The Macys have had solar water heating for their El Dorado home for almost 30 years and decided they were wasting money by not using the sun to provide electricity for the rest of their household needs. In 2008, they became the proud owners of a 3.8 kW SunPower solar system.

For the past year and a half, they have enjoyed generating their own power.

In fact, they were delighted by the performance and happily explained, "Our system is actually producing more kWh than the contract estimated. We purchased a system that covered two-thirds of our previous year's energy use, and yet our first year's entire electric bill was under $50! This year, we're doing even better."

The entire installation experience was quick and easy.

"We were impressed with the install crew; the process was fast and they all seemed to be very well trained in their jobs."

The Macys are very proud to be making a difference in their community by promoting both economic and environmental sustainability.

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.

The Solar Company recently installed a 6.8 kW SunPower solar power system on the El Dorado Hills home of Chris Haskins. With average PG&E bills running around $350 per month and climbing to $500 - $600 during the summer months, the Haskins were definitely interested in a renewable power source that could generate electricity for them at a substantial savings.

And how's the system doing? So far, so good! As Chris puts it, "I am very happy with the system. It continues to amaze me with the power it generates. In just two months, we have a $101.00 credit for our account from PG&E."

In addition to the monthly savings, the Haskins stay very comfortable in their cool air-conditioned home during those hot summer days!

Because of current federal tax incentives, Chris is also looking forward to deducting about $15,000 from their taxes as residential energy credits (for more information about these credits, please see the IRS website).

As for their experience with The Solar Company, "[they've] been fantastic from the start of our search for solar through installation and follow up. David Shield, Russell (Installer), and [the] office staff have been a joy to deal with. I would recommend The Solar Company to others and I already have several times."

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.

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

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

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.

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