Blogs

Solar - Where To Start

Submitted by nicole on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 13:08

You've been hearing about solar panels for years now but have never given it any serious thought. That is, until you just opened your latest electric bill and almost passed out! Especially if you are a PG&E customer, you've noticed that the rates for Tier 5 are now, as of March 1, $0.50 per kW. Solar is really looking like a serious solution to your high bills - so, where to start?

1. Do your research

There are numerous manufacturing companies out there with a variety of panels. See what people are saying - the internet is a great place for reviews about brands and products. Not all warranties are created equal; make sure you choose a brand that not only has good ratings but also has a solid warranty.

2. Decide what you want

Green Business Super Mixer

Submitted by nicole on Mon, 02/15/2010 - 09:46

Bay Area Business Link's Green Super Mixer will be held February 24th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at John Madden's Goal Line Productions in Pleasanton.

Sponsors include The Solar Company, PG&E, Clif Bar, Saba Motors, and a number of other local green businesses. Enjoy food and beverages (Wente Vineyards will be there!) and meet other green-minded Bay Area residents.

When Is the Best Time To Install Solar Panels?

Submitted by nicole on Thu, 02/04/2010 - 15:22

We were recently asked to submit an answer to a question posed by a reader of Style magazine that will be featured in their March issue of their Ask the Experts column:

Q: When is the best time of the year to install Solar Panels on my house?

I had to think about it for a few minutes. Did they want to know when was the best time of year financially? Solar rebates are dropping by the summer so it's always best to jump on those as soon as possible. And there's usually a little extra cash flowing after tax season...

And then, how about seasonally? Obviously, good weather would be the best for installing a solar system, but there's no downside to installing in the winter.

My conclusion? Here's the answer I submitted:

Federal Tax Credit Form for 2009

Submitted by nicole on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 12:20

Getting ready to do your 2009 taxes? If you installed your solar power system in 2009, don't forget to download the latest copy of theResidential Energy Credit Form (form 5695) from the IRS website.

Copenhagen Climate Summit

Submitted by nicole on Mon, 01/11/2010 - 14:23

Way back in 1997, the United Nations adopted the Kyoto Protocol to help set specific targets for several countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The protocol was not entered into force until 2005 and since then, 187 countries have entered into the agreement to help curb climate change.

However, it's obvious that things haven't gone so hot...or perhaps we should say things have actually gotten hotter? Many questions have been raised as to the protocol's effectiveness in doing enough to stop global warming - enter the Copenhagen Summit. Its goals?