Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Cardoza has introduced legislation that seeks to encourage the use of solar power by homeowners and ensure an economic incentive for users. The Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act (SOLAR Act) seeks to cut through the bureaucratic and financial red tape that prevents many potential solar energy consumers from participating in this clean, proven, renewably energy source.

“As our nation seeks to address energy and climate-change issues, many of us are seeking individual ways to participate in the solutions,” said Congressman Cardoza. “This is an environmentally responsible and economically-feasible way to do so.”

The SOLAR Act would remove legal and monetary barriers to net metering, paving the way for residential and commercial solar energy installations. Net metering allows homeowners the opportunity to use solar panels to produce their own power and then sell any excess electricity back to the utility grid.  Under this legislation, a homeowner can also purchase power from the grid when needed. Net metering tracks the production and purchase and calculates the difference for the homeowner and the utility company.

The SOLAR Act also prohibits practices that discourage or prevent the use of solar technology. The bill also prohibits unreasonable permit fees and prevents homeowners associations from denying residential access to solar energy systems. 

Currently, 42 states and many local governments have adopted varying net metering policies. The SOLAR Act would provide a national standard for the use of this clean technology and allow more Americans to harness the sun’s natural power.