Photovoltaic cellsA compromise plan that would allow commercial businesses to resell excess solar power to utility companies appears to be gaining steam in Albany.

According to the Times Union, a proposal by Sen. James Wright (R-Watertown) would allow businesses, schools and not-for-profits to "net meter" (return their excess energy to the grid) on systems of up to 2 megawatts. Systems that size are large enough to power up to 2,000 homes.

New York currently has one of the most restrictive laws on net metering: residential homes can resell their excess electricity but commercial operations cannot.

Commercial net metering would create a boon for companies that make photovoltaic cells. It could also be a significant source of savings for businesses with large surface-area roofs like shopping malls and factories.

In the coming legislative session, NYLCV plans to advocate for passage of net metering reform.