Business Still Booming Despite New OK Law Adding Fee To Solar Users

The fewer the clouds, the more the power. Solar energy could be that simple. But the new law could complicate things come November.

Right now it's nothing but sunny days for the solar business.

"Every business has challenges," said Chris Gary with Sun City Solar Energy.

A challenge for Gary is like a blustery winter's day.

"Solar is year round, but summer is best," said Gary.

But as any good business man, you just have to bolt down and look at the bright side.

"It's exciting just staying busy," said Gary.

He's been busy because since a law was signed that will charge solar-using homeowners with a monthly fee, but potential solar customers weren't turned off.

"Phone has been ringing. It doesn't stop. It starts in the morning and goes till 7-8 o'clock at night," said Gary.

It's only increased the power.

"It's absolutely tripled our business," said Gary. "You might have had some people taking a look into it. It's really hey let's get this done."

Avid gardener Ike Hill is one of those customers.

"We're looking forward to the savings," said homeowner, Ike Hill.

Hill started researching solar panels awhile back. And when he first heard about the new law, he used his green thumb for something else.

"The first reaction was [to] get on the phone," said Hill.

On the other line was Gary.

"I didn't know if I was going to go through with it. Then he explained the bill," said Hill.

What Gary explained was the bill will not take effect until November. And will grandfather in any homeowner that already uses solar, saving them the monthly fee.

"That's the only way it allowed us to make the investment. Otherwise we wouldn't have made it," said Hill.

The monthly charge has yet to be determined. But a final plan should be in place by the end of 2015. Arizona has a similar law. Solar customers there are charged a minimum of around $5 a month.