Los Angeles Re-Starts Solar Incentives for Homeowners

With massive energy consumption rates, California isincentives to businesses and residences that go solar.
in a perpetual energy supply and demand struggle.Specifically, we are talking about installing new solar
The state is looking to solar as an alternative and Lospanels for the production of energy. The financial
Angeles just made it more attractive.Los Angelesincentive comes in a rebate of three to four dollars
Re-Starts Solar Incentives for HomeownersAs theper system watt and, obviously, the system must be
rolling blackouts each summer can attest, California isconnected to the energy grid. For those that get
a state with major energy problems. The problem isutility bills in California, it is obvious such savings are
so bad that both candidates for governor are nowmassive.The primary problem with solar panels and
touting their energy plans with the Governator evenpower has always been the cost. Strictly speaking,
meeting with foreign officials on global warmingthe cost was far more than just sticking with power
issues! While politics always carry an air of promisesdelivered from the local utility. In California at least,
with little action, the powers that be in the statethis is no longer the issue. A homeowner in Los
have actually taken some very strong steps.This pastAngeles can now install a solar panel and get
year, California finally came to grips with its massivesignificant financial incentives that wipe out the cost
energy crisis. Laws and regulations where instituted indifference. First, the new system immediately
an effort to motivate Californians to turn togenerates thousands of dollars in tax credits from
alternative energy sources, particularly solar power.the federal government. Second, the state offers
More importantly, these programs had guts. Theincentives per watt and discounts on the new panel
state committed to providing over three billion dollarssystem. Third, the city now gives a discount. Fourth,
in financial incentives to motivate individuals to switchCalifornia is a net metering state, which means a
to solar. Part and parcel to this was an effort tohomeowner can sell back the unused power from
encourage municipalities to also offer financialthe solar panels to the utility company to further
incentives. Los Angeles has just jumped on thereduce their cost. All and all, many a homeowner that
bandwagon.As of August 14, 2006, the Los Angelesswitches to solar panels can darn near expect to
Water and Power Department will be providingmake a profit form it!