How to brighten solar power’s future

Consumers are going to want to do the math: Does the $15,000 investment of a solar panel generate a sufficient return in lower utility bills?

Today, for most homeowners, the answer is no — though state rebates and tax credits help narrow the gap.

The Campbell-Murray bill would extend state solar rebates for homes and businesses — now set to expire in December 2007 — through 2016. The cost of those subsidies would be covered by a fee on utility bills to be determined by the California Public Utilities Commission.

SF Gate