Oregon Public Broadcasting

A pilot program offering a profit motive to help homeowners invest in solar panels was a rousing success in its first day of business.

Bob Valdez at the Oregon Public Utility Commission says all the initial spots were filled immediately. 

Valdez: "Actually there were three utilities throughout the state of Oregon offering the solar program, and we understand that the available capacity was reserved within the first half hour. At least one utility said they had their capacity taken up in the first 15 minutes."

Valdez notes that people interested in the solar program will have seven more chances over the next four years.

The program offers participants a set rate of between 55 and 65 cents a kilowatt hour for solar electricity.

Participants can use federal, not state, tax credits to help offset the upfront cost of the solar panels. The program was created by a 2009 Oregon law.