BILL ANALYSIS 1
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SENATE ENERGY, UTILITIES AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
ALEX PADILLA, CHAIR
AB 1923 - Evans Hearing Date: June 15,
2010 A
As Amended: April 8, 2010 NON FISCAL
B
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DESCRIPTION
Current law provides $3.3 billion in ratepayer-funded incentives
for the California Solar Initiative (CSI) which includes $50
million for Research, Development, Deployment, and Demonstration
(RD&D) for development of solar and other distributed generation
(DG) technologies.
Current law requires the California Public Utilities Commission
to report to the Legislature a description of each RD&D grant
awarded, including the intended purpose(s) to be achieved by the
particular grant, and the results of each grant.
This bill authorizes the CPUC to allocate RD&D funds for RD&D of
anti-theft technology to protect investments in solar energy
systems.
BACKGROUND
The CSI has a budget of $3.3 billion of which $50 million is
allocated for RD&D. Approximately half of that $50 million has
been allocated by the CPUC in the form of competitive grants.
Currently the intended use of the RD&D money is to fund solar
research and demonstration projects that will measurably reduce
the cost of and accelerate the installation of solar and other
distributed technologies that could employ solar for generation,
storage, or that could reduce the use of natural gas. While none
of that RD&D money is currently spent on solar security, the
RD&D program does not prevent the CPUC from awarding a contract
to a project related to anti-theft technologies.
The nation's domestic solar PV market grew from 220 MW in 2007
to 357MW in 2008. There were more than 60,000 distributed solar
electric systems interconnected across the United States by the
end of 2008. Unfortunately, this increase in the number of
installations has created more opportunity for solar panel
theft. According to the California State Sherrifs Association,
between June 2008 and September 2009 in Napa County alone, over
400 solar panels worth more than $400,000 were stolen from
wineries. Solar panels that are stolen are nearly impossible to
recover because many panels have no serial number or other
method of identification. Consequently, the potential for
contractors to buy them cheap and sell them back to customers at
full price without any repercussions exists. Each 3 foot by 4
foot panel costs approximately $1,000 or more. It has been
estimated that two people working together can dismantle a
fairly large solar array and abscond with as many as 50 panels
in about an hour. "Putting them up takes some time, taking them
down is simple." There are current security options for solar
panels: While there are no foolproof systems to prevent theft,
in the last few years several companies have begun selling
customized stainless-steel nuts and bolts to lock the panels
down. The fasteners fit the different types of solar rack
assemblies and can be cut in a one-of-a-kind pattern so regular
wrenches and screwdrivers don't work to remove the panels. The
installer and/ or owner keep the key. The cost is approximately
$400 for installation of a 50 panel system.
A second solar security option involves wiring an alarm through
each panel that sounds a 120 dB siren if a panel connection is
disturbed. Simultaneously, the system dials up to eight
pre-programmed numbers to notify the owner and police. The cost
of these systems is between one to two thousand dollars.
While the CSI has not focused on distributed solar security
technologies, the CSI program "promotes" the use of continuous
metering and monitoring technologies that notify system owners
immediately if the system has been tampered with. Specifically,
the CSI program rules currently require metering and monitoring
on all systems (with an exception for small systems and systems
built before 2007). In addition, the CSI program conducts
marketing and outreach to potential and existing solar
customers. These programs have been expanded to include
additional information about avoiding solar system theft.
COMMENTS
1) Current RD&D Program. The CPUC argues that this bill is
unnecessary due to the fact that the CPUC RD&D program does
not prevent the CPUC from awarding a contract to a project
related to anti-theft technologies. However, currently no
monies from this program have been allocated toward
anti-theft technologies. One of the over-arching goals of
the CSI program is to make solar economically viable to
consumers. While there are several current anti-theft
technologies commercially available, consumers might argue
the cost of these technologies coupled with the risk of
theft makes purchasing solar financially risky especially
in rural areas. In addition, the CSI RD&D program is a
competitive application process. According to the CPUC,
the most recent soliciation received over 90 applicants.
This bill would only make applicants who do work related to
anti-theft technologies eligible for grants under the RD&D
program. The bill would not mandate that the CPUC spend
any set amount of RD&D money on solar security.
2) Federal Action . U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (Napa Valley)
has added a provision against solar thefts in the Solar
Technology Roadmap Act. The provision would create a
national registry for solar panel serial numbers than can
be refered to in case of theft. The bill has been passed
by the House of Representitives and now awaits a Senate
vote.
ASSEMBLY VOTES
Assembly Utilities & Commerce (9-2)
Assembly Floor (46-25)
POSITIONS
Sponsor:
Author
Support:
California Solar Industries Association
California State Sheriffs' Association
Napa County Office of Sheriff-Coroner
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Wine Institute
Oppose:
California Public Utilities Commission
Maurice Pitesky
AB 1923 Analysis
Hearing Date: June 15, 2010