Nearly 6K Michigan residents support rooftop solar expansion

HB 4236 would eliminate clean energy cap in Michigan

LANSING – Nearly 6,000 Michigan residents have reached out to their lawmakers to express support for a bill that would eliminate a cap on rooftop solar in the state.

HB 4236 removes the 1% cap on rooftop solar and is being considered Thursday by the House Energy Committee. The bill would allow homes and businesses across Michigan to get electricity from solar panels installed on their property and sell extra electricity generated back to utility companies.

“Michigan lawmakers should heed the thousands of Michiganders who have made it known they want the arbitrary and outdated cap on rooftop solar gone,” said Charlotte Jameson, program director for legislative affairs, energy and drinking water at the Michigan Environmental Council. “There is zero engineering or economic reason to cap the number of people who can install rooftop solar and it is beyond time for the Legislature to do away with this harmful and unnecessary policy barrier to clean, affordable energy.”    

The Michigan Environmental Council, Vote Solar, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan Climate Action Network and others reached out to residents and urged them to contact their state representatives.

“Michigan homeowners and businesses want the ability to lower their monthly electric bill by putting rooftop solar on their properties,” said John Delurey, Midwest director for Vote Solar. “Michigan’s 1% cap is one of the most arbitrary restrictions on solar energy in the entire country. It’s time for lawmakers to remove this unnecessary barrier and unlock solar savings for families, farmers, businesses, churches, and schools.”