Sun Powered
Saving money thanks to the Sun. If solar energy does not save money does it really work?
Solar power from the sun, it is in the light that the energy is transferred from the sun.
That light travels at the speed of light
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_light
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the speed of light = 670 616 629 miles per hour
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once that light lands upon a solar collector, that light energy power is converted or transferred into useable power. The two most common uses of that solar power is to convert that power into
Photo Voltaic electricity or into heat that can directly or indirectly heat fluids that can be used for a variety of uses. Heating water can be used in industrial, commercial or residential uses.
In homes solar hot water is most often used for "hot water" that is used thru faucets and home appliances. Solar can also be used to for building heating systems. HVAC air conditioning systems
can be tied in to Solar Systems.
Solar electric systems for homes are in demand due to aggressive rebates and incentives.
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, federal, local, and utility incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc.
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In Los Angeles County California you can try this link
New features
- Zoom in and see exactly which parts of your roof are good for solar!
- Print the results in a report (View Sample).
- See solar results for county-owned buildings in 3D (requires Google Earth)
Same great data!
The LA County Solar map is based upon the most accurate large-scale solar model in the world, with solar radiation calculated every 5 feet. 250 million individual measurements include:
- Shading from trees
- Roof features (chimneys, other stories, etc.)
- Roof Pitch
- Nearby buildings
- Mountains
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California Solar Initiative
The California Solar Initiative offers cash back for installing solar on your home or business.
California is striving to create megawatts of new solar-generated electricity, moving the state towards a clean energy future. And you can help!
http://www.csi-epbb.com
Thank you for visiting the EPBB Calculator homepage. The calculator provides an estimated CSI system size and incentive amount of a solar electric system
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The Consumer Energy Center went on line in 1995 to offer the public a one-stop site on the Internet for the latest information about energy resources and how to use them wisely in our home, work and vehicles. In March 2006, we unveiled our website with updated navigation and new features.
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Southern California Edison
SCE has long been a pioneer and a leader in renewable energy. Our long-standing commitment dates back to 1911 when we began operating our Big Creek Hydro system in the southern Sierra Mountains and continues today: SCE is the nation's leading purchaser of renewable energy.
At SCE, we're passionate about solar and the promise it holds for a cleaner, greener energy future. We're educating solar contractors to help meet the demands of a burgeoning "green" economy, hosting informational workshops for customers like you who want to learn more about the benefits of "going solar" and investing in new solar technologies that will enable us to provide your home or business with clean, renewable power for many years to come.
LADWP
There is no doubting the importance of the delivery of water in Los Angeles, a semi-arid desert region with very little native water. In fact, the growth of Los Angeles is intricately linked to the history of the LADWP.
The Los Angeles Aqueduct did more than supply water to the city. It also brought power to Los Angeles. During the building of the aqueduct, the city’s first power plant—located at Division Creek and built in 1905—was brought online to supply hydroelectric power for the aqueduct’s construction.
http://www.nrel.gov/rredc/pvwatts
NREL's PVWattsTM calculator determines the energy production and cost savings of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems throughout the world.
Solar Features and Benefits
If you have a power bill of $150 or more a month, you can save with solar now. Start generating your own power now. Any power that you do not use literally spins your meter backwards and you receive credit from your utility company. Besides saving money the power company can pay you.
With tax credits and rebates you can save up to 50% on your Solar system now, and save another 20 - 35% on you power bills. The cost of a solar system is less than your monthly power bill.
Rent or lease. Cumulative savings over 15 - 25 years can be in the tens of thousands of dollars ($20.000 - $160.000).
Solar is an Investment. Lock in low consistent energy cost now. As energy cost go up you save more money. (7.5 - 15 % annual increase)
Most panel systems have a 25 year Warranty.
Solar Power is used for home heating, water heating and for solar electric power. Solar electric systems tie into your existing electrical system, If you need to update or upgrade your electrical system do so now.
Not only do most of your home's appliances need additional power, but distribution panels with screw-in fuses are generally considered fire hazards. In many areas, insurance companies will not renew your homeowner's insurance your home has an electrical distribution panel with screw-in fuses.
If your current electrical service to your home is less than 220 amps - and especially if it has a distribution panel that uses screw in fuses -- you should consider replacing it a top priority.
Here are some other reasons to consider upgrading your electrical service:
- Kitchen appliances -- if you regularly use a food processor, blender, coffee grinder, cappuccino maker and bread machines, you'll need plenty of electrical outlets to accommodate these must-have appliances.
- Computers -- which rooms do you have your computers and modems? Consider adding additional electrical outlets or a phone or modem line.
- Ceiling fans -- if you add extra wiring in your home, you can control the lights and fans separately from the wall switch, to adjust the fan speed, as well as turn off the light while leaving the fan on.
- Garage -- Can you use a power tool in the garage without unplugging the spare freezer? If not, upgrade the electrical service to your garage to reduce the possibility of a circuit overload.
- Home entertainment centers - wide-screen televisions, VCRs, stereos, CD and DVD players and home theatres all place large demands on your home's electrical capacity.
- Outdoors -- adding a pool or spa, automatic sprinklers or outdoor lighting will require more electricity.
If you are planning a major home remodel, adding a room or garage, or finally the kitchen of your dreams, you should consider upgrading your electrical service.
Homes built 20 years, 30 years ago - or even earlier - typically featured 60 amp to 100 amp electrical service, some with fuse boxes. Today, with computers, central air conditioning and other high-power consuming appliances, most homes need 220 amp electrical service.
Safety Precautions
Whenever you're working with anything electrical, you should always observe the following guidelines:
- Shut off power to any area before exposing or working on wiring.
- Never work on the wiring inside your breaker box yourself - have an electrician work on this because these wires continue to be live, even with the main switch shut off.
- Use a circuit tester to make sure there is no residual current still flowing to the circuit.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes.
- Only use wood or fiberglass ladders.
- Never work on electrical projects with wet hands, shoes or feet.
- Never touch metal while you work, including pipes, faucets or appliances.
Remember: all electrical work requires review by your local electrical inspector to make sure the changes conform with local codes. If you fail to have the proper permits and inspections, it can cost you time - and money in penalties and possibly having to have the work redone. A licensed electrician will ensure that the work is done to code and that all the permits and inspections are taken care of.
If you have a power bill of $150 or more a month, you can save with solar now.
You can get a solar electrical system for no money down - you can lease or may a straight purchase, there are special financing programs.
By saving up to 40 - 50% on your Solar Energy System, backed by tax credits and CSI rebates, you can act now and
save another 10 - 35% on you power bills.
Any power that you do not use literally spins your meter backwards and you receive credit from your utility company.
Accumulative savings over 15 - 25 years can be in the tens of thousands ( $20.000 -$160.000++ ) Solar is an Investment.
The Solar Energy Systems can be leased, purchased or you can do a power purchase agreement. - You can lease and get in with no money down and save 20-30% or you can purchase your system and own it and save more, or you can do a Power Purchase Agreement, P.P.A.s allow you to just purchase the power you produce but at a lower amount than you would pay the utility company. Three ways for to you win and save money as you go green.
Lock in low consistent energy cost now. As energy cost go up yo save more money. (6.5 - 15 % annual increase )
Most panel systems have a 25 year Warranty.
Let the Sun work for you, save money. No more Tiers paying your electric bills.
