BILL ANALYSIS
AB 48 X2
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 48 X2 (Wright)
As Amended September 5, 2001
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: | |(May 31, 2001) |SENATE: |40-0 |(September 13, |
| | | | | |2001) |
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(vote not relevant)
SUMMARY : Creates the Solar Training, Education and
Certification Act of 2001 which is a three prong program that
fills in gaps of existing state programs designed to encourage
the use of solar energy systems.
The Senate amendments delete the Assembly version of this bill,
and instead establish a three part program to complement
existing state programs designed to encourage the use of solar
energy by:
1)Allowing the California Energy Commission (CEC) to adopt
specifications for the major electrical components in the
absence of certification by a certified testing laboratory.
2)Authorizing local governments to develop a program to
encourage the construction of buildings that use solar thermal
and photovoltaic systems that are certified by nationally
recognized certification agencies or the CEC. The program
shall recognize owners and builders who participate in the
program by awarding a "Sunny Homes Seal."
3)Requiring the California Employment Development Department
(EDD) to administer a solar training and oversight program.
EDD shall provide training and accreditation for new educators
and trainers in the solar energy discipline, including the
science of photovoltaics, the design, installation, and
permitting of solar systems, safety issues, system and
component certification, and state and federal incentive
programs.
EXISTING LAW establishes a grant program to help homeowners and
businesses subsidize the cost of solar energy systems, the major
electrical components of which are required to be listed by a
certified testing agency, such as the Underwriters Laboratory
AB 48 X2
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(UL).
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, up to $500,000 annually for EDD to implement the
training program. No increased costs expected for CEC
certification portion. Provisions affecting local government
are permissive.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill was an urgency measure that
included repowering projects within the process by which CEC
issues final certification for any thermal powerplant. It also
altered the circumstances under which an application for a
repowering project is deemed complete.
COMMENTS : This essentially new bill helps to flesh out the
state's program to encourage the development and use of solar
energy systems. The certification program helps qualify solar
systems for state grants and loans which CEC determines to be
equivalent to nationally certified systems (such as those
certified by UL). This is particularly important as no major
certification entity certifies battery storage systems.
EDD has an Employment Training Panel that helps train new
workers in skills where there are technological advancements.
By directing EDD to incorporate solar technologies into its
training programs, the author seeks to provide new job
opportunities and to assure that solar energy product and
service providers have the necessary skills and training to
install the systems so that they operate efficiently and safely.
Analysis Prepared by : Scott H. Valor / NAT. RES. / (916)
319-2092
FN: 0003612