Installing a solar power systems is not cheap as most people interested in the idea are already aware of. Solar power systems, especially grid connected systems, pay for themselves over time, but a relatively large up-front investment is needed to reap the benefits of a solar power system.
An article on TreeHugger published today talks about a different way of financing a solar power system by using a service model instead of an asset or ownership model. This service model means that a service provider installs, owns, and maintains the solar power system on your house and you buy the electricity generated from the service provider.
Major benefits, as I see them, are:
- No large up-front installation cost which makes solar power a feasible option for many more people.
- No worries about maintenance as your service provider looks after the system for you.
- You are not dependant on government handoutsrebates to be able to afford solar power.
The article on TreeHugger seems to apply mainly to the USA as it does not contain any information about any such service outside the US of A. Nevertheless the idea described in the article is interesting and merits further thought and hopefully duplication in Australia.
Please leave a comment if you have any information or links to alternative ways of obtaining a solar power system that apply to Australia as this sounds very interesting to me. I am sure such alternate ways of financing a solar power system would increase the up-take of solar power in Australia again after the damper the Australian government has dealt with the introduction of the means testing for the solar rebate.
For more reading check out the article on TreeHugger.
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