Homeowners won approval for what solar energy advocates say will be an easier, more affordable way to have solar power systems installed on their rooftops.
On Tuesday, Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law the provisions of House Bill 57, which was backed not only by solar installers and environmental groups, but also Georgia Power and other utilities that had resisted similar measures in the past.
While big solar power farms are cropping up around Georgia, homeowners and small businesses have been slower to add solar panels to their rooftops in recent years. One of the biggest hurdles is the steep up-front cost of the systems, which can top $15,000 for a home.
The new Solar Power Free Market Financing Act was designed to make it easier for individuals and businesses to get financing for panels on their own property, allowing them to use third-party companies to install and own the systems. Utilities successfully pushed for restrictions that prevent solar companies from selling excess power from the systems to anyone other than the homeowner or local utilities.
