Utilities and home builders are also lining up against Schwarzenegger's bipartisan plan to turn sunny California into a solar power factory.
The incentives to put solar panels on 1 million homes and businesses mean higher costs for utility customers who can't participate: renters, condominium owners and those who still won't be able to afford the technology even with financial help, said Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric.
SDG&E spokesman Ed Van Herik told NBC 7/39 that the utility did not oppose the proposal and that "we support the bill with changes."
"The vast majority of our customers will not be able to take advantage of these incentives," PG&E spokesman Paul Moreno said Monday. "The nonparticipating customers are the ones who would pay for the program" because they would get no money back.
Backers of the solar bill scheduled to have its first legislative hearing Tuesday said customers in general would eventually save money through the incentives, lower cost for electricity, and by selling their excess power back into the electric grid.
"Energy independence means we're more independent from them (the utilities)," said Bernadette Del Chiaro of the Environment California Research and Policy Center.
The California Building Industry Association came out Monday in opposition for fear of the potential affect on home-buyers. The association is concerned about a provision ordering the California Energy Commission to consider requiring solar energy in the same way the commission has in the past mandated low-flush toilets, insulation standards, energy efficient appliances or low-energy lighting fixtures in bathrooms.
Sen. Kevin Murray, D-Culver City, who is carrying incentive legislation with Sen. John Campbell, R-Irvine, said he expects to find a compromise.
"Nobody opposes the concept," Murray said. "The devil is in the details."
Copyright 2005 by NBCSandiego.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.