Moin Terry, This is similar to how the Germans have been promoting the use of solar for some time now (at least five years, I would guess). It has been quite successful. I don't know the exact euro cent difference per kWhr or if there is a cap on the annual amount, but they have made it law that the power companies buy back any extra power fed into the grid at a rate that exceeds what the power company can sell it for.
When I got here 3 years ago, I talked to a young power company engineer about this, and at the time, he was pretty hot about the subject. He said basically, that it was a giant fraud, etc., and that the power companies shouldn't have to buy the power back at all. This same young man just bought his own home however in the last year, and the first thing he did was cover all of his roof space with S panels. He is not dumb. After living in the US, especially in Florida where the sun shines year round, and not seeing ANY solar panels, it is a joy to drive around the German countryside. Solar panels are on many homes and barns. In North Germany, you see quite a few giant windmills, as well. To me, they are not ugly, and most people that I have talked to celebrate the fact that Germany is becoming more self sufficient for its energy needs, and that they are slowly accomplishing that in an environmentally friendly, and non warlike way. Being one of the most progressive states in the Union, I am not surprised to hear that Washington State finally adopted a similar stance. This should be especially good for the people living in the Seattle area because the power company charges so little per kWhr. When I was there, it was under a nickel, but that may have changed. Billb would know. Way to go, Washington! Knuke Am Freitag, 13. Mai 2005 16:15 schrieb Terry Blanton: > http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/002714.html > > http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2005-06/Htm/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legi >slature/5101-S.PL.htm > > or > > http://tinyurl.com/d392d > > Allows for recovery of 15 cents per kWhr up to $2,000 per annum for > renewable energy generation including solar and anerobic digesters!
