APR 20

San Diego has announced that they are starting a new city-wide incentive program in July for residents who want to install solar panels, but don't have the cash to pay for it up front. The city will finance the cost of the solar panels and allow homeowners to pay back the loan in property tax bills over 20 years.

This new incentive program takes advantage of a statewide law that allows loan programs for renewable energy to be paid back through property tax payments. Berkeley and Palm Desert have also enacted similar programs for their residents.

The loans will have a fixed interest rate and are transferrable if property is sold during the life of the loan.

Many more people would be willing to install solar power on their property if the initial cost wasn't so high. Programs like these could really increase the amount of residential solar in the country if more cities and states offered them. It seems to be an easy investment for cities to make, with potential for a great payoff, both through the interest money the city would collect and the advancement in renewable energy being generated.

via Cleantechnica

Comments (10)

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written by n, April 20, 2009

this is such a great idea. for goodness sakes, the government should do EVERYTHING it can to help promote solar energy and other green technology. the public certainly understands the value to both the environment and the economy! good work san diego!!

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written by Eric, April 21, 2009

This subsidy is being made available through Calfornia law AB 811. Other cities that have are planning to implement subsidies to encourage solar energy include Palm Desert and Berkeley.

Read more here:

http://www.buildbabybuild.com/uncategorized/solar-subsidies-in-san-diego

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It's about time
written by Carl, April 21, 2009

So much power generation potential goes wasted here in San Diego everyday. SDGE should have been a leader in this market already, finally the city government has done something right.

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Fantastic!
written by John Rowell, April 21, 2009

As a seller of solar energy systems, the #1 concern I hear from potential clients is the very high initial cost. Everyone knows these systems pay for themselves over time and save money in the long run, but many people simply cannot afford the initial investment. There are low interest loans available, but not everyone qualifies for them.

So this is tremendous progress, and is bound to generate revenue for the city government as well. Way to go, San Diego! Hope to see other places offering similar programs soon.

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Concur
written by marty, April 21, 2009

It really is about time that the City of San Diego does something intelligent - I'll be one of the first on the list. Now if they would get the airport moved to Miramar before they spend billions of dollars on an airport that can't stay where it is and get a stadium built with (not for) the Chargers

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Just Perfect! Now get NY to wake up!
written by MikeinNYC, April 21, 2009

Who ever thought of this idea?

Wow..... Even if you can't get credit. I like it.

Use the home as a Solar ATM so at least your doing good for the people.

Just make sure "SOLAR" anything goes up and not 1000 pairs of shoes!

Best plan ever!

Go Jets I mean Chargers. cough..cough..

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written by Imee, April 22, 2009

This is a very good idea... I hope other cities (and hopefully, other states) will follow suit. It will not only help the environment, but I think it can pretty much save money for these people eventually since the payment for the panels will be on their property taxes.

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What San Diego agency is handling this?
written by Bill Z, May 26, 2009

What San Diego agency is handling this? And do you have their phone number?

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written by Fred, July 09, 2009

good way to influence more to go green!

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written by Dave, September 15, 2009

This is a small step in the right direction. San Diego needs to get on board with the rest of the US and make it possible for people who generate power to actually get paid by the electric company for it much like several other states allow. Until it becomes economically viable people will balk at the idea even if their power prices go up. Such a waste too - since Socal has more sunny days than almost anywhere in the world. SDG&E could sell the power they generate that's not used to another state or even Mexico at twos the cost and still post a profit! Simple econ 101 (which is why CA is bankrupt I'm sure). Oh, and Marty - Miramar's not going anywhere - too many financial and ecological reasons - not to mention we're not on the BRAC and probably never will be. You can have Brown Field though if you want...

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