that aims to make the state one of the world's biggest producers of solar energy.
The CPUC issued a 92-page handbook to guide California's investor-owned utilities, customers, contractors, and solar equipment sellers through the rules for installing and operating solar photovoltaic projects.
The state's goal is to install 1 million rooftop solar panels on homes, businesses, farms, schools and public buildings over the next 10 years to produce 3,000 megawatts, or the equivalent of six large power plants.
Michael Peevey, president of the regulatory commission, said the handbook will be revised soon to make it consistent with a California solar energy law adopted in August.
The program has a budget of US$2.2 billion that will pay incentives for solar projects beginning on Jan. 1, 2007.
Solar projects will be eligible for performance-based incentives linked to the number of kilowatts of electricity generated by the systems.
Management of the program will be shared by PG&E Corp.'s Pacific Gas & Electric utility, Edison International's Southern California Edison, and the San Diego Regional Energy Office for customers of Sempra Energy's San Diego Gas & Electric unit.
The solar handbook is available on the CPUC's Web site at:
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/EFILE/RULINGS/63092.pdf
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
