The Senate returned to work today and one of the items on Senator Mark Udall’s agenda is an effort to jumpstart the solar energy market.
The upfront cost associated with setting up solar systems often prevents homeowners from doing so. Senator Udall (D-CO) wants to address that problem with the Renewable Energy Access through Leasing or REAL Act. He says it would allow the Department of energy to insure the value of the leases.
“The REAL Act creates incentives for businesses to work with homeowners and businesses to deploy more renewable energy in a way that’s cost effect and gives investors the assurance that the investment will be returned to them.”
Udall says that would create a stable market for renewable energy systems and at zero cost to taxpayers – because companies in the program would be charged a premium to participate. The legislation is also sponsored by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
