San Diego Turns To Solar Power

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, we salute you! Sanders just announced what could very well be the nation’s most ambitious plan to tap alternative energy resources. His program is designed to encourage homeowners and business owners to harness the power of solar energy by allowing them to pay for solar panels through the property taxes they pay.

The plan is splendid in both its elegance and simplicity. Privately financed loans with a fixed rate of interest will be the source of funding. The money will be taken from the homeowners property tax bills over a period of 20 years and is transferable upon sale of the home or business. Pretty darn clever if you ask me.

The benefits to businesses and homeowners should be instantaneous in the form of lower utility bills. Nothing like instant savings to spark interest in a new project. There are also federal and state tax benefits that will apply for those who go green. The state of California passed an authorization act in July that allows municipalities and private companies to set up finance programs that encourage the use of solar energy.

Another huge shot in the arm for this California cause is the federal incentive program that will kick in on January 1, 2009. The program calls for a 30% tax credit for the implementation of solar energy systems implemented by homes and businesses. At the same time, it will cancel the $2000 tax credit cap that is now in place. It’s a great time to be green. Kermit the frog, eat your heart out!

Learn How You Can Use Solar Power to Slash Your Energy Bills

What makes this particular alternative energy program so appealing is that the incentives described above will offset what can be a cost prohibitive expense for the homeowners – namely the approximate $25,000 it costs to set up solar panels in a single residence. Officials estimate that a few hundred San Diegoans will initially participate in 2009, with that number growing into the thousands soon thereafter.

We here at www.SolarWindEnergys.com salute your initiative San Diego. We will be eagerly watching you and cheering out loud for your success. We sincerely hope you will be a model for the rest of the United States and teach us how we to can effectively use alternative energy sources to meet our needs. Lead us into the 21st century… we’re ready.