Solar panels are still struggling for acceptance, not because the technology doesn't work but because of the costs.
Jim Kusz is one of the few who can afford them right now.
His solar panels cost about $25,000, but with his state and federal rebate, the total comes to about $16,000.
Now every home and business in Berkeley, Calif. can go solar. The city is offering to pay the upfront cost. Residents would pay it back in yearly tax assessments over 20 years.
The goal is to reduce dependency on coal-burning electricity plants.
Some might not benefit
But solar efficiency is affected by tree shade, orientation, and power usage.
"I'm very concerned that they're going to tell people 'you should do this. You'll actually save money,' and they won't actually save money," said Severin Borenstein, director of the University of California energy institute.
"Most Berkeley residents do not spend enough on electricity and their rates are not high enough to justify putting in solar PV."
The city admits solar panels are not efficient for everyone, but the sustainable energy financing program also includes upfront money for solar water heaters, and more efficient insulation or heating and cooling systems.
The city says the plan won't eliminate all of its carbon emissions, but it could reduce them by up to 30 per cent.
