Solar energy for homeowners and commercial building owners is poised to become a viable alternative to paying for electricity.

In the past two weeks, I have interviewed a representative from a solar power company out of Chula Vista, heard ads on the radio for another solar company and one block away on my street a homeowner is converting to solar energy from yet another solar company. During the past week, I’ve had a telemarketing call from a fourth solar company and I’m sure the heavy marketing is only going to intensify.

Solar panels may be undergoing a redesign to blend more into a home’s design and the landscape of cities. The rectangular panels bolted to sides of roofs may become more traditional looking tiles. The site, greenprophet.com had an article a year ago on solar pods in Israel and in urban areas that fit into urban landscapes.

Government incentives in the form of mandates and rebates are expected to spur many homeowners to take action in converting. The Obama administration is pledging to invest $150 billion over the next decade on energy technology. In California, Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed an executive order that requires state utilities to get a third of their power from renewable sources by 2020.

For rebates, when the homeowner agrees to purchase the system, within 60 days of closing, the state rebates 52% of the total cost of the system back to the homeowner. Many states are offering rebates from 35% of a system’s cost up to 55%.

Sales reps from solar companies will review the electric bill of the home, show the homeowner the price difference and then offer a system with no down payment from the consumer.
The popularity of solar energy in southern California is shown in part by the increasing number of salespeople. Pursol Solar Systems has grown from 30 reps to 100 reps covering San Diego, Orange County and Riverside County.

Solar energy is finally becoming affordable for consumers. Analysts are now looking to see if the industry can sustain many smaller companies offering energy solutions or if it will eventually consolidate among an elite group of larger corporations.