Solar Power – California

With rolling blackouts reported in the media nearly every summer, California may not seem like a hot bed of renewable energy. In truth, solar power is a major player in the state.

Solar Power – California

Solar power has come a long way since its early origins in the space program powering satellites and other extraterrestrial vehicles more than four decades ago. The technology has come down to earth and now is the first power supply choice for much of the developing world. With exploding fossil fuel prices, solar energy is the fastest growing energy platform in California.

There are two primary PV markets. Off-grid systems are used where the cost of a PV system is cheaper than stringing electrical power lines long distances from the local utility. Grid-connected PV systems usually cannot compete directly with the cost of utility-produced power. However, with the changing deregulated marketplace, many people are considering grid-connected PV systems. If the PV system provides more power than the home or business uses, additional electricity is fed back into the grid for other people to use. This effectively spins an electricity meter backward in what is known as "net metering."

In California, incentives from the Emerging Renewables Rebate Program can reduce the cost of a grid-connected system by up to 50 percent. The Program provides rebates to consumers who install qualifying renewable energy systems. Your financial incentive may vary according to the system size, technology and installation method. Affordable housing projects may qualify for an extra 25 percent rebate above the standard rebate, not to exceed 75 percent of the system cost based on meeting additional eligibility criteria.

As the population of California continues to explode, energy demands grow and prices rise. This combination is leading to an explosion of growth in solar power in California.

<< Back to Articles