Solar+Power+and+California+Rebate

Solar Power and California rebate program: The California Public Utilities Commission created a 10-year, $2.9 billion solar rebate program. With California's creation of the largest solar rebate program in the United States, many consumers and businesses are exploring their options for using solar energy. The California Public Utilities Commission is committed to solar resources for assuring the reliability of the state's electricity system. On Jan. 12, 2006, we approved the California Solar Initiative (CSI), a comprehensive $2.8 billion program that provides incentives toward solar development over 11 years. It also develops complementary policies and rales, sets new incentive levels, and addresses program administration.
 * Pros || Cons ||
 * Pay for ten years and get 20 years of electricity for free plus an initial rebate of about $7000 dollars || Requires a great upfront cost ||
 * Great for boosting a growing industry • New Jobs • New Technology to save businesses money || Many of these technologies are still in the early stages of development meaning that the initial costs. of the program might be great compared to the efficiency of the program. ||
 * Newer solar tiles can be adhered directly to old roof tiles. || Few options for the different types of solar panels available. ||
 * Gives global edge. CA is now the third largest market for solar technology behind Japan and Germany || Smaller companies may find it difficult to compete with the large conglomerates that are also invested in fossil fuel energy. ||
 * Allows a market to develop out of non-silicon based solar power systems || Solar panels currently use silicon which is a derivative of oil. ||
 * $2.80/watt of system costs || Restricted to certain companies. ||