On the one hand, it's a positive sign for renewable fans... a small family business making a go of it in solar and wind power. This Long Island family has been installing small-scale solar and wind energy packages in back yards, reducing homeownerâs electricity bills to almost zero. But, on the other hand, it illustrates how renewables' long-term promise are actually a big risk for the small fry. It can take more than a decade for homeowners to recoup their initial costs, red tape can trip companies up before they even start and taxes take a bite out of the annual bottom line. With all these hurdles, can they afford to wait for the sun to pay off?
