| One of the biggest advantages of a | | | | programs for homes who want solar now without |
| solar-powered home is called "net-metering." This | | | | paying out of pocket. In Arizona, the Arizona |
| is where you sell a portion of the electricity you | | | | Public Service utilities allow homeowners to sell |
| produce to your local electric company. Your | | | | back their solar electricity as well for a sizeable |
| electric company then credits your account and | | | | credit. |
| may even cut you a check if they use over the | | | | No matter where you live, you will need to do |
| amount you owe in your account. Every electric | | | | some considerable homework to discover what |
| company has different rules and rates at which | | | | incentives you can get from your residential solar |
| they sell electricity back. You have to check your | | | | power system. The DSIRE has a state-by-state |
| local company to see what they can offer you as | | | | database that tells you where to find the best |
| a home solar power system owner. | | | | deals. You can also go to your electric company's |
| New Mexico has one of the friendliest solar power | | | | website to see if they offer any programs not |
| companies out there: PNM. PNM offers customers | | | | listed with DSIRE. |
| who have solar power $0.13/kWh for excess | | | | When installing your solar power system, you will |
| energy generated by residential solar systems. | | | | have to follow some local rules with your electric |
| Believe it or not, the average electric rate in New | | | | company. First, you will have to apply for a |
| Mexico is $0.0935/kWh, which makes PNM one of | | | | permit to add solar panels to your home. Second, |
| the best electric companies out there! They're | | | | you will have to apply be added as a net-metering |
| actually paying more for their solar energy than | | | | location in your electric company's grid. This |
| they're charging their customers. | | | | application process isn't particularly hard, but it |
| Pacific Gas and Electric has over 25,000 solar | | | | must be started before the installation. After |
| homes and businesses connected to their energy | | | | installing, your electric company will come out and |
| grid. They have an entire program dedicated to | | | | assess whether or not your system is safe to |
| finding solar power installers and providers for | | | | add to their grid. This is essential for their |
| their Northern and Southern California customers. | | | | worker's safety. If your system isn't properly |
| Their program is a part of the California Solar | | | | connected, your solar system can actually pump |
| Initiative which delivers financial incentives to small | | | | electricity into dead wires during electrical |
| business and residential homeowners with solar | | | | maintenance. This could injure or even kill an |
| power systems. Their program even helps | | | | unsuspecting worker. |
| owners pay for their new solar systems with the | | | | Once you're in the net-metering "club" you can |
| California Solar Incentives, given to the customer | | | | look forward to a monthly credit to your electric |
| prior to purchasing. | | | | bill. Some months you may even receive a check! |
| Austin Energy offers a rebate program for | | | | Also, you have the peace of mind knowing your |
| customers who sell back their electricity from | | | | solar energy is helping your community become |
| their solar systems. Austin Energy also has loan | | | | cleaner and healthier. |