In what looks to be a last minute effort to embrace Earth Day, Texas approves $500 million in rebates to encourage solar-power installations. The best part is that it bars home owner associations from prohibiting residential solar panels, even if they are a bit ugly.

Long a leader in oil and natural gas-based energy, Texas embraced wind power years ago and generates more electricity from wind than any other state. Building on that, the state senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved $500 million over five years for a rebate program to encourage solar-power installations, while a senate committee advanced a bill that would mandate a roughly 60% increase in electricity derived from renewable sources other than wind.

At least 30% of the $500 million — which is to come from electric-bill fees — would be dedicated to small-scale installations. The legislation also bars homeowners associations from prohibiting residential solar panels. The bill awaits a vote by the Texas House of Representatives.

(Via the WSJ)