Green Me Now

Updated appliances, better windows and insulation are what President Barack Obama has in mind in what has become known as the Cash for Caulkers program. He wants to expand on the $8 billon in energy-efficiency initiatives that are already part of the $787 billion Recovery Act. The funds so far are largely in the form of tax breaks, which to this point appear relatively ineffective at getting homeowners to jump onboard by installing insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing heating and air conditioning systems.

As reported earlier, the four- and five-figure up-front costs of such projects are the likely stumbling block (see “Tax Credits Proving Less than Effective”).

Lowe’s is now selling solar panels for home installation. The big-box home improvement retailer is offering Andalay AC panels from Akeena Solar at 21 locations in California. The panels, geared to do-it-yourselfers, retail for about $900 each, says Greentech Media.

Homeowners in California and elsewhere are being forced to fight for their solar energy installations. Their main foe appears to be homeowner associations that prize aesthetics (or at least consistency of look) over environmental issues.

Some associations remain undaunted in the face of government incentives for the adoption of alternative energy systems. And the battles are likely to occur more often as solar power continues its noteworthy price decline.