How much is your tree worth?

I noticed a very interesting sign tacked to a tree on the McMaster University campus recently:

Where's the logic behind green power?

There was an interesting article on the front page of Wednesday's Hamilton Spectator. It seems the Ontario Power Authority, which is responsible for ensuring Ontario's electricity needs are met, is offering 20-year contracts to homeowners for wind or solar power generated on their properties.

In other words, if you have a solar panel on your roof, Ontario wants to buy your power. What made my jaw drop about the article, however, is the price they're offering: 80.2 cents per kilowatt hour for solar power, according to the article. Apparently, most consumers currently pay between six and 11 cents per kilowatt hour on their electric bill.