Terminator Turns Illuminator. (July 15, 2005)

    The following report comes from the July 15, 2005 issue of Science.

Solar Bill Advances in California. Two key California legislative committees approved an ambitious new solar energy initiative last week. The initiative, backed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, aims to raise power generation from solar cells from the current level of 100 megawatts to more than 3000 megawatts, enough to power more than 500,000 homes. The bill is expected to become law next month. It would require builders of new homes to offer solar power systems to buyers. The solar systems would likely cost about $15,000, but buyers would receive about $5000 in rebates from the state. The rebates are set to decline 7% per year before expiring in 2016, a progression that the state hopes will encourage innovation by forcing manufacturers to cut costs and boost efficiency.

 

---