LA DWP: What a great solar rebate program?

Judging by the speed at which the $20mn autumn 2011 commercial rebate was gobbled up, tells us just how successful the program was/is. Right?

Well, I suppose that depends on which side of the transaction you are on. It’s not just the pv solar power customer and installer involved. There is the leasing company, DWP, politicians and of course let’s not forget all the LA DWP rate payers. (Where do you think the rebate money ultimately comes from?)

Is handing out $100 bills for free and having a line of “customers” stretching around the block a successful business model? NO.

So, why then does it seem that no one is looking more closely at the level of the LA DWP rebate? I’m saying this even though we are a commercial solar installation integrator. I have seen commercial leasing deals offering to “kick back” half the rebate to the host customer! DUH WINNING!!!!!!

Surely the purpose of the program should be to maximize amount of photovoltaic solar panels for Manhattan Beach and surrounding cities, not how quickly they can spend the rebate? Solar does not have to “pencil out” for every roof top. Out of all the commercial deals we looked at, everyone would have work with half the rebate level.

Our mission at XeroSolar is to build a long term SUSTAINABLE business model which will cover California’s urban carbon foot print. So, my question is, “Is being honest going to be bad for business, or just good business practice?”