Solar power coming to town

The California Public Utilities Commission recently approved the California Solar Initiative, a program to install 3,000 megawatts of solar power on California homes, businesses, farms, schools and public facilities over 11 years.

The initiative is the nation’s largest solar power investment, designed to make solar power mainstream and affordable. 

The California Solar Initiative creates 11 years of funding for consumer rebates. The PUC will provide $2.8 billion in customer incentives for solar projects on existing residential buildings, as well as all public buildings, industrial facilities, businesses and agricultural facilities. The California Energy Commission, meanwhile, will provide $400 million in incentives for new homes, specifically targeting collaborations with the builder/ developer community. Incentives are to be gradually reduced over time and phased out by 2016 under the PUC proposal.

The money will come from existing funds and a surcharge on monthly electric bills.