The citizens of San Francisco are all about going solar these days — the city of San Francisco is paying them to install solar panels in their homes.

The leaders of the city have established a program called “GoSolarSF” in July 2008. The program is designed to offer grants (incentives) to people for installing solar systems in their homes. The incentives vary anywhere from $500 to $7,000. Of course, not everyone can get a grant — only homes with an income below a certain limit are liable.
The city assessor and the main creator of the whole project, Phil Ting, said: “We really changed the face of solar in San Francisco.”

Of course, solar installing companies are adjusting their prices to be able to compete and get as many customers as they can. A company called “SolarCity” offers no-money-down leases on home solar equipment. Apart from customers saving on this, they are also saving in advance — because the energy costs in the future will be way lower. The company is expanding fast, and has a plan to go to six new states by 2011. Another company called “SunRun” has a program where homeowners put a small amount down and contract to buy the electricity their leased systems generate.

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