Local Solar Finance Programs Spread Like Wildfire

12:00 AM Feb 20, 2009

You may remember when Vote Solar released a report on Berkeley's pioneering new approach to solar financing, known as the "FIRST model." The model helps homeowners go solar without breaking the bank. It works like this: the city finances the new solar energy system for the homeowner and wraps the cost into affordable property tax payments spread over 20 years. 

The idea gained support immediately with cities like Berkeley, San Francisco and Boulder competing to launch their program first.  However, there was real concern that participation in FIRST-styled programs could preclude access to the full solar investment tax credit.  Fortunately, with leadership from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and support from SEIA and Vote Solar, the feds recently clarified that businesses and individuals who participate in these municipal programs also qualify for the full amount of the solar tax credit.

Next step is to pass enabling state legislation to authorize municipalities to offer FIRST-styled tax-assessment based finance options. Vote Solar is already working with local advocates and interested policy makers in eight states and counting (AZ, CA, MD, MI, NM, NV, TX, WI) to advance such legislation.  If your state isn't on the list, maybe we should talk.  Email me at annie@votesolar.org if you want to clear the way for FIRST-styled programs in your state.

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