Solar Energy Awareness Month
Top 5 Reasons Why it Pays to Live in a California Solar Home
5. Increased resale value — Solar electric systems add to the resale value of homes and act as a sales differentiator in California's housing market. Find new solar communities in your area today!
4. Energy efficient features — In addition to solar panels, the Golden State's new energy efficient solar homes offer energy—saving features ranging from Energy Star appliances to tankless water heaters for additional savings on your utility bill.
3. Financial incentives — California's new energy efficient solar homebuyers are eligible for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits through the end of 2008.
2. Reduced environmental impact — New solar homes use significantly less energy than non—solar residences. The result is a much lower impact on the environment.
1. Lower energy bills — Less energy use translates to lower utility bills for California's solar home owners. To find out more about how to save on your utility bill with a new solar home or adding solar to your existing home, visit Go Solar California today!
Top Ten Ways to Go Solar California!
10. Log Off — Turn off the monitor and hard drive when you are not using them and during the weekends, while you're away from your computer to save electricity.
9. Plant a Tree — A shade tree near your house will help cool your home on a hot summer day and take the strain off your air conditioner and electric bill.
8. Change Your View — Installing new, energy efficient windows helps to insulate your house by reflecting heat. Save energy and money.
7. Take a Dip — Capture the sun's rays with a solar water heating system for your pool.
6. See the Light — Show off your landscaping with outdoor solar lights that are powered by small solar panels to save energy and highlight your yard.
5. Feel the Heat — Solar water heating systems harness the sun and reduce your use of your gas or electric water heater.
4. Get a Bright Idea — Turn off the lights when you leave a room and save energy by swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents (CFL) to save electricity and help the environment. Replacing that bulb for a more efficient one is as if you did not drive your car for more than two weeks.
3. Keep it Cool — Installing ceiling and whole house fans reduces the need to use your air conditioner during hot summer months.
2. Turn it Down — Set your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and 85 degrees or higher when the house is unoccupied to make a world of difference for your energy use, and your wallet.
1. Bring the Sun Home — Today's new energy efficient solar homes offer tremendous benefits for homeowners, including utility bill savings and protection against future rising electricity costs. California Sun Certified Energy Efficient Homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than the current building standards. For more information on new energy efficient solar homes in your area, visit GoSolarCalifornia.org.