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Popular solar rebates back at DWP, but they're shrinking
File photo: Employees of Solar Forward install solar electric panels on a residential rooftop on February 27, 2009 in Santa Monica, California.
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Popular solar rebates back at DWP, but they're shrinking
Popular solar rebates back at DWP, but they're shrinking
The popular rebates for rooftop solar systems that the L.A. Department of Water and Power suspended will start again in the fall.
Homeowners, businesses and nonprofits asked for more money than the state-funded solar rebate program had, so the municipal utility for Los Angeles put the program on hold before it went bust. But the Department of Water and Power has found more money for solar rebates by directing proceeds from bonds to double solar funding, and plans to re-start it in September.
L.A. power managers also had to clear a backlog of inspections required for the rebate. They sped up and streamlined inspections, reducing the wait time to about a week for a meter that spins forward when a home uses energy and backwards when solar panels generate power to the grid.
When the rebate program starts up again, the agency says it will revise rebates downward to more closely match those offered by investor-owned utilities in California, like Edison. Homeowners will get less generous rebates, but the upside, according to the agency, is that more homeowners will actually receive them.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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