Keep up with UCAN.org by following us on Twitter!

Thanks for visiting UCAN.org! Please remember our services are available because of grassroots donations from people like you. Please help us continue our work with a donation of any amountClick here to visit our secure donation page.

Solar Project

Solar Incentives  
   

Welcome!

This section of the UCAN Web site is dedicated to showing you how to generate solar electricity from your rooftop with photovoltaic (PV) arrays.

If you want to avoid SDG&E’s sky-high energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ll show you how to shop for a system, decide if solar power is right for you; estimate your potential savings in advance, and how to select a qualified photovoltaic (PV) installer.

In light of the recent federal changes in solar tax incentives,  installation of PV on homes has now become far more economically appealing.  The 20% cap for residential installations has been removed and that is good news for any residential customers considering PV. 

Solar_SURVIVAL-Kit_bug_tilted

Getting Started.

First, read our Personal PV Buster (four pages in PDF format): It shows you the five basic steps to a bright energy-saving future with photovoltaics.


Next, join Michael on his PV Adventure and take a few minutes to watch these brief humorus videos showing Michael’s shopping odyssey and his adventures installing the system on his rooftop.

Video #1: Michael’s PV Odyssey.

Video #2 Installation.

Solar_guide_Thumbnail
Solar_Oddysey_Vid_Thumbnail
Video #1: Michael’s PV Oddysey.

Solar_Guide_Solar_Install_Vid_Thumbnail
Video #2: Installation.

 

SDG&E's New SES Rate? Is it worth it?

In a word, probably not. Click here to learn more about this potential choice.




 

Get bids

Now that you have a rough idea of how much PV capacity you need, call some installers (here is the list) and ask for a Site Visit and a quote.

We strongly recommend that you run a free license check on the installer to make sure the company has a C46 Solar Contractor’s License, and is qualified to do the work.

If they are not properly licensed, just walk away. We also urge you to see if they have a history of complaints with the Better Business Bureau. In our experience, if a contractor has numerous complaints with the BBB, it is likely you will have problems with them, too.

When you meet with the installer, ask them to complete Page 2, of our PV Buster Worksheet.


If they are a real Solar Contractor, they will understand the terms used and should be able to complete the form quickly (Don't be intimidated, the terms are explained on Page 1, and further explained in our in-depth Solar Basics section). An important part of this process, which can significantly reduce your costs, is calculating your hefty REBATE from the State of California using the California Solar Initiative Calculator.

Be aware that many installers prefer to do commercial work, so don’t be offended if some installers don’t seem very enthusiastic.

When Michael Shames solicited bids for PV panels on his roof, he contacted five installers. (click on the company name to see their bids)

 

 

 

Select an Installer

Did you run the free license check ? If not, now is a good time. Assuming your vendor passes muster, the next step is to give the vendor a down payment. Under California Law, the vendor can not accept more than $1,000 down payment from you until the work is completed.

 

 

Learn More

PV_Buster_Worksheet_Thumbnail
Ask each potential the installer to complete this form. It has all the information you need to make an "Apples to Apples" comparison of costs and performance between different vendors.

Solar_Proposal_Comparison_Blank_Thumb

Download this blank comparison worksheet when you are requesting bids.

Solar_Proposal_Comparison_Filled_Out_Thumb

This completed form gives you the real-life quotes received by Michael

 
 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AttachmentSize
Comparison_Worksheet_Final.pdf67.01 KB
PV_Buster_Worksheet_Final.pdf115.59 KB
CleanTech.pdf191.18 KB
HomeEnergy.pdf162.47 KB
Stellar.pdf121.36 KB

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

Solar energy is a good topic

Solar energy is a good topic for essays writing in college.

this is a great move i would

this is a great move i would say.And thanks for all the attachments
panic attacks disorders overactive glands lip balm

SEO Services SEO Company India Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO India & Web Development SEO Company SEO Services India from a professional SEO India. Affordable Search engine optimization(SEO) Service from an Online Internet marketing company. outsource SEO services to India SEO company UK Canada.

I must say Solar Energy is a

I must say Solar Energy is a great topic for writing research papers in college.

people should learn how to

people should learn how to build and install it on their own without hiring a company to do it for them. Solar energy should be free, and having to pay monthly fees on a loan kind of defeats the purpose of harvesting free energy.

Lyons for Senate :: Contact us

Lyons for Senate :: Contact usDemocratic nominee for State Senate in California's 29th District

Political Mission at Lyons for Senate

Political Mission at Lyons for Senate

SEO Services SEO Company India Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO IndiaSEO Company SEO Services India from a professional SEO India. Affordable Search engine optimization(SEO) Service from an Online Internet marketing company. outsource SEO services to India SEO company UK Canada.

cheap auto insurance rates

cheap auto insurance rates

Must admit that your

Must admit that your information is great for my essay.
Thank

Solar panels - this is cool.

Solar panels - this is cool. If the entire surface of the roof covered with solar panels, it lets you save money. Countries. where a lot of sun, the use of such technology is particularly warranted.

Recent heat waves throughout

Recent heat waves throughout California underscore the critical role of solar energy, as consumers seek sustainable energy solutions to help keep energy costs in check. This month's California Solar Initiative (CSI) feature photo comes to us from the commercial sector: a 236-kW BP Solar system installed at FedEx Freight's Whittier, CA facility. Thank you for going solar. Read on for important CSI Program updates.

There are several corrections

There are several corrections needed in order for this article to be accurate. First, it states on this page in Paragraph 3 that the 20% cap has been lifted, in fact it is a 30% federal tax credit not 20%. It is also important to note for residential homeowners that the federal tax credit is 30% of the Cost of the system MINUS the rebate amount. If you were to take 30% federal tax credit on the gross cost you'd have to pay taxes on the state rebate amount which is less beneficial to the homeowner. Also, on the PV Buster worksheet it states there is a capped $2000 federal tax credit, which is no longer the case. Other than these two items I think that this information is great and keep up the good work! costco locations

this was posted before the

this was posted before the 30% was around so than it was 20% the rebate was tax exempt also use a tax professional where you can spread out you tax credit into other years to get the most out of your tax credits

Well, this is my first visit

Well, this is my first visit to your blog! But I admire time and effort you put into it, especially into interesting articles you share here!
James,
audio chat video

Solar energy can be a better

Solar energy can be a better solution in this world where energy, specially oil, gas etc. are scarce. I appreciate your moves toward implementing the solar power to produce energy. It can be a solution for many existing problems in the world. I think it’s high time we start using solar power to produce energy in all over the world, including third world countries as well.

Wheels for sale

I'm glad to see so many

I'm glad to see so many people getting in on the "green" movement. I just recently put solar panels on my home. It has saved me pretty much on my electric bill, and because I built and installed the panels myself I saved a lot of money on that end too. I had so much fun learning how to do it (have never done it mysefl before, just read a lot on the topic in the books I found with the help of http://www.picktorrent.com engine or heard the experience of my friends) it's really worth it! I wish more and more people got interested!

Great Information

people should learn how to build and install it on their own without hiring a company to do it for them. Solar energy should be free, and having to pay monthly fees on a loan kind of defeats the purpose of harvesting free energy. The only fees that anyone should have to pay for are for the solar panels, permits.Awesome. just awesome...i haven't any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us casino forum

My husband is currently

My husband is currently working on building his own PVC frame for the one solar panel we own. We found a guy in the San Francisco Bay Area that was selling 70-watt BP panels for $200, which would normally sell for at least $300 (I think).

I think that people should learn how to build and install it on their own without hiring a company to do it for them. Solar energy should be free, and having to pay monthly fees on a loan kind of defeats the purpose of harvesting free energy. The only fees that anyone should have to pay for are for the solar panels, permits, etc.

Thanks, Daniel Moser, for the additional info. I'm sure others, like my husband, will be happy to look through that site.

From the tv antenna, indoor antenna & home theater installation specialist

Corrections please

There are several corrections needed in order for this article to be accurate. First, it states on this page in Paragraph 3 that the 20% cap has been lifted, in fact it is a 30% federal tax credit not 20%. It is also important to note for residential homeowners that the federal tax credit is 30% of the Cost of the system MINUS the rebate amount. If you were to take 30% federal tax credit on the gross cost you'd have to pay taxes on the state rebate amount which is less beneficial to the homeowner. Also, on the PV Buster worksheet it states there is a capped $2000 federal tax credit, which is no longer the case. Other than these two items I think that this information is great and keep up the good work!

Recent heat waves throughout

Recent heat waves throughout California underscore the critical role of solar energy, as consumers seek sustainable energy solutions to help keep energy costs in check. This month's California Solar Initiative (CSI) feature photo comes to us from the commercial sector: a 236-kW BP Solar system installed at FedEx Freight's Whittier, CA facility. Thank you for going solar. Read on for important CSI Program updates.

_______________________________
Submited by : Descargar Libros

Solar Energy.

The consumption of electricity is getting more n more and i think in the future we have to use energy.

solar for home owners

Hi, I live in escondido . I put solar on my house , but I did not use a contractor , I did
it myself . to me it was was very easy . The hard part I thought was doing a the paper
work for the permits ,state rebates ,and tax credits. I started with about 30,000.00
in materials It took me about two days to install by myself . after all the credits and rebates
in two years time , my out of pocket cost is down to 7500.00 plus basicly no electric bill.
doing the system your self could save you up to 20,000.00
The web site Got my solar parts from is www.partsonsale.com they were very helpful
and are located in victorville CA. the size of my solar is a 5.1kw It consist of 30 panels
and two inverters

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <em> <p> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <!--break-->
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

More information about formatting options




Like what you see? Go ahead and show your support! UCAN is a truly independent non-profit watchdog organization, dependent on grassroots donations like yours!

Utility Consumers' Action Network

(619) 696-6966 or file a complaint about a company online.

Terms & Conditions

UCAN.org is made available by the Utility Consumers' Action Network to assist you in becoming what you always knew you could be, a consumer ROCK STAR! We take no corporate money, and are beholden only to you, the consumer. As such, the site is here for educational, advocacy, and empowerment purposes, as well to to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. Just remember this site is NOT here to provide specific legal advice. By using this web site you of course understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Web Site publisher, UCAN. The Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

That said, get to digging on the site, inform yourself, speak your mind, and earn Watchdog Bones! This is YOUR site, and we mean it. So comment on any of the content, discuss the latest issues in the forums, file a complaint on a company with the fraud squad, and generally cut loose.

See our Terms of Use, Privacy, and Copyright complaint policies as well as our Content Reuse Policy, Some Rights Reserved.