Berkeley moves ahead with solar-financing program

subscribe

The city of Berkeley has made a big step toward starting a pioneering program to provide city-backed loans to homeowners who install rooftop solar-electric systems.

The city council approved a new tax district that residents can join to finance solar energy systems through their property taxes.

Under the plan, the city will provide money for installation and material costs, which homeowners would pay back at a fixed rate over 20 years.

Residents would pay about $180 a month through their property tax bills for a typical $22,000 solar-electric system, but they should eventually recoup the money through lower electricity costs.

Next, Berkeley officials will select a lender to provide financing for the program. The city also plans to start holding workshops for interested homeowners.

Related News

net zero power grid

Can Canada actually produce enough clean electricity to power a net-zero grid by 2050?

TORONTO - By Merran Smith and Mark Zacharias

Canada is an electricity heavyweight. In addition to being the world’s sixth-largest electricity producer and third-largest electricity exporter, Canada can boast an electricity grid that is now 83 per cent emission-free, not to mention residential electricity rates that are the cheapest in the Group of Seven countries.

Indeed, on the face of it, the country’s clean electricity system appears poised for success. With an abundance of sunshine and blustery plains, Alberta and Saskatchewan have wind- and solar-power potential that rivals the best on the continent. Meanwhile, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador…

READ MORE
power

Global Energy War Escalates: Price Hikes and Instability

READ MORE

lightning strike

Almost 500-mile-long lightning bolt crossed three US states

READ MORE

power blackout

Study: US Power Grid Has More Blackouts Than ENTIRE Developed World

READ MORE

strong-winds-knock-out-power-across-miami-valley

Strong Winds Knock Out Power Across Miami Valley

READ MORE