News

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January, 2012

Financing Now Available to Make Energy Upgrades Easier!

LA County has arranged with a local credit union to make low-cost loans available to participants in Energy Upgrade California. Participating Contractors have eligibility info and will help with the paperwork. Naturally, loan terms vary depending on the size and length of the loan, but there are no closing costs and you may borrow up to the full amount of the project. The application packet is available for download.

December, 2011

Great Returns on Solar Investments

Based on today's market conditions, installing a solar photovoltaic system on a Santa Monica home may be one of the best investments around. The below tables show rates of return based on three different levels of usage in a home (6,000 - 10,000 kWh/yr), different system sizes (2 - 6 kW AC), and three different net installation costs ($6 - $8/watt).

Look at your latest electricity bill to determine how many kWh you use annually. You may have to look at the bar graphs on your bill and add up the last 12 months to determine this figure. If your home uses less than 6,000 kWh/yr, you are paying less per kWh of electricity (that is the goal!) and a solar system will take longer to pay for itself.

Residential Internal Rates of Return Charts
(Compares to pre-tax investments)

Assumptions: Each kW of solar will generate 1,625 kWh annually and Southern California Edison rates will increase 5% annually.
CSI Incentive at Step 7: $0.65 per AC Watt

October, 2011

A Step in the Right Direction for Multi-Family Building Owners

The California Public Utilities Commission approved Virtual Net Metering (VNM) for all multi-tenant, multi-metered customers. This means property owners can now install solar PV on their properties and virtually distribute the benefits across various tenants, even if they are not physically connected to the PV system.

The City of Santa Monica has been diligently promoting solar power throughout our community. We have a preponderance of multifamily apartments. Thus we applaud the efforts of the California Public Utilities Commission and the investor-owned utilities – particularly our own Southern California Edison – for continuing to explore means of tapping this underserved market segment.

One fact of urban communities is that they have few rooftops and many apartments. In Santa Monica, with a population of 100,000, there are approximately 8,000 single family homes – of which a subset of suitable for solar installations – and 48,000 apartments and condos. These multifamily buildings are particularly problematic for solar.

Owners of apartment buildings can use solar to offset common area loads, but have been unable to provide solar power to tenants. Thus tenants have heretofore been unable to go solar and rooftops key to the City’s electricity self sufficiency goal are unused and untapped for their potential.

Will any Santa Monica building owner take advantage of this new policy? Solar Santa Monica thinks this VNM policy is a step in the right direction, but we caution that VNM’s excellence may be overpowered in the apartment sector. It may be too complex to get off the ground. Can leases be restructured? Is this only applicable for new leases? How many tenants will want it? How will it be billed? Who pays for maintenance? Will this drive occupancy levels, resale values?

Two fundamental choices emerge for serving apartment dwellers:

• On one hand, feed-in tariffs can be used to maximize rooftop solar systems. In this instance, and as you well know, utility payments are made directly to the building owner who now also owns a solar system. While FiTs do not directly benefit tenants, if priced appropriately, they are an expedient means of getting solar capacity in place.
  
  
• The second choice, and the one that is one the table, is virtual net energy metering. This will allow for rooftop solar systems’ benefits to be shared by tenants. Again we applaud this investigation.  It provides “power to the people” in a new and exciting way.

VNM is appears to be a strong social mechanism, but Santa Monica cautions unduly high expectations on its effectiveness as a financial mechanism for the apartment sector. And we continue to urge continued focus on the use of FiTs for this market sector.

In the meantime, Solar Santa Monica will keep residents and property owners in the loop on VNM developments as soon as they are made public. For more information and to get an estimate for solar on your building, contact at least three of our Preferred Solar Contractors to schedule site-visits.

August, 2011

Solar Santa Monica's budget approved by City Council for 2011-2012

City Council approved $75,000 for EcoMotion to administer the Solar Santa Monica program for another fiscal year. EcoMotion will facilitate and coordinate the City's efforts maintain public awareness, integrating energy efficiency initiatives for single family homes, continue to focus on commercial and institutional sectors, and seek new funding opportunities, including a Community Solar Fund whose goal will be to provide solar financing.

Help us reach our goal of 500kW of solar (approximately 2,000 panels) installed in 2011-2012! Contact a Preferred Solar Contractor today.

Local Residential Solar Rebates Step Down to $0.65/Watt

For single family homeowners in Southern California Edison territory, the California Solar Initiative rebate is scheduled to step down to Step 7 ($0.65/watt) any day now. Previously, Step 6 rebates were at $1.10/watt, so this 50% reduction in rebates will increase the net cost of solar installations in the short term.

The silver lining here is the simultaneous decrease in equipment costs (primarily solar panels). Contact a Preferred Solar Contractor today to see what the net cost of solar is on your home. For no-money down approach, visit our Paying for your System page.

SMMUSD to begin Solar Installations this Summer/Fall

Beginning after Labor Day, Solar Santa Monica Preferred Solar Contractor, PermaCity Solar will begin construction on a solar system at John Muir Elementary School. 8.41 kW will be installed at John Muir. Shortly after (upon DSA approval), the following schools will receive solar electric systems: Roosevelt Elementary (131 kW), Will Rogers Elementary (98kW), McKinley Elementary (28kW), Franklin Elementary131kW), and Grant Elementary (117kW).

June, 2011

Energy Upgrade California Program Increases the Rebate up to $6,000 for Los Angeles County Homeowners!

Now through Labor Day get up to $6,000 back after completing a whole-house assessment and advanced upgrade package cuts energy usage by at least 20%. Contractors are standing-by to give detached single-family homeowners a thorough action plan to cut energy bills and most importantly - dramatically increase the comfort and health of your home!

Visit http://solarsantamonica.com/energyupgrade/ to learn more and find a contractor.

Southern California Edison Offers Free Class to Help Santa Monica Residents "Go Solar!"

If you are considering the installation of a solar photovoltaic (electricity) system for your home, come to this class at the Santa Monica Main Library from 6:30pm-8:00pm on Monday, June 27th.

Customers will learn about:

• Solar energy basics.
• The benefits of installing a solar energy system.
• Financial incentives available through the CSI program.
• Tax credits and financial models that can help reduce costs.

The 90-minute, nontechnical and easy-to-understand class is free, but requires registration because space is limited. Customers are advised to confirm their reservations, as the classes are subject to change. To register or get more information, visit www.sce.com/solartraining or call (866) 970-9221.

May, 2011

Santa Monica Homeowners:
Meet staff from Solar Santa Monica and Energy Upgrade California at your next Neighborhood Association Meeting!

Friends of Sunset Park
Next Meeting: May 21st, 2011
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Location: Mt. Olive Church

Ocean Park Association
Next Meeting: June 6th, 2011
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: SMASH/John Muir Library

North of Montana Association
Next Meeting: June 7th, 2011
Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Montana Branch Library

Northeast Neighbors Association
Meetings: First Wednesday of every month
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Montana Branch Library

Pico Neighborhood Association
Meetings: Second Thursday of every month
Time: 7pm
Location: Virginia Park

Enjoy Local Earth-Friendly Events on Mother's Day Weekend!
Alt-Build Expo and Santa Monica Festival are the same weekend

Alt-Build
On Friday, May 6th and Saturday May 7th, the City of Santa Monica presents Alt-Build, the alternative building materials & design expo. Come to the Santa Monica Civic Center during the hours of 10am-5pm both days for FREE admission.

Drew Lowell-Britt explains solar panel technology to an attendee of the 2010 Alt-Build Expo.

Santa Monica Festival
On Saturday, May 7th from 11am-6pm, the City of Santa Monica presents the 20th Annual Santa Monica Festival at Clover Park, 2300 Ocean Park Blvd. FREE Admission, FREE Parking and FREE Bike Valet.

Enjoy Mother's Day weekend with live music and dance, DIY art workshops utilizing recycled and repurposed materials, guilt-free shopping from vendors featuring earth friendly artistic wares, and local resources offered by a variety of City and local non-profits, including SOLAR SANTA MONICA and Energy Upgrade California!

Drew Lowell-Britt and Michael Ware speak with residents about their solar potential.

April, 2011

Santa Monica Kicks Off its Energy Upgrade California Promo
April 26 Event Focuses on Opportunities for Westside Homes

Signs, bus banners, and radio and TV have all heralded the start of Energy Upgrade California.  This state-wide program is offering homeowners up to $4,500 in rebates and incentives for permanent, single-family home energy improvements made by participating contractors.  

Solar Santa Monica, a City-sponsored program, held a special Kick-Off on April 26 to introduce Energy Upgrade California to Santa Monica residents. 70 people showed up for the event!

At the Kick-Off, residents received answers from representatives of the Program to questions such as:

• Who is eligible for the rebate?
• What energy upgrades are best for a typical Westside home that may have no central air conditioning:   Insulation?  Weather stripping?  White roof?  New windows?
• How much will it cost for upgrades to get me the full $4,500 in rebates?
• How do I find a good contractor?
• How long does the process take?  When do I get my rebate?

Preferred contractors from the Solar Santa Monica program, familiar with Santa Monica neighborhoods, home styles, permitting, etc., and qualified for the Energy Upgrade Program, were also be on hand to answer specific questions. 

Energy Upgrade California is supported by Federal and CEC funds and administered through the utilities and the county.  It focuses on a “whole house” solution to energy use, looking at an entire home as a single system.

Solar Santa Monica’s goal is to help the City become “energy neutral” by 2020 through efficiency and self-generation.  Now in its fourth year, the program has been instrumental in trebling the City’s solar capacity.

March, 2011

Enter to Win Energy and Water Efficiency Improvements! (Act by March 31st)

Enter and win the Energy Upgrade California Home Energy Makeover Contest.

$50,000: One Grand Prize Winning Home
A “Toward Zero Energy” winning home will receive energy and water efficiency improvements estimated at $50,000, including solar and certification as a green home!

$10,000: Five Winning Homes
Five homes receive energy and water efficiency improvements estimated at $10,000 and certification as a green home!

20 Semi-Finalist Homes
Twenty semi-finalist homes receive state-of the-art home energy assessments estimated at $500 each.

All of the winners will receive energy-efficient home improvements that will increase the overall comfort of their home, reduce their energy use and allow their home to obtain GreenPoint Rated certification.

Contest Rules

Learn more and apply here!

The contest is sponsored solely by Los Angeles County.

Open House at the Solar Santa Monica Office!

Join us in celebrating the Solar Champions of Santa Monica on March 24th from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Solar Santa Monica’s Advisory Board proudly salutes the City’s over 300 separate solar installations on homes and businesses – systems that produce almost 2.5% of the City’s power needs!

At the event will be the individual visionaries who stood behind their projects until they were successfully completed. Meet the Champions, Preferred Contractors, City Council members, and members of the Solar Santa Monica Advisory Council and staff. Enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Come to 1212 5th St. on March 24th at 5:30pm! And pass along the Open House Flyer.

February, 2011

EV Charging Solutions

"Santa Monica is expected to have more EVs per-capita than any other surrounding city, maybe even the state," said Ed Kjaer, SCE Director of Electric Transportation. On Monday, January 31st about 50 local citizens, including a few City Council members gathered at the Santa Monica Library to hear a panel of experts discuss the future of EV charging in Santa Monica, particularly in multi-family housing situations.

70% of residents in Santa Monica occupy multi-family buildings and if EV vehicles are going to penetrate the market, there needs to be a charging solution for this demographic.

If you missed the expert panel and lively Q&A, you can watch it on YouTube here.

There is not a one size fits all solution for charging an EV. If you park your car in a private garage or carport you should have an easy time finding an EV charging solution. If you live in an apartment or condo, you may have to share a garage or even park on the street, what then? Truth is...you may have a significant amount of planning and investment before a permitted solution can be implemented at your home.

Before you buy a new EV, evaluate your driving needs.  There are two types of plug-in electric vehicles (EV): “the battery electric vehicle” (e.g. Chevy Volt, Tesla) and the “plug-in hybrid electric vehicle” (e.g. Chevy Volt, which generate energy from both a battery and an internal combustion engine). Knowing what type of driving you will be doing will influence the type of EV and corresponding charging options.  PluginAmerica.org and GoElectricDrive.com have virtual showrooms with available makes and models. 

One of the most important decisions a plug-in electric vehicle owner will make is how to charge their vehicle.  Perhaps the most convenient way to charge would be in a home garage or carport, where there are two charging levels.  Otherwise EV’s can be charged in public (workplaces, schools, shopping centers, museums, etc) where an increasing number of chargers are being installed. 

• Level One
• Uses a standard 120-volt outlet
• Typically does not require extensive modifications, if any, to a home’s wiring or electric panel. 
• To fully charge an EV on Level One, plug-in hybrids will take 4-6 hours to fully charge and a battery EV will take around 12 hours. 
• Level Two
• Uses a 240-volt outlet
• Likelihood of requiring an electrical panel upgrade and a new, dedicated electrical circuit, similar to those used for a new A/C or electric dryer. 
• Battery EVs will only take 3-6 hours to fully charge at Level Two. 
• There is a third level of charging called Level Three or DC Fast Charging is under development and is being designed for commercial charging. 

Renters and condo owners may face complications...

• Shared garage areas require permission from the building owner or HOA. 
• Inquire what the cost will be to install outlets for EV charging.
• Ask a qualified electrician for an estimate.
• Buildings built pre-1975 typically have obsolete switchgear and EV chargers will require a complete electrical system overhaul.  
• Work with the City, Utility and an electrician to determine the cost of an upgrade.
• Research available financial and rate incentives

On Monday night’s panel was Ron Takguchi, a Building Official from the City of Santa Monica.  He said that outlet modification requires a permit and if there are modifications to an electrical room then he Planning Department may be involved as well.  As a part of the City of Santa Monica’s commitment to easing the process, permit fees are waived for upgrades associated with EV’s.  The Building and Safety Department can assist homeowners and their contractor with electrical upgrade inquires.

There are both federal and state incentives available to incentivize EV charging installations:

Federal Tax Credits

• A new credit of 10% of the cost of a new plug-in electric vehicle can be claimed on Form 8834. The maximum credit is $2,500 per vehicle.  This credit applies to vehicles acquired after February 17, 2009.
• 2010 consumer tax credit for two and three wheel electric vehicles, low speed electric vehicles and converting vehicles to plug-in hybrids
• The alternative fuel infrastructure tax credit now includes plug-in vehicle infrastructure (50% of costs up to a maximum of $2000 per residence and $50,000 per business site)

California

• Up to $5000 for pure battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in 2010 until money runs out (about 1800 vehicles); a different program for 2011 is being designed.
• Carpool lane access for pure battery electric vehicles only

For more information:

City of Santa Monica Building and Safety: http://www01.smgov.net/planning/buildingsafety/buildingandsafety.html
Southern California Edison: www.sce.com/ev
Financial Incentives: http://www.socalev.org/plugin/incentives.htm
Plug-In America: www.pluginamerica.org

October, 2010

Santa Monica College celebrates largest solar system in Santa Monica!

Solar Santa Monica helped celebrate the campus-wide energy efficiency retrofit and installation of a 408 kW DC solar system that was installed on the main campus of Santa Monica College. The solar panels were located on the top level of two parking structures. The panels will generate power for the two parking garages plus a significant portion of the Business Education Building.

Santa Monica College also improved its energy efficiency through a campus-wide lighting retrofit, variable speed drives, new heating hot water boilers, fire alarm system, and emergency circuit upgrades.

The $3.6 million solar project generates approximately 50,660 kilowatt hours each month and is saving the college about $8,100 per month. The project is expected to save more than $14 million over the life of the project and is paid for exclusively by energy savings on utility bills.

Another Successful Solar Santa Monica Event!

Solar Santa Monica hosted an event on Tuesday, October 26th at the Santa Monica Main Library and drew over 60 attendees. The topic: "Solar with no money down!"

Over the past year, new financing mechanisms have become available that allow home owners to get into solar "with no money down." Our goal is to present good, balanced information about residential solar leases and PPAs with a panel of experts representing some of the most popular programs currently available.

For more information, check out our Solar Leasing FAQ.

Dynamic presentations from Scott Gordon, Jesse Raynes and James Brennan on Solar with No Money Down.

Collaboration and Persistence Lead Santa Monica-Malibu School District to Power Purchase Agreement

SANTA MONICA, CA - On September 1, 2010 the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board approved entering into a solar contract that will provide nearly two-thirds of the power their elementary schools need and will save the district as much as $4 million over the next 25 years.

“The Board’s decision represents a successful culmination of a nearly two-year effort,” said Virginia Hyatt, Purchasing Director for the District. “We couldn’t have arrived at this point without the support and active participation of a team of dedicated solar advocates.”

...Read the full article

July, 2010

4th of July parade!

Solar Santa Monica invites all solar advocates - that means you, your friends and family - to walk with us in the Fourth of July Parade! 

You will receive a FREE Solar Santa Monica t-shirt to wear (while supplies last).  

Check-in is at 8:30am on Sunday, July 4th. We will meet in front of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (Pico & Main St) to turn in waivers and receive a parade participant bracelet. Every participant must bring a signed waiver. (Those under 18 need a parent or guardian's signature.) Parade will begin at 9:30am.    

The route goes south on Main Street at Pico, turns right on Marine, and goes north on Barnard Way to the southernmost beach parking lot to disperse.  The parade lasts about an hour.  As we're walking we'll see neighbors and friends and demonstrate our commitment to our community -- and to the environment.  

Please email Drew or call (310) 804-8449 and let us know you're coming. We will see you on July 4th!  

June, 2010

Rebate Alert!

California solar activity is WAY up! And while rebates may be heading down, residential systems get an even bigger boost from the investment tax credit.

As you know, we can track the progress of the California Solar Initiative on the infamous “Trigger Tracker.” It shows the number of rebates approved for each “step” in the CSI system in each utility area.

As of June 6, there are more rebate applications “under review” in Step 4 for SCE than there are rebates left, so we can assume that new residential solar owners will soon be receiving the Step 5 rebates. This will mean a drop from $1.90/kW to $1.55/kW.

While this may seem like bad news, it is a reminder to us all that we’re meeting our state’s goals! And, with the 30% Investment Tax Credit still alive and strong, new Solar Champions won’t notice too great an impact. After all, the 30% is a deduction based on the TOTAL COST of the system – so, if your cost goes up slightly because of a smaller rebate, your 30% ITC will go up too!

But it’s always important to deal with accurate numbers, so if you’re in the midst of a bid review, be sure you go back for updated calculations.

If you need assistance, Solar Santa Monica is here to help.

May, 2010

Fraud Watch

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is alerting California homeowners about the need to select a licensed and qualified contractor before signing a contract for a solar energy project. Read the full press release here.

Solar Santa Monica urges residents to become as knowledgeable as possible before calling a contractor, and then to get several bids before deciding.  Our website lists “preferred contractors” that have signed up with the program, documenting their licenses, insurance and experience so that residents can have a higher level of confidence as they move forward. Click "Find Contractors" on the menu to the left.

Events

Solar Thermal Rebates Seminar

On the evening of May 12, join Solar Santa Monica at the Santa Monica Main Library, MLK Auditorium for an all-hands-on-deck meeting on rebates, with speakers on the new solar thermal rebate program.  Get updates on solar photovoltaic rebates, and information on potential new financing available through the City of Santa Monica.  Plus, solar thermal contractors will be there to answer your questions about how you can use the sun to cut your gas water heater bill.   

Mark your calendar now:  May 12, 6:30 p.m. for the expo, program starts at 7:00 p.m.  We'll be sending more details in a newsletter soon! Click here for a flyer.

Missed it? Want a copy of the handout? Click here to download ALL the information on incentives.

Green Living Workshops

Solar Santa Monica encourages residents to consider all aspects of sustainability – and the Sustainable Works course is the best overview you can get. The six week Green Living Workshop covers the following topics, one per week: Water, Energy, Waste, Chemicals, Transportation, Shopping & Food

Workshops meet on the Mondays listed below at The Green Life, 2409 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 from 7:00-8:30pm each week: November 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, and 14

To learn more visit Sustainable Works or sign up here.

Are you a Solar Champion?

Solar Santa Monica has developed a User's Guide to Solar PV Systems. Use this guide as a reference for safe use and sensible maintenance of your system.  Keep it in your files along with system user manuals, warranties, and installer contact info.

Time to Reconsider Solar for your Business

Allsteel office furniture welcomed Solar Santa Monica to its showroom on January 20 for a presentation on the “State of Solar, 2010.” Some 37 business owners and energy professionals attended to hear more about the latest developments in the industry, including Edison’s new solar-friendly rate, “Option R.” Gary Barsley, SCE’s Manager of Solar Initiatives & Self-Generation Programs, (shown above) offered perspectives that complemented Solar Santa Monica’s Michael Ware’s examples of how the new rate might work. If you are a building owner considering solar, contact Michael today for a free solar analysis. Click here to view the Power Point presentation.

July 2009

New Zoning Ordinance Standards Passed City Council

On July 14, 2009, the City Council amended the Zoning Ordinance in order to expedite solar installations through the Planning and Building permit processes. The Zoning revisions can be seen here.

Fourth of July Parade was a Success!

Solar Santa Monica invited all our solar advocates - friends and family - to walk with us in the Fourth of July Parade! 

All participants received a FREE Solar Santa Monica t-shirt to wear in the Parade. 

Parade route went south on Main Street at Pico, turned right on Marine, and went north on Barnard Way to the southernmost beach parking lot to disperse.

We hope everyone had fun! Pictures and videos will be posted soon.

June 2009

California Solar Initiative “Steps” Up

The California Solar Initiative Rebates are now in Step 4 for residential solar electric systems in Southern California Edison territory. The Step 4 rebate is $1.90 per AC watt. Additionally, the 30% federal tax credit still applies to the balance of the system cost after rebate, and there is no diminishment on the tax credit amount.

The Step 3 residential capacity goals have been met, and Step 3 solar rebate reservation requests already exceed reservation space. New applications will be processed at the $1.90 rate. As an example, a 4.2 kW AC system (4,200 watts) would now receive a maximum rebate of $7,980. (Rebates are diminished slightly if the solar array is shady or not aimed in the optimal direction.)

The Step 4 rebate level will last until the capacity goals are met, most likely sometime next year. However, it’s always better to work with your solar contractor to get a rebate reservation in sooner rather than later. Reservations may last up to one year.

Rebates for commercial solar electric systems remain at the Step 5 level for the time being.

Solar Santa Monica will be happy to answer questions about the CSI rebate process. Also keep in mind, our Preferred Solar Contractors will deduct the rebate amount from the total system cost up front. This deduction usually reduces your out of pocket expense by around 20%.

EcoHero Award

The EcoHero Award is granted by Sustainable Works, a local environmental nonprofit organization. The award recognizes the partnership between the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica College.

Recipients for 2009 are Energy and Green Building Programs Administrator Susan Munves of Solar Santa Monica and Academic Senate President Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein of Santa Monica College. The EcoHero Awards were presented at a ceremony on Earth Day at Santa Monica College’s Center for Environmental and Urban Studies. Both the City and SMC help fund the Center for Environmental and Urban Studies, as well as Sustainable Works.

Shannon Parry, the City’s Sustainable City Program Manager and 2008 EcoHero Award recipient, presented Solar Santa Monica with this year’s award. She stated, “[Solar Santa Monica] has exhibited great leadership, created vision for energy independence and put a lot of sweat equity in our homes and on our roofs.”

Solar Santa Monica is honored to be an EcoHero Award recipient. We thank residents, businesses and property owners for believing in energy efficiency upgrades and onsite renewable energy. Santa Monica has roughly 1 MW of solar energy installed and there is 2.3 MW in the pipeline. Everyone’s effort in helping us become a net zero, energy independent community by 2020 is recognized!

May 2009

Green Building Tours
Saturday, May 2nd (10am - 3pm)
As a precursor to the sixth annual AltBuild, the City of Santa Monica is hosting Green Building Tours on Saturday, May 2nd. These tours of local green building projects are free to attend. Please visit whichever sites you like between the hours of 10am - 3pm. Docents will be available at each project to guide you through the green features. An online map features the 6 residential homes and 1 commercial office on the tours. How exciting - green design in action!  

RSVP to Brenden by email at Brenden.McEneaney@smgov.net or by telephone at (310) 458-8549.

AltBuild Expo
Friday + Saturday, May 8th - 9th (10am - 5pm)
The sixth annual Alternative Building Materials and Design Expo - AltBuild - will be on May 8th and 9th. With over 150 hand-picked exhibitors, AltBuild showcases to Southern California the latest and greatest in green building materials, sustainable practices, and design innovations. There will be educational lectures and demonstrations on both days, with Friday focusing on topics for trade professionals and Saturday being of interest to both trades and the general public. This one-of-a-kind regional event pairs eco-conscious professionals and the public to meet and discuss budding opportunities in their community. 

Topics of focus include: Green Building Technology and Products, Energy Efficiency, Alternative Energy, Sustainable Landscape, Water Conservation and Products, Waste Management, and Design Materials. In between speakers and exhibition products, come say hello to the Solar Santa Monica team. You can recognize us by our bright yellow t-shirts!

Admission is free. Bike valet parking is free. AltBuild takes place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (1855 Main Street, Santa Monica 90401). Please click here for an event flyer.

Santa Monica Festival: Revel with a Cause
Saturday, May 9th (11am - 6pm)
The Santa Monica Festival, occurring alongside day two of AltBuild, is a free family festival on May 9th at Clover Park. This year's festival theme is "Revel with a Cause" because the entire festival follows zero waste principles, anticipated carbon waste has been offset, and an interactive Eco Zone section offers tangible ways to incorporate sustainability into your life.

There will be two stages with music and room to dance. Activities include: Marketplace - for international shopping, Global Cafe - for yummy eats from local restaurants, Town Square - meet the people and businesses of Santa Monica, and Eco Zone - the first step to making a difference starts here. Don't forget to visit Solar Santa Monica's booth while you're in the Eco Zone. Also, enter the raffle giveaway and you too will go home with your very own sun-dazzling Solar Santa Monica t-shirt.

Admission is free. Car parking and bike valet parking are free. Santa Monica Festival takes place at Clover Park (2600 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica 90405).

Homeowner Solar Information Session
Saturday, May 30th (10am - Noon)
There will be a non-technical, comprehensive Homeowner Solar Information Session (HSIS) - hosted by Southern California Edison and Solar Santa Monica - on Saturday, May 30th. The session is FREE of charge, but due to limited space, pre-registration is required. To register, call the Solar Santa Monica office at (310) 458-4992 or call Edison at (866) 970-9221. Use the event number: 15-053009.

The HSIS takes place at the Santa Monica Public Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90401) in the Multi-Purpose Room on the 2nd floor. Parking is under the library (enter on 7th St) and costs a fee. 

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Let's Celebrate Santa Monica's Newest Solar Development!

You are invited on Monday, March 23rd from 10:30am - Noon to help Solar Santa Monica celebrate a 30kW solar system installed on the roof of Santa Monica's newest affordable housing complex.

A dedication ceremony will take place at 10:45am hosted by Mayor Ken Genser.

Location: 2001 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (NE corner of Olympic & 20th)

NMS Properties' 100-unit affordable housing project opened in December. Highlights of the project include:

• 30 kW solar system installed by PermaCity, one of SSM's Preferred Contractors
• 375 SQ FT: compact two-story loft design by Killefer Flammang
• Ideal location for accessing major bus routes and walking to SMC

Refreshments served. Parking available under the property. Heading westbound on Olympic, turn right into the property.

RSVP to erin.hamant@smgov.net

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926 kW of solar at 165 solar sites in Santa Monica as of March 9, 2009 are generating 4,059 kWh of power a day

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California State Initiative Status

The 30% Federal Tax Credit has been the big news for solar in 2009, but do not forget about the great incentives the State of California offers for its utility customers.  The California Solar Initiative or CSI is an up-front one-time rebate based on expected performance and is calculated by size, tilt and location of the array.  For larger systems (50kW+), the rebate is based on the actual performance of the system over the first five years. 

Why act now?

The rebates automatically decline in "steps" based on the volume of solar megawatts confirmed within each utility service territory.  As Southern California Edison customers, Santa Monica residents are now in Step 3 of 10.  Step 3 is currently paying residents $2.20 per watt. 

Step 4 of the CSI is going to pay residents $1.90 per watt.  Based on installation patterns, the decrease of $.30 per watt is expected to take effect in the summer of 2009.  Solar Santa Monica recommends beginning the solar installation process as soon as possible to take advantage of the current pairing of rebates and tax incentives before they decline. 

See the steps at http://www.csi-trigger.com

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Santa Monica Announces Solar Guidelines

On October 27, 2008, Santa Monica's Preferred Contractors were the first to be introduced to the solar installation Guidelines being drafted by the Building and Safety Division of the City.

The Guidelines have been developed after months of working with industry trainers, solar contractors and staff from the Solar Santa Monica office. Their purpose is to help standardize solar installation and inspection procedures while making sure all Code requirements are met.

Download the Guidelines.

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Solar Alert!

Sign up now, connect in 2009, and you'll get the best of both worlds!

October passage of the "Bailout Bill" included important legislation for potential solar owners. Briefly, it gave solar a new lease on life!

Homeowners who put finishing touches on their system in 2009 can now get a tax credit to offset 30% of its cost - with no cap! For example, for a system that costs $30,000, the new owner could receive a credit of $9,000 to apply against income taxes. (In 2008, that credit is limited to $2,000.) Key to getting the new tax credit - the system must be "placed in service in 2009." Check with your installer and your tax advisor to be sure you qualify.

Commercial system owners, on the other hand, have had a 30% credit for the past two years, with no cap. For them, 2008 offers the most flexibility, since a special Section 179 write-off is doubled for 2008 (up to $250,000), and a 50% bonus depreciation is also available -- but both of these are available only until the end of the year. (In 2009, commercial systems go back to the "regular" Section 179 deduction, and the MACRS depreciation schedule.)

This alert isn't meant as tax advice. Be sure to consult a qualified professional regarding your own situation. But don't delay if you are in the midst of a solar installation or considering it. Timing your install could make a BIG difference to its financial payback.