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About Us
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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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| Issue: #38 | August 22 , 2011
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| New Solar Projects in Santa Monica |
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Residential Systems Going Strong - Businesses Step Up Too!
Over the last twelve months 41 homeowners and 3 businesses went solar (June 1, 2010 - June 1, 2011). The total capacity installed in this time period is 803 kW AC or enough to generate 1,204,500 kWh annually. That is enough to power 150 homes (assuming 8,000 kWh/yr per home)!
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Solar Santa Monica Preferred Solar Contractor, Martifer Solar, installed this array at Santa Monica Place Mall.
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This home at 234 Alta has been completely renovated keeping sustainability in mind every step of the way. More info at http://punchouse234.com
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The new Shore Hotel on Ocean Ave. has a solar thermal (hot water) system installed by Solar Santa Monica Preferred Contractor, PermaCity.
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Get Paid for Excess Solar PV Generation?
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If your solar system produces more electricity than you use, there's news. The California Public Utilities Commission has ordered that the utilities pay for the solar kWh generated in excess of annual use. But before you get too excited, it appears that the amount you receive will likely be in the 3.5 to 4 cent range per kWh. SCE has filed to pay in this range and is waiting for approval. (As a comparison, if you are a homeowner in the top tier of SCE rates, you pay more like 34 cents per kWh to have electricity delivered.)
Going forward, if solar electric systems generate more kWh than used on site due to extra sunny days, reduced power demand, or better than expected performance, then those kWh will be reimbursed after the annual true-up period. However, in order to qualify for net energy metering and state rebates, new PV systems must still be sized to historical annual electricity use.
All this means that it makes no sense to "oversize" your new system just to create excess power.
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End of the Year Already?
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In the world of energy upgrades, if a project needs to be completed by the end of the year, September is just about as long as you can wait to begin. This month and next we can expect an extra flurry of activity, since two important tax changes are taking place December 31.
- Tax credit. The "1603 program," commonly referred to as the "tax grant" program, ends this year. It allowed developers who could get construction underway promptly to take the investment tax credit as an upfront cash grant. Starting in January, 2012, we go back to the "regular" tax credit treatment, i.e., make a qualifying investment (for example, install a solar system), and take the 30% tax credit against your taxes when you file for that year.
- Bonus Depreciation. On December 31, 2011, a second incentive for energy upgrades disappears, too: 100% first year bonus depreciation. It allowed the solar owner to deduct 100% of the cost of the system as depreciation in the first year. Starting in January, we revert to bonus depreciation - that is, 50% of the eligible basis in the first year of the system. The rest of the system can be depreciated over 5 years.
As always, it's a good idea to consult an expert when applying for energy-related tax incentives. It seems as though every measure is treated differently!
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| Events In Your Community | | |
**Solar Fair** Presented by Southern California Edison
Saturday, August 27, 2011 - 10:00am-11:30am
DoubleTree (1707 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401)
Free Parking in structure and pre-registration required.
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| The Most Cost-effective First Step | |
 | | Explore how you can qualify for rebates while improving the quality and comfort of your home. |
Determining the most cost-effective first step(s) in your home energy upgrade is the purpose of a "home assessment" performed by a certified contractor. With up to $6,000 available for efficiency upgrades through the Energy Upgrade California Program (EUC), it is a great time to call a contractor and ask about an Energy Upgrade California Assessment.
Examples of low-cost, quick return upgrades included in the EUC program include: air sealing, hot water pipe insulation, duct sealing, and new generation low-flow water fixtures.
Examples of medium-cost upgrades with high returns include wall/attic insulation, heating and cooling systems, windows, and cool roofs.
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| Want to stay up-to-date with Solar Santa Monica? |
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For the most up-to-date information, "Like" Solar Santa Monica on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @SolarSM.
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Solar Santa Monica is a free advisory service available to all residents of the City. Its goal is to create an energy-neutral city by 2020, by employing energy efficiency and self-generation of power via solar photovoltaic and solar thermal installations.
For questions and comments, please contact:
Susan Munves, Administrator
Energy and Green Building Programs
susan.munves@solarsantamonica.com
310-458-4992
Solar Santa Monica
1212 5th Street, First Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.solarsantamonica.com
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