In a recent government meeting, officials proposed a significant increase in the cap for commercial solar installations under the existing net metering program. The current limit of 10 kilowatts (kW) will be raised to 500 kW, a move aimed at encouraging more businesses to adopt solar energy solutions. This proposal is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the local solar infrastructure, which has seen limited uptake with only 11 commercial customers currently utilizing solar installations compared to 340 residential users.

The meeting highlighted the importance of solar energy in the community, with officials expressing pride in maintaining a one-for-one net metering policy, which allows solar customers to receive credit at the same rate they pay for electricity. This approach contrasts with other utilities that have adopted lower buyback rates, positioning the local program as one of the more favorable options for solar users.

Council members welcomed the proposed changes, noting that they stemmed from direct feedback from constituents, including a local business owner eager to install solar panels. The council unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance amending the municipal code to reflect these changes, signaling a commitment to fostering renewable energy growth in the area.

The meeting concluded without public comments, but the enthusiasm for expanding solar energy options was evident among council members, who encouraged further exploration of policies that could enhance the community's renewable energy landscape.