California Supreme Court to Review Controversial NEM 3.0 Solar Rule, Sparking Job Losses and Industry Concerns.

The California Supreme Court has granted review of a controversial rooftop solar rulemaking decision, NEM 3.0, which reduced compensation to customers that exported excess solar generation to the grid. This decision, approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), has led to an 80% decrease in net metering rates, leading to more than 17,000 job losses and bankruptcies. The change has pushed the state’s rooftop solar industry off a cliff, damaging the return on investment for homeowners and leading to reduced demand and bankruptcy. The Center for Biological Diversity’s petition criticizes the commission for ignoring the societal and other benefits of rooftop solar. The California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) estimates that the state is unlikely to meet its clean energy targets without a robust rooftop solar market.