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Archive for the ‘Solar Energy 101’ Category

Detroit Switches Sides

Friday, 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 | 7 Comments »

Protect Yourself from LADWP

Monday, 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 | 10 Comments »

Green Up Father’s Day

Sunday, 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 | 21 Comments »

Going Green Can Save Your Money (and Your Health)

Monday, April 13th, 2009

“Going green” has become a frequently used expression in the last couple years. Everyone is doing what they can to be more earth-friendly these days. But, “going green” isn’t just good for the earth; it can be good for your finances too. For example, changing over to a solar system for electricity frees you from the ever-increasing electricity rates that utility companies charge. The federal government has also placed a 30% federal income tax credit on residential solar systems.

In addition to tax credits for going solar, there are some available for a variety “green” house modifications. Tax credits can be claimed for energy improvements to homes, such as windows, insulation, and envelope and duct sealing. Below is a list of the other modifications homeowners can make to receive these credits:

• Adding insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC (& supplements) specifications.
• Replacing windows and skylights, and exterior doors which are equal to or below a 0.30 U factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30.
• Sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce infiltration and heat loss - these should be sealed so as to be consistent with the 2009 IECC.
• Window films certified by the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of a “qualifying insulation system.”
• Pigmented metal roofs, or an asphalt roof with cooling granules must meet Energy Star requirements.

In some cases, taking these measures will not only help you save money, but your health may benefit as well. For example, most homes built before 1980
contain asbestos. Asbestos was used widely throughout the 20th century for a number of things, but it was mainly used for insulation due to its fire-resistant qualities. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of a rare and aggressive type of cancer known as mesothelioma. This type of cancer typically forms in the lining of the lungs and is very difficult to treat effectively. This is because mesothelioma symptoms don’t usually show up until about 15 to 25 years after exposure.

There are a number of other alternative types of insulation that can be used that are more eco-friendly than asbestos and don’t pose any danger to your health. The United States Department of Energy has a list of insulation “Energy Savers” you can use when making plans to remodel your home.

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Posted in Green Benefits, Solar Electricity, Solar Energy 101 | 18 Comments »

Earth Hour…This weekend Get Ready!!

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009



A few weeks back I posted a blog in regards to Earth Hour 2009.  We here at So-Cal Solar are strong believers in this cause and really want to get as much support as possible.  Please take the time to check out the Earth Hour video.  Also below you will find some great ideas on how to spend your 1 hour without any electricity:

1. Plan a romantic candle light dinner for two at home.
2. Turn your backyard into an evening picnic and watch the stars.
3. Call some friends over for a night of board games lighted by candles.
4. Take a nice walk around the neighborhood and see how many participated in earth hour.
5. Plan a bonfire at the beach with a loved one or friends.

Whatever you decided to do make sure it’s with no electricity and know that together we can make an impact.

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Posted in Global Warming, Green Benefits, Solar Energy 101 | 3 Comments »

Energy Audits…it’s a Good Thing!

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009

Each and every year we file our taxes and leave the office of our CPA and think man I hope I don’t get audited. Many associate the word “audit” as a negative form with the likelihood of getting into some sort of trouble after the audit is completed or that could just be me. Nonetheless an audit that many homeowners do not think of doing that could save them money in the long run is an energy audit.


An energy audit is a home inspection that analyzes the flow of energy throughout the residents. An inspector will inspect the structure of the home from walls, windows, doors and appliances to evaluate the current energy demand. The inspector will also interview the homeowners to better understand their energy usage pattern and the history of the home. After a complete analysis of the home and utility bills an inspector will be able to make recommendations from inexpensive changes and upwards. Always remember if you are seeking to make the biggest energy impact on your home a solar electric system should be at the top of your list of home improvements. A solar electric system not only reduces or eliminates your energy bill but makes you energy independent and produces clean energy as well.


In the long run an energy audit is a great resource to explore for the sake of the home and home owners.

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Posted in Residential Solar, Solar Energy 101 | 5 Comments »

It all sounds too easy…is that how solar really works?

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

It does sound easy and that is why a solar electric system is one of the greatest investments people can make. A home solar electric system consists of a number of roof-mounted panels, conduit and wiring that are connected to an inverter. The system panels produce Direct Current (DC) electric energy when the sun is shining on the array and the inverter changes it into normal Alternating Current (AC) which feeds into the grid (utility power lines).  The meter actually runs backward and you are given a credit for the excess production, which is used where it is most needed in your neighborhood. This socially useful service helps lower the need for additional power plants to meet the daytime peak electric demand. For that reason, you are granted partial funding off the system, via a state rebate and federal tax credits, which makes it more economical. Yes, it truly is good for your pocket book, the environment and the future of next generations.

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Posted in Electric Alternatives, Residential Solar, Solar Electricity, Solar Energy 101, Solar Facts, Solar Tax Benefits | 3 Comments »