Imagine putting solar panels on your roof for no money down. You partner with your city or municipality to cover the up-front cost of your new renewable energy system, which you pay back to the city as an add-on to your property taxes. You spread your payments out over 20 years and most likely the savings from your lowered electricity bill more than cover your higher property tax.
Not only do you become more self-sufficient in your energy generation, but also your city spurs development of new green-energy jobs. And everybody enjoys the benefits of shifting our society away from fossil fuels.
How Marin County gets 75 percent of its power from renewables
GreenBeat: Interpreting Innovation August 3rd, 2010
In June, California voters shot down Proposition 16, a measure backed by Pacific Gas & Electric that would have made it much harder for local governments to form their own utilities. Now one Northern California municipal utility is demonstrating why this was a wise choice.
The Marin Energy Authority, delivering electricity to residents in Marin County, was just named one of the top 20 power purchasers for local governments by the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s the first utility in the country to derive 75 percent of its energy supply from renewable sources of energy — an impressive figure considering that it’s California’s goal to get 33 percent of its energy from renewables 10 years from now. Full Article
Pocono Raceway goes solar
CNN August 2nd, 2010
Forget about Philadelphia -- Brandon Igdalsky hopes it's always sunny in the Poconos. Igdalsky, the president of Pocono Raceway, along with track CEO John "Doc" Mattioli and their families, officially opened the track's 25-acre solar farm this weekend. When fully operational, the farm will produce between 3 million to 4 million kilowatt hours per year. It will provide all of the power for the track, and will also add electricity to the local power grid. Full Article
Essex Middle School Goes Solar
WPTZ Channel 5 July 28th, 2010
ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. -- There's a new addition on Essex Middle School's roof, and it's meant to cut down on costs while teaching kids about solar energy. The school and its Edge Academy are among ten Vermont schools that received funding to install solar panels.Peck Solar spent a week putting in the panels that will provide between 15 and 20 percent of the school's energy. Full article
5 Ways to Get Solar Past Your HOA
Renewable Energy World July 23rd, 2010
Do you want solar, but are part of an HOA, or Home Owners Association? There is a small chance that you have a fight ahead of you.
The majority of HOAs in California approve California solar energy systems without a problem (most HOAs are aware of your Solar Rights and support clean, solar energy in their community), but there is a small percentage of Home Owner’s Associations that might put up a fight. HOAs can impact the feasibility, design, and completion speed of proposed home improvements, including a home solar energy system. Full Article
