Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Solar Energy Resources and Links

What are the benefits of solar power?

The Big Picture

• Electricity from Solar PV Systems (the generation of electricity
  from solar photovoltaic cells) is completely renewable and
  sustainable, making use of natural and abundant resources.
  
• Solar PV is clean energy - it does not pollute the air, and by
  using it instead of traditional fossil fuel therefore contributes to
  cleaner air and a cleaner environment.
  
• Solar PV, for the same reason, reduces production of carbon
  dioxide and other "greenhouse" gases, which contribute to
  global climate change.
  
• Nationally, dependence on imported oil is reduced, making for a
  stronger and more energy independant country.

Benefits to You

• Significant savings on utility bills
  
• And/or Selling surplus generated electricity back to the utility
  ("Net Metering")
  
• Independence from the public utility grid
  
• Substantial incentives to install Solar PV Systems

What kind of incentives? Who is eligible?

• In California, you can take advantage of the California Energy
  Commission's Emerging Renewable Buy-Down Program
  (xhttp://www.consumerenergycenter.org/buydown/program.htmlx)
  
• To be eligible in California, you can buy your electricity from any
  electric service provider, but your proposed site must be within
  the electric utility service area of either Pacific Gas and Electric,
  San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, or Bear
  Valley Electric Company. All types of electricity customers are
  eligible: residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial. You
  must also be and remain connected to the utility grid.
  
• State tax exmptions
  
• Federal tax exmptions

A Concrete Example

Ericson Solar installed 4.8 KW Solar System on adjustable pole
mount platforms utilizing top quality components. Includes parts and
installation. Modules carry a 25-year warranty - $ 39,500 BEFORE:

• California Energy Commission (CEC) rebate - $ 18,250
  
• CA State tax reduction - $ 3,187
  
• Federal Tax Exemption (if a business is at the location) - $
  2,125
  
• Total Cost: $ 15,938

Where can I get more information?

Contact us. We can help you understand exactly what your needs
are, what the benefits to you will be, your costs, and your savings.

Here are some other links to information on Solar Energy Systems.

EarthSafe - Solar Made Simple A great resource for basic Solar
Energy information, provided by Siemens Solar

Solar Cells or Photovoltaics Another very good resource for Solar
Energy information, with a lot of related links, provided by California Energy Commision

California's Buydown Program, The main page for the California Energy Commision's Buydown program, with links.