Written by Noland Staff Wednesday, 18 August 2010 07:38
The first measure will protect Illinois residents looking to utilize solar energy technology in their homes. House Bill 5429 creates the Homeowners’ Solar Rights Act to encourage the development and use of solar energy. Under the new law, homeowners cannot be prohibited from installing solar energy systems on their house by units of property management, such as homeowner and condominium associations. These associations will be allowed to adopt a blueprint regarding the location, design, and architectural requirements of the solar energy system. "As solar energy becomes a more cost-effective and efficient energy source, it is important that we have safeguards in place to protect our environmentally-conscious citizens," Noland said. "While utilizing this renewable energy source, we must ensure that property values are also protected by the new additions. This law strikes a balance between both ideas." Noland’s other bill increases the amount of solar energy that must be produced in Illinois. Under the current law, Illinois utility companies are required to produce 6 percent of their energy from solar energy, beginning in 2015. But under Noland’s initiative, House Bill 6202, this timeline will be pushed up to 2012 and phased in over a three-year period. "It doesn’t make sense for us to wait to put these practices into place," Noland said. "If we wait three more years to fully implement these requirements, that’s three years worth of solar energy that we are wasting. Illinois can be a leading model for renewable energy production; but our commitment must begin now."
SPRINGFIELD, IL— State Sen. Michael Noland’s (D-Elgin) goal of placing Illinois at the forefront of renewable energy is moving ahead at full speed, now that Governor Quinn signed two new legislative initiatives into law today. Both Noland bills are designed to promote the use of solar energy in Illinois.
Senator Noland Menu
22nd District
Years served: 2007 - Present
Committee assignments: Judiciary; Public Health; Criminal Law (Chairperson); Energy; Committee of the Whole; Licensed Activities; Subcommittee on Special Issues; Subcommittee on Transparency (Sub-Chairperson).
Biography: Bachelor's degree and MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago; Law degree from John Marshall Law School. Served as a Corpsman in the United States Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. Community volunteer with local organizations protecting the environment and assisting homeless persons. Resides in Elgin with his wife, Veronica, and their two children.