Palo Alto Offers Solar Rebates to Residents

Back in 1983, Dennis Kobza invested in a new technology—solar—to power his home.

“As an Architect, I wanted to pursue all solar systems available in 1975 and chose to install photovoltaic,” Kobza relates. “It was a bit of a gamble, because the technology was so new at the time; however, I went forward. Since I was the first system in Palo Alto, I had to get the City Council to accept me as a co-generator. The 92 panel system (4.5 kilowatts) was installed. I went on line in 1983 and received the solar award from the city in 1983.”

Fast forward three decades and Kobza’s system was at the end of its life. His choice in 2013—solar. The new system that Kobza had installed in January is expected to generate 75-percent of the energy used at his home.

Kobza’s new system is the 500th one to go through the Utilities Department's PV Partners rebate program. The City offers rebates to both homeowners and businesses for installing solar energy. In addition, the city purchases excess energy from customers.

Rebates are given for both solar power (photovoltaic, PV) systems and solar water heating systems. Check the City’s website for complete details. 

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