Solar installers....hold on to your hats. Things may get very busy in 2009 for homeowners with the October ’09 increase hike in electric rates for ratepayers on E-1, the most common rate plan in this territory. As the market continues to struggle electric rates will further increase as warm weather arrives. When June and July bills begin arriving in mailboxes there will be increased interest in installing solar to get insulated from these ongoing utility rate hikes.