Solar in California

jerry scharf_3

The state PUC has authorized $3 billion in rebates over the next 10 years. The goal is to add PV panels to over 1 million homes and businesses in the state (though I'm not sure those numebrs add up.) This will be a real boon to the solar industry, there has never been such a large predictable demand for product. One hopes that the prices will come down as a result, and the ball keeps rolling. Because of the peak demand energy costs are so high in CA, even the energy providers are solidly behind this one. The current economic estimates are that the state will end up with more money by doing this, though that seems a bit of a stretch. (It's great having the governator, he's genuinely working to be one of those here to fore unfashionable beasts called a political moderate. Maybe it will become a new fashion!)

I just hope that there is a way to make this different that some past experiences like federally supported windmills (some of those people should have gone to jail IMO.)

jerry