When it comes to energy saving, tips and products abound, leaving many confused as to which direction to go. A new study done of Americans and their energy usage habits sheds light on the confusion about what energy saving tips or products really work and what's just for show.

If you're like most energy-conscious people, you're careful to turn the lights off when leaving a room and unplug appliances when they're not in use. But how effective are those actions? Of those surveyed, 19.6 percent cited turning lights off more than any other method of conserving energy while only 3.2 percent had actually replaced their old appliances with newer and more efficient models.

"Relative to experts' recommendations, participants were overly focused on curtailment rather than efficiency, possibly because efficiency improvements almost always involved research, effort and out-of-pocket costs (e.g. buying a new energy-efficient appliance), whereas curtailment may be easier to imagine and incorporate into one's daily behaviors without any upfront costs," noted the authors of the study.

Most people think of saving energy as they would save money: use less, spend less. But the reality is that turning off lights, though a noble habit, is not going to save much energy or money. More noteworthy savings can be obtained from replacing bulbs with more efficient CFLs or by purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Also, renewable energy sources (such as solar power systems) will go a long way in saving energy while reducing costs when used in conjunction with your own energy conservation habits.

There is a lot of power packed in our sun that all living things on earth depend upon. Plants use the sun's energy in photosynthesis, cleaning our air and providing fresh oxygen. The sun also provides light and warmth from a colossal 93 million miles away, stimulating plant growth and providing a necessary dose of vitamin D for mammals. The sun also influences earth's weather and water cycle.

Humans have been able to capture some of the sun's energy that falls to earth and convert it into usable power for a variety of practical uses - for cooking, heating, and to power everyday appliances.

Especially in view of the recent oil leak in the Gulf, more people are looking into different forms of alternative energy that will not only help them save money but will also help keep our earth clean.

Solar energy is renewable, meaning we can never run out of sunshine! By harnessing energy from natural renewable sources like the sun, dependence on more environmentally harmful sources such as oil and coal can be decreased.

Solar panel technology has also come a long way. Solar power systems are now much more efficient and have become more affordable for residential and commercial customers. Aesthetically speaking, solar panels are also sleeker and more attractive. No more ugly arrays! Today's panels can blend nicely with the roof, adding style and value to the home.

Going green is as popular with kids and teens as it is with adults. As part of a school project, Canyon Middle School (Castro Valley, CA) students were asked to research environmental issues that affected their community. Rachel Charkowicz, Tracy Weisenberger, and Gabbi White decided to explore the cost of their school going solar as a way for the school district to save money while being environmentally responsible.

The three students contacted The Solar Company to see whether or not going solar would be a viable investment for Canyon, especially in view of these tough economic times. After obtaining electrical usage information from Canyon's administrators, we were able to provide an estimate for the project.

The findings were that after an initial net investment of $1.2 million for a 215.5kW roof mount solar panel system, the school would save $51,742 annually on their electric bill. Projected savings were $682,005 over 10 yrs. and $2.8 million over 25 yrs. This would result in approximately 298,000 lbs. of avoided pollution annually, which is equivalent to planting 86 acres of trees.

We are happy to report that the students all received an A on their project and the estimate was kept by the administration as a subject to possibly consider further.

In partnership with SunPower Corporation, we are pleased to provide an affordable leasing program with a 15 year lease term and an early buyout option (84 months).

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Fill out this form to find out how easy and affordable it is to go solar today!

Once you've made the decision that solar will work for your needs, now you need to decide on your time-line. Many people feel that since solar technology is constantly improving and becoming more efficient, they would rather wait til the next new thing. Or maybe they don't feel that their finances are quite in order. But there are certain benefits to installing sooner rather than later and considering some of those might just tip you in the solar direction.

1. State Solar Rebates and Federal Tax Incentives

The California Solar Initiative is currently offering a rebate for every kW installed. There are only so much funds allotted towards solar rebates for California so once they're gone, they're gone.

The government will also throw in a 30% tax credit for installing a residential solar system that can be used until 2016.

2. Start saving money now

The sooner you have a system installed, the sooner you will begin to see that meter spinning backwards. PG&E rates have been bouncing all over the place the past few months and will continue to do so. Every month spent waiting is actually costing you money!

3. An investment that pays back

Installing a solar system is an investment, not just a purchase. You will get a nice return on this investment - who can beat free electricity? And it will improve the value of your home.

Upcoming article will examine system installation.

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.

Tickets are available here: Green Super Mixer Tickets

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:

A: The best time to install solar panels is anytime! Especially if you are going to be installing a new roof. As we get to the end of winter, the days start getting longer and the sunshine becomes more abundant. Take advantage of sunny spring days to harvest that energy and turn it into usable power for your home or business.

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 the Residential Energy Credit Form (form 5695) from the IRS website.

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?

1. to expand, refine, or possibly replace the Kyoto Protocol
2. regulate specific countries with exact figures
3. verify through independent monitoring whether or not emissions cuts were being adhered to
4. assist poorer countries to help them deal with effects of climate change

Critics of the conference felt that none of the goals were really reached, leading to much frustration and no binding agreements. However, some countries have definitely set out some big goals for themselves. China has pledged the largest carbon emissions cut - 40-45% by 2020. Japan and Russia have pledged to cut 25%, Europe's pledge is 20%, and the US has pledged to cut 17%.

About the coolest thing to come out of the Climate Conference was an interactive map by the AP Climate Pool that shows worldwide carbon emissions data collected from 1990 - 2007 (click on map to launch site, then click on Emission Trends)

Update 12/21/09

Mostly finished - just a little bit of cleanup work to do still but the bulk of the installation is done. Great view from way up there!

Update 12/16/09

Making good progress - hoping to finish by the end of the week!

12/10/09

Laying the framework for the Golden State Warriors' 164 kW solar array being installed on the team's downtown Oakland training facility: