The City of Santa Monica has an ambitious goal to become a net-zero, energy independent city by 2020.
Solar Santa Monica is a program of the Office of Sustainability and the Environment.
Solar Santa Monica helps residents, businesses and property owners reduce energy consumption and generate clean, renewable energy onsite. Our Contractor Network is a tool to help you find a licensed,
reliable contractor.
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Solar Santa Monica in the July 4th parade!
A gloomy Sunday did not deter hundreds from marching in the annual Santa Monica 4th of July Parade, Solar Santa Monica being one of the proud groups.
Holding glittered signs that spelled out S-O-L-A-R and the classic Solar Santa Monica banner, our bright yellow-clad participants marched down Main Street. We were in terrific company. Organized by the Ocean Park Association, companies, individuals, activists, and residents walked, drove, rode, and biked along the route. There was even music and a few loud solar cheers! Heal the Bay was the parade's Grand Marshal.
A big Thank You to all who participated with Solar Santa Monica and we hope to see you again next year! |
The California Solar Initiative's (CSI) success in the Investor Owned Utility territories has caused an interruption in the rebate program for large commercial, government, and non-profit PV adopters. The apparent cause of the interruption is to prevent a backlog of rebate processing. Administrators promise to be back on track soon and new commercial applications will be eligible for Step 7 ($0.09/kWh PBI or $0.65/AC watt EPBB).
Residential solar applicants have not been affected at this time and are eligible for Step 5 ($1.55/AC watt). Overall, it is great news that the solar market has moved so quickly. 
The solar thermal (hot water) rebates are in full swing for residential adopters. Twenty new solar thermal systems were installed from January through June in Santa Monica! Commercial solar thermal rebates are expected to be available soon.
Residential and Commercial thermal installs after July 15, 2009 are eligible for the rebate. For residential customers, the rebate is up to $1,875 for solar replacing a gas water heater and up to $1,250 for electric. More information can be found online here.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) continues to be in the news with no direct resolutions. PACE was created as an innovative financial tool that helps Americans finance green improvements to their homes. Currently, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is concerned that PACE creates additional risk for mortgage lenders, but the people who think PACE is a good idea continue to think so. A legislative solution is in the works. Solar Santa Monica continues to monitor on a daily basis.
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Cash for Appliances PLUS- Rebates Extended
 The success of the Cash for Appliances Program has been phenomenal thus far, but with higher energy standards in California, money remains; roughly $19 million of the original $35 million set aside for the program. The program, now called 'Cash for Appliances PLUS', continues to give consumers 120 days from purchase date to file their rebate by mail, and offers rebates for 273 clothes washers, 139 refrigerators, and 314 room air conditioner models.
Starting July 29th, if you are replacing old appliances with Energy Star models, you may still be able to get a rebate. A list of qualifying models can be found here. The average rebate for refrigerators is $200, and replacing yours may actually save the most energy of any appliance. Because refrigerators are running constantly, a new Energy Star rated model may save up to 20% in energy consumption, and in addition to the rebate, save you up to $200 a year in utility bills. |
 If you live or work in Santa Monica you may have heard of such references as Ocean Park, Sunset Park, North of Wilshire, or North of Montana. However, have you heard of the Olympic Corridor?
Solar Santa Monica has identified the Olympic Corridor as the development flanking Olympic Blvd between 11th St. and Centinela. This large tract of Santa Monica land has huge solar potential due to large parking lots and roof areas of Santa Monica's industrial, commercial and entertainment industries.
For a cost-effective solar installation, solar panels need plenty of sunny real estate. The Solar Santa Monica program has identified megawatts of solar potential on the rooftops and parking lots along the Olympic corridor. In addition to the vast rooftops, many large commercial properties have favorable utility rates for solar.
Congratulations to the newest Commercial Solar Champions along
the Corridor. Owners of a building in the 1200 block of Olympic Blvd.
have installed a 12.86 kW AC (14.63 kW DC) system on their newly
remodeled offices.
If you or someone you know owns or manages the operating budget for a large commercial property in Santa Monica, please let us know and we will help you with a no-cost feasibility analysis.
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It's Windy in Santa Monica, too!
Solar Santa Monica is part of the Energy and Green Building Programs office. As such, it is charged with advancing all forms of renewable energy. If your project involves wind, geothermal, biomass -- or another renewable energy form -- don't hesitate to contact Stuart Cooley for professional assistance and analysis. |
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For questions and comments, please contact:
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Solar Santa Monica
1212 5th Street, First Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
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