Sign the Letter of Support for AB 1104
Sign-on Letter
April 8, 2025
The Honorable Gail Pellerin
California State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: AB 1104 (Pellerin) – Solar Energy Resources – SUPPORT
Dear Assemblymember Pellerin:
As companies in the solar industry, we are writing in support of your bill, AB 1104, as it was amended on March 25, 2025. The bill will expand opportunities for small businesses to access renewable energy by reducing the administrative burden to solar energy system installations and expanding the range of independent solar energy producers.
Current requirements—which were designed for large projects with public sector entities—are too complex and time-consuming for businesses, especially smaller ones, to practicably navigate. As a result, many businesses that invested in project development abandon their plans when they are confronted with the prospect of being responsible for the contractor’s submittal of certified payroll records and other public works requirements. This leads to wasted time and money for both customers and contractors, and is a significant factor in the job losses that are occurring in the commercial solar sector. These setbacks are jeopardizing California’s ability to meet its clean energy goals.
AB 1104 will make a significant difference in the ability of small businesses to make investments in solar energy systems. Specifically, the bill would create an exemption for business owners of solar projects under 1 MW from requirements to register as an awarding body with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), register their solar project with the DIR, and be liable for their contractors’ compliance with complex public works requirements. The bill maintains all prevailing wage, apprenticeship standards, and labor enforcement mechanisms. By making the contractor responsible for compliance, rather than the customer, it will result in better achievement of goals without unnecessary risk of liability to the customer.
Additionally, AB 1104 enacts a limited expansion to the definition of “Independent solar energy producer,” allowing more business-to-business solar transactions to occur without being regulated as a public utility.
We enthusiastically support this effort to bolster the solar market and help California achieve its clean energy goals.
Sincerely,
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