Solar Panels (Photo – Allagash Brewing).
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) has announced a series of improvements aimed at expanding access to customer-installed solar power systems, reinforcing the city’s commitment to achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.
By News Desk
A key policy change, approved by the Pasadena City Council on September 9, now allows customers to install solar systems up to 150% of their maximum annual historical energy usage over the past five years. In certain cases, systems may exceed this limit when paired with battery storage or when a demonstrated energy need exists.
“Customer-installed solar power and battery storage play a key role in our journey to 100% carbon-free energy,” said PWP General Manager David Reyes. “The community is enthusiastic about PWP’s potential to be a leader in this space, and we are fully committed to promoting solar power and battery storage through incentives, programs and education.”
This new policy is part of PWP’s broader initiative to implement Resolution 9977, which sets a goal of 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.
To simplify the solar adoption process, PWP has streamlined interconnection agreements, particularly for systems under 15 kW, modified insurance requirements, and simplified account verification. These upgrades, along with improvements from the Planning and Community Development Department, are designed to reduce barriers for customers interested in going solar.
PWP also reminds customers that the federal clean energy tax credit for rooftop solar and battery storage will expire after December 31, 2025. To qualify, systems must be installed and operational within the 2025 tax year. Customers are encouraged to consult the IRS or a tax professional for more information.
Looking ahead, PWP plans to align its programs with city infrastructure goals by incentivizing energy storage, launching a low-interest loan program for low-income homeowners, identifying municipal buildings suitable for solar installations, and expanding education and outreach initiatives.
Do it – Do it Now…Several years ago, we got solar and have never regretted it. It was supposed to amortize over Nine years but it took only Four. We can run the AC and still only pay the various grid charges and even over the hottest times pay almost nothing and the rest of the year we often are reimbursed for the power that we are sending to the grid.