Solar 101

Rebates

California Solar Initiative (CSI) is the rebate program for existing homes wanting to install solar electric systems. The CA Public Utility Commission (PUC) oversees the CSI program.
www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov

Go Solar California is a campaign of the California Energy Commission and the Public Utilities commission to encourage the adoption of solar in CA.
www.gosolarcalifornia.org/

New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) is the rebate program for new construction of homes that will install solar. There are specific requirements needed to be eligible for the rebate.
www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/nshp

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) offers information for cutting energy costs, and allows the customer to do a free over the phone or online Energy Use Audit of their home or business.
1-800-933-9555
www.pge.com/solar

Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency (DSIRE) provides directory listing incentives for renewable energy and efficiency state by state.
www.dsireusa.org/

California Energy Commission provides an online directory compiled by the CEC provides links to solar and other alternative energy resources.
www.energy.ca.gov/links/solar.html

Articles

HomePower Magazine  is a hands on journal of home made power with articles about people living on & off grid, how to resources on solar, wind, and other renewable technologies.
www.homepower.com

Some Good Introductory Articles

Local Resources

Jim Deering (JD) of Artistic Building Company is a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) energy efficiency analyst. He will come to your home and do an energy efficiency test. License #691099
abcomp@mcn.org
(707) 357-1041

Other Solar Resources

Nor Cal Solar

Celebrating its 30th year as an advocacy and education group dedicated to accelerating the use of solar energy. Publishes yearly the Solar Energy Resource Guide, which offers information on all things solar and an extensive resource list.
PO Box 3008 Berkeley, CA 94603. (510) 869-2759.
www.norcalsolar.org

National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)

U.S. Department of Energy sponsored lab for cutting edge research and development of renewable energy.
www.nrel.gov

California Solar Energy Industries Association

CALSEIA is a trade association representing solar photovoltaic and solar thermal contractors, installers, manufacturers, distributors, consultants, engineers, and designers.
www.calseia.org

Environmental Protection Agency – Power Profiler

The Power Profiler will determine your power grid region based on your ZIP code and electric utility, compare the fuel mix and air emissions rates of the electricity in your region to the national average and determine the air emissions impacts of electricity use in your home or business.
www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/how-clean.html

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

SEIA is the national trade association in the United States, representing companies doing research, manufacturing, distributing, financing, building and installing solar projects domestically and abroad.
www.seia.org

American Solar Energy Society (ASES)

ASES is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and advocates. Since 1954, ASES has advanced education, research and policy development towards a sustainable energy economy.
www.ases.org

Other MSS interests

Solar Electric Initiative in Sierra Leone, West Africa

This concerned group brings rural solar electrification to an impoverished country. This project is a program of the Friends of Sierra Leone non-profit, an association of Peace Corps volunteers and country nationals. Co-owner Maggie Watson served in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone. http://www.fosalone.org/projects.php#SEI Or contact Leslie McKeon – mckeon119@mac.com

ALL Power Labs in Berkeley, CA

This organization that has perfected small scale biomass gasification. Their Power Pallet can be used in off grid or back up applications and runs a generator off of wood chips or other bio mass. http://gekgasifier.com/

Green America Come Together

We appreciate this group’s useful guide to use when shopping to make choices that benefit people and the planet. http://www.greenamerica.org/