Some California Solar Users Might Soon Need to Sell Energy at Discount, Pay More to Buy It Back

Some California buildings, schools, and farms that utilize solar power would be forced to sell energy to utility companies at discounted rates and repurchase the power at retail prices, under a recent proposal.

Technicians install solar panels on the roof of a house in Mission Viejo, Calif., on Oct. 25, 2013. Mario Anzuoni/File Photo/Reuters

A proposed decision announced on Aug. 2 would impact apartment buildings, schools, and farms that utilize solar power by changing tariff rules for properties with more than one meter.

If confirmed with a vote by the commission scheduled for Sept. 21, properties with multiple meters would be forced to sell energy to utility companies at discounted rates and repurchase the power at retail prices.