Leasing a path to solar power(Philadelphia)

[RamboLiberal]

Even with a state rebate of up to 35 percent, on top of maximum federal tax credits of 30 percent, going solar requires a sizable investment. The typical four-kilowatt residential system costs about $35,000.

In all but affluent households, that is an unthinkable expense, says David Blumenfeld - especially now, when "everybody is hurting, everybody is scared about losing their job."

So he is offering another pathway to the sun.

By offering homeowners the option of leasing solar systems - a deal that would not involve the up-front costs typical of buying such equipment - Blumenfeld's new company, Urban Eco Electric, hopes to raise a bumper crop of solar panels across Philadelphia's rowhouse rooftops.

UEE, believed to be one of only a few such companies nationwide, also would guarantee 50 percent decreases in monthly electricity costs for the first two years of a 20-year agreement.

http://www.philly.com/philly/living/green/20090510_Leasing_a_path_to_solar_power.html?cmpid=16339736