Los Angeles solar installations in 2010 have now reached 150 a month, and LADWP is considering a proposal to slow down the rate at which its 1.4 million customers install solar.
Slated for an effective date of January 1, 2011, the proposed rebate cuts would reduce residential incentives by over 30%.
LADWP officials said the incentive reductions are needed because funding for the solar program is being depleted more rapidly than expected.
The officials explained that prices for solar installations in Los Angeles have not dropped to the extent anticipated.
In an Oct. 5 report, LADWP used the figure $8.50 per watt as an example for a residential system.
Meanwhile, a new group-purchase program open to LADWP and Edison customers city-wide has cut Los Angeles area solar prices to a nationwide low, below $5/Watt.
The Open Neighborhoods GoSolar 2010 group-purchasing program has negotiated installed solar PV system prices that could go as low as $4.22 per watt before either the LADWP incentive or a 30 percent federal tax credit are considered.
Los Angeles is now one of few cities where solar can be installed for under $5/Watt.
To participate in the Open Neighborhoods GoSolar 2010 program and begin the process of reserving a solar rebate, businesses and residents can request a free solar assessment prior to the Dec. 3rd program end date at: www.openneighborhoods.net/gosolar.
Solar advocates are concerned that the rebate cuts will slow two years worth of solar installations into six years, along with the associated green jobs and environmental benefits.
