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Stat of the month:
Our Planet is currently providing energy to a population of over 6 Billion People. By 2050 it is projected that our planet will need enough energy to sustain over 8 (to possibly 9.2) Billion People.

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Nature Corner
Photo of the month

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Red Footed Booby

Source: google/image/
national geographic

Where is the Free Green Money?

Could you use $1,000 to $8,000 from Uncle Sam to upgrade your home to be more energy efficient and lower your utility bills? That's exactly what the H.R. 5019: Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 would offer you as a homeowner. Unfortunately, after the House of Representatives approved the legislation (a.k.a "cash for caulkers"), the Senate has dragged their heals to approve the measure and get the program up and running. According to the New York Times (8/13/10), over 90 percent of stimulus money has remained unspent.

With over 20 percent of the construction sector currently unemployed, the Home Star program is expected to provide a boost in green job growth and help homeowners struggling to make ends meet. The program would not only make your home more energy efficient with lower utility bills, it would also lower your carbon footprint and help preserve the environment.

A breakdown of what the proposed legislation would offer homeowners:

  • Silver Star Rebates: Homeowners would be eligible for rebates of 50% for the cost of upgrading homes with insulation, duct sealing, water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing and doors. The maximum rebate amount would be $3,000.
     
  • Gold Star Rebates: Homeowners would be eligible for comprehensive retrofits through energy auditing and tailored upgrades that achieve a 20% energy efficiency savings. Gold Star would require employing certified contractors and vendors with a payout range of $3,000 to a maximum $8,000.

Even though Environmental groups managed to raise $22 million toward lobby efforts to get some sort of climate bill legislation passed, they were outspent by oil and gas lobbyists that put out $175 million to defeat the efforts. Other hurdles to overcome are which certification program should oversee the program and how quickly rebates are to be paid out.  

The House version of the bill has Building Performance Institute (BPI) as the certification entity to deploy the program. Critics suggest that BPI contractors are primarily in the Northeastern U.S. with very few members to offer services to homeowners in a high number of states. For example, the BPI website has no Silver Star members listed for the state of Arkansas. Here in the Dallas Fort Worth area, BPI has 12 Silver Star contractors listed on their website. Still, only a dozen for a population of over 6 million.

Under the proposed scenario, contractors and vendors would receive the rebates after the work is completed in order to keep homeowners from being out of pocket the total costs. However, in our current economic situation, how many contractors and vendors have the deep pockets to be out large amounts of cash and waiting for rebates to reach them? We will see how it all plays out when the Senate reconvenes after Labor Day.

Investing In Home Solar Print PDF

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.

Green Summer 2010 Outlook Print PDF

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.

 

Ecocontractor Update: Print PDF

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

Cashing in on Appliance Rebates Print PDF

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:

  • Boilers
  • Central air conditioners
  • Clothes washers
  • Dishwashers
  • Freezers
  • Furnaces (oil and gas)
  • Heat pumps (air source and geothermal)
  • Refrigerators
  • Room air conditioners
  • Water heaters