Energy: solar energy.

Existing law establishes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission in the Natural Resources Agency. Existing law requires the commission, by January 1, 2008, to establish eligibility criteria for solar energy systems receiving ratepayer funded incentives, as specified. This bill would require the commission to administer a solar schools and nonprofits program to encourage schools, hospitals, and specified nonprofit public benefit corporations to install solar energy systems. The bill would require the program to seek to encourage the greatest number of installations while effectively generating electricity through renewable energy systems. As part of that program, the bill would require the commission to administer a grant and revolving loan program for the installation of solar energy systems by those entities. The bill would state the Legislature's intent that, upon appropriation, money from a specified settlement and delegated for energy efficiency retrofitting projects by that settlement be used for the program, consistent with the settlement.