Learn about solar power during Solar Energy Month

The first day of fall is today, which makes me think of many autumn traditions.  While it feels like summer is still hanging around, it is time to think about the cooler weather and shorter days ahead.  Despite the change of seasons, Solar Energy Month is October, each year in the state of California.  That’s only 10 days away!

Many organizations use Solar Energy Month as an opportunity to showcase solar events happening locally.  For 2009, the theme is “Get Involved.”  With this in mind, why not find out about solar power through a solar tour, or a conference or workshop?

Recently, we blogged about “Go Solar California.”  With the million solar roofs program and many state (and federal) incentives, Californians have lots of opportunities in the month of October 2009 to consider solar power.

To get you primed for Solar Energy Month, consider these top 10 ways to get involved – from the California Public Utilities Commission website:

Install solar panels during Solar Energy Month

1. Submit YOUR local solar event to the Go Solar, California! Community Solar Calendar and reach out to thousands of solar enthusiasts statewide!

2. Attend one of the many free solar classes held everyday throughout California.  As a start, the California Solar Initiative Program Administrators in your utility service territory—PG&E, EdisonCalifornia Center for Sustainable Energy (for SDG&E customers)—offer basic and technical solar classes.

3. Hop on the bus for guided solar tours–or take a self-guided solar tour! The American Solar Energy Society will sponsor the annual National Solar Tour at over 20 locations in California.  These tours are a lot of fun and incredibly informative, as you get story from real solar system owners.

4. Already got solar? Wouldn’t it be great if more and more of your neighbors began installing solar systems, too?  Become a Solar Ambassador–the go-to person for solar in your neighborhood–so that when your neighbors have questions about the way solar works, the costs and savings, and how to find a good solar contractor they will have someone to talk to.  (Print out a Go Solar, California! window or lawn sign to announce that you’re the neighborhood solar expert!)

5. Hey San Diegans:  Be sure to have fun during Solar Energy Week September 27-October 3, sponsored by the California Center for Sustainable Energy.  Solar Family Fun Day, a Solar Conference, and organized solar homes and commercial tours are just some of the highlights.

6. Looking for an entry into solar’s green collar workforce? Solar Energy Month is a stage for green job seekers and employers alike.  A recent workforce development survey by the Vote Solar Initiative found 27 programs delivering solar-specific instruction throughout the state, with more than 5,400 prospective new solar workers currently enrolled.  The Emerging Industry and Occupations Report (2008) by the Centers for Excellence states that 70% of the businesses surveyed would hire within the next 12 months.  The Environmental Defense Fund has published a Green Jobs Guidebook, which profiles more than 200 green jobs currently in California, including details on 25 different types of solar jobs.

7. Find your solar potential on a solar map. Both San Francisco and San Diego have developed highly accurate interactive maps for customers and installers to determine how much solar a given rooftop can produce.  The maps account for attributes like tilt, shading, and climate zone, plus allow people to enter other inputs such as historical energy usage and the effects of energy efficiency measures.  Location arrows show other solar systems in the vicinity, and many system owners provide system output and other relevant details to help you get a clear picture of your true solar potential.

Solar Energy Month 2009

8. Attend a solar expo or conference. October kicks off with San Diego’s Solar Week, then West Coast Green Solar Power International, held the 27th-29th in Anaheim. (This year’s Keynote Speaker will be Robert Kennedy Jr.)  Mark your calendar: Solar Power is FREE to the public on Wednesday October 28th from 5:30—8:30 p.m., with the whole expo floor open for browsing and several workshops scheduled.

9. Go Solar! Contact eligible solar contractors for competitive bids; a qualified contractor should hold a valid A, B, C-10, or C-46 California Contractors license, and can be found (among other places) on the State’s Eligible Contractors List.  Your contractor will get you started with a simple energy efficiency audit, then show you the most affordable system design for your property—whether to displace your entire load or simply skim off the highest, most expensive energy use tiers—and assist you by applying for California Solar Initiative rebates on your behalf.

Building a custom home? Your architect or builder can help you with New Solar Homes Partnership incentives.  Go solar and you’re also eligible for 30 percent federal tax credit (plus other business perks like accelerated depreciation.)  And homeowners, did you know that your solar system will increase the value of your home without a property tax assessment?  Plus, you get to generate free energy each month, earn bill credits for your surplus generation, AND do something good for the environment.  Don’t let your rooftop go to waste—go solar!

10. Help inform others. If you know someone who is considering solar—as an energy solution, investment, or career—then forward the California Solar Initiative electronic newsletter their way.  Click here for the opt-in form. For serious data fans, take a look at the CSI Program’s Performance in the CPUC Annual Program Assessment to the Legislature.  California now boasts a half gigawatt of solar power in over 50,000 locations.

So much to consider during Solar Energy Month!  Be sure to leave comments or questions below.  We’ll get you hooked up ASAP!