California Solar Initiative

California is a leader in the solar energy movement.  The prospect of saving money and the planet has 79,590 solar projects throughout the state (as of April 6, 2011).  Solar energy offers several fiscal advantages as well as environmental impacts: reduction in utility costs, predictable utility costs, protection against the rising energy costs, and a clean renewable source of energy. The impact on the budget is one of the many reasons California has the ambitious goal of being 20% solar energy fueled by 2020.  This is part of Arnold Schwartzenegger's Million Solar Roofs program and the comprehensive $2.8 billion dollar program.  This program was authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and by Senate Bill 1 (SB1).  It offers cash incentives as well as Federal and State tax benefits of more than $2 billion.  This aggressive approach to being fueled by more renewable energy sources is a testament to the the rising cost of energy and impact on the planet. 

~Kristen Roland