Modifies certain provisions relating to solar energy systems
The bill is expected to enhance the adoption of solar energy by making it easier for homeowners to connect their solar energy systems to local power grids. It mandates that retail electric suppliers offer net metering on a first-come, first-served basis until certain capacity limits are reached. Furthermore, the act necessitates that the interconnection process is streamlined, requiring approvals to be handled in a specified timeframe or otherwise considered approved, thereby reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Senate Bill 1491, also known as the 'Net Metering and Easy Connection Act', proposes significant changes to Missouri's solar energy regulations. The bill aims to repeal existing sections of law pertaining to solar energy systems and enact new provisions designed to simplify the net metering process for customer-generators. It establishes requirements for retail electric suppliers to provide net metering opportunities and outlines the responsibilities of customer-generators concerning interconnection with the electricity supply.
Notable points of contention center around the role of homeowners' associations in regulating solar installations. The bill states that deed restrictions or covenants cannot prohibit solar device installations, which may clash with existing homeowners' association rules. This aspect has sparked discussions about balancing individual property rights against collective community aesthetics, possibly leading to disputes regarding the placement and visibility of solar energy systems.