California’s Goal: 1 Million Solar Roofs by 2018

In late February, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced support for legislation that will enable the state to meet a goal of 1 million solar roofs by the year 2018. “I promised the people of California during the campaign that as a governor, I would push for solar power,” said Governor Schwarzenegger a little more than 1 month ago. “Today, I am keeping that promise to harness renewable solar energy, with the help of my friends Senator Murray and Senator Campbell, to create 1 million solar roofs.”Senators Kevin Murray (D-CulverCity) and John Campbell (R-Irvine) introduced SB 1 and SB 1017 that together will create the “Million Solar Roofs Initiative,” legislation that will encourage the installation of solar roofs on commercial and residential roofs with financial incentives. According to the Office of the Governor, SB 1 via a self-generated incentive plan (under the direction of the Public Utilities Commission) will provide funding and support for existing residential and commercial sites pursuing the installation of solar energy systems. SB 1017 will provide a tax credit that can be applied for 7.5 percent of “unsubsidized” cost to the taxpayer. Rebates would provide additional reductions in costs.To find out more, visit (www.governor.ca.gov) or the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website (www.millionsolarroofs.com).