California is the world’s number three solar market, behind Germany and Japan. California installs 85% of the solar systems in the country. Energy costs, pollution, state legislation and federal tax cuts are all pushing progress forward, and now there is a wave of home and business owners that are installing solar systems.

 

Many new subdivisions are incorporating solar power as a standard feature. While some developers fought the measure, many see the value of it and the value of marketing their ability to build solar homes. Some builders think the trend is now unstoppable, and that in five or ten years, solar may well be standard on new construction.

 

New construction is a great way to get a PV system in your home, especially if it’s a builder option like a deck, bonus room, or extra landscaping. California’s Sun Light & Power estimates an average system for PV system is $29,000. CA offers a state rebate that would equal about $7,000, and you’d also get a $2,000 federal tax credit, so now you’re around $20,000. The system will last about 30 years, and over that time will save the occupants about $60,000 in power costs. By that estimate, you system would pay for itself in 10 years. You’d also be rolling the cost of the system into your new construction mortgage, for a painless introduction to a solar home.

 

Now if costs could go down a bit further or if the gov’t could give more incentives then maybe...But our dear senators and congressmen have nixed that plan. The plan to tax the billion$ the big oil companies are making off of us and funnel that money into such programs. Nice.