California’s net-metering rules will get another day in court. Photo: Renova Energy
Latest Treasury guidance tightens safe harbor requirements for solar ITC
Washington, D.C.
On August 15, the Dept. of the Treasury released new solar ITC safe harbor guidance in response to a July executive order from President Donald Trump. The new guidance restricts projects larger than 1.5 MW from using the 5% safe harbor — requiring big projects to use the Physical Work Test to safe harbor the ITC.
New tariffs on all imports from India begin
Washington, D.C.
An executive order from President Trump imposing country-wide tariffs on India went into effect on August 27. The 25% tariffs meant to punish India for buying oil from Russia are in addition to other tariffs, including the 25% reciprocal tariff imposed against India in an April 2 executive order.
Interconnection reform efforts pay off with highest volume on record in 2024
The United States
U.S. grid interconnection agreements reached historic highs in 2024, surging 33% to 75 GW due to new federal regulations aimed at streamlining the process, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie. The report finds ERCOT leads in both success rates and processing speed due to its streamlined queue process through their connect-and-manage approach.
CALSSA seeks $10 million fine against CA utilities for thwarting solar interconnection
Sacramento, California
The California Solar & Storage Association submitted a formal complaint to the CPUC against state utilities PG&E and SCE in August. The group is seeking a $10 million fine on those utilities for ignoring state-mandated interconnection timelines and causing extensive delays for solar installations.
NEM 3.0 gets another day in court
Sacramento, California
The California Supreme Court unanimously ruled in early August that a lower court must revisit its earlier decision upholding NEM 3.0, according to nonprofit newsroom Cal Matters. The case will now be re-litigated, with clean energy advocates working to prove NEM 3.0 broke state laws requiring state net-metering policies help the rooftop solar market grow.
Gov. Joe Lombardo asks Dept. of Interior to unfreeze solar development in Nevada
Carson City, Nevada
On August 4, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo sent a letter to Sec. of Interior Doug Burgum asking for guidance on changes to solar energy development on federal lands. The Dept. of Interior has implemented strict solar review standards that are notably affecting three solar projects under development intended to serve Nevada’s largest utility.
Arizona commissioners vote to repeal state renewable energy standard
Phoenix, Arizona
The Arizona Corporation Commission voted in August to begin the repeal of Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST). The REST rules were passed by a majority Republican commission in 2006 and require utilities to source at least 15% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2025.
Maryland launches grant program to cover transition to SolarAPP+ instant permitting
Annapolis, Maryland
The Maryland Energy Administration launched a new initiative to help counties and municipalities across Maryland automate residential solar energy permitting. The agency’s $3.9 million SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program will help pay the costs associated with implementing the free-to-use SolarAPP+ solar permitting software.
New Jersey laws expand community solar, spur energy storage
Trenton, New Jersey
Gov. Phil Murphy in August signed two bills to benefit New Jersey’s solar and storage industries. The first unlocks 3 GW of new community solar capacity on October 1, and the second launches the Garden State Energy Storage Program, which will significantly expand the amount of grid-scale energy storage capacity in the state.
