California Legislature Looking To Help Out Solar Companies

FREMONT (KCBS) – In the wake of Fremont-based Solyndra's demise, the state legislature is trying to give California solar companies a push and level the playing field.

Company officials said that one reason Solyndra went out of business is because it couldn't compete with prices being offered by solar companies in China.

But Senate Bill 134 would give contractors a five percent bid preference for using California-made solar panels on state projects.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

"The idea is to make California more competitive with these out-of-state bidders because we know they're making solar panels in Montana, West Virginia and Oregon and also international bidders," said Fremont Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski.

Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett co-authored the legislation with Wieckowski and said this is no time to give up on solar.

"It is unfortunate what happened with Solyndra," Corbett said. "But we have many other companies in the state of California that have shown that they are successful and shown that this technology is very important to consumers."

Solyndra halted operations last week after last-minute attempts to find funding fell through. The company laid off 1,100 employees.

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