CA's New Wage Requirements for Commercial Solar Start 2024

[SolarPro415]

Here is the list of commercial solar projects that must meet the new AB 2143 prevailing wage and reporting requirements if their interconnection applications are submitted on or after 1-1-2024:

• All commercial solar and solar + storage systems, regardless of system size, installed under NEM/NBT
• All multifamily housing projects greater than two stories and larger than 15 kW
• Any interconnection application to increase a commercial system size or pair energy storage to a commercial system.

Cal Pub Utilities Code Section 769.2 (b)

 

[SThayer66]

A very important point related to AB 2143 is, as follows: A Rule 21 non-export tariff does not have to comply with CA's new prevailing wage AB 2143 requirements. Eg., when commercial customers do not attempt to interconnect under the NBT or NEM tariff, then the state prevailing wage requirements do not apply. This is huge, in my opinion.

 

[EnergyGuy805]

Under AB 2143, as of 1-1-2024, any businesses who want to put a solar system on their roof in CA is considered a "public works" project. This means that even a small ma & pa company is considered the "awarding body" under state law, like a public agency, and has to register their solar project with the DIR.

Hmm... Are utilities winning the race to have the right to own power supplies?

 

[EnergyGuy805]

A very important point related to AB 2143 is, as follows: A Rule 21 non-export tariff does not have to comply with CA's new prevailing wage AB 2143 requirements. Eg., when commercial customers do not attempt to interconnect under the NBT or NEM tariff, then the state prevailing wage requirements do not apply. This is huge, in my opinion.

This is the best work around to the AB 2143 ridiculousness.

 

[Sol516]

Here are the main steps for getting set up on the CPUC SURGE compliance portal. What a hassle for small solar contrators and small businesses and large residential projects.... AB 2143 should be held unconstitutional.

 

[Patrick Cohen]

following

 

[SolarPro415]

following and upset by this misguided legislation.