Arizona SB 1417, a new bill limiting the Arizona rooftop solar industry and being tagged as anti-business, has arrived on Governor Doug Ducey’s desk.
SB 1417, if signed, would increase costs for solar companies and customers, and likely increase the time it takes for consumers to get rooftop solar, writes Rose Law Group Reporter.
“It’s no secret that if you produce our own power, you buy less from the utility. The solar industry enables customers the choice to create their own power and are consequently the target of a bill that does little to protect consumers as it claims, but a lot to deter customers from installing solar and increasing costs to the solar industry.”
In response to the bill, a coalition of solar companies and the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA) sent Governor Ducey a letter today urging his veto, adding rooftop solar is already heavily regulated ane the industry self-regulates with strict protocols.
The letter elaborated, “Your support of ride-sharing services, such as Uber, and your regulatory moratorium send positive messages to the marketplace that Arizona is open for business. Solar is part of a flourishing technological revolution nationwide that shows great growth potential right here in Arizona. Solar is ready to bring more good paying jobs, more state and local economic development, and more high-tech leadership to the state. Yet SB 1417 would have a chilling effect on businesses that employ a meaningful workforce of nearly 7,000 Arizonans.”
The bill would increase costs for solar companies and customers, and likely increase the time it takes for consumers to get rooftop solar. It is viewed as “…anathema to all Governor Ducey has stated since taking office trying to cut regulations that stifle innovation and make Arizona less-business friendly.”
The bill could lead to even more Arizona job losses in an industry that has been under attack from utility monopolies. Arizona lost nearly 2,300 solar jobs since 2015 according to The Solar Foundation and its new jobs growth rate declined by 24.8%.
Image: Arizona state capitol via Shutterstock