Thursday, October 08, 2009 at 4:15:02 PM - by Danny Vo

Homeowners in the state of Virginia can see their solar energy investments pay off quicker than ever with help from a new incentive program.

One of the region's solar companies, Standard Solar, recently praised the state's governor, Tim Kaine, for using $15 million in federal stimulus funds to get the program started. The Virginia program apparently offers rebates of up to $2,000 per kilowatt for photovoltaic systems as large as 10 kilowatts.

"In setting up this program, Governor Kaine is going to unleash the pent-up demand for solar that we have been seeing in the Commonwealth for the past three years," said Standard Solar CEO Tony Clifford.

Clifford also suggested that state residents should take advantage of the program before funding for it runs out. The program for now is run on a first-come, first-served basis.

The company also noted that a typical residential system generates about 5 kilowatts of electricity, while businesses can receive the credits for up to 200 kilowatts, although the rebates will be less for them after the first 10 kilowatts.