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Pasadena, CA Rebate Program
Why Choose Solar Now?
Generous Anaheim, CA Rebates
Look for Special Rebates in Your City
California Solar Rebates Going Fast
Cities Finance Clean Energy
Home Energy Improvement Expo
9 Energy Saving Tips

Pasadena Power & Water Incentives

Pasadena has set a goal of funding the installation of 14 megawatts of solar power by 2017. To achieve this goal, residents can now receive up to a $3.15 per watt rebate for the installation of a PV system. When taken in conjunction with generous California rebates and Federal Tax Credits, Pasadena is now among one of the friendliest solar energy cities in the nation today.

Why Choose Solar Now?

There are a great many reasons to install a solar energy system at your home and business. Companies and consumers all across California are taking advantage of historically affordable pricing while government incentives last. If you have ever thought about installing a solar energy system now is the time to act.

Energy Efficiency - Solar energy systems are among the most efficient of all renewable sources of energy.  Often electricity delivered by the utility must travel hundreds of miles losing energy in the forms of heat and resistance all along the way before it arrives at the point of use.  On the other hand, solar energy is produced right where it is needed – at your home or place of business.  What is more, solar energy does not suffer from interruptions caused by downed power lines, brownouts or rolling blackouts. And since there are no moving parts, solar energy systems are essentially maintenance free.

Environmentally Friendly - Sustainable sources of energy are better for the environment.  Increasingly people are worried about the effects of pollution and green house gases.  As use of limited fossil fuels continues to deplete supplies, the impact to the environment continues to rise.  Solar energy systems are a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution.  The sun is estimated to last another 5 billion years.  This makes it the number one source of available energy every day.  With a warranty of 25 years and an operational life even longer, solar energy systems take full advantage of the sun’s renewable, virtually endless supply of power.

Sound Investment - Despite current economic conditions, smart consumers and businesses want to save money.  A solar energy system saves money in a variety of ways.  Energy is produced where it is needed and operates most efficiently when demand for electricity is highest.  Electric companies charge the most for peak hour usage.  It is these peak hours during the summer when the day is at its hottest and the air conditioner is in use that solar energy systems save the most money.  Additionally, excess energy produced during the day effectively runs your electric meter backwards storing up credit for use at night or when electrical production does not meet usage.  At night solar homes use stored electric credits first before paying for electricity from the utility.

Limited Government Incentives - Current government incentives can reduce the cost of installing a solar energy system by up to 50%.  Unfortunately these historic incentives will not last long.  The federal government provides a tax credit of 30% off the cost of a new solar energy system.  Through a program with electric utilities, California awards a cash rebate for small residential systems and a utility offset for businesses.  It is important to note that these rebates are available on a first-come, first-serve diminishing basis.  This tiered incentive drops significantly as more and more solar energy systems are installed.  The sooner users reserve available rebates the more money they save.

Selecting a Solar Installer - There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a solar contractor.  As with any home improvement, solicit at least two competitive bids from among licensed, qualified contractors.  Select a reputable company licensed as a solar contractor with the Contractor’s State License Board.  Check the contractor’s reputation with a report from the Better Business Bureau or an other trade organization.  An experienced solar contractor will be familiar with how to optimize system performance and return on investment based on a number of factors.  These factors include the number of solar panels, site position and angle of orientation.  Specific state guidelines must be met to qualify for valuable rebates.  Any professional, experienced contractor should be familiar with these factors.

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City of Anaheim Offers HUGE Solar Rebates

Anaheim Public Utilities installed its first grid-tie PV system at the Anaheim Convention Center in 2001. Continuing the tradition of promoting clean energy, Anaheim now offers city residents and businesses hefty rebates to encourage solar energy installations. During July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 residential customers can apply for a $4.00 per Watt rebate and businesses for a $2.80 rebate under the Expected Performance Based Incentive program. These rebates will continue to be offered on an annually diminishing basis until 2016-2017.

Rebates Abound – Don’t Miss Yours

By now most people are aware of California’s Solar Initiative. What people don’t always realize is how fast the cash rebates are going.

When the California Solar Initiative began residential consumers could expect to receive a cash rebate of $2.50 for every Watt of PV installed under the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) program. Today the average rebate is $1.55 per Watt and at current demand will decline again quickly.

Existing California State rebate incentives together with Federal Tax Credits make installing a Photovoltaic system an excellent investment. For some consumers, additional city/county rebates sweeten the pot even further. Marin County is now offering a $500 rebate for PV Systems and San Francisco offers up to $4,000 in rebates for residential PV installations.

California Solar Initiative Update

According to the California Solar Initiative Tracker, rebates are going fast. Utilities are now in steps 3 and 4 of the tiered rebate program. Consumers who choose to wait on solar risk losing thousands of dollars in rebates.

The California Solar Initiative was designed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The available subsidies decline in steps. Each step is based on the total volume of solar megawatt goals achieved within each service area of the Californian utilities. As more individuals and business choose solar, the available rebates for everyone else are reduced.

For individuals these rebates represent an up-front cash payment known as the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB)*. This rebate amount is based upon the anticipated performance of the system as determined by equipment ratings and installation factors which include among other variables; location, orientation and shading. The cash rebate is paid in one lump sum once the owner’s system has been installed and energized.

Time is of the essence. For those who consider solar a good alternative for their home or business, it is critical you reserve the maximum remaining rebates now. The rebate reservation process can be quickly completed by your experienced solar installer.

*This program is based on systems less than 50 kilowatts. For businesses with larger needs the Performance Based Incentive (PBI) program applies. Contact your solar retailer for details.

Some Cities Will Now Finance Your Clean Energy

Last year saw a number of cities implement a novel incentive to encourage residential customers to install photovoltaic systems in their homes. Often the initial cost of a PV system can exceed $30,000 making it a steep home improvement for many folks.

The solution: let the city foot the up front cost for the installation of a PV system and pay back the loan through a special property tax over the next 20 or so years.  Specifically, consumers borrow the money for the PV system from a special fund set up by each city.  The repayment is made plus a reasonable interest rate twice annually as part of a special assessment included with the property tax.  Because the loan is tied to the property through the tax bill, should a consumer sell their home, the remaining balance of the loan transfers to the new owner.

The cities benefit by being able to count these residential PV systems toward part of their mandated carbon emission reductions.

Funding vehicles and other details vary city by city.  To learn more visit these links:

Berkley - http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=26580
Palm Desert - http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/Index.aspx?page=484
Santa Monica - http://www.solarsantamonica.com/
Sonoma County - http://www.sonomacountyenergy.org/

We are happy to announce our participation in 2009’s Home World Expo. This event is put on by Show Biz Productions and features hundreds of terrific companies. Come see all matters related to home improvement and home energy efficiency.

Event details:
March 13 – 15, 2009
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
2000 Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA 92806

For a discount off of admission:
http://www.sbhomeshow.com/coupon.asp

Look for Celebrity Solar at the show!

Unplug Cords: Anything that has a power ‘brick’ (the box device attached to the power cord) draws power even when the device is not in use. This includes laptops, your cell phone, ect. The television and other electronics can also use power when off so unplug those items (like the spare TV) not frequently used in your home.

Upgrade Your Bulbs: Compact florescent bulbs use 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. CFLs also produce 70% less heat so they are safer to operate and can reduce home cooling costs.

Select Energy Star Products: The U.S. Environment Protection Agency manages the Energy Star program which certifies the most energy efficient consumer products. Products that are awarded an Energy Star logo can be 14% or more energy efficient than competing base models.

Keep your Refrigerator and Freezer Stocked: These appliances run most efficiently when full. Better still, in the event of a power disruption, the fuller the freezer, the longer the food remains frozen.

Turn Down the Water Heater: Many water heaters are set to 140°F when 120° is adequate for bathing and washing needs. For every ten degrees in reduction a 3 to 5 percent energy savings can be realized.

Change the Water Heater: Many home water heaters are electric. By switching to a gas or solar water heater you will conserve energy, reduce your bill and produce significantly less carbon dioxide.

Use Fans: Ceiling fans and an open window are much more economical than the air conditioner for those days that are less than a scorcher. On warmer days, consider setting the thermostat to the warmest comfortable temperature.

Seal Ductwork: Ensure your ducts are sealed tightly to eliminate energy leakage. Insulating your ducts can also help significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

Measure Energy Use: If you suspect your energy bill is too high, buy a watt meter. This affordable device plugs into an outlet and records how much energy your home appliances and electronics use. It is a simple way to determine and monitor consumption. If that old refrigerator in the garage is becoming an energy hog, it may pay to invest in a more efficient model.