COVID-19: Solar and storage installs considered ‘essential services’ in locked-down California

Published by Electriq Power on December 9, 2020

Estimated Read Time: 2 Minutes

Installing and maintaining renewable energy resources can be viewed as an “essential service”, according to the California Solar + Storage Association (CALSSA), based in one of six major state jurisdictions in the US to have ordered citizens indoors for the time being.

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the state’s Department for Public Health has ordered that all individuals obey instructions to “stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors”. While described widely as a lockdown, the ruling is described at state level as a “shelter in place” directive.

CALSSA said that while the government information is constantly being updated and must be adhered to, with the association prepared to keep on top of monitoring that dynamic situation and give advice accordingly, it considers that solar and storage installation and maintenance work meets that all-important criteria.

The association’s dedicated resources page for COVID-19 advice referred to a list issued by the State of California of ‘Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers’. It includes electricians and those in the construction industry, particularly those providing services that are “necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences”.

Continue reading the full article here: https://www.energy-storage.news/news/covid-19-solar-and-storage-installs-considered-essential-services-in-locked