Another attack on rooftop solar. This time from the CA state Construction Board passing the IBEW-backed proposal. Their purpose: The Contractors State License Board protects consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction.
Now this group of the unelected, unaccountable corrupt group has politized the board. At last, weeks meeting the board voted to formally determined that the C-46 (special permit for rooftop solar installers) is not authorized to install BESS (
Battery Energy Storage Systems). The BESS Report recommends that “CSLB limit the scope of the C-46 to its original scope and preclude C-46 license holders from installing BESS even when paired with solar unless they hold another license under which BESS installation is permitted.” (Page 11 of the BESS Report). This means in 90 days, rooftop installers won't be able to install solar systems.
C-10 is the permit to become an electrician. Up until last week, state regulations allow solar contractors (who hold C-46 licenses Rooftop Solar installers) to install battery energy storage systems when they are installing solar photovoltaic projects. However, only electrical contractors (who hold C-10 licenses) are permitted to install energy storage systems without solar in existing buildings.
This model has worked exceptionally well. With nearly a million PV and energy storage systems installed, C-46 contractors have built California’s solar industry. C-46 contractors do their work as safely as C-10 contractors
The
presentation which was created by UC Berkely Labor findings of course is slanted. There have been NO exploding batteries or safety issues in the USA which seems to be the basis of their argument. The presentation starts around page 19.. and is around 80 pages..
Here is the copy of what the agenda outlined in the options and option 2 was the one chosen by
Agenda Item C: Presentation from UC Berkeley on Battery Energy Storage Systems Study A copy of the UC Berkeley study, “Evaluation of Alternative Contractor License Requirements for Battery Energy Storage Systems” (BESS Report), is included in this packet. The authors will present their BESS Report to the Board at the July 27, 2021, Board Meeting. Information about the Authors is included on page 101 of the BESS Report. Agenda Item C (a): Review, Discussion and Possible Action on Study and Recommendations The BESS Report recommend that “CSLB limit the scope of the C-46 to its original scope and preclude C-46 license holders from installing BESS even when paired with solar unless they hold another license under which BESS installation is permitted.” (Page 11 of the BESS Report). This agenda item does not have a staff recommendation. However, staff foresees that there are three possible options for the Board to consider following the presentation of the BESS Report.
Option 1: Do nothing. CSLB staff will continue to apply its existing policy, that the C-10 Electrical Contractor license (C-10) is appropriate to install BESS in all applications, that the general Building Contractor (B) and A-General Engineering Contractor (A) may install BESS within their existing classifications, and the C-46 Solar Contractor license (C-46) is appropriate to install BESS only when paired with the installation of a new solar photovoltaic system.
Option 2: Formally determine that the C-46 is not authorized to install BESS in any application for two reasons: (1) BESS is a separate “trade, craft, or skill” that is not required to install a photovoltaic solar energy system, pursuant to the C-46 classification description in the California Code of Regulations Section 832.46 and (2) due to the health and safety risks identified in the BESS Report. Under this option, the A and B classification will continue to be authorized to install BESS within their defined scope of work unless changed by legislation. The C-10 would continue to be appropriate for the installation of BESS in all applications. If this option is pursued, the board should provide 90-days to educate C-46 licensees regarding the classification restrictions and C-10 contractors on the need to use certified electrifications for BESS installations.
Meaning: C-46 solar contractors from continuing to install behind-the-meter solar paired with battery storage. They alleged it was a safety issue which was the same argument they gave in 2014. BS then and now. Rather than limit installations to only C-10 solar contractors, why not look more closely at the differences between C-10 and C-46 license requirements and — if anyone provides evidence that either C-10 or C-46 requirements are not sufficient — make amendments to both sets of requirements and build a more robust skill set across both licenses. There is no need to marginalize an entire class of experienced license holders without due cause, particularly since C-46 installers have so successfully driven the distributed energy storage and solar industry.
Many solar installers [who spoke at the hearing in 2019] pointed out that they have been connecting PV systems to homes and commercial buildings for decades without any problems. In response, an electrical workers’ attorney argued that the CSLB did not need any evidence that there has been a problem with the current practice of installing solar or solar plus storage. Instead, he argued the CSLB could take a ‘precautionary’ action to prohibit solar contractors from installing solar plus storage based on the potential for harm.”
CSLB should have recognized that taking “precautionary” action without evidence of any existing problem is not sufficient grounds for locking out the C-46 contractors who have been crucial to California’s economic growth, innovation, and renewable energy goals
Option 3. Take an alternative course of action not described here.
So there you have it. Another unelected, unaccountable, corrupt board