Sustainability is at the core of LABC's advocacy, research and programming efforts. Since 2009, we have collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to design, develop and advocate for a rooftop solar program that would benefit Los Angeles residents, businesses and the city at large. The policy, formally called a solar "feed-in tariff," or FiT, is now known in Los Angeles by the name CLEAN LA (Clean Local Energy Accessible Now).
CLEAN LA's premise is simple: in a land of abundant sunshine, rooftop solar power has the potential to be a tremendous resource that would provide significant renewable energy at a reasonable cost. By incentivizing residents and business-owners to install rooftop solar panels, the CLEAN LA solar program will provide environmental, economic & social benefits for all of Los Angeles, including job creation and providing clean reliable power that will help the city meet its renewable energy goals. These benefits are summarized here.
Studies
Underpinning LABC's work on this issue is a robust partnership with two of the city's premier academic institutions, UCLA and USC. Prominent researchers have found that the CLEAN LA solar plan would create thousands of local jobs, generate as much as $2 billion in private investment, and take advantage of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of federal tax incentives. Further, the program can provide opportunities for low-income apartment dwellers to benefit from solar installations on their rooftops.
These studies have proposed detailed program guidelines, and have found that a well-designed program would be cost-effective for ratepayers, while giving the LADWP access to a significant source of clean, local energy. By demonstrating both economic and environmental benefits, these reports have added an important dimension to the policy debate. Click here to learn about these studies and to see testimonials of city business, environmental and political leaders.
CLEAN LA's goal is a 10-year, 600 MW program with a 75 MW pilot program by 2014 (as mandated by state law SB 32), and at least 150 MW by 2016.
Autumn 2011 Update
Over the summer, LADWP announced plans for a limited 5 MW FiT pilot during 2011-2012 in support of a 75 MW program by 2016. While our coalition is pleased to see LADWP’s recognition of the importance of creating a FiT, we believe a larger, more robust program is necessary for all of the economic and environmental reasons outlined elsewhere on this page. Further, there are significant technical flaws in LADWP’s proposal, which were recently vetted by the LA City Council. In particular, it is essential that any FiT program guarantee a fixed price for solar power, be offered on a first-come-first-served basis in the City of LA, feature a simple application and guaranteed access to the grid. We look forward to continued discussions with LADWP executives and Los Angeles elected officials to ensure that a robust, meaningful FiT is enacted for the benefit of all Angelenos. Stay tuned for further developments!
Making a Market: Multifamily Rooftop Solar and Social Equity in Los Angeles, UCLA and USC (PDF)
Empowering LA's Solar Workforce: New Policies that Deliver Investments and Jobs, UCLA and USC (PDF)
LABC Institute
The LABC Institute is the 501 (c) 3 designated research and educational arm of the LA Business Council. The Institute plays a critical role in the organization's key priority areas of sustainable and clean-tech development as well as workforce housing, transportation and jobs. To learn more about ways to get involved in supporting the LABC Institute's endeavors, please contact Michelle Garakian.
