Reach us now for immediate service in the Bay Area at (707) 332-5874 or 415-871-1956
[email protected]
CA. C-36 Lic. #403458
[email protected]
CA. C-36 Lic. #403458
Read our feature "Solar Thermal Heating vs. Forced Air" on BayAreaForSale, a leading source for SoCal real estate, Florida State Homes for sale & Bay Area, CA real estate.
Any one interested in system pump design would find this very useful.
http://jbblog.flopro.taco-hvac.com/shake-your-tree/
http://jbblog.flopro.taco-hvac.com/shake-your-tree/
Great information on water heater models and styles, tank-less and storage type.
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/energy-solutions/difference-between-storage-and-tankless-water-heaters
California Solar Initiative - Solar Water Heating Rebate Program
Last DSIRE Review: 10/03/2011 Program Overview: State: California Incentive Type: State Rebate Program Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Multi-Family Residential Amount;
Systems that displace natural gas: $12.82 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity: $0.37 per estimated kWh displaced
Single-family residential systems that displace natural gas: $1,875
Single-family residential systems that displace electricity: $1,250
Commercial and multifamily residential systems that displace natural gas: $500,000
Commercial and multifamily residential systems that displace electricity: $250,000
Equipment Requirements: Must be SRCC certified Installation Requirements:Systems must be installed by an appropriately licensed contractor who is listed as being eligible to participate in the program.
Self-installations are permitted if the building owner attends a designated CSI-Thermal Program training workshop. Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: Remain with customer; Program Budget:$350 million Start Date:5/1/2010; incentives are available retroactively for systems installed after 7/15/09 Expiration Date:12/31/2017, or until the funds run out. Web Site: https://www.csithermal.com Authority 1: CSI Thermal Handbook May 2010
Summary: AB 1470 of 2007 authorized the creation of a $350 million incentive program for solar water heating systems. Of the $350 million in total funding, $250 million is reserved for systems that will displace natural gas powered water heaters, and $100 million is set aside for systems replacing electric water heaters. Before developing the program, however, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) had to wait for results from a pilot solar water heating program administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) in the San Diego area. After reviewing the positive results of the pilot program, the CPUC developed rules for the statewide program and the program administrators began accepting applications retroactively on May 1, 2010 for single-family residential systems installed after July 15, 2009. Rebate applications for multifamily residential and commercial customers have been accepted since June 2010.
The program is being administered by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), Southern California Gas Company (SCGC) and CCSE on behalf of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Homes must heat their water using gas or electricity supplied by one of the participating utilities to be eligible for incentives. There are different incentive levels depending on whether the solar water heating system displaces electricity or natural gas. Incentives will be paid upfront based on the SRCC estimated first year energy savings. Similar to the PV incentives offered through the California Solar Initiative, the incentives offered through this program will step down four times as installation milestones are met. Steps will decline separately in each service territory and for the two general customer classes.
Interested residential customers should contact the appropriate program administrator:
Pacific Gas and Electric:
Phone: (877) 743-4112
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.pge.com/csithermal
California Center for Sustainable Energy (SDG&E territory):
Phone: (877) 333-SWHP
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.energycenter.org/swh
Southern California Gas Company:
Phone: (800) Gas-2000
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.socalgas.com/rebates/solar/
Southern California Edison:
Phone: (800) 799-4177
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sce.com/csithermal
Systems that displace natural gas: $12.82 per estimated therm displaced
Systems that displace electricity: $0.37 per estimated kWh displaced
Single-family residential systems that displace natural gas: $1,875
Single-family residential systems that displace electricity: $1,250
Commercial and multifamily residential systems that displace natural gas: $500,000
Commercial and multifamily residential systems that displace electricity: $250,000
Equipment Requirements: Must be SRCC certified Installation Requirements:Systems must be installed by an appropriately licensed contractor who is listed as being eligible to participate in the program.
Self-installations are permitted if the building owner attends a designated CSI-Thermal Program training workshop. Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits: Remain with customer; Program Budget:$350 million Start Date:5/1/2010; incentives are available retroactively for systems installed after 7/15/09 Expiration Date:12/31/2017, or until the funds run out. Web Site: https://www.csithermal.com Authority 1: CSI Thermal Handbook May 2010
Summary: AB 1470 of 2007 authorized the creation of a $350 million incentive program for solar water heating systems. Of the $350 million in total funding, $250 million is reserved for systems that will displace natural gas powered water heaters, and $100 million is set aside for systems replacing electric water heaters. Before developing the program, however, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) had to wait for results from a pilot solar water heating program administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) in the San Diego area. After reviewing the positive results of the pilot program, the CPUC developed rules for the statewide program and the program administrators began accepting applications retroactively on May 1, 2010 for single-family residential systems installed after July 15, 2009. Rebate applications for multifamily residential and commercial customers have been accepted since June 2010.
The program is being administered by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), Southern California Gas Company (SCGC) and CCSE on behalf of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Homes must heat their water using gas or electricity supplied by one of the participating utilities to be eligible for incentives. There are different incentive levels depending on whether the solar water heating system displaces electricity or natural gas. Incentives will be paid upfront based on the SRCC estimated first year energy savings. Similar to the PV incentives offered through the California Solar Initiative, the incentives offered through this program will step down four times as installation milestones are met. Steps will decline separately in each service territory and for the two general customer classes.
Interested residential customers should contact the appropriate program administrator:
Pacific Gas and Electric:
Phone: (877) 743-4112
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.pge.com/csithermal
California Center for Sustainable Energy (SDG&E territory):
Phone: (877) 333-SWHP
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.energycenter.org/swh
Southern California Gas Company:
Phone: (800) Gas-2000
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.socalgas.com/rebates/solar/
Southern California Edison:
Phone: (800) 799-4177
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sce.com/csithermal
Sonoma County - Energy Independence Program
Last DSIRE Review: 07/13/2011 Program Overview: State: California Incentive Type: PACE Financing Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Water Heaters, Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors, Furnaces , Heat pumps, Central Air conditioners, CHP/Cogeneration, Caulking/Weather-stripping, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Windows, Doors, Roofs, Motors, Evaporative Coolers, Pool Pumps; see Eligible Improvements on program website for a complete list Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Pool Heating, Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Multi-Family Residential Terms:
Minimum financing amount is $2,500. Financing is repaid through a special assessment on property tax bills. Financing between $2,500 and $5,000 will be set for repayment in 10 years. Projects over $5,000 may be repaid over 10 or 20 years, at the property owner’s discretion. Projects of $60,000 up to $500,000 will require approval by the Program Administrator. Projects valued at $500,000 and above will require specific approval by the Board of Supervisors.
Web Site: http://www.sonomacountyenergy.org/ Summary: The Federal Housing Financing Agency issued a statement in July 2010 that was critical of PACE programs. Many PACE programs, including Sonoma County's, were temporarily suspended in response to the statement, waiting for further direction from the federal agency. At their July 13 Board meeting the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors elected to re-open this program.
Sonoma County's Energy Independence Program gives property owners the option of financing energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bills. The program is similar to others in California authorized by AB 811 of 2008, but was the first county-wide program. Eligible equipment must be permanently attached to existing buildings, new construction does not qualify. The property tax assessments are attached to the property, not the property owner. If the property is sold, the assessment stays with the property.
Sonoma County expects to offer fixed rates which are at or below the rates participants could otherwise receive on home equity loans from financial institutions. An exact interest rate will be determined at the time the contract is signed. Once the contract is signed, the interest rate will be fixed for the life of the assessment, although the county may reduce the rate if it is able to do so after negotiating long term financing for the program. The Energy Independence Program can be combined with utility and state rebates, but financing will only be available for the post-incentive cost. Tax credits, on the other hand, will not affect the amount of financing available.
A key Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) enhancement effective July 1, 2011, is the requirement of achieving 10% energy efficiency improvement on the property prior to (or along with) the financing of renewable generation upgrade projects. This approach supports SCEIP’s regional goal to “reduce and produce,” plus strengthens the market position of the SCEIP assessment portfolio.
Beginning March 1, 2011, the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program offers rebates for Energy Analyses performed by certified HERS II Raters. Submit your application, utility authorization, final invoice, rating certificate and recommendations report to SCEIP, and SCEIP will pay up to 75% of the total directly to the rater.
The following improvements are eligible for funding through the Energy Independence Program:
As of June 30, 2011, this program has funded more than $47 million in projects.
Contact: Sonoma County Energy Independence Program
404 Aviation Blvd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 565-6470
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.sonomacountyenergy.org/
Minimum financing amount is $2,500. Financing is repaid through a special assessment on property tax bills. Financing between $2,500 and $5,000 will be set for repayment in 10 years. Projects over $5,000 may be repaid over 10 or 20 years, at the property owner’s discretion. Projects of $60,000 up to $500,000 will require approval by the Program Administrator. Projects valued at $500,000 and above will require specific approval by the Board of Supervisors.
Web Site: http://www.sonomacountyenergy.org/ Summary: The Federal Housing Financing Agency issued a statement in July 2010 that was critical of PACE programs. Many PACE programs, including Sonoma County's, were temporarily suspended in response to the statement, waiting for further direction from the federal agency. At their July 13 Board meeting the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors elected to re-open this program.
Sonoma County's Energy Independence Program gives property owners the option of financing energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bills. The program is similar to others in California authorized by AB 811 of 2008, but was the first county-wide program. Eligible equipment must be permanently attached to existing buildings, new construction does not qualify. The property tax assessments are attached to the property, not the property owner. If the property is sold, the assessment stays with the property.
Sonoma County expects to offer fixed rates which are at or below the rates participants could otherwise receive on home equity loans from financial institutions. An exact interest rate will be determined at the time the contract is signed. Once the contract is signed, the interest rate will be fixed for the life of the assessment, although the county may reduce the rate if it is able to do so after negotiating long term financing for the program. The Energy Independence Program can be combined with utility and state rebates, but financing will only be available for the post-incentive cost. Tax credits, on the other hand, will not affect the amount of financing available.
A key Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) enhancement effective July 1, 2011, is the requirement of achieving 10% energy efficiency improvement on the property prior to (or along with) the financing of renewable generation upgrade projects. This approach supports SCEIP’s regional goal to “reduce and produce,” plus strengthens the market position of the SCEIP assessment portfolio.
Beginning March 1, 2011, the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program offers rebates for Energy Analyses performed by certified HERS II Raters. Submit your application, utility authorization, final invoice, rating certificate and recommendations report to SCEIP, and SCEIP will pay up to 75% of the total directly to the rater.
The following improvements are eligible for funding through the Energy Independence Program:
- Photovoltaic systems
- Solar water heater systems
- Cool roof systems
- Reflective roofs and coatings
- High efficiency HVAC systems and HVAC system sealing
- Duct and home sealing
- Evaporative coolers
- Efficient natural gas storage water heaters
- Tankless water heaters
- Attic and wall insulation
- Reflective insulation or radiant barriers
- Whole house fans and attic fans
- High efficiency windows and glass doors
- Window filming
- Weather stripping
- Efficient skylights
- Solar tubes
- Additional building openings to provide addition natural light
- High efficiency lighting installation
- High efficiency pool equipment
- Electric vehicle plug-in stations
- Geothermal exchange heat pumps
- Solar thermal systems for pool heating
- Custom efficiency improvements at commercial and industrial facilities
- For complete list, see Eligible Improvements at www.sonomacountyenergy.org
As of June 30, 2011, this program has funded more than $47 million in projects.
Contact: Sonoma County Energy Independence Program
404 Aviation Blvd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 565-6470
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.sonomacountyenergy.org/
Marin County - Solar Rebate Program
Last DSIRE Review: 08/04/2011 Program Overview: State: California Incentive Type: Local Rebate Program Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Pool Heating Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools
Amount:$500 for a Grid-tied Photovoltaic System, $300 for a Solar Domestic Hot Water Heater, and $200 for a Solar Pool Heater Maximum Incentive:$500 for a Grid-tied Photovoltaic System, $300 for a Solar Domestic Hot Water Heater, and $200 for a Solar Pool Heater Program Budget:$25,000
Web Site: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/CD/main/comdev/advance/Sustainabi... Summary: The rebate program offered by the Marin County Sustainability Team provides incentives to local residences, businesses and County employees who install solar energy systems. Rebates include $500 for a photovoltaic system, $300 for a solar hot water heater, and $200 for a solar pool heater. To qualify for this rebate, the applicant must live in unincorporated Marin County or be an employee of Marin County. In addition, the applicant must submit an energy efficiency checklist and the systems must meet the minimum qualifications listed on the program website. Forms are available to the public through the county office or by contacting Omar Pena at the Marin County Community Development Agency.
The Marin Sustainability Team has developed a series of programs to enhance energy efficiency and conservation in residential, commercial, and community facilities. Please visit their website at http://www.sustainablemarin.org/ for more information.
Contact: Omar Pena
Marin County Community Development Agency
3501 Civic Center Drive, #308
San Rafael, CA 94903-4157
Phone: (415) 507-2797
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.marinsustainability.org
Amount:$500 for a Grid-tied Photovoltaic System, $300 for a Solar Domestic Hot Water Heater, and $200 for a Solar Pool Heater Maximum Incentive:$500 for a Grid-tied Photovoltaic System, $300 for a Solar Domestic Hot Water Heater, and $200 for a Solar Pool Heater Program Budget:$25,000
Web Site: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/CD/main/comdev/advance/Sustainabi... Summary: The rebate program offered by the Marin County Sustainability Team provides incentives to local residences, businesses and County employees who install solar energy systems. Rebates include $500 for a photovoltaic system, $300 for a solar hot water heater, and $200 for a solar pool heater. To qualify for this rebate, the applicant must live in unincorporated Marin County or be an employee of Marin County. In addition, the applicant must submit an energy efficiency checklist and the systems must meet the minimum qualifications listed on the program website. Forms are available to the public through the county office or by contacting Omar Pena at the Marin County Community Development Agency.
The Marin Sustainability Team has developed a series of programs to enhance energy efficiency and conservation in residential, commercial, and community facilities. Please visit their website at http://www.sustainablemarin.org/ for more information.
Contact: Omar Pena
Marin County Community Development Agency
3501 Civic Center Drive, #308
San Rafael, CA 94903-4157
Phone: (415) 507-2797
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.marinsustainability.org
PG&E - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Last DSIRE Review: 07/07/2011 Program Overview: State: California Incentive Type: Utility Rebate Program Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Clothes Washers, Dishwasher, Refrigerators, Water Heaters, Lighting, Furnaces , Central Air conditioners, Duct/Air sealing, Building Insulation, Motor VFDs, Whole House Fans, Room Air Conditioners, Swimming Pool Pumps, Cool Roofs Applicable Sectors: Residential Amount:
Clothes Washer: $50
Dishwasher: $30 - $50
Room Air Conditioner: $50
Electric Storage Water Heater: $30
Cool Roof: $0.10-$0.20/sq. ft.
Duct Sealing: up to $200
Attic Insulation: $0.15/sq. ft.
Wall Insulation: $0.50/sq. ft.
Variable Speed Motor Air Handler System: $50
Whole House Fan: $100
Pool Pump Replacement: $100
Refrigerator, Freezer & Room AC Recycling: $25 - $35
CFLs: retailer discounts Maximum Incentive:Attic Insulation: $150
Wall Insulation: $500
Cool Roof (reflecting): $0.20/sq. ft.
Duct Sealing: $200
Eligible System Size:Attic/Wall Insulation: 1000 sq. ft. Equipment Requirements:See program web site for equipment standards Funding Source:System Benefits Charge Start Date:1/1/2010 Expiration Date:12/31/2012 Web Site: http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/rebates/ Summary: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers a variety of rebates for residential customers who install energy efficient equipment in their homes. More information on these incentives can be found at the above program website.
Prescriptive rebates are available for energy efficiency improvements through the Standard Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, including lighting improvements, heating and cooling improvements, appliance and insulation upgrades, remodeling projects, and pool improvements. More information and applications for rebates are available at the program website and customers can apply for the rebates online through the e-Rebate system.
Residential New Construction Rebates are available for builders of residential dwellings that incorporate energy efficient features. Incentives are available if builders meet the Energy Star requirements – 15% more efficient than required by the 2005 Title 24 Energy Code. For those homes that do not meet the Energy Star label but still include energy conserving features, PG&E offers prescriptive rebates to builders.
Contact: Program Coordinator - PG&E
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Residential Programs
P.O. Box 7265
San Francisco, CA 94120
Phone: (800) 933-9555
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/rebates/
Clothes Washer: $50
Dishwasher: $30 - $50
Room Air Conditioner: $50
Electric Storage Water Heater: $30
Cool Roof: $0.10-$0.20/sq. ft.
Duct Sealing: up to $200
Attic Insulation: $0.15/sq. ft.
Wall Insulation: $0.50/sq. ft.
Variable Speed Motor Air Handler System: $50
Whole House Fan: $100
Pool Pump Replacement: $100
Refrigerator, Freezer & Room AC Recycling: $25 - $35
CFLs: retailer discounts Maximum Incentive:Attic Insulation: $150
Wall Insulation: $500
Cool Roof (reflecting): $0.20/sq. ft.
Duct Sealing: $200
Eligible System Size:Attic/Wall Insulation: 1000 sq. ft. Equipment Requirements:See program web site for equipment standards Funding Source:System Benefits Charge Start Date:1/1/2010 Expiration Date:12/31/2012 Web Site: http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/rebates/ Summary: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers a variety of rebates for residential customers who install energy efficient equipment in their homes. More information on these incentives can be found at the above program website.
Prescriptive rebates are available for energy efficiency improvements through the Standard Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, including lighting improvements, heating and cooling improvements, appliance and insulation upgrades, remodeling projects, and pool improvements. More information and applications for rebates are available at the program website and customers can apply for the rebates online through the e-Rebate system.
Residential New Construction Rebates are available for builders of residential dwellings that incorporate energy efficient features. Incentives are available if builders meet the Energy Star requirements – 15% more efficient than required by the 2005 Title 24 Energy Code. For those homes that do not meet the Energy Star label but still include energy conserving features, PG&E offers prescriptive rebates to builders.
Contact: Program Coordinator - PG&E
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Residential Programs
P.O. Box 7265
San Francisco, CA 94120
Phone: (800) 933-9555
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/rebates/
Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems
Last DSIRE Review: 08/01/2011 Program Overview: State: California Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Mechanical Energy Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Residential Amount:100% of system value; 75% of system value exemption for dual-use equipment Maximum Incentive:Not specified. Expiration Date:12/31/16 Authority 1:
Expiration Date:Cal Rev & Tax Code § 73, 12/31/16
Summary: Section 73 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code allows a property tax exclusion for certain types of solar energy systems installed between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2016. This section was amended by AB 1451 in September 2008 to include the construction of an active solar energy system incorporated by an owner-builder in the initial construction of a new building that the owner-builder does not intend to occupy or use. This only applies if the owner-builder did not already receive an exclusion for the same active solar energy system and only if the initial purchaser purchased the new building prior to that building becoming subject to reassessment to the owner-builder. ABX1-15 of 2011 clarified that systems installed through sale-leaseback arrangements or partnership flip structures can benefit from this exclusion.
Qualifying active solar energy systems are defined as those that "are thermally isolated from living space or any other area where the energy is used, to provide for the collection, storage, or distribution of solar energy." These include solar space conditioning systems, solar water heating systems, active solar energy systems, solar process heating systems, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and solar thermal electric systems, and solar mechanical energy. Solar pool heating systems and solar hot-tub-heating systems are not eligible.
Components included under the exclusion include storage devices, power conditioning equipment, transfer equipment, and parts. Pipes and ducts that are used to carry both solar energy and energy derived from other sources qualify for the exemption only to the extent of 75% of their full cash value. Likewise, dual-use equipment for solar-electric systems qualifies for the exclusion only to the extent of 75% of its value.
System owners should contact the applicable county assessor's office for further information. Click here for a listing of County Assessor offices in California, and here for a December 2008 letter to the assessor that further clarifies the terms of the exclusion.
Contact: Tax Specialist / BOE
California State Board of Equalization
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279-0090
Phone: (800) 400-7115
Web Site: http://www.boe.ca.gov
Expiration Date:Cal Rev & Tax Code § 73, 12/31/16
Summary: Section 73 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code allows a property tax exclusion for certain types of solar energy systems installed between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2016. This section was amended by AB 1451 in September 2008 to include the construction of an active solar energy system incorporated by an owner-builder in the initial construction of a new building that the owner-builder does not intend to occupy or use. This only applies if the owner-builder did not already receive an exclusion for the same active solar energy system and only if the initial purchaser purchased the new building prior to that building becoming subject to reassessment to the owner-builder. ABX1-15 of 2011 clarified that systems installed through sale-leaseback arrangements or partnership flip structures can benefit from this exclusion.
Qualifying active solar energy systems are defined as those that "are thermally isolated from living space or any other area where the energy is used, to provide for the collection, storage, or distribution of solar energy." These include solar space conditioning systems, solar water heating systems, active solar energy systems, solar process heating systems, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and solar thermal electric systems, and solar mechanical energy. Solar pool heating systems and solar hot-tub-heating systems are not eligible.
Components included under the exclusion include storage devices, power conditioning equipment, transfer equipment, and parts. Pipes and ducts that are used to carry both solar energy and energy derived from other sources qualify for the exemption only to the extent of 75% of their full cash value. Likewise, dual-use equipment for solar-electric systems qualifies for the exclusion only to the extent of 75% of its value.
System owners should contact the applicable county assessor's office for further information. Click here for a listing of County Assessor offices in California, and here for a December 2008 letter to the assessor that further clarifies the terms of the exclusion.
Contact: Tax Specialist / BOE
California State Board of Equalization
P.O. Box 942879
Sacramento, CA 94279-0090
Phone: (800) 400-7115
Web Site: http://www.boe.ca.gov
Water Heater Consumer Tips
- Choose a water heater w/ an appropriate first-hour rating (FHR) by estimating your family's peak hour demand for hot water.
- Determine the appropriate fuel type for your water heater.
- Consider a heat-pump water heater (HPWH) that is more efficient than a conventional electric water heater. Even though a HPWH may have a high initial cost, it can save up to 50% of your water-heating bill.
- When purchasing a gas-fired unit, look for one w/ sealed combustion or power venting to avoid back drafting of combustion gases into the home.
- Everything else being equal, select a water heater w/ the highest energy factor (EF). Note that the EF of one type of heater is not comparable to another type. For example, an electric heater w/ an EF of 0.9 may cost more to operate than a gas heater w/ an EF of 0.7.
- Select a water heater w/ at least one & a half inches of tank insulation & a heat tape.
- Try to minimize the piping runs to your bathroom & kitchen.
- Install aerators in faucets & low-flow shower heads that may reduce your hot water usage by half.
- Repair leaky faucets & showerheads. A leak of one drip per second can cost $1 per month.
- For electric water heaters, install a timer that can automatically turn the hot water off at night & on in the morning.
- Install a heat trap above the water heater. A heat trap is a simple piping arrangement that prevents hot water from rising up in the pipes, thereby minimizing standby losses.
- Drain a quart of water from your hot water tank every 3 months to remove sediment that prevents heat transfer & lowers the unit's efficiency.
- Take showers. Baths use the most hot water in an average household. You use 15 to 25 gallons of hot water for a bath & less than 10 gallons for a 5-minute shower.
Contractors State License Board Warns Californians: Don't Get Burned When Going Solar;
Hot tips protect consumers from solar energy scammers.
SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is alerting California homeowners about the need to select a licensed and qualified contractor before signing a contract for a solar energy project. Consumers who want to "go green" and take advantage of state and federal rebates and tax credits could be preyed upon by unlicensed, unscrupulous, or unaware contractors.
Unlicensed contractors in several parts of California have been convicted or are being investigated on suspicion of taking thousands of dollars from consumers for solar energy systems that were incorrectly installed - or not installed at all. Consumers may not qualify for government incentives if contractors fail to enter into solar energy contracts correctly.
CSLB urges consumers to consider the following tips before selecting a contractor for their home's solar power installation (MORE)
Hot tips protect consumers from solar energy scammers.
SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is alerting California homeowners about the need to select a licensed and qualified contractor before signing a contract for a solar energy project. Consumers who want to "go green" and take advantage of state and federal rebates and tax credits could be preyed upon by unlicensed, unscrupulous, or unaware contractors.
Unlicensed contractors in several parts of California have been convicted or are being investigated on suspicion of taking thousands of dollars from consumers for solar energy systems that were incorrectly installed - or not installed at all. Consumers may not qualify for government incentives if contractors fail to enter into solar energy contracts correctly.
CSLB urges consumers to consider the following tips before selecting a contractor for their home's solar power installation (MORE)
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By MIKE TAUGHER Contra Costa Times 11/25/11 - WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- California must be fully electrified 40 years from now with residents driving only electric cars and plugging them into a grid powered by carbon-free power plants if the state is to meet its most far-reaching climate goals, according to a new study. Not only will electricity be carbon-free, California will need a whole lot more of it to make up for the loss of gasoline, natural gas and coal. The equivalent of 1 1/2 to 2 nuclear power plants would have to be built each year between now and
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/25/2518894/study-californians-must-make-big.html#ixzz1emSlVnG4
By MIKE TAUGHER Contra Costa Times 11/25/11 - WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- California must be fully electrified 40 years from now with residents driving only electric cars and plugging them into a grid powered by carbon-free power plants if the state is to meet its most far-reaching climate goals, according to a new study. Not only will electricity be carbon-free, California will need a whole lot more of it to make up for the loss of gasoline, natural gas and coal. The equivalent of 1 1/2 to 2 nuclear power plants would have to be built each year between now and
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/25/2518894/study-californians-must-make-big.html#ixzz1emSlVnG4
Report: Solar Panels Boost Home Prices April 22, 2011 | 12:09 AM | By Shuka Kalantari; A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab could help California's homeowners decide whether or not to "go solar." Researchers found that on average, homeowners who recently installed solar photovoltaic (PV) panels recouped most or all of their investment when they sold their homes.
“A house that has a PV system compared to a house that doesn’t have a PV system is expected to sell for more,” said Ben Hoen, the lead researcher on the study and a principal research associate at Berkeley Lab. “This is for systems that are relatively new – between 1.5 to 2.5 years old.” MORE |
Global Solar Power Installations Doubled in 2010, Study Shows;
According to an interview with Reuters, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association says that about 16 GW of new solar pv power were added throughout the globe last year. This is a little more than double the growth seen in 2009, which saw around 7.2 GW added worldwide. About 13 GW of the world’s solar PV was installed in Europe last year (mostly in Germany and Italy). Japan installed 1 GW, the United States reached 0.8 GW, and China followed close behind with 0.4 GW. With 2010 figures, solar PV power skyrocketed to roughly 40 GW – up 70 percent from almost 23 GW in 2009. Full story can be found at Reuters. |
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Humans account for 30pc of CO2, say scientists
Climate scientists say the 39 per cent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the industrial revolution is responsible for climate change because it stops the sun's heat from being reflected back into space.
While carbon dioxide may represent only a tiny fraction of all the molecules in the atmosphere -- 390 parts out of every million -- climate scientists say it has a dramatic impact.
There is no argument carbon dioxide occurs naturally, but there is public confusion over why man-made carbon dioxide emissions are such a large part of the climate change problem.
The issue was highlighted on Monday night by the ABC's Media Watch, which devoted most of its program to discussing the disparity in figures used by commercial radio presenters and climate scientists.
Humans account for 30pc of CO2, say scientists
- Graham Lloyd, Environment Editor
- From: The Australian
- March 23, 2011 12:00AM
Climate scientists say the 39 per cent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the industrial revolution is responsible for climate change because it stops the sun's heat from being reflected back into space.
While carbon dioxide may represent only a tiny fraction of all the molecules in the atmosphere -- 390 parts out of every million -- climate scientists say it has a dramatic impact.
There is no argument carbon dioxide occurs naturally, but there is public confusion over why man-made carbon dioxide emissions are such a large part of the climate change problem.
The issue was highlighted on Monday night by the ABC's Media Watch, which devoted most of its program to discussing the disparity in figures used by commercial radio presenters and climate scientists.
KB Home Launches Major New Solar Initiative; Home-builder provides solar power as a standard feature in 10 Southern
California communities
;LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
KB Home (NYSE:KBH - News), one of America’s premier home builders, today
announced a new initiative to provide solar power systems for its new
homes as a standard feature in 10 Southern California communities. The
photovoltaic solar systems will help KB homeowners reduce their monthly
energy bills and cost of home ownership for years to come, while also
benefiting the environment.
MORE
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Costs of rooftop solar systems are Declining; The myths of expensive rooftop solar are rapidly evaporating.
"It's too expensive", "paybacks are 15 - 25 years out" and "solar systems require high maintenance" are commonly heard.
Recent developments in the world-wide solar industry suggest quite the
opposite. Commercial and residential solar costs for example have been
falling dramatically, according to recent industry reports, led by a 50
percent drop in wholesale photovoltaic [PV] panel prices in 2010, while
the solar market grew 67 percent.
Other cost reductions are anticipated in 2011 in the BOS [balance of
system] items such as, MORE
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