Eliminate Your Electric Bill: Go solar and Be Secure

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By fall 2001, there had been little publicity about this program, with most applicants finding out about it by word-of-mouth. One of the major utilities in the state reported in late August only 16 applications had been processed. Some of the impediments to the program included lack of publicity and early difficulties homeowners had locating solar contractors. Now a short list of utility-qualified contractors is provided to interested homeowners.

CALIFORNIA'S REBATE PROGRAMS

California has myriad state, local and utility-sponsored rebate programs, state property tax exemptions and other incentives to help homeowners install solar electric rooftops - and they are being used. Some solar programs in California reported receiving 250 inquiries a week.

The "Emerging Renewable Buy-Down Program" and "Self-Generation Program" both offer rebates of up to $4.50 per watt or 50 percent off the price of purchasing the system, whichever is less.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers even more generous rebates as part of an effort to in stall 100,000 solar root tops in the city of Los Angeles by 2010. Under the LADWP program, financial incentives include a maximum $3 per watt for systems manufactured outside of Los Angeles, and a maximum of $5 per watt for systems manufactured within the city.

TO FIND A SOLAR ROOF DEALER

The fastest way to learn what rebates are available in your area is to contact a local solar roof dealer. The dealer will know what's currently available and probably will know if any additional legislation is pending in your state. The dealer can explain, in detail, various solar roofing options and give you a bid on whatever system you choose.

To find a dealer check your yellow pages, state energy office, electricity regulatory agency or local utility. Or check Home Power magazine's dealer Web page at www.homepower.org .

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

"Each of us can decide how to make our own contribution to reduce our impact on the Earth," says Bill Lord, who lives with his wife, Debbi, in a custom-built solar house in southern Maine

"Ours happens to have been investing in a solar house. We have found that there can be a free lunch and dinner, but you need to pay for breakfast," he says, referring to the initial planning and investment needed to integrate solar technologies into one's home.

The Lords integrated passive solar design principles, solar thermal and solar electric technologies into their custom-built home in Maine more than five years ago. Since then they have been reaping the benefits of free sunlight that falls on their roof every day, reducing their utility bills to zero.

Working with Solar Design Associates of Harvard, Massachusetts, the Lords built their home to include super insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and a passive-solar design that welcomes the warm sun in the winter and shades the interior of the house in the summer. This reduced the energy load of the home while offering comfort levels exceeding those found in a comparable conventional home.

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