Thompson seeks break for those who go solar

Napa Valley Register

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, introduced legislation last week that would make it easier for homeowners and small businesses to purchase solar technology with help from state and local governments.

Under current law, people who use government assistance to finance solar projects receive significantly smaller tax credits than they otherwise would. Thompson's bill would remove this penalty and allow local governments to use tax-exempt bonds to finance solar projects.

"Installing solar panels can cost $20,000 or more for a single home," Thompson said in a statement. "The high upfront cost stops a lot of people from making this investment, which is hurting the market for solar technology and eliminating good paying green jobs. By helping families finance these investments, we can create thousands of long-term green jobs, and dramatically reduce energy use."

Thompson is also encouraging Congress and President Obama's administration to include his solar energy proposals in their economic stimulus package. He has also pushed to include funding for the Army Corps of Engineers and projects in rural communities.

Meanwhile, Thompson is calling on local communities to launch new public-private partnerships that would promote the use of solar technology.

"Our district has been a leader in the solar energy field for a long time, and it's time the federal government caught up," Thompson said. "Sonoma County is setting up a program to help finance the purchase of solar panels through revenue bonds, which are repaid over 20 years. By ensuring that the tax code doesn't penalize this type of program, we will make it easier for people to switch to cleaner, greener energy sources."