So-Cal Solar Blog

Because solar energy is worth blogging about…

Detroit Switches Sides

March 5th, 2010

aet-mount

The 8 mile is quickly becoming solar mile. Detroit, once a booming town, developed and supported by the auto industry is now switching sides into the photovoltaic (PV) solar industry. This new change will make Detroit a clean energy source and also help create new jobs. The impact will directly help decrease their unemployment rate and boost their economy.

Applied Energy Technologies (AET), a Detroit based company with over 25 years experience in the auto manufacturing industry has made the switch completely by developing a full line of versatile solar PV mounting structures and components. AET took notice of the declining market for auto related products and crafted a new line of solar mounting components while utilizing Detroit’s dedicated work force and huge network of suppliers.

Applied Energy Technologies, a huge contributor in the solar PV manufacturing industry is steadily focused on creating new jobs in the solar industry, strengthening the United States economy and keeping the environment clean.

To learn more about Applied Energy Technologies (AET) please visit http://ati-energy.com/

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Posted in Solar Energy 101, Solar Industry | 2 Comments »

Catch Us on Twitter and Facebook

March 1st, 2010

We want to hear from our readers, connect with our readers and most importantly bring green awareness to our readers. To keep track of So-Cal Solar Inc. on a daily basis please follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/SoCalSolar and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Huntington-Beach-CA/So-Cal-Solar-Inc/178180888471?ref=ts. Help us by growing in solar awareness and join us. We look forward to tweeting and connecting with you.

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Posted in Website News | No Comments »

Orange County We’re Here!

February 27th, 2010

solar-background-1

We are expanding and proud of it! So-Cal Solar Inc. is announcing that we have opened up another office located in Huntington Beach, CA, in Orange County. We are excited to become a part of Orange County and help homeowners and businesses reduce their carbon footprint by becoming energy independent.

So-Cal Solar Inc. specializes in solar electric systems for residential and commercial needs. We have been in business for over a decade and have remained at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry.

With our expansion of the new office we are committed to bringing solar awareness throughout Orange County and Southern California. Together we can make Orange County a huge contributor to California’s renewable energy goal set forth by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Please feel free to contact us for a free solar evaluation (http://www.socalsolarinc.com/free-solar-evaluation/).

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Posted in Website News | 2 Comments »

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

February 24th, 2010

shutterstock_2904155screenLast night I was doing some research when I got sidetracked by a “calculate your carbon footprint” tool. I have seen many of these calculator’s online and have found some to be misleading while others overwhelming. The one I stumbled upon was created by Earthlab (https://www.earthlab.com/createprofile/reg.aspx). Earthlab is a community formed to bring awareness to the climate crisis issue. Anyhow, I messed around with the carbon footprint tool and was shocked to find my score was slightly below average. I mean it’s good to be below average in this situation but I was expecting to be HUGELY under average. After I wiped the shocked look off my face I decided to challenge myself and hopefully others will start to challenge themselves. I challenge myself to lower my score with a 3 month, 6 month and 1 year goal. I will “retest” myself to see if I am able to improve my score by lowering it. I now put the offer on the table and challenge my readers to do the same.

Below you will find some helpful tips on how to start reducing your carbon footprint:

1. Install a solar electric system
2. Water your grass only in the morning
3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
4. Car pool
5. Use recycled products
6. Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in use
7. Buy local products
8. Use a coffee mug instead of disposal cups
9. Plant a tree or bush
10. Use cloth towels instead of paper towels

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Posted in Global Warming | 1 Comment »

How Green Are You Contest!!!

February 22nd, 2010

ss-2Ok readers we want to know from all of you “How Green Are You”. Tell us your story on what you do to impact the environment in a positive way. No impact is too small or large and we want to hear about it to share with the world and continue increasing awareness. If you recycle we want hear about it. If you have a solar electric system we want to what your system’s environmental impact has done. If you stopped using plastic bags we want to know how you adjusted from plastic to eco-bags. If you do it all WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT!!!!

Bringing environmental awareness to our readers is a top priority for So-Cal Solar Inc. That is why we have decided to run a contest and hear how our readers have changed their lifestyles to help the environment. The “How Green Are You” contest will be from February 22-March 17, 2010. Below you will find the rules to enter:

1. Email your story to info@socalsolarinc.com
2. All ages are welcome to enter
3. Have your story submitted by March 16, 2010 6pm
4. Include pictures if available
5. No purchase necessary to enter
6. No restrictions on prize winner
7. Winner will be selected by So-Cal Solar Inc. staff via e-mail
8. No limitations on entries per household

The winner of the contest will be featured on our website along with his or her story. We want the story to be heard to start changing the mindset of those that do not contribute in a positive light to the environment. Along with being featured on our website the winner will also be receiving Homeology’s All Purpose Cleaner. Homeology is a green cleaning product line created by Gold Canyon. Homeology has carefully been created to ensure the products are non-toxic, natural and safe for the environment, pets, kids and your health. To learn more about Homeology please visit www.mygc.com/Lamonica .

So-Cal Solar Inc.
2010 West Ave K
Lancaster, CA 93536

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Posted in Green Living | 4 Comments »

Product of the Month

February 17th, 2010

homeology

If you are thinking about buying green cleaning products for the first time but are unsure of which products to buy, you might want to consider buying Gold Canyon’s green cleaning products called Homeology. The products are made with natural ingredients and have received great reviews from magazines such as Better Homes and Garden and Everyday with Rachael Ray. The ingredients that are used in Gold Canyon Homeology products are purified water, essential oils, and coconut based cleaners.

The type of products that are available in Gold Canyon’s Homeology green cleaning products line are Rosemary Mint All Purpose Cleaner, Mandarin Eucalyptus Clove Cleanse, Lavender Eucalyptus Sweet Orange Floor Cleaner, and Peppermint Eucalyptus Glass Cleaner.

Below is a list of essentials that are used in each product:

Rosemary Mint All Purpose Cleaner uses peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils.

Mandarin Eucalyptus Clove Cleanse uses lemon, cinnamon, clove, mandarin, and eucalyptus essential oils.

Lavender Eucalyptus Sweet Orange Floor Cleaner uses sweet orange, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oils.

Peppermint Eucalyptus Glass Cleaner uses lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint essential oils.

If you are unfamiliar with the Mandarin Eucalyptus Cleanse, below explains where the natural cleaner can be used:

This product can be used as a natural scrub for appliances, tile, sink, countertop, bathtub, and much more. The Mandarin Eucalyptus Clove Cleanse can also be used as a deodorizer for a trash can, diaper pail, and other items in the home.

If you are interested in buying any of Gold Canyon’s Homeology products you can do so by going to the following website: www.mygc.com/Lamonica

To read more about Homeology products please take the time to visit the following blog:
http://fabulousgccandles.blogspot.com/

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Posted in Green Living | 4 Comments »

Turning the Holidays Green

December 8th, 2009

Deck the halls this holiday by turning the spirit green. As we frantically get ready for family and the holiday bustle, our first order of business is turning our homes into winter wonderlands. This year I challenge you all to turn your holidays into a recycled green occasion. Below are my helpful tips to get your mind going green.

Dazzling the Tree:
All trees need beautiful ornaments so why not make them instead of purchasing new ones. Hand made ornaments are a hit this year because they can be crafted from everyday materials found around the home. Grab some glitter, glue and sprinkle away. This is a great way to get the family involved and turn this event into a tradition for years to come. Next, make sure your tree lights are LED lights. This will ensure the extra lights won’t take a damaging effect on your already high electric bill.

Cards:
Every year our holiday card list seems to get longer and longer and also very expensive. Instead of wasting your time, money and paper why not send an e-card. Most e-card services are free and you are able to customize your own holiday messages with photos.

Wrapping the Gifts:
Although we all enjoy opening those shinny little boxes under the tree, the moment only last a few seconds. So make sure you use holiday newspaper ads, recycled paper, or reusable bags.

The Perfect Gift:
This year find the holiday spirit by giving non-traditional gifts to friends and family that they will enjoy after the holidays. Gifts such as a free housecleaning, babysitting or even a nice outdoor picnic once the holiday bustle slows down. I know we all wish we could have a little extra help in our lives so a thoughtful gesture such as the ideas above will make hearts melt. Plus your pocketbook will thank you later. If you insist on purchasing a gift get a present that will be enjoyable and good for the environment.
Such gifts as:

Solar outdoor lights
Bamboo cutting boards
Eco golf tees
Organic baby clothes
E-readers
Solar electric system

Going green on the holidays is not as hard as we may think. I welcome others to post their green tips for the holidays. Together we can make this holiday cheer last a lifetime.

Happy Holidays from the So-Cal Solar family!

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Posted in Green Living | 14 Comments »

Have A Green Wedding And Make That Day A Little Bit More Special!

July 23rd, 2009

You can help save the environment even on your wedding day. By having a green wedding, you can enjoy all the elements of a traditional wedding while making sure that you are minimizing any harm to the environment.

The first major consideration is the number of guests you are inviting. It is great to have a big wedding but it is expensive as well. A practical move would be to choose special friends, family, and relatives to invite for your wedding. This will cut down your expenses and also reduce the carbon footprint because fewer guest will mean less travel!

Try to make use of local ingredients and hire a local caterer who has enough knowledge about how to produce those sumptuous dishes you want but from local produce. You are not only helping the environment but you are also patronizing the local growers by buying their produce. These foods are relatively healthier compared to those from other places that may have preservatives in them.

Why not wear a vintage bridal gown instead of a new one that may contain many synthetic materials. Or try choosing a gown that is made from organic cotton or hemp.  The wedding dress is one the most important elements of your wedding so you will be proud, knowing that what you are wearing not only looks great but is also good for the environment.

Instead of importing out of season flowers from abroad, you can make use of the local grown blooms. Some couples even use flowers from their own garden!  Another tip to consider is sharing flowers with another couple who has the same wedding date as yours. After the celebration, you can also send your flowers to some nursing homes instead of throwing it away.

For your wedding favors, you can give away flower seeds which will also serve as a lasting memento for your wedding as your guests can enjoy for a long time the blooms that will result from these seeds.

Perhaps the most significant impact on the environment is you choice of wedding venue. Try to have your wedding outdoors and during the day.  Make sure you ask the venue important questions like whether they participate in recycling or conserve water.  If you really want to have the biggest impact on your green wedding day choose a venue that utilizes solar electric.  This would mean your wedding day would run completely on clean energy and help aid in the fight against global warming.

If you want to have an eco-friendly wedding that is sincere and genuine, you can check out Green Wedding. There you can find 101 tips on how to have the ultimate green wedding of your choice and a free green wedding e-book to help you get started planning your green wedding now.

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Posted in Green Living | 23 Comments »

Protect Yourself from LADWP

July 13th, 2009

Effective 1 July thru 30 September 2009 LADWP has implemented a new tier rate electric structure.  The tier rate will affect residents that utilize LADWP by increasing their rates during some of Los Angeles hottest months.  Under the new rate structure San Fernando Valley residents will have a new 3 tier rate plan to follow.  The 3 tier plan increases rates as followed, usage under 500 kwh will be charged 12.36 cents per kwh, from 500-1,500 kwh the charge will be 13.86 cents per kwh and anything above 1,500 kwh will be charged 17.36 cents per kwh.  The same plan will take place again 1 July 2010 thru 30 September 2010.  This rate increase has left many homeowners upset but there is a solution available for many homeowners to protect themselves from rate increase and its solar power.

 

 LADWP has a solar energy rebate program that benefits homeowners greatly if they take advantage of it and act NOW.  The solar rebate program allows homeowners to receive a monetary rebate after a solar electric system has been installed.  The rebate incentive helps homeowners by taking care of up to 44% of the cost of the solar electric system but the incentives do not stop there.  On top of the LADWP rebate homeowners are also given a 30% federal tax credit on the system cost.  With both incentives in place it allows homeowners to fully take advantage of solar energy and protect themselves from future rate increases such as the LADWP rate increase. 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Residential Solar, Solar Energy 101 | 8 Comments »

Green Up Father’s Day

June 7th, 2009

Father’s day is around the corner and the hunt to find the perfect gift is becoming harder and harder each year. If you have a father like mine that does everything and has everything the perfect gift is nearly impossible to find. As I embarked on my treasure hunt I came across some great green gift ideas for every father out there. Below you will find my top 5 picks for the perfect father’s day gift.


1. Solar Powered Cell Phone Charger


Many cell phone accessory companies are going green with their phones and accessories. As you Google solar powered phone chargers many different options are available to you. One of the latest solar powered cell phone chargers on the market is by Energizer called Energi To Go. This solar charger gives your iPhone that additional battery life that is well needed throughout the day.


2. Solar Hybrid Flashlight


For the dad that likes to spend his summer days in the wilderness a solar hybrid flashlight is the perfect gift. This solar hybrid flashlight is equipped with LED lights that are fueled by solar energy so buying batteries will be a thing of the past.


3. Electricity Usage Monitor


We all know growing up dad was always on us to turn off the lights or TV when not in use. An electricity usage monitor will allow dad to plug in and see how much electricity is being used, for how long and on what appliances. Great for dad’s that are looking to cut energy cost during summer time.


4. Eco Golf Tees


These eco-friendly golf tees are made from recycled wood and are biodegradable for those dad’s that are just learning and losing golf tees on the course. To really spice things add a free round of golf at his favorite location and this will surely bring a smile to his face.


5. Solar Electric System


If you really want to go all out and impress your dad you should consider either paying for a solar electric system or putting some money towards one for him. This will bring your dad to his knees especially since he can use that extra money saved every month towards all his other hobbies. This will be a sure way to repay dad for those 18 years of extra energy used that we all wasted by leaving lights, TVs and other electronic devices on.


Whatever it is you decide to do for your father on his special day make a change and start going green with those gift ideas. Lastly, remember not to go and buy him a card but instead send him an e-card. To all those father’s out there Happy Father’s Day.

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Posted in Green Gadgets, Solar Energy 101 | 20 Comments »

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