Solar + Prevailing Wage

·21 min·2 clips

A California assembly member just introduced a bill to repeal the controversial NEM 3.0 solar policy.

The episode opens with host Adam Duran and solar expert Jamie Duran setting a dramatic tone, comparing the news to a roller coaster. Jamie first reveals that PG&E spent over $5 million on lobbying in 2023, outspending Chevron by $400,000, while the solar industry spent less than $100. He then announces that California Assembly member Damon Connolly from San Rafael introduced a bill to repeal NEM 3.0, a policy set by the CPUC. The main focus shifts to prevailing wage for commercial solar projects, which went into effect on January 1st under AB 2143. Jamie explains that projects over 15 kilowatts now require union-scale wages and extensive documentation. Enforcement has already started, with PG&E demanding prevailing wage certificates for submissions. He shares a case where a $600,000 project saw labor costs double, making it effectively a $1 million project. Penalties for non-compliance include fines, license revocation for contractors, and revoked permission to operate for customers. Jamie argues this, combined with NEM 3.0 and high interest rates, structurally threatens solar in California. He notes that commercial electricity rates could reach 64 cents per kilowatt-hour this summer, up from 35-40 cents. Despite higher costs, the 30% federal tax credit increases proportionally, costing the government more. Jamie mentions a client with two Teslas whose electricity bill jumped from $300 to $1,600, illustrating rising energy costs. He suggests the solar industry needs better lobbying, referencing the electricians union's role in pushing prevailing wage. The episode concludes with a call for questions and a reminder to check past episodes on Solar Harmonics' website.

As heard by us

A blunt look at policy pressure turning solar quotes into moving targets.

Straight Talk SolarCast keeps its attention on how prevailing wage can reprice a commercial solar project before a customer has finished deciding.

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Why you'd press play

You want to know why a solar quote can change before your coffee cools.

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