Resolve, To Review Certification Requirements for Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  during these hard economic times, solar and wind energy systems could alleviate financial hardships arising from the operation of heating and cooling systems for personal residences and businesses; and

Whereas,  this resolve would require a thorough review to ascertain that the State's requirements under the solar and wind energy rebate program are appropriate for ensuring proper installation of solar photovoltaic systems; and

Whereas,  this review must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to this legislative session; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Certification requirements reviewed. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, energy programs division shall review the installation qualifications required for a rebate for solar photovoltaic systems under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 3211C, subsection 2, paragraph A, subparagraph (2) and evaluate whether those rebate program requirements are necessary and appropriate for ensuring safe and proper installation of solar photovoltaic systems, with particular attention to the requirement of certification by a North American board of certified energy practitioners. The division shall consider the appropriateness of a requirement based on a photovoltaic entry-level exam offered by a North American board of certified energy practitioners; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report and recommended actions to be made. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, energy programs division shall report its findings and recommendations under section 1, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy within 30 days of the effective date of this resolve. The Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy may introduce a bill to implement the recommendations to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.