Homeowners can get paid for putting energy into the grid

European Delegation Touts Feed-in Tariffs

by Stephen Lacey
Florida, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com]

With a slew of recent grassroots support and state-level legislative activity, Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) -- also called Renewable Energy Payments -- seem to be gaining more traction around the U.S. FIT advocates hope this week's European delegation to Florida will highlight the increasing momentum for support of the policy.

This week, a group of European solar professionals will be in Florida, sharing best practices about how to implement a FIT in the state and around the country. Companies such as Isofoton, Phoenix Solar, Q-Cells, SMA, SolarWorld and others will be represented.

As states and municipalities consider how to promote solar other than with limited rebate programs, FITs are looking like a more attractive option in certain markets, especially as job creation becomes a more important part of the picture, say U.S. supporters.

FITs are long-term payments to owners of qualified renewable energy systems for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity they produce. Instead of relying on tax payers for funding, the payments come from utilities, which spread the cost of the program to all ratepayers.

(More here.)