Solar San Diego

Help Sierra Club And Get a Free Solar Evaluation

Are you looking to go solar?  Do you care about the environment and would you like to support a Want to avoid the hard sell, solar hucksters who seem to have your number?  Sierra Club has joined together with SunRun in order to help to find out if solar is right for you.  SunRun offers zero money installation that will lower bills for qualified customers.  SunRun will give you free evaluations, check out the Sierra Club's website here for more information.  For each qualified evaluation, Sierra Club will receive $50 and $1000 for each installed system.     

Solar Industry Still Healthy Despite Solyndra (Which May Not Be a Total Loss to the Government)

 

Solyndra scandal has given solar a black eye.  

The San Francisco Business Times has a piece about the health of the solar industry in the wake of the Solyndra scandal.  The piece points out the overall health of the solar industry and the fact that "Solyndra was producing .2 percent of all the solar panels on the market today..." and several persons from Bay Area solar companies opine on solar.  Read the entire article here.  Also, from CNNMoney comes the story that all may not be lost in the Solyndra bankruptcy.  The article points out that the failed company, which had government guaranteed loans, has assets including a new factory, equipment and inventory that will offset the loss for the government.  Read the story here.   

The Future of Solar Cells

ZDNet has a report about the future of solar cells, discusses an innovation at Stanford University.  

Solar Panels on Carlsbad High School

The North County Times had an article about a solar installation at a Carlsbad High School.   What a great way to save energy for this school district.  It would be great to see a solar panel on every roof that can sustain one in that school district, in Carlsbad, in San Diego County.....

Welcome to Solar San Diego

Welcome to the re-tweaked Solar San Diego.  This blog is now part of Sustainable Environment Advocates.  As such, it is my platform to advocate for the adoption of solar and renewable energy in San Diego County and beyond.  Welcome and I hope you enjoy the ride on warm beams of sunshine.    

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

The Federal Government's Energy Star program website has a rundown of Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency for consumers including those for home improvements, auto purchases and alternative energy.  The incentives are as follows:

SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Product Category	Product Type	Tax Credit Specification	Tax Credit	Notes
Windows & Doors	Exterior Windows and Skylights	ENERGY STAR qualified OR meets IECC1	10% of cost, up to $2002 for all windows, skylights and storm windows	All ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit.Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified windows and skylights. Installation costs are not included. For tax purposes, save your receipt and either the ENERGY STAR label from all your new windows OR the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Storm Windows	Meets IECC1 in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, for the applicable climate zone	10% of cost, up to $2002 for all windows, skylights and storm windows	Manufacturer Certification Statement3will list classes of exterior window (single pane, clear glass, double pane, low-E coating, etc.)4 that a product may be combined with to be eligible in specific climate zones. Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Exterior Doors	Meets IECC1	10% of cost, up to $5002	ENERGY STAR doors will almost always qualify, except for certain parts of California4. Learn more aboutENERGY STAR qualified doors. Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Storm Doors	In combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC1, and does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC	10% of cost, up to $5002	Eligibility will be confirmed by manufacturer and documented in the Manufacturer Certification Statement3 Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Roofing	Metal Roofs,  Asphalt Roofs	ENERGY STAR qualified	10% of cost, up to $5002	All ENERGY STAR labeled metal roofs qualify for the tax credit. Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty. Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Insulation	Insulation	Meets 2000 IECC & Amendments	10% of cost, up to $5002	For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate. (example: vapor retarders are covered, siding does not qualify). Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty Installation costs are not included. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
HVAC	Central A/C	Split Systems: EER >=12.5 SEER >= 15  Package systems: EER >= 12 SEER >= 14	$3002	For a list of qualified products, go to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency product directory , click on the Air Conditioners and in the “CEE Tier” enter “Residential Tier 2.” Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. ENERGY STAR specification: Split Systems: EER >= 11.5 & SEER >= 14  Package systems: EER >= 11 & SEER >= 14 Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Air Source Heat Pumps	HSPF >= 9 EER >= 13 SEER >= 15	$300²	Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. ENERGY STAR specification: Split systems: HSPF >= 8.2 & EER >= 11.5 & SEER >= 14  Package systems: HSPF >= 8 & EER >= 11 & SEER >= 14 Manufacturer’s Certification Statement³ required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Geo-Thermal Heat Pump	Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Closed Loop: EER >= 14.1 COP >= 3.3 Open Loop: EER >= 16.2  COP >= 3.6  Direct Expansion: EER >= 15  COP >= 3.5	30% of the cost, up to $2,000.	All ENERGY STAR labeled geo-thermal heat pumps qualify for the tax credit. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Use IRS Form 5695   Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1, 2008–Dec. 31, 2016.
	Gas, Oil, Propane Furnace or Hot Water Boiler	Furnaces: AFUE >= 95  Boiler: AFUE >= 95	$1502	For a list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association  Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. ENERGY STAR specification: Furances: AFUE >= 90 Boilers: AFUE >= 85 Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan	No more than 2% of furnace total energy use	$502	For a partial list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association  Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Water Heaters	Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater	Energy Factor >= 0.80 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.	$3002	Note: ENERGY STAR qualified high-efficiency gas storage water heaters will not qualify for the tax credit. All ENERGY STAR qualified whole-home gas tankless and gas condensing models will qualify. ENERGY STAR criteria: Whole-Home Tankless: Energy Factor >= 0.82 Gas Condensing: Energy Factor >= 0.8 For a partial list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association  Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
	Electric Heat Pump Water Heater	Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0	$3002	All ENERGY STAR qualified electric heat pump water heaters qualify for the tax credit. Manufacturer's Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Biomass Stove	Biomass Stove	Stove which burns biomass fuel5 to heat a home or heat water. Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%.	$300	Manufacturer’s Certification Statement3 required. For tax purposes, save your receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement. Must be “placed into service” between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2009. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.
Cars	Hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles		Based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models	There is a 60,000 vehicle limit per manufacturer before a phase-out period begins. Toyota and Honda have already been phased out. Credit is still available for Ford, GM and Nissan. For more information visit:Fueleconomy.gov  Use IRS Form 8910  for hybrid vehicles purchased for personal use. Use IRS Form 3800  for hybrid vehicles purchased for business purposes.
	Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles		$2,500–$7,500	The first 250,000 vehicles sold get the full tax credit (then it phases out like the hybrid vehicle tax credits). Effective January 1, 2009.
Solar Energy Systems	Solar Water Heating	At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household. The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs. The water must be used in the dwelling. The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).	30% of cost, up to $2,000	Use IRS Form 5695   Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.
	Photovoltaic Systems	Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.	30% of cost, up to $2,000. After January 1, 2009 the $2,000 cap no longer applies.	Use IRS Form 5695   Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.
Small Wind Energy Systems	Small Wind Energy Systems		30% of the cost, up to $500 per half kW of capacity (not to exceed $4,000)
Fuel Cells	Fuel Cells	Efficiency of at least 30% and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.	30% of the cost, up to $1500 per half kW of power capacity	Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016. Use IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009). This form should be available in late 2009 or early 2010.

¹Either the 2001 Supplement of the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code or the 2004 Supplement of the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code.

²Subject to a $500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.

³A Manufacturer’s Certification is a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. The IRS encourages manufacturers to provide these Certifications on their website to facilitate identification of qualified products. Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return.

⁴Additional information on exterior window features may be viewed at Anatomy of an Energy Efficient Window.

⁵Biomass Fuel means any plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis, including agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), plants (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers.

The IRS defines “placed in service” as when the property is ready and available for use.

Fortune Mag: Grean Energy Makes Money

"Venture investment in energy technology firms reached new highs this year, more than tripling the investment recorded for 2005, according to data released Wednesday by Thomson Financial and the National Venture Capital Association." states an article in Fortune Small Business.