California is the fifth largest economy in the world with the ambitious goal of transitioning to 100% clean energy while expanding its green economy and workforce in a way that is just and inclusive. That’s a tall order that can be achieved, but only if we work together.
Unfortunately, a recent decision by the Contractors State License Board threatens to undermine these goals by restricting who can install and maintain batteries charged by the sun. This rule change not only creates unnecessary barriers and added costs for those who need rooftop solar and batteries most — low-income families struggling to pay their monthly utility bills — but it is also a step backward for our state’s clean energy and workforce development goals.
About five months ago, the CSLB voted to prohibit licensed solar contractors from adding or maintaining batteries paired with rooftop solar panels. There is no apparent reason for this change. It certainly is not a safety concern. CSLB’s own research found no safety issues with the 100,000 residential batteries already installed in California.
If CSLB is changing the rules to protect their own affiliated labor unions’ interests, which also protects the interests of investor-owned utilities, above our neighbors, it is shocking. It is also allegedly illegal, which is why a coalition of environmental, consumer, and solar business organizations have joined together to seek immediate injunctive relief and, ultimately, justice, right here in San Diego Superior Court.
As we transition to a clean energy future, it is imperative that we do so in a way that is inclusive and equitable. This means creating pathways for all Californians to participate in and benefit from the green economy, from access to affordable clean energy technology to good green jobs. The decision to bar licensed solar contractors from battery systems will make it harder for GRID Alternatives and other nonprofits to bring solar and storage to communities of concern.
GRID Alternatives is the nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer, working to make solar and storage accessible for low-income communities while providing clean energy jobs training. We believe that the transition to a clean energy economy should include everyone, particularly those who might otherwise be left out of the economic benefits of energy innovation.
The pool of qualified professionals who can work on rooftop solar and batteries, a rapidly growing sector in the renewable energy industry, will be severely limited by this rule. By restricting solar contractors from participating in this work, the rule effectively limits job opportunities in a field that is crucial for California’s energy future.
This is particularly detrimental to small businesses and workers from diverse backgrounds who are trying to gain a foothold in the green economy. The rule could force many solar contractors to cut their workforce or close their doors entirely, resulting in a loss of jobs and economic opportunities in communities that can least afford it.
Moreover, CSLB’s decision also poses a threat to California’s clean energy goals. Battery storage is a critical component of a resilient and reliable energy grid, especially as we face increasing threats from wildfires and power shutoffs. By limiting who can install and maintain these systems, the rule, if allowed to go into effect Oct. 1, would slow the expansion of local energy storage capacity, making it harder for California to meet its climate targets and increasing costs for consumers.
California has the opportunity to lead the nation in creating an inclusive green economy that works for everyone. This requires policies that support, not hinder, the growth of renewable energy and the creation of green jobs.
We must ensure that the transition to clean energy is equitable, providing opportunities for all communities to thrive.
Eddie Price is community relations coordinator for GRID Alternatives and president of the San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)