Media Capital Solar Emergency: Lock in NEM 1.0 Rates Before 52-70% Value Loss
BWP rates: $0.15-0.22/kWh • Solar IRR: 16-24% (before Jan 2026) • URGENT: Grandfathering deadline
Serving Disney Studios, Warner Bros, Bob Hope Airport & entertainment industry
Burbank Water and Power is implementing new Solar Net Billing rates starting January 1, 2026. Current systems can be grandfathered under existing rates with permit applications submitted before the deadline.
Disney's 51-acre complex and Warner Bros' 142-acre lot represent massive rooftop potential with 24/7 soundstage operations requiring consistent energy supply.
Bob Hope Airport's $1.2B terminal replacement with LEED Silver certification drives aviation sector solar adoption for ground operations and maintenance facilities.
Providence Saint Joseph's 446-bed facility and Burbank municipal buildings represent stable institutional energy users with long-term sustainability commitments.
Animation studios, post-production companies, and creative services businesses across Victory Boulevard and Magnolia corridors drive commercial solar demand.
Porto's Bakery flagship campus and hospitality venues serve the entertainment industry workforce with high energy usage from commercial kitchens and dining facilities.
Magnolia Park business corridor and retail centers throughout Burbank benefit from immediate operational cost reduction through BWP's current favorable rates.
Expedited permitting and BWP interconnection to guarantee grandfathering before January 1, 2026 deadline.
Deep experience with Disney, Warner Bros, and studio operations requiring specialized engineering and scheduling coordination.
Expert navigation of BWP permit requirements ensuring permanent NEM 1.0 protection for your system's lifetime.
Precise financial modeling showing exact savings loss if installation is delayed past grandfathering deadline.
Specialized in Bob Hope Airport operations, aircraft hangars, and aviation industry compliance requirements.
Local expertise in Burbank's unique entertainment industry needs and municipal utility advantages.
BWP estimates the new Solar Net Billing program will launch between March-June 2025. The exact date depends on regulatory approval and system implementation.
You must submit a complete solar permit application to BWP before the Solar Net Billing program officially launches. Once grandfathered, you'll keep NEM 1.0 rates for 20 years.
Current NEM 1.0 offers 6-9 year paybacks with full retail rate credits. The new Solar Net Billing program will have 8-11 year paybacks and limit system size to 150% of historical annual energy use.
Adding solar panels that increase your system size or adding new battery storage that requires a new interconnection agreement. Routine maintenance and replacing equipment with equivalent parts won't affect your grandfathering.
BWP doesn't plan specific solar installation rebates but is researching battery storage incentives. However, federal tax credits (30% ITC + potential 10% adders) still apply to all Burbank solar projects.
Like many California utilities, BWP is transitioning to avoid cost-shifting between solar and non-solar customers while maintaining support for distributed solar energy growth.
BWP solar permits typically take 2-4 weeks for review and approval. We recommend starting your application immediately to ensure grandfathering before the new program launches.
Current NEM 1.0 allows systems based on your electrical service capacity (up to 5 MW for commercial). The new program will limit systems to 150% of your historical annual energy usage.
Major business hub with LADWP municipal utility advantages and diverse commercial districts.
View Details →Major port city with logistics, aerospace, and healthcare sectors driving commercial solar adoption.
View Details →PWP municipal utility territory with research institutions, aerospace, and technology businesses.
View Details →Burbank's Mediterranean climate and entertainment industry focus create ideal conditions for commercial solar installations. As the "Media Capital of the World," the city attracts innovative businesses that value sustainability and operational efficiency.
With major studios like Disney and Warner Bros leading sustainability initiatives, Burbank businesses benefit from a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility. The city's municipal utility, BWP, provides stable rates and local accountability.
Combined with excellent solar resources and business-friendly policies, Burbank commercial solar installations deliver strong returns while supporting the city's reputation for innovation and sustainability leadership.
