Item 9- Austin Energy’s Residential Rooftop Solar Program — original pdf

Backup

An update – Australian Solar & Remote Inspections Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program D. SASARIDIS 20 MAY 2025 Regarding - Feb 3, 2025 – Commissioners Sasaridis, Silverstein, Robbins introduce “Resolution on Changes to Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate Program” – discussed proposed changes to policy, inspection, for both solar and batteries. Today – Providing some requested updates about solar inspections and Australian Solar Update – Australia Research I emailed 12 large Australian solar providers – got no responses. I called 9 Australian solar providers, and obtained the following information: Solarbright.com.au: • • When asked why he thought Australia’s solar adoption was so far ahead of the USA, he noted: Spoke with Nicholas • • • Incentives (did not say how much) High energy prices driving up demand Inspections are not mandatory – regulatory has relaxed over the years – large driver • I asked about costs, if $1 USD per watt was realistic, Nicholas said: • • That’s high, $0.50 USD per watt is common He sells 5 kW systems for ($3,500 AUD) $2,250 USD Solar Power Direct: • • When asked why he thought Australia’s solar adoption was so far ahead of the USA, he noted: Spoke with Adrian • • Electricity rates high, return on investment Incentives, 6.6 kW system would net $2k direct to the installer, some discount passed along to • • I asked about costs: • • • He thought $1 / W AUD ($0.64 / W USD) is realistic He would sell a 6.6 kW system for $3,520 USD He pays about $115 USD for a 450 W panel ($0.25 / W) Regarding Inspections: • Rely on the regulatory landscape for the components, with random inspections Update – Remote Inspections in Texas Utilities – two largest in TX Municipalities in TX Oncor CenterPoint Fort Worth – Ongoing now 15 other Texas cities implementing in the future A remote inspection standard exists! Considering for the future Remote Inspections happening now