The rooftop solar industry is forging ahead in Arizona. That was the dominant message from industry leaders during a workshop held by Arizona Corporation Commissioner Tom Forese on Wednesday.
The input from the three major rooftop solar companies that presented had none of the hostility that has animated the ongoing political fight between the industry and utilities in recent months—most of which revolved around the rate structure for net metering. Instead, the messaging was positive, focusing on how to advance the technology so that it becomes better integrated into Arizona’s energy landscape.
Rob Uppal with the company Solar Topps said storing power locally for later use will become an industry standard and many are looking to Arizona as it develops policies to guide the future of solar.
“We implore the great leaders of the state to make decisions based on science and facts, rather than rhetoric or speculation. We hope to create a system of reasonable policies that result in less regulation, but greater safety and protection for all,” Uppal said.
Another Arizona company, American Solar & Roofing, also emphasized the growing importance of local energy storage. The company's CEO, Joy Seitz, discussed plans to offer lithium ion batteries in Salt River Project service area that will cut down on customers' reliance on the grid during peak hours and, as a result, save money.
This was the first in a series of workshops on rooftop solar being held by Commissioner Tom Forese.
