The North Bay regional office of Real Goods Solar (formerly Marin Solar) caters to a vast and varied territory that stretches from San Francisco County through Marin and Napa, and over toward Solano County. San Francisco, San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Napa, Sonoma, Fairfield and Vallejo are just a few of the cities and towns in this region where we provide our expert solar installation services. Voted “Best of Marin” for 2007, 2008, and 2009, we look forward to providing you with clean, renewable solar electricity.
In an effort to ease the burden of high utility costs and to help the environment, North Coast Energy Services (NCES) will be offering free solar electric systems—including installation and home weatherization—to qualifying homeowners in Lake and Mendocino counties. This pilot program, funded by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is offered at no cost to qualifying homeowners. Qualification is based on the number of people in the home and current (within the previous six weeks at time of application) income.
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There’s been a lot of buzz in the media about this community choice aggregate program. We’d like to provide a summary of what we know, and our point of view on this progressive alternative to PG&E.
Marin Clean Energy is a partially-renewable energy option that will soon be available to Marin customers as an alternative to the electricity PG&E provides. PG&E will continue to distribute the energy and maintain customer service and billing; however, MCE will be responsible for sourcing the power and purchases. Proponents of Marin Clean Energy claim it will enable electric consumers to choose renewable energy sources, reduce Marin’s energy pollution, promote development of local green technologies and decrease foreign fossil fuel dependence, all while protecting Marin homes and businesses from uncertain fuel prices. The potential benefits of MCE, namely more renewable energy and none of PG&E's multiple generation-rate hikes, sound promising but opponents say there are a lot of questions left unanswered, especially regarding consumer rates and compatibility with solar energy.
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February 9, 2010 07:32 AM EST-- USA Today
San Francisco, often an environmental trendsetter, is launching what could be the largest U.S. program that allows businesses and homeowners to finance green upgrades through their property taxes.
Mayor Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday that creates a citywide special tax district to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation improvements. The loans, which will be attached to the property -- not the owner, will be paid back through property taxes.
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Mayor Newsom, Government Officials, Residents, Solar Installers and Local Community to Celebrate at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
This Ribbon Cutting will mark the commissioning of the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at several affordable housing sites in San Francisco and celebrate bringing solar power, green jobs, and financial relief to residents and owners. Media representatives are invited to join state, local and federal officials as the new green power in San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood is turned on.
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The California Solar Rebate will drop 41% well before this summer, from $1.10/watt to $0.65/watt. If you do nothing to reserve your solar rebate, you will lose well over $1,000 in rebate money you could have saved to offset the cost of your solar system.
Now is the best time to go solar with the lowest prices and the highest rebate.
For example: if you act now you will save:
$1,240 rebate on a 3.5 kW system*
$1,845 rebate on a 5.2 kW system
$2,536 rebate on a 7.1 kW system
If you are considering solar contact one of our Solar Power Consultants to schedule a site visit or to update your solar proposal, and we will lock-in your rebate at $1.10 for 12 full-months! You can sign up for a free solar consultation by clicking HERE.
*Rebates vary based on system size, array tilt, orientation, equipment, and weather.
Have you checked your electricity bill lately? Did you know PG&E raised your electricity rates on January 1, 2010 and again on
March 4?
Since December 2009, what you pay PG&E for power has
increased by:
Tier 1 = now $.118 (up 3.0%)**
Tier 2 = now $.135 (up 3.0%)
Tier 3 = now $.286 (up 9.5%)
Tier 4 = now $.425 (up 11.6%)
Tier 5 = now $.497 (up 12.2%)
Simply put, electricity from PG&E is getting very expensive. If you install a solar system on your home or business today, you can take control of your cost for power. Solar system prices have decreased 49% over the last 18 months and incentives are at their highest level. With inflation on the horizon, the best time to go solar is now.
**Source: http://www.pge.com/tariffs/electric.shtml
Real Goods and Marin Solar have recently joined forces, bringing together leadership in sustainability and award-winning solar installations. Since 2002, Marin Solar has grown exponentially, going from a lean two-person crew to a team of experienced Energy Consultants, Designers, Electricians, Engineers, and Installation crews.
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