What the Midterm Election Means for Customer
Solar & Storage
The 2026 midterm election produced stunning results, with anger over energy costs playing a significant part. Many people are contemplating what that means for policies impacting customer solar and storage.
We first caution against expecting quick federal action to restore and extend solar tax credits. Senator Schumer has indicated an interest in restoring the credits, but he’ll have to overcome the filibuster and the President will be inclined to veto anything that reverses his top legislative achievements. Congress is more likely to broker deals on things that are less direct but still helpful, such as incentives for batteries and domestic critical mineral production. The new congressional majority may try to pass something bolder through budget reconciliation, which avoids the filibuster, but those deals will take time to develop over 2027.
In California, Governor-Elect Xavier Becerra has yet to define his energy agenda beyond a general focus on affordability and his Power Hour proposal, which would give income-qualified households up to two hours of free midday electricity each day. We believe the Power Hour concept is a good base to build upon. If he wants to influence when energy is used, the most powerful tool is solar-charged batteries. He should be forceful in clearing obstacles for battery deployment and claim the mantle of championing customer energy systems rather than relying on costly new utility power lines. We have outlined our ideas on how CALSSA members can help deliver on the agenda in our memo to Governor-Elect Becerra.
With the new governor and the changed federal landscape, this is a time of transition. CALSSA will use this moment to push for policies that prioritize customer choice and modern technology.