McNerney Introduces Solar Technology Legislation

Press Release

Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) introduced the Solar Energy Deployment Act of 2013 to provide funding for state and local governments to install solar energy systems on rooftops and above parking structures.
"We need to be focused on working towards a clean energy future. By making funding available for solar energy, we can save money throughout California," said Rep. McNerney.

The Solar Energy Deployment Act allows the U.S. Secretary of Energy to award competitive grants to state and local governments for installing solar equipment on rooftops and above parking structures. Recipients of the funds could design and install solar energy systems over other structures they own.

The secretary would have the authority to take into consideration several factors in deciding who would receive the grants, including:

Speed with which solar systems can be deployed

Total amount of solar energy deployed

The financial need of the state or local government

The use of best practices to ensure maximum efficiency of deployed systems

Whether or not the materials to be used are manufactured in the U.S. and whether their components are manufactured in the U.S.

"In today's economy, the green energy sector has been a consistent jobs creator.
Applying American ingenuity to our environmental and economic challenges will result in cost savings for all Californians. Solar initiatives will save California in electrical costs and put people to work building solar systems. Putting emphasis on American-manufactured products will create family wage jobs that are so critical to stabilizing our economy," said Rep. McNerney.

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