KB Homes and Chinas BYD showcase affordable solar homes development

KB Homes and China's BYD showcase affordable solar homes development

California-based KB Homes and Chinese solar firm, BYD, have partnered to develop affordable solar homes in Lancaster.  

BYD Co. is known for producing plug-in cars, solar equipment, and batteries.  Now they have entered the renewable energy-real estate industry.  Combining powers with KB Homes has allowed for traditionally off-grid solar technologies to be introduced into a densely grid-tied residential area.

These modestly priced homes will be pre-equipped with solar modules and lithium-ion battery storage systems.  Normally, this technology is used in off-grid properties, but KB Homes and BYD hope that this new development will help pave the way for new impressions on residential solar energy and plug-in vehicles.

As opposed to traditional lead-acid batteries in off-grid electric systems, the lithium-ion battery storage systems will be located in the garage in dark, sleek housing units that flash led lights communicating performance levels.  They will be capable of storing up to 16 kWh of electricity.  The average Southern California household usually uses about 20kWh of electrcicity per day.  These lithium-ion ferrous phosphate batteries are the same that are used in BYD's plug-in electric vehicles which they will premiere later this year in Los Angeles.

Executive VP of KB Homes in Southern California, Thomas DiPrima, explained their goal was to first provide the solar panel-battery combo to the model home and four other production homes at no upfront cost to the homeowners.  The package would then bec ome optional to other homes in the West Lancaster subdivision and others.  These homes have starting prices from $210,000 to $257,000.

"Our long-term goal is to get to where we can do this nationwide," said Mr. DiPrima. "Our hope and our goal is to make it so affordable that it can be offered in a new home as a standard feature."

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Texas Renewable Energy Incentives

 

Texas Renewable Energy Incentives

Apart from TXU partnering with various solar companies to lease solar panel systems to homeowners, Texas provides other incentives for businesses and homeowners involved in renewable energy technologies.

Texas incentives allow for companies and other organization subject to their franchise tax to deduct 10% of the total cost of a solar energy system from the franchise tax.  

Another of Texas' incentives includes corporations involved in the manufacturing, selling, and installation of solar energy devices to be exempt from the state franchise tax.  This exemption is significantly beneficial to manufacturers as there is no ceiling on the exemption.

According to Texas' solar incentives program, the franchise tax is equivalent to the corporate t ax.

A solar energy device is defined as a system or series of mechanisms designed primarily to provide heating or cooling or to produce electrical or mechanical power by collecting and transferring solar-generated energy. The term includes a mechanical or chemical device that has the ability to store solar-generated energy for use in heating or cooling or in the production of power.  Wind energy technologies are also eligible for the franchise tax deduction and exemption.

Texas incentives also allow for the property tax exemption of the appraised value of a property as a result of any installation or construction of either a solar or wind-powered energy device meant to produce and distribute thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy for on-site use or for a device that is used to store that energy.

To apply for this incentive, one must fill Form 50-123, "Exemption Application for Solar or Wind-powered Energy Devices".

With many states offering great solar rebates and incentives, it is time for the federal government to strongly encourage the use of renewable energy. In his national address on Tuesday, the President declared one of his next goals is to push clean energy in the United States. This is in response to the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the fact that the United States is spending billions every year on foreign energy. The President want more of our consumed energy to come from national, clean energy sources.

Rich Hessler
Business Services for the Successful Small Business 

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Obama Calling for Clean Energy

Obama Calling for Clean Energy

After visiting the victims of the BP oil spill in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, Obama commits the United States a new future of clean energy.

After a BP oil rig exploded and sank off the coast of Louisiana in April, an estimated 35,000 barrels of oil have been released into the Gulf of Mexico each day. The oil has caused irreversible damage on the eco-system and destroyed the jobs of many fisherman that live on the coast.

As part of its commitment, BP must pay for all clean-up costs and reimburse those affected by the spill, totally near $1.6 billion (still rising).

As one of the largest environment disasters in United States history, President Obama may use this as an opportunity to promote renewable energy. In addition to the environmental costs of drilling for and consuming oil, citizens give billions of their hard-earned money to unstable foreign countries for more. Obama wants to change the way America produces and consumes energy.

This includes investing into energy efficiency and renewable energy. Through these retrofits, America will become energy independent and create quality green jobs. 

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Why Solar Sales Jobs are as Abundant as Ever

Why Solar Sales Jobs are as Abundant as Ever

Not many people have researched solar sales jobs for a new career simply because the renewable energy industry has not received the type of promotion it deserves.  The traditionally popular use of credit in the automobile and real estate industries has attracted many valuable sales professionals to those two lines of work.  This dependence on credit has driven our financial system up until very recently.  Banks have not truly capitalized on the practical investment of solar.

Though solar sales jobs have existed ever since solar energy has been offered to utility customers, most professionals drawn to this industry commonly come from technical employment backgrounds.  This includes scientists, engineers, electricians, and other such technicians.  Construction and roofing contractors have found great interest in solar energy as well.  Though there still is a great need for all of these types of professionals, there is a greater to need for the creation of solar sales jobs.    

Solar sales jobs will attract many Americans that have been dislocated from their respective employment industries due to the devastating recession.  While many have been long-unemployed, there are also those professionals who struggle to find financial reward and fulfillment in their current line of work.  Making the career transition into solar sales may seem impossible without the proper skills and experience, but there are many sales professionals who find the right direction and build their own path to success.

To answer the question is solar a sustainable energy? This about this: in a world full of uncertainty, we know that fossil fuels will run out relatively soon. Solar energy is just beginning to replace it. Since solar has already created green, sustainable jobs, why not join a growing industry from the beginning?

Rich Hessler Solar
Solar Courses

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How to Choose a quality Solar Installer in Los Angeles

How to Choose a quality Solar Installer in Los Angeles

The age of renewable energy is upon us.  Going green in one's daily routine is easier.  However,  making a renewable energy retrofit on your home can be a chore if you do not know where to begin.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a quality solar installer in Los Angeles. 

First, you can always think about looking up a quality solar installer in the Los Angeles Yellowpages.  Those professionals tend to be dependable because they wouldn't be listed in the Yellowpages if they were not dependable.  If you don't use that method to find a quality solar installer, try locating a Los Angeles contractor on the internet.  There are many directories that provide lists of certified and experienced quality solar installers.

You must know what questions to ask when you select a quality solar installer.  In Los Angeles, there are many quality solar installers; this may result in a bidding war if you decide to contact several.  This may not be what you want.  Getting the lowest estimate is not the best course of action.  Contractors can easily take shortcuts to win your business with the lowest bid or they may not be experienced and are willing to go lower than quality solar installers.  You must ask pertinent qualifying questions of your installer to determine if they are experienced and trustworthy.  You will naturally gravitate toward a quality solar installer in Los Angeles if they can demonstrate these characteristics.

Ask them to show you all the proper licenses that are required of a solar installer in Los Angeles.  Not all electricians know how to install solar and not all certified photovoltaic installers know how to tie in the system to the utility grid.  Make sure they are experienced in both or have a team who can do each task competently.  In some cases, experience can be interchangeable with formal training.  You have to like your quality solar installer but make sure they have the proper credentials.

Also, ask if they have any references of past jobs.  It gives you a resume of their work.  You can find out if there were any complications with their service on prior projects.  

 

Ask about a service agreement.  This states what services the quality solar installer is responsible for and lays out the terms of the deal.  You should also ask your quality solar installer what incentives and rebates are available to apply for in Los Angeles.

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How to be a Renewable Energy Entrepreneur

How to be a Renewable Energy Entrepreneur

Though our climate and energy crisis is primarily based on social responsibility, there are many avenues for entrepreneurs to grow our economy using the renewable energy industry.  If planned and executed properly, a renewable energy company can kill two birds with one stone - reduce our impact on the environment while being profitable.

Homeowners tend to complain about the price of renewable energy though they would admit it is one of the few options that can improve our economy and address our environmental and energy issues.

It is the responsibility of a renewable energy entrepreneur to engage consumers into a discussion about what they can do to improve their energy independence and minimize their carbon footprint while saving money long-term?

A renewable energy entrepreneur must first establish their goals.  In what sector of renewable energy do I want to pursue business?  What do I need to accomplish in order to gain business?  What would be the focus of my operation?  Who is my market or customer base?  How do I communicate my message to consumers?  How do I show my company's value?  How will I deliver my products and/or services?  How will I ensure my profitability?

All these questions are the tip of the iceberg.  They actually help you focus on how you must perform.  

In the end, you cannot do everything on your own.  There is something called human resources.  This doesn't mean you have to hire the best people to be successful.  It means that you must simply surround yourself with people who can tell you how to get things done.  You can already remind yourself of all the ways that you can fail.  You need minds around you that will focus on developing solutions and not problems.  

It always helps to have a mentor as well.  Someone who can always point you in the right direction.

If you think you have what it takes to be a renewable energy entrepreneur, particularly in the solar industry, this would be me reaching out to you to be your mentor.  I can personally prepare you to sell the benefit of solar to homeowners all across the country.  

Visit www.pvsolarsalestraining.com to learn about Rich Hessler Solar and how we can support you to becoming a successful renewable energy entrepreneur. 

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The Death of Arizona Anti-Solar Bill HB 2701

The Death of Arizona Anti-Solar Bill HB 2701

Arizona house bill 2701, introduced by Rep. Debbie Lesko, was on its way to killing the state's solar sector until it was recently dropped.  HB 2701 was to allow the state to include nuclear and hydroelectric power in the renewable energy standards of Arizona's 2025 goal of generating 15% of all its energy from renewable sources.

Representative Kris Mayes, chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission and author of the state's current RES program, said HB 2701 "would surely be the death knell for advancing solar energy in the state."

HB 2701 would prevent solar investment in Arizona by sending the wrong message to utility companies.  Permitting nuclear and hydroelectric sources to be used for distributed energy transmission would not leave room for solar companies like SolarCity, Kyocera Solar, and Suntech to provide renewable power to the grid.  Needless to say, HB 2701 would also prevent all the solar jobs that were bound to develop in the state.  HB 2701 contradicted a mandate for utilities to generate 30% of their power from rooftop systems.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's office issued a statement about HB 2701 and its author: "Representative Lesko's wise and thoughtful actions today to withdraw HB 2701 should be lauded. This sends a clear and united message to employers around the world - Arizona remains the premier destination for solar industries."

HB 2701 would have made Arizona the only state to include existing nuclear power plants in a renewable energy standard.  It's amazing to think that in 2001, Arizona was one of the first states to introduce an RES attracting many opportunities for solar manufacturing, installation, and research/development.

Rich Hessler Solar
Tools to start a Solar Business
Solar Financing, Marketing, Sales Training, Business Development, Email and Website tracking, marketing metrics, Solar Quickbooks, Solar Project Consulting/Design

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Why the Green Revolution and America Need Each Other

Why the Green Revolution and America Need Each Other

Other than Green Revolution, it has also been referred to as a "Green Economy" or the "Green Industry".  What I speak of is the movement to rethink our energy consumption, resource conservation, and environmental impact while still growing our economy and creating jobs at home. 

We have a lot to clean up as a nation.  Not only does our environment need cleaning up but so does America's reputation across the globe.  Being at the forefront of this Green Revolution will help us to achieve both of those. 

The Green Revolution needs America just as much as we need to participate in this movement.  Actually, we need to do more than participate.  We need to use the Green Revolution as an opportunity to reestablish the confidence that other countries once had in us. 

Post 9/11, America has suffered huge public relations losses with the rest of the world.  In an age of fear, America has engaged in two wars and has been blamed by other nations for our globalized collapse.  The state of our world has not been a result of recent decisions and actions.  This has occurred over time and America naturally must be part of the solution for any success to be reached.  

Just as America is seen as part of the problem, they must also be seen also as be part of the solution. America needs to begin taking advantage of renewable energy, participating in wide-spread recycling, and energy conservation. As energy will continue to cost more and less secure, we need to begin investing in secure energy resources.

Rich Hessler Solar
Learn more about solar financing and project consulting

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Clean Coal: Pulling the wool over American eyes

Clean Coal:  Pulling the wool over American eyes

Have you heard of the "tooth fairy"?  Have you heard of "Bigfoot"?  Have you heard of "clean coal"?  You've heard of the tooth fairy and Bigfoot, but you've never seen either.  Why is that?  Because they are not real.  This may be a huge let-down, but "clean coal" is not real either.  It is make-believe just like the other two.  The coal industry would like you to believe that clean coal is the new and improved energy of the future, but this could not be any further from the truth.

America was built upon coal. For decades we have used coal as the primary source of energy.  We still use coal today.  However, coal is not a renewable energy and the American Coalition for Clean Coal Energy (ACCCE) wants you to believe otherwise.  They have spent over $60 million on a "Clean Coal" campaign that markets coal as a renewable source of energy when it actually is not.

Coal has the highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than any other fossil fuel- 29% more than oil and 80% more than gas.  Mercury is also an environmental concern since the burning of coal to produce electricity and heat is the single largest contributor to atmospheric mercury emissions.

Clean coal technologies (CCT) refer to the attempt to reduce pollutants of coal burning.  Thus, no coal-burning power plant is really clean.  Clean coal is simply the new method of handling the coal.  Pollutants are redirected from one waste stream to another, still to be released into he environment.  From start to finish, the process of burning coal for power is extremely harmful to our environment and a major risk to public health.

Scientists have spent over 10 years researching technologies tha t can make "clean coal" but no viable, commercial solution has been discovered.  The United States alone has spent over $5 billion to make "clean coal" a reality.

Rich Hessler Solar
Find out more about solar financing 

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Maricopa ED-3 Board Brings Back Solar Rebates

Maricopa ED-3 Board Brings Back Solar Rebates

Arizona. With an average of 211 sunny days a year and one of the largest cities in the United States (Phoenix at number 5), Arizona seems like a prime candidate for photovoltaic solar systems. To help finance solar installations, Electrical District number 3 voted to continue with the solar rebate program. 

After starting the program in 2009, it quickly ran out of money. Already, the rebate program has caused the company to spend $300,000 more than originally set aside.

Electrical District 3 continued to fund the solar rebate program until it was no longer possible. At this point, 32 customers have installed solar systems and 14 more were on the waiting list.

The surge of solar customers appears to be valley-wide. 113 APS customers applied for solar rebates in 2009. The total number of solar installations in 2009 is greater than the past eight years combined.

Electrical District 3 is now continuing the solar rebate program, except the rebate has been reduced from $3 per watt to $2.15 per watt. The program is funded by charging electricity consumers 30 cents a month and commercial users $12/month.

Electrical District 3 is researching how much consumers are willing to contribute a month to renewable energy. Until this information is collected, Electrical District 3 will hold off on tariff increases.

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The US - Will It Take the Necessary Steps to be a Renewable Energy Leader

The US - Will It Take the Necessary Steps to Be a Renewable Energy Leader

The current oil spill off the coast of Louisiana is causing some Americans to question the longevity and environmental impact of oil. Renewable energy companies should take advantage of the situation and persuade Congress to make renewable energy a top priority.

Renewable energy, including photovoltaic, wind, and geothermal provide 15 percent of Germany and Denmark's energy requirements. In those counties, utility companies are required to purchase renewable energy at a set rate. The rate is set once and guaranteed for a pre-determined number of years.

This gives renewable energy viability. The current political and economic climate makes energy prices extremely unstable. With a set rate for renewable energy, companies can get financing to install renewable energy. This policy has led to an extreme increase in renewable energy infrastructure and the creation of many jobs.

America's energy policies are still controlled by lobbying and political pull of fossil fuel giants (BP, Chevron, Arco, Shell, and more). This money has successfully distorted public opinion about the economic, environmental, and social implementation of renewable energy. By distorting renewable energy, the fossil fuel giants have been able to make record profits and receive federal subsidies.

Many countries laugh at our outdated energy policy. They are discouraged not only because Americans use 25% of the world's energy, but because the United States holds 4.5% of the world's population.

The United States should be adopting the energy policy of Germany and Spain. By installing renewable energy, the United States can create much-needed jobs, secure its energy for future growth, and make the world think differently.

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PACE- Property Assessed Clean Energy

PACE- Property Assessed Clean Energy

There is a widespread impression that clean energy is expensive.  Well, it is, but there are ways of financing it to reduce or eliminate upfront costs.  Property owners need to be proactive in looking for these options.

PACE financing, or property assessed clean energy financing, gives property owners the chance to make renewable energy and/or energy efficiency retrofits without any upfront costs.  That's right, if you live in a participating municipality, you may qualify for a PACE bond which will allow you to pay off the costs of retrofits through your property taxes over a 15 or 20 year period.

PACE bonds are an idea that originated from a Berkeley, CA finance company, Renewable Funding.  Renewable Funding partnered with the city to help provide homeowners with a way to fund the installation of solar energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.  The "Berkeley First" program allowed homeowners to borrow the money and repay it through their home property taxes over a 20 year period.

There are several very enticing benefits to this PACE program:

- Virtually no upfront costs and no impact on your equity
- No credit or general obligation risk
- Tax liability is transferred to the new owner and upgrades remain with the property if sold
- Financing costs are comparable to a mortgage or equity line
- Property tax liens are senior to mortgage debt making borrowers less susceptible to foreclosure
- Financing is guaranteed as it comes from the IRS
- Lower energy bills and improved ROI/positive cash flow
- Immediate creation of jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors

The need for PACE bonds is estimated to exceed more than $500 billion in the coming years.  The result is a significant decrease in our greenhouse gas emissions and a strengthening of our energy independence.  PACE funding will make solar energy and energy efficiency more attainable and create a greater demand for jobs in both industries.

Why Should I Go Solar Now?

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PACE- Property Assessed Clean Energy

PACE- Property Assessed Clean Energy

There is a widespread impression that clean energy is expensive.  Well, it is, but there are ways of financing it to reduce or eliminate upfront costs.  Property owners need to be proactive in looking for these options.

PACE financing, or property assessed clean energy financing, gives property owners the chance to make renewable energy and/or energy efficiency retrofits without any upfront costs.  That's right, if you live in a participating municipality, you may qualify for a PACE bond which will allow you to pay off the costs of retrofits through your property taxes over a 15 or 20 year period.

PACE bonds are an idea that originated from a Berkeley, CA finance company, Renewable Funding.  Renewable Funding partnered with the city to help provide homeowners with a way to fund the installation of solar energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.  The "Berkeley First" program allowed homeowners to borrow the money and repay it through their home property taxes over a 20 year period.

There are several very enticing benefits to this PACE program:

- Virtually no upfront costs and no impact on your equity
- No credit or general obligation risk
- Tax liability is transferred to the new owner and upgrades remain with the property if sold
- Financing costs are comparable to a mortgage or equity line
- Property tax liens are senior to mortgage debt making borrowers less susceptible to foreclosure
- Financing is guaranteed as it comes from the IRS
- Lower energy bills and improved ROI/positive cash flow
- Immediate creation of jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors

The need for PACE bonds is estimated to exceed more than $500 billion in the coming years.  The result is a significant decrease in our greenhouse gas emissions and a strengthening of our energy independence.  PACE funding will make solar energy and energy efficiency more attainable and create a greater demand for jobs in both industries.

Why Should I Go Solar Now?

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BP Solar closes Maryland plant due to market competition

BP Solar closes Maryland plant due to market competition

Though BP Solar is a big name in the renewable energy industry and maintains steady investment in wind energy technology, its efforts in solar development have endured a significant blow.  

On March 26th, 2010, BP Solar announced that it would be ceasing operations at their Frederick, Maryland manufacturing facility. BP Solar opened the facility just three and a half years ago.  With lower cost solar materials and equipment being imported from China and even India, BP Solar simply determined the move to be the most financially practical.

Out of 430 employees at the Frederick plant, 320 were laid off.  Production involved with silicon casting, wafering, and cell manufacturing was ceased and all workers associated with these departments lost their jobs.  BP Solar plans to shift all the remaining in-house manufacturing to other low-cost joint ventures to ultimately become more affordable to their market.  Sales and marketing , research and technology, project development and other business support functions will remain.

Reyad Fezzani, CEO of BP Solar, stated "Solar prices declined between 40 and 50 percent since the onset of the financial and economic crisis, compressing industry margins and driving solar power towards grid competitive pricing.  By shifting our supply to a high quality, low cost supply base to serve both distribution customers and large scale projects, we have strengthened our position as a provider of competitive solar solutions with our offer of the highest lifetime value."

Beginning in the first quarter of 2009, BP Solar also closed several other high-cost manufacturing locations and consequentially reducing their prices by 45%.  Most solar companies have found themselves drastically lowering their inventory values due to strong international competition and depressed silicon prices.  

Rich Hessler
Increase your Solar Company's Profits with Focused Solar Marketing 

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How to Choose a quality Solar Installer in Los Angeles

How to Choose a quality Solar Installer in Los Angeles

The age of renewable energy is upon us.  Going green in one's daily routine is easier.  However,  making a renewable energy retrofit on your home can be a chore if you do not know where to begin.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a quality solar installer in Los Angeles. 

First, you can always think about looking up a quality solar installer in the Los Angeles Yellowpages.  Those professionals tend to be dependable because they wouldn't be listed in the Yellowpages if they were not dependable.  If you don't use that method to find a quality solar installer, try locating a Los Angeles contractor on the internet.  There are many directories that provide lists of certified and experienced quality solar installers.

You must know what questions to ask when you select a quality solar installer.  In Los Angeles, there are many quality solar installers; this may result in a bidding war if you decide to contact several.  This may not be what you want.  Getting the lowest estimate is not the best course of action.  Contractors can easily take shortcuts to win your business with the lowest bid or they may not be experienced and are willing to go lower than quality solar installers.  You must ask pertinent qualifying questions of your installer to determine if they are experienced and trustworthy.  You will naturally gravitate toward a quality solar installer in Los Angeles if they can demonstrate these characteristics.

Ask them to show you all the proper licenses that are required of a solar installer in Los Angeles.  Not all electricians know how to install solar and not all certified photovoltaic installers know how to tie in the system to the utility grid.  Make sure they are experienced in both or have a team who can do each task competently.  In some cases, experience can be interchangeable with formal training.  You have to like your quality solar installer but make sure they have the proper credentials.

Also, ask if they have any references of past jobs.  It gives you a resume of their work.  You can find out if there were any complications with their service on prior projects.  

Ask about a service agreement.  This states what services the quality solar installer is responsible for and lays out the terms of the deal.  You should also ask your quality solar installer what incentives and rebates are available to apply for in Los Angeles.

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How to Choose a quality Solar Installer in Los Angeles

How to Choose a quality Solar Installer in Los Angeles

The age of renewable energy is upon us.  Going green in one's daily routine is easier.  However,  making a renewable energy retrofit on your home can be a chore if you do not know where to begin.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a quality solar installer in Los Angeles. 

First, you can always think about looking up a quality solar installer in the Los Angeles Yellowpages.  Those professionals tend to be dependable because they wouldn't be listed in the Yellowpages if they were not dependable.  If you don't use that method to find a quality solar installer, try locating a Los Angeles contractor on the internet.  There are many directories that provide lists of certified and experienced quality solar installers.

You must know what questions to ask when you select a quality solar installer.  In Los Angeles, there are many quality solar installers; this may result in a bidding war if you decide to contact several.  This may not be what you want.  Getting the lowest estimate is not the best course of action.  Contractors can easily take shortcuts to win your business with the lowest bid or they may not be experienced and are willing to go lower than quality solar installers.  You must ask pertinent qualifying questions of your installer to determine if they are experienced and trustworthy.  You will naturally gravitate toward a quality solar installer in Los Angeles if they can demonstrate these characteristics.

Ask them to show you all the proper licenses that are required of a solar installer in Los Angeles.  Not all electricians know how to install solar and not all certified photovoltaic installers know how to tie in the system to the utility grid.  Make sure they are experienced in both or have a team who can do each task competently.  In some cases, experience can be interchangeable with formal training.  You have to like your quality solar installer but make sure they have the proper credentials.

Also, ask if they have any references of past jobs.  It gives you a resume of their work.  You can find out if there were any complications with their service on prior projects.  

Ask about a service agreement.  This states what services the quality solar installer is responsible for and lays out the terms of the deal.  You should also ask your quality solar installer what incentives and rebates are available to apply for in Los Angeles.

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How to Choose a quality Solar Installer in Los Angeles

How to Choose a quality Solar Installer in Los Angeles

The age of renewable energy is upon us.  Going green in one's daily routine is easier.  However,  making a renewable energy retrofit on your home can be a chore if you do not know where to begin.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a quality solar installer in Los Angeles. 

First, you can always think about looking up a quality solar installer in the Los Angeles Yellowpages.  Those professionals tend to be dependable because they wouldn't be listed in the Yellowpages if they were not dependable.  If you don't use that method to find a quality solar installer, try locating a Los Angeles contractor on the internet.  There are many directories that provide lists of certified and experienced quality solar installers.

You must know what questions to ask when you select a quality solar installer.  In Los Angeles, there are many quality solar installers; this may result in a bidding war if you decide to contact several.  This may not be what you want.  Getting the lowest estimate is not the best course of action.  Contractors can easily take shortcuts to win your business with the lowest bid or they may not be experienced and are willing to go lower than quality solar installers.  You must ask pertinent qualifying questions of your installer to determine if they are experienced and trustworthy.  You will naturally gravitate toward a quality solar installer in Los Angeles if they can demonstrate these characteristics.

Ask them to show you all the proper licenses that are required of a solar installer in Los Angeles.  Not all electricians know how to install solar and not all certified photovoltaic installers know how to tie in the system to the utility grid.  Make sure they are experienced in both or have a team who can do each task competently.  In some cases, experience can be interchangeable with formal training.  You have to like your quality solar installer but make sure they have the proper credentials.

Also, ask if they have any references of past jobs.  It gives you a resume of their work.  You can find out if there were any complications with their service on prior projects.  

Ask about a service agreement.  This states what services the quality solar installer is responsible for and lays out the terms of the deal.  You should also ask your quality solar installer what incentives and rebates are available to apply for in Los Angeles.

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Lights Out on Maricopa Solar Incentive ED-3

In late 2009, Electrical District No. 3 (ED-3) started offering up to $15,000 rebates on professionally-installed photovoltaic solar systems. The was so much interest in the program that ED-3 looked at ways to reduce its popularity. Already, the response has exceded the funds set aside for the rebate.

The ED-3 solar rebate program is funded by a renewable energy fee it charges customers - 30 cents a month for residential users and $12 a month for commercial. These fees help the company raise $300,000 a year, some of which is used to continue funding renewable energy projects.

Unfortunately, these projects pale in comparison to major utility companies such as Arizona Power Service (APS) and Salt River Project. These companies charge its customers between $1.88 and $3.46 a month for renewable energy projects and incentives. This will provide APS with $86.7 million in tariffs in 2010.

Despite collecting a large amount of money to fund renewable energy, APS and SRP are planning to scale down their solar programs. The number of pv solar installations in 2009 is greater than the previous 8 years combined.

One way APS will accomplish this is through reducing it's maximum rebate to ~$13,000. If APS does not takes this action, the funds set aside for this year will run out by June.

Still, thanks to the generous rebates offered by the federal government and APS, a solar system costs $8,000 - $12,000 out of pocket (instead of $30,000 - $35,000). Imagine purchasing a solar system at $8,000 that will provide you with electricity for the rest of your life!

In addition, any excess energy produced by your solar system will run your meter backwards, giving homeowners a rebate on their electricity.

APS is also looking into raising fees to support these renewable energy programs. APS is discussing whether the renewable energy fees are something the residents of Phoenix would want to pay.

This brings up one important point - the residents of Phoenix are paying for the solar rebates. Why would anyone continue paying for other homeowners to install photovoltaics instead of taking advantage of this offer? Getting a solar system 60% off in a state with as much sunshine as Arizona seems like a no-brainer.

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Online Solar Courses - PV Courses

In the distant past, one's occupation was rarely questioned. Men typically followed in their father's footsteps, learning a specific skill over a life-long course. Today, men and women have every opportunity imaginable at their fingertips. Although many do follow their parents' footsteps, most venture on a different occupation path. With this freedom comes the ability and desire to change careers. With the recent recession (2008-2010+), many individuals have lost their jobs and become confused about where to take their lives next. 

One emerging industry, renewable energy, specifically solar, has claimed many individuals seeking a new career in a blooming industry. With a large workforce and little training/knowledge of solar has come the emergence of solar courses. These courses provide information and skills for individuals interested in transitioning into the solar industry.

Solar courses are courses focusing on training hard-working professionals from various industries to understand how solar works, install solar systems, sell pv solar systems, and research solar technology. Solar courses are extremely rewarding. They inspire individuals to protect the earth through sustainable energy resources, help homeowners manage large electricity bills, and alleviate the demand for energy.

While taking a solar course, students learn what a solar panel is, how to set up a solar system, solar-lighting options, solar-thermal water heating (pools and hot water), and more. Throughout the course, students receive hands-on training to perform tasks required upon graduation. By the end of the solar course, students are qualified in installation, construction, design, business-management, sales, or marketing.

Taking advantage of current technology, courses are offered both in the classroom and online. The courses vary in length, some, like Rich Hessler's Solar Sales Training, lasts 2 days while others, like Mira Costa College's Solar Installation Course, lasts one week. 

Solar courses are being taken by both young individuals desiring a career in solar and seasoned professionals of other fields, wanting to change career paths to a new, blooming industry.

If you are interested in solar, taking a course is typically the easiest way into the industry. Do your research online or consult an individual in the field.

Solar is a blooming industry. With energy prices destined to increase as supplies continue to diminish, solar will only become more economically feasible and demanded.

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