Solar California

What Happens When the California Solar Initiative Runs Out?

cee — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:26:12 +0000

In 2006, the Californian legislature passed the sweeping California Solar Initiative, allocating over $2 billion for rebates targeting residential and commercial solar systems. The initiative’s original goal was to expand California’s solar infrastructure by 1,940 megawatts of electrical generating capacity.

Last May, all but 477 megawatts of solar capacity had been claimed. At that rate, any remaining rebates will likely run out by the end of this year or early next year, four years ahead of schedule.

Because the rebates are on the verge of running out, two of the three utility companies involved in the program started putting customers on a waiting list for California solar rebates last year. For any customers still interested in taking advantage of these California solar rebates, time is running out fast.

Where Did the Money Go?

For a program designed to provide rebates for 10 years, the CSI has managed to burn through nearly all of its funding in just half that time, which has raised reasonable questions about how $2 billion has been spent.

The answer lies with how the CSI provides rebates for California solar energy systems. The first rebate, the Expected Performance Based Buydown, provides a lump sum payment following system installation based on expected performance. However, the second type of rebate, the Performance Based Incentive, pays solar panel owners each month based on actual performance over a period of five years.

Many California solar power systems are actually exceeding expectations, which is a good problem for home and business owners because it means that their solar systems are generating more electricity and higher rebates. Unfortunately, those higher rebates are quickly draining the CSI budget.

Once the rebates do run out, the only financial incentives left will be the federal income tax credit, which covers 30 percent of the cost of a solar panel system, and any local or utility-based rebates not tied into the California Solar Initiative. Even though customers will have to pay more, they will still only have to pay for 50-70 percent of the total cost of a new solar panel system.

Other Consequences

Unfortunately, California solar energy customers will also lose consumer protection regulations tied in with the California Solar Initiative. Under the CSI, solar panel providers had to explain why some solar power systems cost more than $14.70 per watt of capacity, a 70 percent premium over 2011′s average of $8.70 per watt.

Other regulations included equipment and installation quality standards to ensure that customers received efficient and durable systems. After CSI funding runs out, future customers will lose these protections. However, some lawmakers and business leaders have called for permanent regulations, which would be independently funded outside the California Solar Initiative.

One trend that will partially counter the loss of CSI rebates is the falling cost of photovoltaic panels. In the past three years, solar panel prices have dropped about 30 percent across the industry to the point where some wholesale companies offer 10 kW or larger panel arrays for as little as $1.40 per watt. Other emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel cells, expected to become the primary type of battery for solar power, are also becoming more cost effective each year.

Make no mistake – the end of the California Solar Initiative is a blow to California’s solar industry, but it is not an end. Falling panel prices and rising energy costs from utility companies will continue to drive demand in the following decades. Regardless, the CSI greatly expanded California solar power capacity. If all of the 1,940 MW of solar capacity were reserved for residential use, the new solar panels would be enough to power nearly half a million moderately sized homes. Even though it is near its end, the CSI has helped California become significantly more energy independent.

Where Do We Stand With The California Solar Initiative?

cee — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:35:58 +0000

California is the Sunshine State, and it only makes sense to try and switch over to as much solar power as possible. So, in order to tempt businesses and homeowners to try and generate more solar power, California solar incentives have been created, such as the California solar rebates that are offered by the California Solar Initiative, originally a $3.3 billion program.

What is the California Solar Initiative?

The California Solar Initiative is a program throughout the state that offers cash back to people who install solar panels on their home property or on their businesses. The goal was to reach 1,750 MW of regular, installed solar energy gathering. These California solar rebates give extra incentive to residents, showing that not only can they lower their power bills, but also earn additional rewards when it comes time to pay taxes or to sell their houses. A house that can generate at least some of its own power is one that will be worth more.

All residents have to do to claim their California solar incentives is to have the proper paperwork filled out by their installers and by the power company. Once the panels and the system are online and working the paperwork will be submitted to the state. The state will look over the paperwork and promptly give rebates to the owners of the property that chose to install a solar power system. It really is just that simple.

Where Do I Get The Details?

If you want to participate in the California Solar Initiative, then you need to visit their website at www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov and see what options you have available to you in your area and with your business or home size. This site lists all of the rebates you have available as a participant, the steps you need to take, and it even provides a list of reliable solar installers so that residents know they’re dealing with someone that is legitimate and on the level. Additionally the FAQ page will help you handle all of the questions that you might have about what other solar initiatives are available, and how you apply for them.

The California Solar Initiative is still going strong, despite declines of as much a 38% of the rebate value in certain parts of the state. It also as a side effect, appears to have spurred a 40% growth in California solar projects.

Top Solar Companies in San Diego, California

cee — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:23:05 +0000

Californians have been leaders in answering the call for renewable energy. The quest for green energy solutions has been met with solar companies in San Diego and the surrounding area offering some of the best deals for solar energy systems around. Many of these companies offer comprehensive services that include assessment, design and installation. Many offer very fair financing available. Here is a brief rundown of some of the best solar companies in San Diego:

Solare Energy has a lot of experience designing and installing solar energy solutions. They have been a San Diego solar installer since 1989. Very knowledeable in solar water heating and pool heating, they have expanded to include many services. Other energy saving services provided include air sealing, duct sealing, insulation and LED lighting. They believe that the customer is better served through comprehensive services to meet the energy needs of the individual customer. Rather than sub-contract, they send a certified energy auditor to do an assessment and design a solution. Their own experienced crews then install the systems.

Stellar Solar has had an impressive record as one of the best San Diego solar companies since 1998. During that time, San Diego solar installers have completed work in over 40,000 homes. Voted Best Solar Panel Company of 2011 by San Diego Union Tribune readers, they have developed a solid reputation among San Diego solar companies. Stellar Solar also provide solar installation services for companies and businesses. Stellar Solar has very generous financing available to qualified customers with no money down and six months same as cash.

Sullivan Solar company in Miramar is centrally located to serve the greater San Diego area. They are one of the larger solar companies in San Diego. Being a local company, Sullivan Solar claims to care about the customer as a neighbor. They like to establish relationships with their clients in order to better answer concerns of the customer. They are known for good technical support to customers. They continue to provide technical support for years after installation.

Borrego Solar is another San Diego solar company that offers comprehensive solar energy solutions. Their turnkey procedure includes four phases of the solar power installation. They will complete a site analysis, determine needs and negotiate contracts and prices. They then design the system that will be the most economical for the individual customer. Borrego Solar’s own installers address any construction problems.

If you want a simple way to see if any of the above San Diego solar installers service your area, Solar California can put you directly in touch with these and other reputable and professional San Diego solar installers who can help you go solar easily and economically.

Top Solar Companies In Los Angeles

cee — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:50:47 +0000

There is a competitive market for solar companies in Los Angeles. Here are some of the best Los Angeles solar companies and what makes each one stand out above the rest.

Mimeos Solar – This company is considered on of the top solar companies in Los Angeles due to the follow through of the owner Matt Moses.Their website provides detailed information on the step by step process of installing solar panels. They specialize in making sure the consumer has the most cost efficient system for their current energy use. This helps save the consumer money and then the team at Mimeos helps complete the rebate process. They were rated 5 stars on Yelp.com for Los Angeles solar installers.

REC Los Angeles – REC has been one of the top Los Angeles solar installers since 1997 and is dedicated to getting the most out of the Los Angeles sun on a daily basis for its consumers. It has been awarded an Angie’s List 2011 Super Service Award. They help each consumer reduce their utilities immediately. Their website provides a Solar Savings Estimated tool to be used to see how much could be saved on utilities.

Moore Solar & Green Construction – Moore is a family owned company that believes in putting the customer first. They have a no pressure approach by coming out to estimate, putting together a quote and then letting the consumer decide. They also will submit all rebate paperwork right away so their is no cash investment made. They know that their customer service stands out above the rest of Los Angeles solar companies so they mostly work by referrals. Moore has also won an Angie’s List 2011 Super Service Award

SolarCity – This company has a no cost installation process. They will install the solar panels and then the consumer pays them directly each month for the cost of the energy used. Similar to a utility company; making clean living more cost affordable. They handle the process from beginning to end including getting permits and setting the consumer up with payment plans. They are truly concerned with making the task of getting solar panels as easy as possible.

Due to the perfect sun above Los Angeles, there are immense choices when it comes to solar companies. The companies listed above have proven themselves worthy of being ranked in the best.

How the California Solar Initiative is Helping California Solar

cee — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:19:04 +0000

California is the nationwide leader in consumer-generated solar power as a result of its ambitious solar program, the California Solar Initiative. The initiative is part of the largest solar campaign in the United States, called Go Solar California, and it provides incentives to California residents for installing California solar systems. The program is administered by the California Public Utilities Commission and started in 2007.

The purpose of the program is to transform the California solar power market by reducing the cost of California solar systems. The total budget for the life of the program is $2.167 billion. The specific goal is to install approximately 1,940 megawatts of new California solar power capacity. As the goal is achieved, the cost of CA solar systems is expected to drop. Incentives offered through the program will decline as the cost of solar systems drops.

According to the 2012 annual assessment of the program, California is the first state in the nation to install more than 1 gigawatt of solar energy generated by consumers. Since the beginning of the program, the cost of residential CA solar systems has decreased by 28 percent. Projects in low income markets have increased by 364 percent, and projects in middle income markets have increased by 445 percent. The program is on track to meet its overall goals by 2016, which is the end of the program.

California residents purchasing electricity from the investor-owned utilities Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison or San Diego Gas and Electric are qualified to participate in the initiative. Solar systems may be installed on existing residential homes and existing or new business properties. Depending on the size of the solar system, the program pays either a one-time, up-front payment or installments over the course of five years. Smaller systems of less than 50 kilowatts are paid up-front. These systems are usually residential or small business systems. Larger systems of 50 kilowatts or more are paid in 60 monthly installments. Participating residents must have a roof or ground area that receives direct sunlight from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. all year long. Residents will need to find a qualified contractor, and the contractor will assist with the application process. Residents interested in applying for the incentive rebate should visit Go Solar California to review the application process. Or if you want help finding a CA solar installer near you, Solar California can put you directly in touch with several reputable and professional CA solar installers who can help you go solar easily and economically.

Top 5 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill in California

cee — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 21:17:50 +0000

For quite some time now, California electric bills have been extremely high. These costs have taken a toll on households and dealing with the additional expense has been quite a burden. There are some ways to lower electric bills and make things a bit more affordable. Below are some tips that will help lower California electric bills.

Recently people have begun to take advantage of building their own CA solar panels and windmills in their back yards to save energy and lower electric bills. Families are trying to not be dependent solely on the power suppliers with the high rates they charge and find their own sources of producing energy. This can save a home up to 70 percent on utility bills. That’s a huge solar power savings!
Making sure you unplug all your household gadgets will reduce your electric bill. Anything that is plugged in (even if it is off) is drawing electricity. Even unplugging the television and stereo after you use them is going to save lots of electricity. Sit down with the family and discuss the cost savings that can be achieved by unplugging things such as the curling iron, blow dryer, coffee makers and all the other little items we tend to leave plugged in to save money.
Light bulbs can make a big difference on your electric bill. Incandescent bulbs take a lot more electricity than the compact fluorescent lamps. CFL’s do cost a bit more but the results on the electric bill will be worth it in the long run. Just one regular incandescent light bulb makes enough heat to raise the temperature in a room. The heat will cause the air conditioning to run more which in turn raises the electric bill. Switch all your light bulbs to CFL.
Air conditioners add a lot of cost to your electric bill. Keeping your air conditioner adjusted at a higher temperature will save lots of money on the electric bill. Make sure you set your air conditioner at 75 degrees or higher and you will reduce your electric bill by 30 percent.
In the colder months of the year, wrapping your water heater can save a lot of money on your electric bill. The wrapping will reduce the ability of heat leaking out and keep the water hot inside the heater. This can save up to 40 percent on your electric bill.

All of these five tips will help you save lots of money on your electric bill. Start taking control of your power bills and begin lowering them today.

Why is Electricity so Expensive In California?

cee — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 22:35:56 +0000

There is no denying it. If you live inside the state of California, chances are you probably have seen your monthly service charge go through the roof, each and every time you pay the electric bill. California is actually the most expensive state in the US when it comes to electricity, even higher than Alaska and Hawaii, which leaves many individuals scratching their heads. In fact, there is really no ultimate reason as to why California should be so expensive. It isn’t any more expensive to produce electricity in the state than anywhere else, and with the prevalence of alternative power options, ranging from solar to wind, you would think it would actually be easier to produce energy inside the state. However, it effectively has become a higher price due to price gouging. Hiking the price of your electricity inside the state of California has been occurring for years, with the average price of electricity inside the state as much as 30 percent higher than other states in the country. If you looked at the industrial electricity rates inside the state, as of the end of the year, 2011, you’d actually see the rate of California is nearly 60 percent higher than the national average.

There really isn’t much you can do about adjusting the overall cost of electricity as it is charged by the electric company, which is why it is necessary to start looking for other ways for lower electric bills. The best bet is to look towards installing your own energy producing equipment, such as solar panels. If you become completely sustainable, it is possible to sell the remaining solar energy back to the electric company, although even if it doesn’t completely wipe out what you use every month, you’ll still lower your electric bills considerably. However, you need to take a few pointers into consideration. The only real way solar power is effective enough for you to consider the installation cost is if you live inland in southern California. Right on the coast or up north you won’t have the constant sunshine and you need to exceed 500 kWh per month (which you probably do). If you fall into both of these categories, you can actually receive a generous federal and state tax credit for installing a solar array on your home, which helps offset the total price of the installation, which is fantastic for saving money.

The solar energy rebates for the state of California are similar to the Massachusetts solar energy offered throughout the New England area. Although unlike with the Massachusetts solar energy, although you are paying more for your utility bills every month than those individuals on the complete other side of the country, you are receiving a higher tax break and you have more sunlight throughout the year than in Massachusetts. This way, you’ll be able to create more solar energy, cut down on your utility bill by a higher percentage, and possibly make more money when you sell the additional energy back to the company.

If you are interested in going solar and you need a little help getting pointed in the right direction to find the right CA solar installer, Solar California can put you directly in touch with several reputable and professional CA solar installers who can help you go solar easily and economically.

Apple excels at creating value for investors

Solar California Staff — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:05:14 +0000

Apple excels at creating value for investors

The late Steve Jobs made Apple the top Northern California company based on value created for investors, according to a Pepperdine University business school study released Wednesday.

Thomas H. Werner of SunPower Corp. was last on the CEO list, as his company showed a drop of $333 million in economic profit compared to the prior year as intense solar energy market competition forced the San Jose firm to reduce its prices, the study said.

Expediting solar on public lands

Solar California Staff — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:05:07 +0000

The Obama administration is moving to streamline development of large-scale solar projects on public lands. California will be a big player as a host and a consumer of solar-generated electricity.

Why has San Diego become a leader in solar in California?

cee — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:40:38 +0000

A place to cut corners on outgoing expenses is to consider the installation of solar energy for electricity in your home. A solar system adds value to your home, reduces electric costs, and locks in your kWh price for electricity. Solar energy is also considered a green energy which allows for tax incentives at both the state and local level. Coupled with california solar energy incentives the installation of solar panels offers great benefits for homeowners.

Solar energy is considered the cleanest source of energy without having a negative impact on the environment. The sun will be producing energy for five billion years and is naturally produced from the sun. The real question for most consumers is how california solar energy can be expanded to all consumers.

The most prominent used today for electricity is photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells acts as a semi-conductor that convert sunlight to electricity. When the cells are exposed to sunlight they react and generate electricity.

One of consumer’s concerns is the cost of installation versus the savings to your electric bill. The California Solar Initiative has stated that the average home needs an average of 4,000 kilowatts. The installation costs are expensive but there are several incentive programs from both the state and federal government. The incentives and rebates can save the consumer approximately $18,000 to $21,000 with the tax credits. Caliornia solar energy has been a great example for other sunny states.

Installaton of San Diego solar systems have solar energy companies that can help consumers navigate the process of filing necessary paperwork for rebates. When you consider that fossil fuel electricity often generates a 6% annual increase, the long term benefits of installation of the solar energy systems become more of an investment

California leads the nation in use of solar energy panels installed. Passage of the Renewal Resources Standard provided a goal post for California to increase California solar power reliance to 20% by 2010 and 33% by 2020. Today, California is leading the country in number of solar panels installed.

In the 1970’s the oil crisis sparked the concern of the United States dependency on fossil fuels. California, with their sunny climate, began to offer state and federal tax incentives which created the solar and wind industry exploration in California. In some areas of California solar power has increased 100 fold in the last decade.

San Diego solar energy systems help reduce the cost of electricity. Some credit for the popularity of electricity in San Diego has to do with the weather. San Diego has an average of three thunderstorms a year and known for its cool summers and warm winters which are conducive for solar energy. Consider that San Diego solar should be what all residents are striving for.

Federal and state incentive programs have provided rebates and reduced costs has helped bring affordable solar power systems to San Diego’s residential market as well as business. San Diego Gas & Electric and California solar rebates have helped San Diego surpass larger cities in the push for California to meet their Renewable Reform Standard. San Diego solar systems have stayed on the cutting edge to outpace other cities in California

A strong feed-in-tariff policy to compel warehouses, parking lots to implement the use of solar power systems has helped San Diego’s meteoric rise. The only requirement for the solar power installation to be successful is high levels of sunshine which is one of the geographical benefits of the San Diego area.

Sunny California paves the way for solar energy systems to shine. California solar power commitment leads the way for the rest of the country.