Supply half of CA's energy needs through renewables in 15 years? Now we are talking!
Recently elected to a historic fourth term, Governor Jerry Brown has ambitious plans for California's renewable energy commitment: 50% renewable energy by 2030 - the highest in the country. In his state of the state address, Governor Brown said, "I envision a wide range of initiatives: more distributed power, expanded rooftop solar, microgrids, an energy imbalance market, battery storage, the full integration of information technology and electrical distribution, and millions of electric and low-carbon vehicles."
Currently California's renewable energy standard is for 33% generation (solar, wind, biomass and other clean sources) by 2020. Utilities, electric service providers, and community choice aggregators are moving closer to reaching the goal - 50% by 2030 can be acheived with broad commitment and innovation.
In addition to generating 50% of CA's power by renewables by 2030, Brown called for slashing gasoline and diesel use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent by 2030, and he proposed to double the energy efficiency of the state's existing buildings
Brown seeks to prove that a carbon free and thriving economy are compatible, attainable goals.
- In Lancaster, CA in Los Angeles County solar installations were mandated on all new residential buildings in March 2013 - the first US city to implement such a program
- Sebastapol, CA in Sonoma County solar installations were subsequnetly approved. As of May 2014 new builidings must include either 2 W/sq ft (21.7 W/m2) of photovoltaics, or enough to provide 75% of the expected annual electricity use.
- Through the successful PACE financing program in Berkeley, CA, Alameda County solar installations were completed for residents without any upfront payment.