Does your school district have active solar PV systems?  If so, you will want to be aware of this new threat to your project’s long-term savings.

For many California school districts, the investments they have made in deploying solar PV systems represent the backbone of their long-term energy plans.  We would like to draw your attention to a crucial pitfall that can void over 75% of your district’s future solar savings. The California Public Utility Commission approved the Net Billing Tariff in April of last year, officially closing the Net Energy Metering (NEM) tariff for new solar projects.  Schools with existing solar remain on the legacy NEM tariff for 20 years from their installation. Protecting your legacy tariff should be a high priority and this will require vigilance and planning, especially if you have campus expansion plans in the future. Any changes to your solar PV system, such as expansions or modifications, may impact the eligibility of your current NEM tariff.

New building energy code, enforced by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), stipulates that all newly constructed buildings and expansions that increase the area of the roof by 2,000 square feet or more must meet the requirements of Energy Code 140.10 to add solar PV and battery energy storage systems. The electric utilities (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E) qualify such solar PV and battery additions as modifications to existing solar PV. As such, they will trigger a cancelation of your NEM tariff and enroll the existing solar PV and new system additions under the Net Billing Tariff. The new tariff cuts over 75% of the savings earned on future bill credits from your solar exports to the utility.

In light of these significant regulatory changes, we urge you to take proactive steps to safeguard your school district’s solar investments. TerraVerde Energy is equipped to be your trusted partner in this journey. Our expertise in navigating complex energy policies and our commitment to tailoring solutions that cater specifically to the needs of California public school districts set us apart.

Don’t let regulatory changes catch you off guard. We will work closely with you to review your current solar system, assess potential impacts of the Net Billing Tariff, and develop a strategic plan to preserve your NEM tariff benefits while complying with the new energy code requirements.

By acting now, you can ensure that your district continues to reap the maximum benefits from your solar investments, securing a sustainable and financially advantageous future. Remember, the decisions you make today will shape your energy savings for years to come.

TerraVerde Energy… we help school districts make wise energy decisions and save money.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation:

Phil Villagomez, Sr. Vice President TerraVerde Energy

phil@terraverde.energy  (619) 471-5943