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Committee reauthorizes state equipment list for solar and storage certification to maintain standards
Summary
SB 698 would reauthorize the Energy Commission’s equipment certification program for solar and storage equipment so the agency can continue to maintain lists and standards contractors and local governments use to verify product safety and performance.
Senator McNearney presented SB 698 to reauthorize the California Energy Commission’s equipment list and certification authority that originated in the California Solar Initiative. Supporters said the program provides a practical list of certified solar, storage and related equipment that utilities, contractors and local governments use to ensure products meet safety and performance standards.
Brad Hevener of the California Solar & Storage Association told the committee that while testing and safety laboratories certify equipment, the Energy Commission’s list is an important centralized resource for purchasers and local officials. He said the program had been tethered to an older statutory authority from a subsidy program and that reauthorization will untether the list so the CEC can continue maintaining it without contorting old program language.
Supporters including the Center for Sustainable Energy and industry groups said reauthorization is straightforward and will ensure continuity for inspections and procurement. The committee moved the bill forward with an amendment that also adds bidirectional charging to the scope of the program.
No opposition appeared in committee. The bill passed as amended out of committee to Appropriations per the recorded hearing actions.
