Solar panelling for roofs in Georgia may become more accessible when Governor Nathan Deal signs House Bill 57 (HB 57) May 12, according to bill sponsor and Georgia House Rep. Mike Dudgeon.
Dudgeon and six other Georgia representatives sponsored HB 57 or Solar Power Free Market Financing Act, which will facilitate the sale and installation of solar panels for Georgia residents. Specifically, the bill tells homeowners how to pay for solar paneling through outside financing, according to the Atlanta Journal- Constitution (AJC).
Buzz Brockway, House Representative and one of the sponsors of the bill, said since there’s been a technological evolution in solar paneling, it’s more accessible to buy.
“The technology is improving rapidly, and thus the costs of energy generation is decreasing such that solar is becoming a more viable option,” he said. “We ought to remove barriers to implementing solar power generation where feasible.”
Dudgeon also said there are ecological and economical benefits with the signing of HB 57.
“Instead of paying $20K or so in up front costs, they [the solar panel users] can get it based on monthly payments related to the amount of energy,” he said. “Of course the more solar we have, the less pollution has to be generated from fossil fuel burning plants.
Georgia State freshman Christina Fortier said using solar energy is a great way to save energy and to benefit the planet.
“It’s also a great way to save money,” she said. “Solar panels are also dependable because they are made to withstand the harshest climate and wind problems.”
Georgia State student Jessica Aiken said the bill would make Georgia a role model to the rest of the states in the U.S.
“Our example would ultimately lead to a greener America and a reduction of harmful carbon monoxide gases in our atmosphere,” she said.
Georgia State’s Sustainable Energy Tribe (SET) said they hope HB 57 will take steps towards ecological sustainability.
“We hope the restrictions on the amount of energy that the panels supply increases over time, but this bipartisan bill is monumental and inspiring for the economy and the environment,” President of SET Justin Brightharp said.
