Written by Dennis Cheslik | 21 July 2010

The main thing to know about investing in a Solar Energy System for your home is that there are many options out there and plenty of incentives. Unlike in the 1980's when solar power was a fad that came and left, solar in 2010 is here to stay. It's gone global now. Especially in Europe and China. The incentives and options:

Incentives for Going Solar:

• It's Free Energy: No more paying the utility bill--You may even get a check back from them.
• It's Good for our Planet: It reduces burning coal for power which pollutes our planet.
• Free Green Money: Uncle Sam will pay for 30% off your system on your tax return.
• Free Green Money: Many Local Utility company's are offering rebates on solar systems up to 20%.
• Choices: You can lease, you can buy, pay though energy bonds, or purchase in a group.  
• Increased Home Value: Your home value automatically increases.
• Durability: Solar Panel materials are state of the art, built to last, and designed to perform.

Solar Options Available:

• Purchasing a System Outright: The first thing to do is check with your local Utility Company/ Electrical provider and find out if they offer a rebate on purchasing a solar energy system and what the going rate is per watt. Here in the Dallas area, Oncor is offering around $2.25 per watt. Depending on what system you buy, the rebate may pay up to 15-20% off your system. When you combine that with the 30% off from Uncle Sam, you get half off.
   
• Purchasing through PACE: P-A-C-E or Property Assessed Clean Energy is very unique program and it's concept is a very realistic way for solar expansion in the U.S.. Municipalities sell bonds, the money is loaned to consumers, and the pay back period is over 15-20 years through property taxes. P-A-C-E alleviates the investor from being out of pocket for the upfront system cost. The amount of money saved on your energy bill offsets the cost of the system, or, possibly even better.
   
• Leasing a Solar System: Leasing is another option that is gaining momentum throughout the U.S.. Many companies are forming that offer leasing programs. The major players so far include: SolarCity, Akeena, Sunpower, and Sungevity. Here in Texas, Sungevity has launched a program with TXU Energy. There is no upfront cost for the lease. Here again, the money saved on your energy bill offsets the cost of the system, or, possibly even better. The down side is that the homeowner does not get the tax credits, the rebates, and is under a contract if he/she decides to sell their home.
   
• Purchasing Solar Through a Group: Yet another option for investing in solar is also gaining momentum. 1BOG, or, One Block Off The Grid is a company that offers homeowners the ability to purchase in a group to acquire huge discounts. Any city can participate. Once 1BOG acquires 100 people in a given region, they launch an installation campaign. 

The landscape for investing in solar is changing daily. Therefore, it is essential to research as much as possible before investing to find the best deal out there for you and your situation. For example, right now the P-A-C-E program has been under attack from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Democrats have introduced a bill to defend the program. For the latest information, visit PACE clean-energy program. For more information and advice in the North Texas area, visit GreenTex Energy Savers.

Written by Dennis Cheslik | 24 June 2010

This is hopefully a positive "green" turning point to our future as the Senate is finally ready to debate energy policy heading forward and the "Cash for Caulkers" incentive. We're all anxious to see how and what progress is made. Specifically, how the gulf coast situation figures into the equation. While they hammer away, other issues happening:

(PACE) Property Assessed Clean Energy: 22 States have legislation so far. Where and Who are offering is hard to get a database on. The latest link: http://www.grist.org/article/2010-06-23-fannie-and-freddie-attack-PACE-property-assessed-clean-energy/

Solar Leasing has become another "green option": http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/leasing-beats-owning-in-solar-says-sungevity/

Here in Texas, we still wish Governor Perry would have had gladly accepted the stimulus funding and put people to work building the transmission lines required to carry the Pickens' Wind Power from West Texas to our major hubs in Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. Once again, big oil is hard to avoid. It's not going away overnight. Baby "green" steps right now is all we can look for.

Written by Dennis Cheslik | 17 May 2010

Let's face it, there's no avoiding this gulf coast oil leak fiasco. Everyday, it's there, in our faces. And it should be. Our dependence on fossil fuels and the risks and consequences of that dependence should take center stage. This reminds us of  "why we do what we do", as "green" contractors: to wean off fossil fuels by providing our customers with alternative energy, energy efficiency products, and energy conservation solutions.

The real problem we have is that the rate of progress we are making to wean off fossil fuels is taking far too long. Yes, we have made great strides in wind energy, solar energy, energy efficiency upgrades, and green building expansion, but, the fact is that mountaintop removal still goes on daily for the coal that powers our buildings and the solution to how and what to convert over for "clean fuel" vehicles is still totally up in the air. Each day in the U.S., over 12 million semi tractor trailers are on the road bringing us the material things we need to survive. Yes, over 12 million.

The bottom line is, right now, Planet Earth is having a hard time providing enough energy to supply the needs of the current 6.2 billion people that share our environment. The world population in expected to excede over 8 billion by the year 2050. Imagine how much energy (not counting the pollution) that will take. 

What We Can Do As Contractors:
1) Keep providing our customers energy saving systems, products, and solutions.
2) Make sure our own offices are conserving energy, water, and recycling responsibly.
3) Do the same at your home, apartment, or condo.
4) Continue to convert friends, relatives, and neighbors to be more environmentally friendly.
5) Voice your opinion through email, by phone, tweets, etc.. to your political representatives.
6) Stay informed on the web and in your community on the environmental developments.
7) Participate when opportunities arise

Written by Dennis Cheslik | 06 April 2010

Each State has a seperate appliance rebate program. Right now, it's appliance rebate program time here in Texas. Starting tomorrow April 7th, you can contact the State Energy Convervation Office and reserve your rebate for upgrading to a new energy efficient appliance of your choice. If you live in another State, visit this U.S. department of Energy link for information about your States' program and the options available: energysavers.gov

Here in Texas, you can call 877-780-3039 or visit the SECO website at: StateEnergyConservationOffice. Rebates vary by appliance from as low as $45 for a window A/C unit to as much as $1,000 to $1,600 for a Central Air Conditioner or Heat Pump. The Texas program runs from April 16th through April 25th. Appliances covered are: