A solar installer carries a solar panel during an installation at a residential home in Scripps Ranch, San Diego, California, U.S. October 14, 2016. Picture taken October 14, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

Dec 15 (Reuters) – California utility regulators on Thursday approved a proposal to reduce the rate at which households with rooftop solar panels are credited for exporting surplus power to the grid, a step solar companies warn could slow installations but utilities argue will be fairer for low-income ratepayers.

Reporting by Nichola Groom Editing by Chris Reese

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