New White Paper Discusses ‘Lessons Learned’ from Solar

As PACE has pointed out many times, learning from the energy experiences of other states and nations is a critical part of avoiding potential pitfalls and mistakes. That’s why a new white paper from Citizens Alliance for Responsible Energy (CARE) that discusses lessons learned from the deployment of solar power is particularly important. The publication, entitled “Solar Power in the U.S.: Lessons Learned and Guidance for Policymakers,” has been made available to consumers and public officials.

Read the White Paper Here

The Albuquerque-based organization has followed solar issues closely in past years, particularly in western states that were early adopters of rooftop solar, reporting on a variety of problems facing consumers. As recently as last week, the group reported that Going Green Solar admitted to consumer fraud after targeting senior citizens in Arizona with false information and scare tactics.

In a written statement, the group’s Executive Director Marita Noon explains, “CARE has followed solar issues in the United States very closely. Whether the topic is government subsidies, consumer fraud, or net metering, we have advocated for policies that protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for American energy sources.”

CARE’s paper points out that problems arising from growing solar use include the fact that some third-party solar companies have exploited federal subsidies by over-reporting prices and ripped off consumers by over-charging for financed solar power systems. There have also been instances of fraud, deception, illegal business practices, and even safety issues that affect firefighters. In addition, as PACE pointed out recently with regard to Louisiana, net metering policies that pay solar rooftop owners for power returned to the grid are also causing cost shifts to non-solar customers. In Louisiana, the cost shift to non-solar customers is now $2 million and could rise to more than $30 million if left unchecked.

As CARE notes, these problems aren’t endemic of all solar companies, nor do they affect all customers. However, policymakers should be mindful of these potential consequences and take steps to ensure that  laws and regulations protect all consumers.

“Going solar has become increasingly popular, but consumers and policymakers alike should proceed with caution and recognize the potential consequences of more use of rooftop solar power,” says Noon. “Policy should be crafted that avoids passing on significant costs to non-solar customers through overly generous net metering policies. It may be too late to protect some solar customers, but there is a chance to make sure others are treated fairly.”