D.C. recently reduced its funding to help homeowners install solar energy systems, but across our region, government incentives are driving a boom in residential solar panels. We explore the affordability of solar energy at home.
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The Kojo Nnamdi Show airs Monday-Thursday Noon - 2p.m. (ET)
Kojo also hosts The Politics Hour Fridays Noon-1 p.m. (ET)
Comments
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I would love to install solar panel, infact I made a solar heating, solar water heating system back in the 70's in Northern Nevada. However, my townhome association have rules against this, what can I do to change these rules does the state (VA) or federal governments have legislation that could be used to overrule the homeowners association?
Restricting funding for solar in the District right now is the wrong thing to do. Solar business in the District was growing steadily, creating jobs, and creating tax revenue. The rebate is not some give away to people who can afford to go solar. It's a calculated investment to level the playing field for renewable energies that has proven it could create jobs and revenue for the city. Should rebates be in place forever? Of course not. Are they needed to jump start an industry that's in the best interest of the citizens of the District? Yes! Is it time to ratchet down these rebates when they were just starting to demonstrate their worth? No! Jobs will be lost. Businesses will shut down.
This is a classic case of being penny-wise and pound-foolish. To boot, as a PEPCO rate payer, I find it infuriating that a line item on my energy bill that says "Sustainable Energy Trust Fund" now goes off into the void to balance the DC budget.
Christophe Tulou, Director of the District of Columbia Department of the Environment, tells The Kojo Nnamdi Show that the D.C. Council has restored $700,000 in rebates to 51 D.C. residents who installed solar panels on their homes and were promised reimbursements through the city's Renewable Energy Incentive Program. In February, the city told those residents they would not get their reimbursements this year because the Council diverted money from the renewable energy program to help close a city-wide budget gap. - Anne Stopper, Web Producer, WAMU 88.5/The Kojo Nnamdi Show
The D.C. Council voted to approve the budget for the solar panel rebates on Tues., March 15.