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Governor Schwarzenegger Turns California to Solar Roof Systems
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By Rick Chapo
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While California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for hisaction films, few knew of his affinity for the sun. Turns out heis hell bent on converting California to solar.
3.2 Billion Dollar Plan
This past week, the State of California became the undisputedbiggest proponent of solar power in the United States. Facedwith a growing population, limited energy sources and theoccasional rolling blackout each summer season, the state reallyhad no choice. With backing from Governor Schwarzenegger, thestate has just implemented the biggest solar industry subsidiaryevery undertaken by a state in an effort to quell the energycrunch.
On January 12, 2006, the California Public Utilities Commissionvoted 3 to 1 to adopt a plan to encourage the use of solar roofsystems by residents through a 3.2 billion dollar rebate plan.Known as the California Solar Initiative, the goal is to convertas much as six percent of the peak energy demands in the stateto solar platforms. Put in practical terms, the goal is placesolar systems on roughly one million homes in the state,particularly new homes. Approximately 15,000 homes in the statenow have solar systems for energy generation.
When in use, the residents will receive an astonishing rebate of$2.80 cents per watt on their utilities bill. On top of thissubsidy, state residents will be able to claim tax credits fromthe federal government as well as direct subsidies.
In turn, California is hoping to both reduce the stress on thecurrent electrical grid system while also avoiding the costsassociated with building and running massive new powergenerating stations necessary to feed the energy crunchassociated with a growing population. It is estimated the powergenerated through California Solar Initiative will be sufficientto replace the need for five massive, expensive new powergeneration complexes.
In addition to the economic benefits of the new plan,Californians going solar can reap significant benefits throughnet metering laws. Under such laws, residents will be able totie solar platforms into utility electric grids and effectivelysell power back to the California utilities. Depending on thesize of the solar platform, net metering can result in reductionof electrical bills from 50 percent to complete elimination.
For a state suffering growth problems, the California SolarInitiative is a major move. After a crushing defeat at the pollsin late 2005, the Governor has something to cheer.
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