Here are the online resources we refer people to most often. We hope they are helpful to you.
For Our Customers
Solar Energy Savings Calculator by EnergySage
California Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems
California Solar Initiative - Solar Thermal Program
Grant Sun Light & Power Access to Utility Data
All Tax Incentives for Renewable Energy
For Everyone
Do your elected officials support solar? Find out who your elected officials are and ask them.
California Solar Energy Statistics and Data
Climate Change Information- From the Solar Energy Industries Association
For Developers
For Solar Installers of the Future: Ways to Learn
Educational paths that lead to a career in solar PV installation include:
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
Solar Energy International (SEI) online courses
Skyline College’s Solar Technology & Business Associate Program
Diablo Valley Colleges Energy Systems Program
Solar Living Institute (SLI) hands-on and online training
Entry-level energy efficiency training with Rising Sun Center for Opportunity's Green House Call program.
Car Charger Incentives
Here are three incentive programs in our service area*:
Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is offering rebates for electric vehicle charging stations for residents, businesses, and public agencies that are AMP customers. Businesses and public agencies can get up to $5,000 when they buy charging stations for the workplace.
Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) EV Charge Network is a three-year program, starting January 2018, to install 7,500 electric vehicle chargers at multi-family housing and workplaces. This program is fully subscribed and is currently not accepting any new participants. Sign up to be alerted if it reopens.
The Southern California Incentive Project (SCIP) offers rebates up to $70,000 per DC fast charger for installations at new sites and up to $40,000 per DC fast charging for installations at replacement and make-ready sites. Installations in designated disadvantaged communities (DACs) are eligible for rebates up to $80,000 per DC fast charger regardless of installation site type. Applications for this first-come, first-served rebate opportunity will be accepted until rebate funds have been exhausted.
*Source: ChargePoint
For Educational Purposes
The Solar Resource - an explanation of solar energy from the Union of Concerned Scientists
Important Associations and Affiliations
American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)
California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA)
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Project Equity - an Employee Ownership association
American Solar Energy Society (ASES)
Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC)
Solar Tax Credit Information Resources
California Solar Energy Industries Association information on tax credits
Energy Star information on tax credits for energy efficiency
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act entire bill, including Division B: Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008.
OnGrid Solar, a solar sales software company, has prepared several useful financial resource guides for consumers that are interested in solar financial decisions. See in particular Andy Black of OnGrid Solar's paper on solar payback.
Solar Energy Industries Association resource page on Solar Investment Tax Credits
More information on Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency provides information on all state and federal incentive programs around the country.
5% Safe Harbor rule for ITC: Qualifying Solar Projects for Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credits