April 2009 Archives

Note, this article was previously published at http://solarpowerauthority.com/california/ that article has been updated and refocused, visit the page to learn more or read on for older resources.

This article provides a summary of websites available for gaining useful information on Solar Energy opportunities and incentives in the state of California. It is by no means comprehensive but will be updated as new programs and incentives arise, feel free to contact us if you would like your business or organization included or updated.

The amount of information on the Internet is overwhelming in this area, as it is on many subjects, so the intent of this article is to highlight some of the more interesting web sites that we found in our searches covering solar power in California, including mostly the .org and .gov sites with businesses located at the bottom. Also at the end of the article is a list of sites you may wish to visit to continue your research. It includes the sites covered in the article itself as an index as well as ones we didn't have space for.


General Information and Education

Go Solar California a primer on solar energy, with sections on What Is Solar Energy? and What Are Photovoltaics? A basic Introduction to Solar Energy. http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/solar101/what_is.html

Consumer Reports Org has up to date information on California's stance on greenhouse-gas emissions. Of note, a solar-roofs program requiring publicly owned utilities to drop the costs of these systems by implementing incentives for solar power. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/solar_energy/

Renewable Northwest Project (RNP) a good guide to the basics of solar energy technologies. http://www.rnp.org/renewtech/tech_solar.html

Nor Cal Solar Provides up to date news on Solar installations in the Bay Area. http://www.norcalsolar.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=27

Wikipedia a good article on the California Solar Initiative in general. Good primer on the subject. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Solar_Initiative



Government Resources

CALSEIA goes into how a variety of laws have been enacted in California to help prevent restrictions that may prevent the installation of solar products in your community such as homeowners associations and other restrictive communities. http://calseia.org/archives/12
 
California Solar Center covers the latest in California Solar Legislation. Good site for tracking new laws and government involvement. http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/legislation.html
 
US Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) an overview on California Energy Acts that Include Incentives for Solar Water Heating. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/news_detail.cfm/news_id=11355

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services details how the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on has adopted a $108 million program to deliver incentives to low-income, single-family homeowners under the California Solar Initiative program. http://liheap.ncat.org/news/nov07/CAsolar.htm

The Vote Solar Initiative an overview and details about Governor Schwarzenegger's signing of pro-solar bills in the year 2008. http://www.votesolar.org/state-initiatives/california.html
 
NPR Org From October 27, 2008, an article about Solar panels as a construction accessory in Southern California and how there is a regulatory roadblock. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96175833

Connecticut General Assembly information about the California (and other states) Solar Initiative, in which the the California Public Utilities Commission has authorized $ 2.6 million for a pilot solar water heating program, of which $ 1.5 million is for incentives. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2008/rpt/2008-R-0037.htm

Energy Quest information about California setting a goal to develop 3,000 Megawatts of Solar Power. http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/solar/index.html
 
County of San Diego provides additional sources of information on solar power. http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/greenbuildings.html

The California Energy Commission a press release from January 8, 2009 about a consumer contest to educates consumers about solar and energy efficiency. http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2009_releases/2009-01-08_go_solar_contest.html

Go Solar California provide solar statistics on rebates before the California Solar Initiative, the New Solar Homes Partnership, Total Grid-Connected PVs in California and other California and National Renewables Statistics. http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/news/statistics/index.html



Solar Incentives

Go Solar California is run by California's Public Utilities Commission and Energy Commission and provides information on rebates, tax credits, and incentives for solar energy systems in California. http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/

GoSolarSF is a Solar Energy Incentive Program to encourage more installations of solar power in San Francisco. Interesting site for the SFO community, offering offers residents up to $6,000, and businesses up to $10,000 to install solar power. http://www.sfwater.org/gosolarsf/

California Solar Energy Industries Association CALSEIA covers information about Solar Rebates in conjunction with CAL SEIA, the State of California has put in place a range of financial incentives that substantially reduce the costs of solar energy systems. Visit this site for details about these systems. http://calseia.org/solar-rebates.html

Democratic Energy covers the solar hot water incentive program in California, specifically, the California Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 (AB 1470), a 10-year program aimed at installing 200,000 solar water heaters in homes and businesses using a $250 million fund. http://www.newrules.org/electricity/solarwaterca.html

Center for Sustainable Energy California under the umbrella of the California Solar Initiative (CSI), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is providing $2.1 billion in solar incentives over the next decade to existing residential plus existing and new commercial, industrial and agricultural solar projects. http://www.sdreo.org/ContentPage.asp?ContentID=370&SectionID=407

Northern California Solar Energy Association provides some interesting statistical information on The California Solar Initiative program. http://www.norcalsolar.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=1
 
Environment California press release from 2008-10-03 on Important Tax Incentives for Wind and Solar Energy. http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/important-tax-incentives-for-wind-and-solar-energy-extended

California Solar Center examines financial incentives for Solar Energy Grants & Rebates. http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/incentives.html California Solar Center features what they call Solar Forums, which they describe as "a great place to learn about the latest regarding the solar industry and a great place to network with your peers." Visit this site for schedules for both Northern and Southern California and visit http://www.cleantechauthority.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8 for Solar Forums and http://www.cleantechauthority.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=16 for solar Q&A.

Solar Estimate Org is a good site for information on Solar Energy Incentives, Tax Credits, and Rebates. http://www.solar-estimate.org/index.php?page=solar-incentives

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE Xplore) a paper presenting several types of solar energy incentives for industrial energy consumers. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=4047062

Solar Estimate Org an overview of Marin County, California renewable energy incentives. http://www.solar-estimate.org/showfaq.php?id=220&fromsearch=1

Go Solar California information about Federal Tax Credits for solar customers and other renewable energy projects. http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/csi/tax_credit.html

Consumer Reports interesting comments about Federal tax credits for consumers on solar energy incentives. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2008/12/energy-credits.html

The California Energy Commission examines incentives in the form of public or private subsidies such as cash rebates on installations of renewable-energy electric generating systems. Eligible technologies include photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal electricity systems. http://www.energy.ca.gov/distgen/incentives/incentives.html
 
Riverside Public Utilities the Non-Residential Photovoltaic (PV) System rebate program for Riverside California providing financial incentives to business customers who purchase and install solar energy systems. http://www.riversideca.gov/utilities/busi-solar.asp
  
California Public Utilities Commission discusses Performance-Based Incentives (PBI) and New Incentive Levels where the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) calls for a transition of the California Solar Initiative to Performance Based Incentives that reward properly installed and maintained solar systems. http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Solar/061228_csipbicalc.htm



Solar Companies in California

Solar Home Org provides details about Solar Panels and Solar Power Kits. http://www.solarhome.org/
 


Sources

Resources and Information cited in this article and others not mentioned which may be of interest to those researching Solar Energy alternatives, legislation, tax incentives and rebates in the state of California:

• http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/incentives.html
• http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/
• http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/
• http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/index.html
• http://www.sfwater.org/gosolarsf/
• http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc/Energy/solar/
• http://www.sfgov.org/site/mainpages_index.asp?id=88198
• http://calseia.org/solar-rebates.html
• http://www.newrules.org/electricity/solarwaterca.html
• http://www.sdreo.org/ContentPage.asp?ContentID=370&SectionID=407
• http://www.norcalsolar.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=1
• http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/important-tax-incentives-for-wind-and-solar-energy-extended
• http://www.energy.ca.gov/sb1/index.html
• http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/news_detail.cfm/news_id=11355
• http://www.solarhome.org/
• http://www.solar-estimate.org/index.php?page=solar-incentives
• http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
• http://www.sdreo.org/ContentPage.asp?ContentID=483&SectionID=522&SectionTarget=44
• http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/solar_energy/
• http://www.cacities.org/index.jsp?zone=wcm&previewStory=26810
• http://calseia.org/archives/12
• http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/legislation.html
• http://www.energy.ca.gov/distgen/incentives/incentives.html
• http://www.teamca.org/solar_energy.php
• http://www.cga.ct.gov/2008/rpt/2008-R-0037.htm
• http://liheap.ncat.org/news/nov07/CAsolar.htm
• http://www.norcalsolar.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=27
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Solar_Initiative
• http://www.riversideca.gov/utilities/busi-solar.asp
• http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=4047062
• http://www.rnp.org/renewtech/tech_solar.html
• http://www.solar-estimate.org/showfaq.php?id=220&fromsearch=1
• http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/csi/tax_credit.html
• http://www.votesolar.org/state-initiatives/california.html
• http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/SOLAR.HTM
• http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96175833
• http://www.newrules.org/de/archives/000132.html
• http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/renewable.energy.annual/chap06.html
• http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2008/12/energy-credits.html
• http://www.homesolarpowersystems.org/california-solar-incentives-rebates
• http://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/solar101/what_is.html
• http://www.energy.ca.gov/
• http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/10657/
• http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/06-NSHP-1/index.html
• http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/FINAL_DECISION/75400-01.htm
• http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Solar/061228_csipbicalc.htm
• http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/solar/index.html
• http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/greenbuildings.html
• http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2009_releases/2009-01-08_go_solar_contest.html
• http://www.energy.ca.gov/sb1/meetings/2008-12-03_adoption/2008-12-15_notice_of_Availabilty.html
• http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/news/statistics/index.html
• http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/news/legislation.html

Note, this article was previously published at http://www.solarpowerauthority.com/colorado/ that article has been updated and refocused, visit the page to learn more or read on for older resources.

Incentives and Rebates

Statewide
In 2004, Colorado voters passed new renewable energy requirements under Amendment 37. The amendment requires electric utilities with more than 40,000 customers to generate or purchase 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2015. It also requires utilities to offer a $2 per watt rebate, up to 100 kilowatts, and establishes a statewide net metering system.

In April 2007, the Colorado legislature passed a law that enables city and county governments to offer property and sales tax rebates or credits for both residential and commercial renewable energy system installations.

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO), whose mission statement is "to Lead Colorado to a New Energy Economy", was created in April 2007. The "GEO will work with communities, utilities, private and public organizations, and individuals to promote renewable energy such as wind, solar, and geothermal, and energy efficiency technologies in commercial and residential buildings." The GEO expects the Colorado Carbon Fund to be operational in late spring 2008. This program features a voluntary carbon offset program. The GEO is also looking for partners to help fund a Residential Solar Rebate Program.

Aquila
Aquila offers a rebate program for photovoltaic system installation. Eligible systems can be up to 100 kilowatts. All systems up to 100 kilowatts are eligible for a rebate of $2 per watt. Systems larger than 10 kilowatts and up to 100 kilowatts will receive an annual Renewable Energy Credit (REC) payment of $115 per megawatt hour, while systems up to 10 kilowatts may be eligible for a one-time REC payment. The REC is based on the amount of solar electricity generated by the system.

Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy offers a rebate through its Solar*Rewards program. They offer a $2 per watt rebate with a cap of $200,000. Smaller systems, 10 kilowatts or fewer, qualify for a $2.50 per watt Renewable Energy Credit. Larger systems can earn a monthly payment of $115 per megawatt hour of energy produced.

Aspen
The Aspen area offers several good incentives for purchasing photovoltaic systems. CORE offers a $2 per watt rebate for any PV system installed by a certified installer and tied into the electrical grid. The maximum rebate is $6000. Rebates are also offered for solar hot water systems. The rebates are funded through the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program. CORE also offers no-interest financing for purchasing and installing PV systems.
Holy Cross Energy offers a $2 per watt rebate on installed PV systems. The system must be connected to the electrical grid and the rebate cannot exceed 50% of the installed cost.

Boulder
The City of Boulder offers a sales and use tax rebate for solar thermal and PV system installations. The 35% rebate applies to both commercial and residential systems. The other 65% of tax revenue is put into a fund used to rehabilitate existing solar systems. Residents can apply for the rebate online.

Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Utility has joined with Ent Federal Credit Union to provide low interest rate financing for pre-approved energy and water efficiency home improvement projects, including solar PV system installation. Loans are available from $1,000 to $50,000.

Colorado Springs Utility also offers a Renewable Energy Rebate Program for grid-connected PV's. Business and residential customers are eligible for a $3.75 per AC watt rebate for new installations.

Durango
LaPlata Electric Association offers a rebate to its residential customers who install a grid-connected renewable energy system. The rebate is $2 per watt and cannot exceed the cost of the system.

Fort Collins
The City of Fort Collins offers its residents the ZILCH loan program, a no interest loan that can be used to pay for home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency, including solar space heating or water heating, reduce water usage, or improve air quality. The maximum loan is $2,300 and cannot finance more than 80% of project costs.

Gunnison County
Gunnison County Electric Association provides loans for grid-connected or off grid solar PV and wind systems of 10 kilowatts or less. Residents can use the low interest loans to finance up to $25,000 over 10 years. For more information, contact the GCEA.

Longmont
Longmont Power and Communication offers a Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, in conjunction with Platte River Power Authority, to businesses that invest in energy efficient improvements. Businesses can receive up to $500 per kilowatt. Contact them directly to determine if installation of solar technologies are approved.

Loveland
Loveland Water and Power has also partnered with Platte River Power Authority to offer a Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. Interested parties should contact the utility directly.

Net Metering
When a solar PV system generates more electricity than can be used while the sun is shining, the excess electricity can be pushed back into the electrical grid through the customer's electric meter. At the end of the month, the net utility bill is calculated by subtracting the energy generated by the PV system from the total energy consumption. Although there is no state requirement, the following utilities in Colorado offer net metering to their consumers. Details on individual programs can be found by visiting the utilities' website or by calling them directly.

• Aquila
• Xcel
• Delta-Montrose Electric Association
• Empire Electric Association
• Fort Collins Utilities
• Gunnison County
• Holy Cross Energy
• LaPlata Electric Association

Projects and Events

Aspen
In 2000, Aspen and Pitkin County launched the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP). REMP's goal is to reduce overall carbon output by offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions caused by equipment used for exterior snowmelt, pools and spas and the extra energy requirements of large homes. In basic terms, REMP is an energy tax. REMP charges fees of up to $5,000 to new homeowners and remodelers if their home exceeds 5,000 square feet. If the home exceeds 10,000 square feet, the fee increases to $10,000. REMP allows users of snowmelt equipment, pools and spas to either pay a fee or to offset the use by installing a two kilowatt PV system or its equivalent.

Boulder
At Boulder Solar Week 2007, participants could take a tour of 14 green and solar powered homes and participate in evening workshops.

Solar Power for At Risk Communities (SPARC) is a project that aims to link the long-term cost savings of solar energy with those most in need of controlling utility expenses. They have already installed a PV system at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless and solar hot water systems in several low-income neighborhoods.

During 2005 and 2006, the Orphan Solar Program aimed to refurbish older solar thermal systems. They assessed 99 systems and repaired 52 systems.

The University of Colorado Solar Decathlon team placed 7th in this year's Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C. In September 2007, 20 teams from Canada, the United States and Europe were invited to construct a solar village on the National Mall. The team won the competition in 2002 and 2005. Solar Decathalon.



Gunnison County
In September 2007, the Gunnison High School PV Project installed a 1.44 kilowatt PV system funded by a grant from the Gunnison County Electric Association and a scrap metal drive. Solar Energy International is offering workshops for the students and training teachers in the use of the data monitoring system.

Business
Many companies in Colorado sell and install solar systems. We have included links to several below. Other online business directories include ColoradoEnergy, the Boulder Green Building Guild, and CoSEIA's list of CoSEIA certified businesses.

Alternative Power Enterprises, Ridgway, CO
Atlasta Solar Center, Grand Junction, CO
Aspen Solar, Aspen, CO
Authentic Energy, Gunnison, CO
Automatic Solar, Boulder, CO
Bella Energy, formerly Lafayette, CO (relocated to Louisville, CO)
Building for Health Materials Center, Carbondale, CO
Colorado Solar Electric, New Castle, CO
Ecofutures Building, Inc, Boulder, CO
Grounded Renewable Energy, Carbondale, CO
High Noon Solar, Grand Junction, CO
Lighthouse Solar, Boulder, CO
Mountain Power Company, Ridgway, CO, (970) 626-9777
Namaste Solar Electric, Boulder, CO
Nth Degree Energy, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Powers Electric, Gunnison, CO, (970) 641-1914
Rec Solar, Denver, CO
Resource Engineering Group, Crested Butte, CO
Simple Solar Electric Systems, Boulder, CO
Simplicity Solar, Grand Junction, CO
SoL Energy LLC,
Sol Source, Denver, CO
Solar Design, Crestone, CO, (719) 580-9002 email
Sundance Solar Designs, Olathe, CO
Sunsense, Inc., Carbondale, CO
Time For Solar, Montrose, CO

Education
The Crestone Solar School in Crestone, CO offers residential workshops during the summer months for those interested in learning more about solar energy.

Located in Carbondale, CO, Solar Energy International offers workshops and online training in solar, wind, and water power and natural building technologies.

Groups

• Boulder Green Building Group
• CoSEIA
• ColoradoEnergy.org
• Colorado Renewable Energy Society
• Colorado Energy Science Center
• Office for Resource Efficiency
• Solorado