Renters don't have much say in whether a building gets solar panels or not - it's completely up to the landlord. And seeing as landlords don't pay our electric bills, we aren't expecting the footsteps of installers on our roof anytime soon.
Solar Power in San Francisco
The Bay Guardian: 04.16.08
However, we were interested to read about the problems facing city residents who would like to install solar panels on their home. From inflated costs to lack of subsidies, it seems there are many hinderances and not always enough incentives to make the switch to solar. We're curious if anyone out there has looked into adding solar panels to their home, and if so, what were the costs and benefits for you?
Check out the article online here.
Image: Chance Gardener
Originally posted by Lily on AT:SF.
Comments (3)
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I have, and found that going solar at home in Mississippi is an expensive venture. The only tax credits or govt. help is the federal $2000 one-time credit, and it would take on average 20 years to break even. You can check to see what kind of programs are available in your state at
www.solarpowerrocks.com
Click on your state under "State Solar Power Rebates, Incentives, and Tax Credits" in the right column.
view Jezebella's profile
Here in Australia we have a fairly good rebate: $8000 for a 1000 watt system (available if your income is below $100 000 in the last year). Also as of July this year in this state, energy returned to the grid earns double the normal cost of energy consumed. So if you pump back 5kWh during the day, you can use 10kWh at night without paying anything. I am considering solar energy at the moment. While it won't pay for itself in just a few years, it also adds real and perceived value to your property, and reduces the risk of being affected by future energy price increases.
view hughbert's profile
From Wikipedia:
In economics, a subsidy (also known as a subvention) is a form of financial assistance paid to a business or economic sector. This can be used to support businesses that might otherwise fail or to encourage activities that would otherwise not take place.
Subsidies often distort markets, and can impose large economic costs.
Is that why my taxes are so high?
view Khurt Williams's profile