Patrick Unveils $68m Solar Energy Plan

In another push for so-called green energy, Governor Deval Patrick is unveiling a $68 million program to increase the number of solar electric panels on area homes, businesses, and schools by 600 percent over the next four years.

Energy and environmental affairs secretary Ian Bowles says the rebate program will make solar more affordable for more people.

"There's some special added incentive for lower moderate income families really to give them a larger rebate to really buy down the cost of solar," Bowles said.

The current system for low- and moderate-income families requires filing extensive grant applications and getting state approval.

Patrick's plan is being largely funded by revenue generated from a roughly 25-cent-a-month tax levied on Massachusetts homeowners' electric bills for the last decade.