Revamped laws could reignite southern Nevada solar power industry
LAS VEGAS (KSNV News3LV) — The statewide, national and global push toward renewable energy that has gained steam in recent years is unlikely to be slowed by President Donald Trump's announcement this past week to pull the United States from the Paris climate accords.
In fact, all indications are the growth in wind, solar and hydro energy production is likely to accelerate in the months and years ahead.
Nevada is among the nation's leaders in solar energy and although political machinations have slowed the expansion, several measures have passed the Nevada Legislature that should put the state back on track to a brighter solar future.
Still, for Sun Solar Electric, it’s been a tough time.
“We’ve had two years of uncertainty,” said Louise Helton. “I liken it to the championship game, and you leave your star player on the bench and say, 'We can win without it.’”
The state cut the amount of power solar users got back from the grid so severely that several solar companies left town or closed as business shrank.
The president's decision to opt out of the Paris Climate agreement has raised questions about the future of alternative fuel like solar.
Helton is one of many solar company owners that has had to fire staff and run small. But there could be a bright spot for an industry that runs on bright spots.
Lawmakers are considering several bills that boost green technology. On Sunday, the State Senate unanimously passed AB 405, a bill to restore the rooftop solar market in Nevada.
“It’s this opportunity through the Legislature that we can come back and fix these policies,” Helton said.
In addition, Sandstone Energy in Tonopah is working on a massive solar project. The electricity provided would be sold to California. it’s all good news for a small company looking to hire.
