Californian environmental groups have lobbied fiercely for the passing of the legislation which is intended to provide incentives over 10 years for Californians to install one million solar energy systems on domestic homes and businesses by 2018.

If successful, the MSRI is expected to create 3000MW of solar energy and prevent 50 million tonnes of greenhouse gas being released into the atmosphere.

A similar bill failed to pass lawmakers last year and even though it has been successful in making it through CSEUCC, the MSRI legislation must still move through other legislative bodies before becoming enshrined in law.

While passing the bill, the CESUCC recommended that future versions of the MSRI contain adequate system performance standards, possibly influencing future trends in solar power funding.