Published on Sunday, July 27, 2008
By JAHMAL PETERS
With the passage of a California solar and energy efficiency financing law, demand for residential photovoltaic systems may start to increase at a time when financial incentives for commercial solar remain uncertain.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys, the law enacted on July 21 allows cities and counties to offer low-interest loans to home owners to install solar panels and other energy-saving amenities.
Assembly Bill 811 allows home owners to pay long-term voluntary fees on their annual property tax bills for costs associated with a photovoltaic system.
Palm Desert ready
The law originated with officials in Berkeley last year and was immediately supported by Palm Desert officials, who created the Palm Desert Energy Independence Program.
The Palm Desert Office of Energy Management is working to implement the program by August, said Benjamin Druyon, an energy project technician.
