The Solar Policy Scoop: June 2023 A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.

Minnesota governor signs $80 million omnibus renewable energy billSt. Paul, Minnesota

Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill into law that includes an $80 million investment in solar + energy storage incentive programs for the state of Minnesota. The law also expands the state’s Community Solar Garden program and adds new requirements for utilities to procure distributed solar.

North Carolina net-metering changes pushed from July to October

The North Carolina Utilities Commission agreed to delay implementation of new net-metering rules after several solar companies and other parties asked the NCUC to give Duke Energy more time to develop an online bill calculator required by the commission’s order. The shift to time-of-use rates will now be pushed from July 1 to October 1.

Colorado passes law to streamline solar permitting and inspectionDenver, Colorado

Gov. Jared Polis signed a new law that will establish Colorado’s Streamlined Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program and provide nearly $1 million to help local governments adopt permitting and inspection software like SolarAPP+. The bipartisan bill aims to reduce the time and cost burden of manual permitting for residential projects.

New York Power Authority can now develop its own renewable energy projectsAlbany, New York

New York’s latest state budget has given the New York Power Authority the ability to develop, own and operate renewable energy generating projects to help reach state renewable goals. The NYPA is starting by reviewing its own land for renewable development opportunities.

Center for Biological Diversity and other groups file lawsuit against California PUC, major utilitiesSacramento, California

The Center for Biological Diversity and two other groups in early May petitioned the California Courts of Appeal to review the state’s new rooftop solar policy for legal errors. The action comes after the CPUC ignored a request to delay the effective date of the policy until regulators resolve an appeal the groups filed in January.

California Senate Budget Committee proposes $400 million investment in community solar + storageSacramento, California

The California Senate Budget Committee proposed a $400 million investment in community solar + storage in its latest budget after the request of an environmental justice coalition. This funding could help the state build on the potential of AB 2316, which creates a new community solar program in California benefitting low-income residents.

Made-in-USA trackers, solar panels, inverters and more are eligible for 10% ‘domestic content’ adder under certain rulesWashington, D.C.

The Dept. of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service have released guidance for solar project developers seeking a bonus credit for using “domestic content” via the Inflation Reduction Act. Projects that use American-made racking, ground screws, trackers, solar panels, inverters and energy storage systems can receive the bonus credit, under certain requirements.

Treasury releases new definitions for IRA low-income bonus credit, opens public commentWashington, D.C.

The IRS and Treasury released new proposed definitions and requirements for the IRA’s low-income bonus credit, including more details on the application process and priority projects. The administration is requesting public comments on those proposals through June 30, 2023.