The Program

Solar Santa Monica – A City-Sponsored Solar Service  

Now In Its Second Year

The goal of Solar Santa Monica is to provide a process whereby residents of the city can save energy by making homes and businesses more efficient, and also produce energy by installing solar panels on individual and municipal buildings throughout the City.  The ultimate goal is to help the City be energy self-sustaining by 2020 [subhead]

More Than Just Education

Solar Santa Monica is a comprehensive, hands-on service that starts with a Solar Site Check – an in-person visit to your home or business to find ways to reduce energy requirements.  Together with the assessor you’ll look at appliances, office equipment, the building envelope, heating and air conditioning, lighting, water and even safety. 

Energy efficiency upgrades are usually the best investment you can make – and in reducing the demand for energy, they reduce the size of the solar system you may need.

After looking at efficiency, you’ll have the chance to discuss your solar potential – taking into consideration the size of your roof, its orientation, shading, etc. as well as the size of your utility bills.  You’ll get a written report with recommendations, including likely costs and savings.

Preferred Providers

If you’re ready to take action, the Solar Santa Monica will make recommendations to Preferred Providers – contractors that have been selected to work with the program and who have agreed to offer discounts to City residents.  Santa Monica has Preferred Providers who can install both solar photovoltaic (electricity) and solar thermal (hot water) systems.  In addition, Solar Santa Monica maintains a list of Specialists who are prepared to install or supply efficiency measures. 

Financing

Solar Santa Monica stays abreast of what’s happening in the realm of financing.  Not all systems can be efficiently financed, but specialty lenders are available who attempt to set up an arrangement whereby the utility savings make the payment on the loan.  We’ll make appropriate referrals to these lenders.

To get started, simply complete the questionnaire and we’ll set a time for your no-cost Solar Site Check.