In a state that has had perpetual issues with delivering its energy needs, the progressive liberal legislation is continually doing everything it can to attack sensibiility in the jugular! For decades, California has had rolling blackouts to combat the grid’s inability to deliver electricity reliably. They instituted solar incentives – namely NET Metering – to make larger systems taht can produceexcess energy more equitable for home owners. This help to deliver energy nearby during peak energy need hours which are also peak sun hours – think “give your appliances the afternoon off” and high peak energy rates. in fact, a homeowner would have to be living under a rock to not add solar generation to their home. But, as typical in self-interested politics and business, all good things come to an end.
Profits, Taxes, Kickbacks… and Bleeding Hearts
Solar Energy is Tax Free, and the sun provides limitless energy. Uh oh, did somebody say “Tax Free”? California passed sweeping legislation to stop the sale of gasoline vehicles in the state even though the grid grid can not support an all electric vehicle road – not even remotely close. Then they started chipping away at residential solar as It turns out that both the utility companies and the state miss out on revenue when home owners go solar. Homes that generate their own & excess energy are worth more, but their property tax base does not change (yet!). And, what is worse, enter the progressive legislators that envy the home owners in pandering the poor…the people that do not own a home cannot benefit from solar energy… So, in the true spirit of socilaism, let’s TAX the priviledged home owners. It’s bad enough they get to own a home, but free energy too???
Let the Double Standar Begin!
California is not taxing the sun itself – which would be patently ubsurd – but rather proposing changes to how solar energy systems are treated for taxing the billing on energy produced as INCOME and property taxes. This has been dubbed a “solar tax” by some – which it is a TAX. Specifically, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering proposals that would reduce the credits solar panel owners receive for the excess energy they send back to the grid and potentially add a monthly grid participation charge. Additionally, a solar property tax exclusion is set to expire, which could lead to increased property taxes for some solar owners.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation in California:
1. Net Metering and Bill Credits:
- California has a net metering program that allows solar panel owners to receive credits on their electricity bills for the excess energy their systems send back to the grid.
- Utilities like PG&E, Edison, and SDG&E have proposed changes to net metering that would reduce these credits, effectively increasing the cost of solar for some consumers.
- The CPUC is considering a proposal to add a monthly grid participation charge, which would further impact solar customers.
2. Property Tax Implications:
- Currently, California has a property tax exclusion for solar energy systems, meaning that the increased value of a home due to solar panels is not factored into property tax assessments.
- This exclusion is set to expire on January 1, 2027, meaning that after that date, solar panel installations could lead to increased property taxes.
- There is ongoing discussion about whether to extend or modify this exclusion, according to the Solar Rights Alliance.
3. Public Response:
- These proposed changes have sparked controversy, with some arguing that they will discourage solar adoption and harm the environment.
- Organizations like the Solar Rights Alliance have been vocal in their opposition to the proposed changes, calling them a “solar tax” and arguing that they violate the state’s commitment to clean energy.
- There have been attempts to defeat the proposed changes in the past, and public outcry has played a role in shaping the discussion.
In essence, the “solar tax” debate revolves around how California will regulate and incentivize solar energy going forward. While the state isn’t taxing the sun itself, the proposed changes to net metering and property tax assessments have significant implications for solar panel owners and the future of solar energy in the state.
SPOILER ALERT!
Add BAttery storage and never buy energy, fear blackouts or government shutting down your energy in complaince of Social equity or other fascist controls. SToring you energy means never having to be connected again… or paying another dime to the monopoly energy companies and invasive taxes. Pointed discussion – ABSOLUTELY!. But if you dont act now to curb the controls and endless taxes, whether you would benefit from Solar or not, you yield to the continually invasive world of submission to our governemtn, and worse the global agenda.