SF PUTS IN BERKELEY PLAN FOR SUN

Gavin Newsom continues to push renewable energy
Erin Allday, February 3, 2009 (SF Chronicle)

“…People aren't really investing in solar energy right now. Something to do with the economy tanking, perhaps? … Mayor Gavin Newsom is [not] going to let something like a global financial crisis get in the way of one of his pet projects. On Monday, the mayor's office announced a new program to offer residential and commercial loans for solar and other renewable energy projects."

Mayor Newsom will turn The City's golden sun to gold. (click to enlarge)

“The Clean Energy Loan Program will be privately backed, although there isn't actually a private backer on board yet. The loans will be attached to the home or office building - not the individual taking out the loan - and paid over 20 years as a special tax on the property.

“It's an expensive venture, even with federal and local rebates…a typical residential installation costs about $25,000.

“With rebates, that price can be cut in half, and it can be as low as $7,000 for low-income residents - assuming, of course, that there are low-income residents in these hard times who are making a priority out of $7,000 solar panels."