Solar program to pay Oregonians premium rates for power they generate

Oregonians who install solar panels will soon be eligible to receive checks from utility companies at premium rates for the power they generate.

A pilot program unveiled Friday — the first of its kind in the nation — is designed to guarantee homeowners and businesses a long-term stream of income to cover their costs. Ratepayers of participating utilities will fund the program through higher monthly bills; that spooks utility-customer advocates who say expanding the program could push rates to unaffordable levels.

By Richard Read, The Oregonian

Full Story: http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/solar_program_to_pay_oregonian.html