– CSLB approved a new rule prohibiting licensed solar contractors from installing new battery storage or performing maintenance on existing systems
– The rule limits workforce for energy storage systems and contradicts California’s goal of growing capacity
– Opponents including solar industry, clean energy advocates, and unions are seeking intervention from Newsom Administration and considering legal challenges
The California Contractors State License Board (CLSB) recently approved a new rule that restricts licensed solar contractors from installing or maintaining battery storage systems. This decision is seen as a setback for California’s goal of rapidly expanding energy storage capacity. While solar contractors can still install small battery storage systems concurrently with solar systems, they are unable to offer warranties, making the allowance impractical.
Clean energy advocates argue that the new rule is unnecessary and contradicts California’s efforts to increase energy storage capacity. Despite the CLSB finding no previous safety issues with energy storage systems, the rule was approved. CALSSA’s executive director, Bernadette Del Chiaro, criticized California for undermining progress in battery storage and for implementing measures that are detrimental to the fight against climate change.
The rule was opposed by the solar and storage industry, clean energy advocates, and unions representing laborers and carpenters. Only the electrician union supported the change. The rule will undergo further review to ensure compliance with California’s Administrative Procedure Act before potentially taking effect in Fall 2024.
Opponents of the rule are calling on the Newsom Administration to intervene and are considering legal challenges due to procedural and substantive flaws in the CLSB’s rulemaking process. The lack of consideration for the environmental impacts of the rule is among the concerns raised by critics.