On the tumultuous California "solar coaster," hard-won victory laps are rare, but this is exactly what happened on Thursday, December 12th in the amphitheater outside Buchanan High School's Energy & Environmental Research Center in Clovis.
The reunion brought the political heavy-weights, grass-roots activists and representatives of the solar industry together to celebrate the installation of "One Million Solar Roofs" and chart a course for the future. Former Senator Kevin Murray and former Governors Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger were joined by members of California Solar plus Storage Association (CALSSA), Environment California, Center for Sustainable Energy, Grid Alternatives, Solar Rights Alliance, League of Conservation Voters, and CALPIRG. The upbeat event was a unique opportunity to hear the sixteen-year inside story from those who made it all possible. Gov. Brown's pioneering work preparing the market for solar, as well as the steadfastness of Senator Murray, both Governors and the solar industry were recognized that day.
The location of the event was no accident. Central Valley farmers and homeowners have set a shining example as solar advocates. As one enters the greater Fresno area, solarized farms are evident, and within the city limits residential rooftop solar can be seen everywhere, not to mention the extensive solar installation at Buchanan High. CALSSA estimated Clovis has five times more solar installations than Berkeley. Moreover, Bakersfield has built three times more solar than San Francisco, which is remarkable given the former has only half the population of the latter.
The story of One Million Solar Roofs began in 2004 when Sen. Murray was concluding his political career. Wanting to go all out on a "big" solar bill, he reached out to two Sacramento lobbyists (Bernadette Del Chiaro – now Executive Director of CALSSA and Dan Jacobson now Legislative Director of Environment California). Sen. Murray's unbridled enthusiasm inspired the million solar roofs concept, which became Senate Bill 1 – Murray. Over the next three years they struggled to build a bipartisan coalition while facing harsh criticism. Nevertheless, Sen. Murray never diminished the bill's language. Instead, he found a strong ally in Gov. Schwarzenegger, who was already developing his own environmental vision. Gov. Schwarzenegger seized the opportunity to make history and proudly signed the bill on Aug 21, 2006, after which he continued to support and sign renewable energy legislation.
SB 1 – Murray funded the now retired California Solar Initiative (CSI) and the Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) programs. These incentives greatly expanded the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry in California, and helped make it the "largest and most successful rooftop solar market anywhere in the world." The electricity generated from California's million solar roofs generates as much power as four nuclear power plants, dramatically reduces GHG emissions and employs 77,000 people, which is a greater number than all the employees of the top five California utilities combined.
The mood was celebratory and full of hope, and the Senator and Governors hit the mark with the crowd, which featured members of the solar industry, lobbyists, activists and students. The guests of honor were not restrained regarding the challenges that lay ahead and their call for further action was delivered in inspiring straightforward language. Sen. Murray graciously thanked CALSSA and his colleagues. He also greatly encouraged young people to consider public service in spite of the divisive bipartisan atmosphere prevalent in politics today. He urged them to "follow their dreams and stick to [their] knitting" so they could divine the next great ideas which will shape a better future.
Gov. Jerry Brown reminded everyone of how powerful good legislation can be for the public good, and urged the young to think big, noting that since 2006 China has installed 10,000 miles of high speed rail. He described how California's own high speed rail system will be powered by renewables and the time to finish this and similar projects is now. He did not mince words about the future. He warned younger generations that climate change will bring high heat, disease, sea level rise, and unprecedented mass migration during their lifetime. He said, "We are at a turning point. ... You can make a better world. ... There is nothing more important to your future than preventing our climate from getting worse." He also emphasized that the technology and opportunities before us should not be taken for granted.
Departing from his prepared remarks, Gov. Schwarzenegger thanked Bernadette and Dan, Buchannan High, as well as his former "solar guru" Terry Tamminen, Chief of Staff Susan Kennedy, colleague Sen. Murray and Gov. Brown. He was quick to point out California's history of bipartisan support for environmental legislation which he noted has endured in spite of inconsistent Federal policies. He called for an end to partisanship, reminding everyone that we "all breathe the same air ... and drink the same water." He explained that all those who worked hard on the bill did so because "it was the right thing to do" and none were motivated by short-term political victories or expected to reap any political rewards during their respective careers.
Gov. Schwarzenegger was proud that California had "under promised and over delivered." The million solar roofs are now generating over 8,700 megawatts, which is almost three times the bill's original goal while also reducing GHG emissions above their goal by the same factor. He characterized the failure of 70% of the COP25 nations to meet their GHG reduction pledges as "pitiful." He also insisted. "America does not need a New Green Deal or anything 'new' ... they should just copy California." He urged the environmental community to add the word "pollution" to the climate change discussion because it is a word everyone understands. He explained that the majority of people see pollution as the "number one threat ... [one which is] killing millions every year worldwide." Gov. Schwarzenegger concluded by saying "Let's get rid of fossil fuels and go with renewable energy – end of story."
CALSSA and friends took their victory lap in stride, vowing to keep up the pressure while they fight for their new goal to reach "A Million Solar Batteries by 2025." Battery storage is primed to take the solar industry to the next level as millions of Californians seek ways to prepare for planned utility power shutdowns and natural disasters while lowering GHG emissions and building a more resilient energy future. Battery prices continue to fall, and with additional options in the marketplace and considerable federal and state incentives, there is every reason to believe another celebration is in the making.
You can enjoy the entire inspirational event on CALSSA's Facebook page here. The employee-owners of Sun Light & Power would like to thank the investors, citizens, elected officials, staffers, lobbyists, and all those who have worked hard in the solar industry for decades to make One Million Solar Roofs a reality in California. Now it is time to take solar to the next level.