Solar Electricity

Tyler Michael is HelioPower’s resident expert for the application of solar in new home construction.  This week he is participating in the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Green Building Expo, a forum for sustainable building technologies, in San Diego.  The Green Building Expo is part of the ULI’s Smart Growth awards program and will be staged May 14 starting at 5:30 in the venerable Wonderhaus downtown.

The ULI provides leadership in the responsible use of land, and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. According to their website, as “the ‘go to’ land use organization for real estate issues in our region, the ULI San Diego/Tijuana District Council facilitates the open exchange of ideas among industry leaders, practitioners and policy makers.”

We asked Tyler about his interest in this region.

E. Tyler, are there special motivations that inspire you to be part of this San Diego Green Building Expo?
T. As a HelioPower specialist in solar for new construction, this event and the people and concepts that I encounter there are critical to my own growth and to my ability to contribute.

I believe that in San Diego/Tijuana we truly share a single urban landscape that is divided by a political line only.  We are in the same region with the same beauty and the same challenges.

We are interdependent in resources and in the conservation of those resources.  In my lifetime, I’ve seen Tijuana transform from just another “border town” to a thriving center of international commerce and I’ve seen San Diego transform from a quiet Navy town to a national force in research and technology. It seems only natural that we become an international leader in sustainability as well.

E. What in your background motivates your interest?
T. After moving to Chula Vista in 1952 and growing up within 7 miles of the Mexican border, I developed a real affinity for the bi-national mindset.

In my late teens, I became a true bi-lingual after studying Spanish for 8 years and hosting 26 Argentine foreign exchange students with others in my high school.

I’ve lived in Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, and nearly 14 years in Mexico. My time in Mexico and the lasting friendships I developed there have brought me a first hand awareness of the serious environmental sustainability practices being put into practice there.  My career in solar for new construction in San Diego has broadened my perspective on sustainability in general and in green building methods in particular.

E. Do you have a vision for the area?
T. The resources we share tie our destinies together. Recognition of those who have dedicated themselves to the careful preservation of those resources is both inspiring and necessary to bring forth the future leaders in this field who are poised to make their contribution.

For more information on the event, click here.

The intent of the Legislature is that AB 811 should be used to finance the installation of distributed generation renewable energy sources or energy efficiency improvements that are permanently fixed to residential, commercial, industrial, or other real property.

AB 811 authorizes a property owner, upon written consent of an authorized city official, to purchase directly the related equipment and materials for the installation of distributed generation renewable energy sources or energy efficiency improvements and to contract directly for the installation of those sources or improvements. 

Funding options include using the general fund, issuing municipal bonds, partnering with a utility to get financing or setting up private financing.  

Palm Desert and Berkeley led the legislative charge to put AB 811 in place, and have now enabled hundreds of properties to be outfitted with energy efficiency and renewable energy systems including solar. The “Berkeley First” program was launched Nov. 07. Their pilot program is fully subscribed at $1.5 million.  The Palm Desert Energy Independence program is now in its third round of financing, having installed $7.5 million in energy efficiency and solar photovoltaic systems in their town.  

The Sonoma County Energy Independence program has completed a feasibility study and is planning on offering a $40 million program, which will also include water conservation systems.

San Diego is working on a “Solar Roof Program.” The pilot project will focus on 150 to 300 homes, and 1 technology – solar photovoltaic. Success for the pilot is deemed to be completing the financing cycle, collecting 150-200 loan packages, and aggregating those smaller loans into larger packages that can be sold off on the municipal bond market. Encinitas, Napa and Redlands are all in the exploration phase of AB 811 programs.

Cities like Anaheim and Santa Monica have solar supportive programs already in place.  Santa Monica promotes solar adoption through its Solar Santa Monica program.  Solar installation firms bid for program, and guarantee “group” pricing.  HelioPower is a installer for this program.   

All across California residents and property owners are working with their elected officials to find new and innovative ways to increase the use of sun to power our electricity needs. 

For further information and a review of the legislation, click here. Support AB 811 adoption in your town! 

This April 22 is the 39^th anniversary of Earth Day.  HelioPower, founded in 2001 with a dedication to bring solar to as many rooftops as possible, will participate in several CA and Nevada events. The HelioPower energy consultants will help homeowners and commercial property owners understand how solar power can help put more “green” in their pockets and do their part for the planet.

A bit of Earth Day history…

“First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day was spearheaded by a grassroots movement to shake up the political establishment and raise environmental awareness. Although planners had neither time nor resources to effectively organize the event, it took place across the nation with amazing results. An estimated 20 million demonstrators and thousand of schools and local communities participated.  The Earth Day founder, former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, remembers, ‘That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.’ That first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Act.

The amazing energy associated with Earth Day propelled the movement forward, and in 1990 Earth Day went global, reminding us of our interconnectedness and mobilizing 200 million people in 41 countries, lifting environmental issues onto the world stage.  Today, huge climate changes impact everyone; the opportunity to raise awareness seems more important than ever.  Earth Day celebrations have a huge potential to impact change as more than a billion people participate in Earth Day each year.”

Source:  Claudia Abbott, “lastword,” a column in SOM Magazine

Dedicated HelioPower solar consultants will be at the following events.  Please join us in celebrating this 39^th Earth Day – 2009!

Tahoe / Reno

Tahoe Truckee Earth Day, Saturday, April 18, The Village at Squaw Valley

20/20 Earth Vision: Reno Earth Day Celebration, April 19, Idlewild Park,

Orange County, CA

Eco Fair 09, April 22, Cypress, CA

Earth Day Celebration at The Ecology Center, April 25, San Juan Capistrano

Coachella Valley, CA

Party for the Planet, April 25, The Living Desert

San Fernando Valley, CA

Earthfest Carnival 2009, April 25, St. Cyril of Jerusalem School

Today San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) marked over 1 megawatt of solar power they have installed in the region

High Tech High Chula Vista installed by HelioPower

at the grand opening of “green” charter school, High Tech High Chula Vista.

High Tech High Chula Vista and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) showcased how the sustainable design of the school itself will be used as a living classroom on renewable energy.   SDG&E owns the school’s rooftop solar panels, installed by HelioPower, which provide locally generated power to the school and the community. 

“This solar system marks a milestone for SDG&E, because, with its installation, we now have more than 1 megawatt of solar-generating capability on the rooftops of 10 highly energy-efficient commercial buildings throughout San Diego County,” said Hal D. Snyder, vice president of customer solutions for SDG&E.  “The project at High Tech High is the third largest solar system in Chula Vista and will support nearly two-thirds of the school’s own energy use.”

Dignitaries scheduled to speak at the grand opening include Colleen Green, Director, High Tech High; Cheryl Cox, Mayor, City of Chula Vista; Greg Cox, Supervisor, County of San Diego; Tyree Dillingham, Deputy Director, Office of Governor Schwarzenegger; Dave Geier, VP, SDG&E and Steve LoRusso, Vice President of Sales, HelioPower.

“We are very proud to have participated in the High Tech High solar electricity system with SDG&E,” said Steve LoRusso, vice president of sales for HelioPower. “SDG&E is a forward-thinking utility with a great commitment to green energy.  This project is a stand-out example of how solar photovoltaic technology fits into a larger, green building program.  In teaching students now about the benefits of renewable energy it also contributes to solar awareness in future generations.”

With 640 solar modules from Mitsubishi, the solar power system will produce 172,114 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity per year.  For more project specifications, click here.

Residential solar panel installation in Encinitas, CA by HelioPower

Generous state and utility rebates and now the new Federal Incentive Tax Credit for renewable energy can lift up to 50% off the price of a solar power system for your home or business.  It has never been a better time to invest in a solar electricity system, thus greatly reducing or eliminating your electric bill altogether!

A solar electric or panel system sits atop your roof and generates electricity from the sun!  You use very limited amounts of electricity from your utility company. 

New Federal Tax Credits for buying a Solar Power System just increased to 30% with no cap for either residential or commercial systems. When you combine these AMT exempt Federal Tax Credits with State Rebates, you can save nearly 50% on a new system!

In these volatile economic times we continue to be faced with escalating electricity costs. When you invest in a solar power system your budget is insulated from continued electricity rate hikes. For example, starting in January 2009 SCE will increase your rates by 25% to 30% as a result of higher natural gas and transmission costs. This marks the third rate increase in just four years!

Additionally, a solar electric system will increase the value of your home or business. A recent study from the Appraisal Institute demonstrated that the selling price of homes increased by $20.73 for every $1.00 of decrease in annual utility bills. Using this math, a solar electric system often pays for itself the day it’s installed.

Call the HelioPower sales team at 1-87-SOLAR-888 to get a free on site analysis and customized quote for your rooftop solar power system. 

Marc Gunther, Senior Writer at Fortune Magazine, logged today's media article, "Why clean energy is still a good bet."

Despite falling oil prices and the credit crunch, green technology investors remain bullish.

Here is an excerpt from his excellent article, for the full piece click here.

Chico, CA retail building installation by HelioPower

(Fortune) — Some people are saying that the clean energy revolution is over, before it has even begun. "Alternative energy suddenly faces headwinds," declared The New York Times. "Winds shift for renewable energy as oil price sinks, money gets tight," reports The Wall Street Journal. "Will the Economic Crash Take Down Our Hopes for Clean Energy?" asks Alternet.

There's no doubt that recent developments cast a cloud over the renewable energy business. The capital markets have turned risk-averse, making financing for alternative energy hard to come by. Declining oil prices make it harder for cleaner transportation fuels to compete with gasoline. In a slumping economy, the government will be reluctant to pass climate change legislation that will raise gas and electricity rates.

Never mind – there are compelling reasons, even now, to believe that the U.S. is on the verge of a dramatic shift, away from a economy dependent on cheap fossil fuels and towards cleaner, greener, more efficient ways of doing business.

Recently, I spoke with three leading venture capitalists who focus on clean tech: William E. "Wilber" James of Rockport Capital, Alan Salzman of VantagePoint Venture Partners, and Paul Maeder of Highland Capital Partners. Needless to say, they are biased – they are invested, personally and professionally, in renewable energy and other clean technologies.

But they all see powerful forces driving the U.S. economy towards a more sustainable way of doing business in the long run. Those drivers include the science of climate change, rising global demand for a limited supply of fossil fuels, and growing political support for clean energy.

Residential Ground Mounted Solar Power system in Temecula, CA by HelioPower

In concert with the solar industry’s biggest U.S. event, Solar Power International 08, HelioEMS, Energy Management Solutions, and HelioPower have announced a joint promotion to assist California customers.  The promotion, which runs through the end of the year, involves both energy savings technologies and a $500 discount on any residential or commercial solar panel system installation.  Solar Power International 08 takes place in San Diego, October 13-17, 2008.

Energy evaluation and reduction is the initial step any company should take to improve energy efficiency.  All commercial clients who sign up for a solar power system during this promotion and/or at the show will receive a complimentary energy on site walk through of their facility with a HelioEMS team member. 

From HelioPower, residential and commercial clients who contract for a solar power system will receive a $500 discount off their system price and a check for $500 on any referrals they send that result in a new solar panel system being installed.

“This promotion could not have come at a better time,” said Steve LoRusso, Vice President of Sales at HelioPower.  “With the extension of the 30% Federal Income Tax Credit now in place and with the removal of the $2,000 cap from residential tax credits, that easily makes what was a good investment in solar an absolutely great investment!  With utility rates going up like a rocket, we just can’t wait to show our new customers why they need to take a look at what could be their best investment in a decade.  Even if you looked at solar previously, you need to re-visit this investment, as solar is now 30% more lucrative!”

The solar investment tax credit provisions in H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, passed last week include:

• Extension for 8 years of the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations
• Elimination of the $2,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent tax credit (effective for property placed in service after December 31, 2008)
• Allowance for Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and individuals, to take the credit

These credits are in addition to local state, city and utility based rebates that vary according to each region. 

“We’re delighted to partner with HelioPower to insure commercial clients are utilizing energy efficiently, prior to investing in a solar photovoltaic (PV) system,” said TR Bietsch, Managing Director of HelioEMS, Energy Management Solutions. “An energy walk-through of their facility enables us to assist customers right away with ideas and suggestions to save money on their electric bill.” 

Customers of Moreno Valley Utility now have another reason to consider solar – a rebate that can cut the cost of their installation by 40% or more.  On August 26, 2008, the City Council approved the "2008 Solar Special Program," designed to help MVU customers at the same time it is helping the City meet its renewable energy goals.

"Our Solar Special reflects the basic standards set by the California Solar Initiative," declared George Hanson, Moreno Valley Electric Utility Manager. "But we wanted to make our rebate more generous, and our process simpler, to encourage more participation."

Moreno Valley Utility customers who take advantage of the 2008 Solar Special can get a rebate of $4.00/AC Watt.  Like the program offered through Southern California Edison, solar installations must be on the customer's premises, and offset part of all of the customer's own electricity demand.  Systems must have a meter that measures how much electricity is generated and therefore how much credit the customer earns against the monthly utility bill.  Under California's net metering law, customers can only "zero out" their bill – they cannot earn credit for excess electricity production.

The minimum rebate of $4,000 is for an installation of 1 kW (1,000 watts); the maximum rebate for a residential installation is $25,000 (on a system size of 6.25 kW) and for commercial, industrial or governmental is $100,000 (system size of 25 kW).  The actual amount of the rebate will take into consideration solar panel output, inverter efficiency and design factors such as climate, azimuth, tilt and shading.  All incentives are base on available funds and verification of installation.

In 2008, you can also receive an income tax credit based on 30% of the cost of your new system, up to $2,000 for a residential install.  There is no cap on a commercial install.  This credit is scheduled to go away in 2009, so if you’re serious, don’t delay.

Michelle Pierce, MVU Program Coordinator, worked with consulting firm EcoMotion to design a straightforward application process.  "We have a seven-step process that is as simple as we could make it.  It starts with a completed Application that will reserve your rebate." 

For more information on this program, see the MVU site by clicking here; and call your HelioPower team based just near by in Murrieta to assist.  We are at Toll Free 87 SOLAR 888

This in from Forbes.com writers Joshua Zumbrun and Brian Wingfield, in their piece "Solar's Convention In The Sun":

Beneath the blazing August sun, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the stage in front of Coors Field's outfield bleachers and said that importing energy "is the principal drag on American capitalism and American prosperity."

The solution to the problem was literally beating down on him. At least that's the message at solar energy's keystone event at the Democratic National Convention. Kennedy, environmental lawyer and son of Robert F. Kennedy Sr., was the keynote speaker at the Solar Energy Industries Association's SunFest 2008.

SEIA's Wednesday afternoon event epitomized just how far and how fast the industry has come. In addition to Kennedy, several congressmen, including House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., spoke at the event.

"People have been saying solar is out in left field, and today we are out in left field of Coors Field," said SEIA President Rhone Resch.

In Denver, at least, the solar industry is feeling loved, seizing on the twin issues of energy and the environment to boost its profile. "It's great to be wanted at a convention," Resch remarked. "By Tuesday, I'd lost my voice talking to people. It's a fundamentally different convention than in the past."

Click here for the complete story.

Editor's note:  HelioPower's Steve LoRusso reported from the scene after his performance, "It was hot.  It was exciting and it was very gratifying to see the kind of support the industry garnered here today!"  See HelioBlog post dated August 22 for more info.