Solar In California And The Solar Bill Everyone Is Talking About

Let's explore some significant news about solar in California.  A significant energy bill has arrived at the desk of California Governor Jerry Brown.  SB100 calls for California to move to 100% carbon-free clean energy by 2045. If the bill passes, it will increase the renewable energy requirement to 60% by 2030 and will give the state 15 more years to make the complete changeover.  What a revolutionary idea. This seems new, but it's also similar to a bill has been introduced in Hawaii, SB100 would be the first of its type for such a big state.  California is a big state.

Energy In California

Now, we will talk about California in this article in more depth.  California is currently the first for solar in the United States.  In 2017, California produced just over 29% of its energy from renewable sources with 10.29% arriving from solar.  Solar is a great thing.  Approximately 9% of California's total electricity mix came from nuclear and 15% from hydropower.  So, one can only assume where the rest came, but its mostly fossil fuels. This is also interesting, the last nuclear plant in California is programmed to be shut down so we can understand that without nuclear,  California currently produces about 44% of its energy from carbon-free origins.  That's very cool for the planet.    

This last paragraph of information leads to leaving California with 56% of its energy developing from carbon sources. Natural gas currently estimates for 34% of all electricity generation in the state. Moreover, the remaining 22% is a mix of oil, coal, and other unspecified carbon origins.

Solar Change Can Happen

SB100 has two main parts: An inflation in the near-term renewable portfolio standard, and a long-term carbon ban.  As we suggested earlier,  If SB100 passes, it will increase the short-term carbon-free energy requirements to 60% by 2030.  This is necessarily an extension of  California's current solar and wind power investments. The extra challenging part of getting to 100% is solving how not to use natural gas for flexible capability.  The original part will look like an extension of the current program of wind and solar power investments, with gas plants balancing out the variable production. Reaching 100 percent zero-carbon electricity demands a more profound shift, which is finding alternatives to natural gas for flexible capacity.  It is hopeful that we are seeking to establish these alternatives now.  Advocates believe that resolutions will result as people create new technologies focuses on solving the dilemmas found in energy production.

The Solar Options Are Around

There are words and language inside the new bill.  The expression inside of SB100 is incredibly essential.  The initial bill which failed in 2017, called for 100% renewable sources of energy.  This year, SB100 beckons for 100% carbon-free energy.  That would be amazing. A detail that leaves the door open for future technologies as Dan Jacobson, state director for Environment California declares, " The state is not trying to prescribe exactly what your energy is going to look like in 25 years — we don’t know what utilities are going to look like in 10 years." This blows the door open for new technologies and potential carbon capture means to become a part of the road to 100% carbon free. The bill does specify however that California must go carbon-free without creating additional greenhouse gas emissions abroad in the Western grid, meaning it cannot merely outsource fossil fuel combustion beyond state borders. As spectators and participants, we will want to observe to see what Governor Brown Does with the bill.  

This article told us a lot about the new bill in California concerning getting solar for many more people.  In the meantime, if you want to go solar, we at HahaSmart can help.  We can connect you to local installers and get you a great deal on solar panels today.

HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area