Michigan Republicans are trying to bring community solar to the state using a Trump-approved bill acronym.
Michigan conservatives introduce MAGA Solar bill
Lansing, Michigan
A new Republican-backed bill in Michigan would establish a community solar program in the state for the first time, using a name appealing to the party’s furthest right wing. The “Maximizing American Grid Affordability (MAGA) Solar Act” is “a policy designed to strengthen grid reliability, slash energy bills and secure American energy supply chains from foreign adversaries like China,” according to conservative energy nonprofit American Power Play.
Nevada governor signs solar policy measures adding consumer protections, HOA access
Carson City, Nevada
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo recently signed two bills that will establish clearer standards, expand homeowner rights and strengthen consumer protections for rooftop solar customers. SB379 and SB440 will add mandatory oversight by financiers to ensure proper licensing of solar installers, restrict premature payment collection and more.
Minnesota legislators vote to preserve community solar program
St. Paul, Minnesota
After pressure from solar advocacy organizations, lawmakers voted to protect Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden program rather than cut it in an omnibus energy bill. Because of the rejected proposed repeal, Minnesotans will now see the results from last year’s program modernization, ensuring that more households can access the benefits of local clean energy.
California Supreme Court hears oral arguments against NEM 3.0
Sacramento, California
On June 4, the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging the California Public Utility Commission’s decision to slash the credit new solar users get for sharing excess energy with the grid. The suit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and other groups in 2022 asserted that NEM 3.0 violated state law.
Illinois Shines opens 800 MW of new solar capacity for 2025-26 program year
Springfield, Illinois
Illinois’s state-administered solar incentive program Illinois Shines opened another 800 MW of new solar capacity for the 2025-26 program year. The program supports development of new distributed generation and community solar projects across Illinois, with a focus on energy equity.
West Virginia utilities propose solar net-metering cuts
Charleston, West Virginia
West Virginian solar advocates recently rallied outside of the Public Service Commission against Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power’s proposed base rate increase and drastic cuts to rooftop solar compensation. The proposal would cut net-metering by almost two-thirds, and would retroactively apply to any homeowners who did not have interconnection paperwork for their solar energy systems submitted by December 31, 2024.
Gov. Gianforte vetoes Montana community solar legislation
Helena, Montana
On June 13, Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have created a community solar program in Montana. Solar advocates had sent a letter to the Montana Public Services Commission committing to work hand-in-hand with regulators and lawmakers on the specifics of the program if passed.
Texas governor signs residential storage permitting reform bill
Austin, Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in late June signed SB 1202 into law, legislation that will make it easier and cheaper to install backup power systems for homeowners. The new law allows for third-party review of plans for home backup power installations and is expected to quicken the permitting process.
Senate to vote soon on reconciliation bill that guts solar industry
Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Senate unveiled its updates to the budget reconciliation bill late Friday night, and in many aspects it was worse for the solar industry than before. In the latest version, projects would have to be placed in service by year-end 2027 to get any incentive amount.
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