solar

Commentary

Black churches are embracing solar in California. Slashing subsidies will upend the transition

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission will vote on a controversial reform of the state's rooftop solar program. Opponents who want to preserve the subsidies argue that the revised proposal goes too far and will undercut the clean energy transition.

By

Guest Commentary

• December 13, 2022

Solar panels sit on rooftops at a housing development in Folsom on Feb. 12, 2020. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Commentary

Revised proposal to reform California’s rooftop solar program doesn’t go far enough

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission will vote on a controversial reform of the state's rooftop solar program. Proponents who want to scale back subsidies and eliminate the "cost shift" on poorer households argue that the revised proposal doesn't go far enough.

By

Guest Commentary

• December 13, 2022

Solar panels on the rooftop of a home in a new housing project in Sacramento on May 7, 2018. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Environment

California commission overhauls rooftop solar proposal

The CPUC’s scaled-back plan eliminates consumer fees. The original was abandoned after criticism from the governor and solar advocates that it could hurt the transition to renewable energy.

By

Julie Cart

• November 10, 2022

Commentary

Expand solar development in the desert, not San Joaquin Valley farms

The San Joaquin Valley is home to some of the world's most fertile agricultural lands. Rather than fallowing farms for solar development, California should be investing in their survival.

By

Guest Commentary

• November 7, 2022

Solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 25, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

How California can expand solar development and support San Joaquin Valley farmers

California can both achieve its long-term clean energy goals and invest in struggling San Joaquin Valley communities by expanding solar development on fallowed farmland.

By

Guest Commentary

• October 27, 2022

Sheep grazing near solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 27, 2022 Sheep are let into the facility to eat bugs and graze on dry grass that could be a fire hazard. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

Wrangling over renewables: Counties push back on Newsom administration usurping local control

The state can expedite approval of renewable energy projects but rural counties say they already do their part with solar and wind farms. “We’re in the crosshairs, but we don’t think we are the right target here,” one rural advocate says.

By

Julie Cart

• August 4, 2022

Commentary

Joshua tree protection could slow state’s progress on climate goals

Listing the iconic Joshua tree as a threatened species could make clean energy projects infeasible in California, at precisely the time when we need as much renewable power as possible.

By

Guest Commentary

• June 14, 2022