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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: #39 | September 26, 2011
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Take a Look at New Solar in Santa Monica!
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This week Solar Santa Monica staff (Drew Lowell-Britt and Michael Ware) visited two of Santa Monica's newest commercial solar installations. The systems installed by Martifer Solar (a Solar Santa Monica Preferred Contractor) were unique in design.
The first stop on our tour was the newly constructed UCLA Medical Offices near Wilshire and 17th St. Approximately 90 kW DC of solar adorn the roof of the building. The architect wanted the panels installed flat for aesthetic purposes.
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Cory Halbardier, National Sales Manager of Martifer Solar, leads us into the UCLA Medical Center.
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 | | 90 kW of solar at UCLA Medical Offices in Santa Monica. |
The second stop on our tour was the Santa Monica Place Mall where Martifer installed approximately 100 kW DC of solar. The solar helps to offset common area electricity usage.
 | | The solar panels are at the bottom of this image facing south west. |
 | | The panels are on racks that only require roof penetrations on the corners (for seismic safety). This ballasted racking system also uses bricks to weigh down the array. |
If your business is interested in going solar, contact us today! We can help you understand your business's potential plus introduce you to qualified contractors.
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Santa Monica College Plans for 515kW of Solar by 2015!
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After a meeting with Santa Monica College facilities staff, Solar Santa Monica is proud to note another 515 kW of solar are planned for completion on campus by 2015! Solar Santa Monica will continue support the College's efforts by researching utility net-metering, incentives, and technology.
SMC has proven to be a leader in Santa Monica by offering students a Sustainable Technology Program with degrees such as Solar Photovoltaic Installation. Students finishing the program are entering the industry by becoming solar installers, renewable energy specialists, energy efficiency specialists, and independent business owners.
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In late 2010, Santa Monica College energized 408 kW of solar on the top floor of the main campus parking structures.
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| Solar in "The Industry" |
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In Santa Monica and Los Angeles, most people refer to "the Industry" in reference to TV and film production. Well fortunately the TV and film industry are also connecting with the solar industry!
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2011 Emmy Awards - Solar Awning
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This year at the Emmys, two hundred twenty-five (225) SolarWorld 240W panels were used to create a "solar Awning" over the red carpet at LA Live. This temporary 49 kW solar system helped to reinforce Fox Television's "Green it. Mean it." sustainability campaign.
While the solar only helped to offset a small portion of the enormous electricity demand of the show, any impact the solar system can have on the public is a good thing. The "Green it. Mean it." campaign at the Emmys also included energy efficient lighting, carpet made from recycled materials, and loca-vore organic food.
Now that the Emmys are over, SolarWorld is donating the panels to Habitat for Humanity where they will be installed on 10-20 homes in the Los Angeles area.
HBO is a Santa Monica based premium cable network that is also another industry leader in sustainability. Solar Santa Monica had the privilege of tabling at HBO's employee sustainability fair where Solar Santa Monica staff explained the benefits and details of how to install a solar system on Santa Monica homes and businesses.
More and more celebrities (such as Ed Norton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Daryl Hannah, and Woody Harrelson) have installed solar on their own homes and have been vocal advocates. Join the industry ranks and become a Santa Monica Solar Champion today!
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Traditional Solar Analysis - What's Missing?
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Opinion by Virginia Nicols, of EcoMotion
I'm sure you've heard this sentence: "I looked at solar, but it just didn't pencil out." When people are analyzing a solar deal, they look at what they are paying now (total bill, and their electricity rate), rebates, the Federal tax credit. All these are applied to a number of different system sizes (small, medium, large), then compared to what the person expects to pay for electricity in the future, and then the announcement is made. "Solar pencils!" (Or it doesn't.)
A recent study, however, says traditional analysis overlooks other benefits associated with solar - and it applies a dollar value to them. If you're looking at a solar deal, you may want to incorporate these into your thinking:
- Savings on purchases. Solar keeps utilities from having to purchase peak power - the most expensive power there is.
- Savings in electricity losses in the distribution system. Locally-produced electricity doesn't have to be transported long distances.
- Hedge against fuel spikes. Once solar is in place, its price is essentially fixed. When power depends on natural gas, for example, its price can fluctuate widely.
- Environmental and health gains. Conventional power production is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. Solar emits none.
The study applies values to these benefits that add from $.18 to as much as $.38 per kWh. Compare that to the price you're paying for conventional power, and your "pencilling" may turn out differently!
Read the study at: www.asrc.cestm.albany.edu/perez/2011/solval.pdf
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Is Your Solar Rebate Reservation in the Queue?
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Southern California Edison is the Administrator of the California Solar Initiative Rebate in Santa Monica. Over the last 5 years Edison has allocated rate-payer funds to home and business owners as well as non-profits that install solar. As more solar is installed, the rebate amount drops, hence the motivation to act sooner rather than later.
The purpose of a declining rebate scale is to spur the uptake of solar while the prices of equipment are high. As more solar equipment manufacturers enter the marketplace, contractors gain more experience, and local governments refine their permitting process, the gross costs should decline in parallel.
The system is working! Local governments like Santa Monica are waiving permit fees and expediting the process, contractors have more project experience, and solar panel prices have declined over the last few years (now costing less than ever)! Become a Solar Champion and experience the savings in sustainability! The first step is contacting a Preferred Solar Contractor!
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| Events In Your Community | | |
Alt Car Expo Presented by The City of Santa Monica
Friday & Saturday, September 30-October 1, 2011 - 10:00am-5:00pm
Civic Auditorium (1855 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90401)
Parking is $9. Biking, Busing, and Carpooling is encouraged!
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Sustainable Works' 4th Annual Fundraiser in Santa Monica
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This year the fundraiser will be held Thursday, October 6th from 6-11pm at Lexus Santa Monica. Sponsors include Co-Op Natural Foods (a Solar Champion), the Santa Monica Daily Press, the Sheraton Delfina, and HBO.
To learn more and register for the event visit: http://www.sustainableworks.org/events/fundraiser/2011
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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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