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When Adam Browning talks about the future of solar energy in California and the country, it is hard not to be inspired by his vision and commitment to creating energy resources that are “clean, reliable and homegrown”. His non-profit, Vote Solar is working on the key policies necessary to bring solar energy to the forefront—working with state governments to build sustainable solar markets and remove regulatory barriers.

Adam’s organization is working on AB560, a bill that will raise the cap on net metering, currently set by the California Solar Initiative at 2.5%. Net metering, for the layperson, refers to the excess energy created by solar panels on roofs, and how that energy can be fed back into the grid during peak times, providing clean and inexpensive energy when the state most needs it. Vote Solar’s website has a number of publications available for downloading, among them one that focuses on net metering.

When the initiative was originally envisioned, a ten year period was set for hitting the cap. As it stands, in Year Two, California has so embraced solar that the program is already halfway through the funding—meaning that unless the legislature deals with the issue during this session, there will be a sudden disruption in the growth of solar energy in the state.

Here’s another resource for homeowners: www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov. The state Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Commission have created a site that provides information about rebates, tax credits and incentives.