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A Texas Senate Bill Would Subsidize Solar Panels

By Solar energy | April 17, 2009

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A Texas Senate Bill Would Subsidize Solar Panels

Those of us trying to make solar power an affordable option always have ears turned to possible options that reduce solar power costs and installation.

According to KBTX.com last week, the Texas State Senate Business and Commerce committee voted the Fraser solar proposal (SB 545) out of committee.

This proposal

“calls for the creation of a pot of money that would not only subsidize Texans who want to install solar panels on their roofs but also utility companies that want to build big, concentrated solar facilities.”

And how will this subsidy be funded?

By a surcharge added to each Texas citizen’s electric bill.

Hmmm…offsetting the cost of my solar panels by charging me more for my electric bill? So where’s the “savings” in that?

Read the news article for yourself.

Read the solar proposal.

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Topics: Renewable Energy Politics | 1 Comment »

One Response to “A Texas Senate Bill Would Subsidize Solar Panels”

  1. Kyle Says:
    April 22nd, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    “Hmmm…offsetting the cost of my solar panels by charging me more for my electric bill? So where’s the “savings” in that?”

    Its simple. By charging 1000 of your neighbors an extra 10 cents, they can give you $100. You Peter to pay Paul. This is the way all federal and state renewable subsidies have always worked. It’s not like the extra subsidy money just comes out of thin air to pay for the higher cost of solar power.

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