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Let’s dive into the world of rooftop solar arrays and explore the concept of net metering, a crucial piece of jargon in this domain. Net metering refers to the rate utilities pay when rooftop solar owners send excess power back to the grid. However, this practice is currently under threat in many parts of the U.S.

The Importance of Net Metering

Across most of the U.S., utilities are required to pay rooftop solar customers for the surplus power they generate. These payments help customers cover the costs of expensive solar panels, while utilities benefit from the additional power. However, recent developments suggest a change in this system.

State Changes and Potential Impact

As reported by E&E News, several states have made significant changes to their net metering rates. For instance, the Republican-led utility commission in Arizona aims to modify the current “unsustainable” rates. Similarly, utility Duke Energy in North Carolina has reduced its payments to solar customers. Other states, including Colorado, Idaho, and Wisconsin, are also considering changes. Even California, known for its clean energy-friendly policies, has recently slashed its net metering rates.

These decisions by various states could pose a challenge for the Biden administration, which is relying on homeowners to adopt rooftop solar arrays to achieve its goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035. Although federal and state incentives can still help reduce the upfront costs of solar installation, reduced net metering payments may impact the overall benefits for potential customers.

More clean energy News

• Fossil fuel demand is predicted to peak before 2030 due to the global transition to clean energy (NPR).
• The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a record-breaking $3.5 billion investment in electric grid infrastructure grants (Canary Media).
• A new report reveals how the natural gas industry downplayed health risks similar to tactics used by tobacco companies in the past (NPR).
• New research confirms the link between hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas and various health harms (Inside Climate News).
• Analysts predict slower growth for U.S. offshore wind despite the installation of the first turbine in the Vineyard Wind project (E&E News).
• A new paper by the National Academies of Science emphasizes the need for additional climate policies beyond 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (Ars Technica).

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