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Solar is Proven Job Creation
It has many names; photovoltaic, solar energy, solar power, solar electricity, but today it means something more than the sun beating on shiny metal frames, it means JOBS. According to Sacramento Bee’s Fred Keeley, the clean energy industry is supplying the state [California] with more than 35,000 high-paying jobs.” And you may ask what is propelling this influx of solar demand in the golden state…net metering. This is the technical term for “spin your meter backwards” or what Keeley calls “roll-over minutes”. Net-metering is moving homeowners and businesses alike to invest in a renewables and in turn, creating jobs.
Impacts of Natural Gas Extraction is a Growing Concern
Listen to global climate change expert Dr. Robert Howarth. He shares the growing importance of making more sustainable infrastructure. Dr. Howarth highlights the impacts of shale gas extraction emissions on our environment.
AZTEC SOLAR INC DELIVERS CSI-THERMAL REBATE TO JACKSON LAKE APARTMENTS
AZTEC SOLAR INC DELIVERS CSI-THERMAL REBATE TO JACKSON LAKE APARTMENTS
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., April 18, 2012 — Jackson Lake Apartments in Oakland, California earned a $121,623 California Solar Initiative rebate from Pacific Gas & Electric Company. The multi-family housing unit was awarded a rebate for their installation of a 168 kW(therm) solar hot water system installed by Aztec Solar Inc of Rancho Cordova, California.
Aztec Solar Inc designed and installed a solar hot water system that would reduce Jackson Lake’s monthly overhead while keeping their tenants comfortable. “Jackson Lake was a perfect candidate to upgrade their solar system now and capture the highest rebates while they are still available”, says Jonathan Gemma, VP of Aztec Solar Inc Jackson Lake’s system will save an estimated 8,785 therms or about $12,210/year. “Customers who are looking to save energy and money over the long-term would want to consider solar water heating,” said David Rubin, Director, Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Jackson Lake is one of the many facilities enjoying solar incentives paid through the CSI-Thermal program. They installed their first Solar Hot Water system in 1984 to offset their boilers and were able to do so due to the high cash incentive available at the time. After about 28 years, the system was still in working condition and saving them money, however Aztec Solar Inc calculated that replacing the system now was advantageous. Installing new panels, controls, and valves made sense; it will increase their gas savings for another 25 plus years, while allowing them to take advantage of the CSI-Thermal solar incentives again.
In March, CSI-Thermal added increased incentives for low-income housing encouraging them to take advantage of the $25 million rebate budget, with qualifying multifamily homes being eligible for 150% of the largest rebates, up to $500,000 per property. Solar-thermal is now on California’s solar map and along with them is Jackson Lake Apartments.
Water Heated by the Sun
WATER HEATED BY THE SUN
There has been more and more conversations about another type of solar energy; solar hot water. Did you know solar hot water dates back centuries? Do you know it is the most efficient solar technology available? Have you ever thought about how your water is heated? Did you know that solar could off-set natural gas, electric-heated or propane hot water heaters? Well, it can!
REBATES AVAILABLE FOR SOLAR HOT WATER
The best news is no matter how you heat your water there are rebates available for you. Currently solar is one of the strongest ways to invest your money and lock in your independence against volatile energy prices. “The sun’s heat energy is clean and abundant, and the solar water heating technology is efficient,” said Gary Barsley, manager of SCE’s Solar and Self-Generation programs. “That makes solar water heating systems a smart way to generate hot water for your home or business.” Read more about the CSI-Thermal rebates
WHY SOLAR HOT WATER
1) What? 1/3 the price! Yes. SWH heating systems are one-third the price of solar electric
and $1 for $1 produce more energy.
2) Rebates. The savings with SWH technology is better than ever, with maximum utility
rebates of $1850 and an additional 30% Federal Tax Credit. Get back some value as a
utility ratepayer for clean, green technology.
3) It only takes two. Two solar water heating collectors can supply a family of 4 with
between 60%-75% of their water heating needs annually. And at 90% efficient, you should consider hedging against your future utility bills with a SWH system.
Arnold Bloom Talks Solar on Good Day Sacramento
Arnold Bloom, UC Davis Professor and resident, makes Good Day Sacramento's Melissa Cabral chuckle regarding his lifespan with solar. Aztec Solar Customer on Good Day Sacramento
In this short interview Arnold talks about his 5 year payback for his Solar Hot Water system installed by Aztec Solar. Arnold and his wife Joy, have a lot of enthusiasm regarding their decision for solar hot water, Aztec was a great solution for their remodel. They are both happy with their system, harvesting plenty of hot water from the sun, saving money monthly on their utility bills and at the same time supporting local business. The bloom family enjoyed a nice rebate from PG&E as well as a 30% federal tax credit. Arnold says he wouldn't go solar if it was not economically viable, however it also means something to him as a Professor of Climate Change to do his part in this energy game. Find out more about going solar thermal on your home.
Aztec Solar Customer on Good Day Sacramento
Catch it on Channel 13 Monday morning- April 16, 2012
New Solar Rebate
Exciting news for solar enthusiasts! A new rebate program rolled out for the California's affordable housing this week with solar incentives totaling up to $25 million. Utility Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon said he supports the decision to implement the low income solar water heating incentive program because solar water heaters are cost effective, and "the fuel they use – sunshine – is free. This allows us to achieve our goals of delivering cost effective energy savings to low income customers." CPUC President Michael R. Peevey stated that the program of increased incentives "will help ease the financial burden on low income customers." With the program's official launch today, solar water heating incentives for affordable housing will be higher than they've ever been. Qualifying multifamily homes will be eligible for 150% of the top-tier CSI incentive levels for solar thermal, with up to $500,000 available per property.
Are You Still Running Your Old Pool Pump?
Do you have a pool? Are you still running the original pool motor? According to pool industry partners FPSIE (Foundation of Pool and Spa Industry) and SMUD- it’s time you consider an upgrade to start saving!
SMUD responded to the following customer questions:
Q: Are the savings from energy efficient pool pumps enough to cover the cost of the equipment?
A: Do the math:
Your old 2-horse power single speed motor in SMUD service territory costs about 60 cents per hour to operate if you run it 8 hours per day during a 6 month swim season (182 days x 8 hours x 60 cents = $873.60), and you save say 40% of that equaling $399.44 in savings that you can apply towards the new equipment you purchase. Then, once it has paid for itself the savings just keep coming.
Energy efficiency is a great first step to saving $ and living green. Aztec Solar works with the best manufacturers in the business. Contact us to find out more.
Q: I’ve heard that it’s possible to save a lot of energy on our electric bill by upgrading our pool pump and motor to a more efficient one. Is this true?
A: There are energy efficient motors that customers have achieved 10-15% savings in comparison to their older model, single speed motor. By upgrading to the next level, a two (2) speed motor, savings of 12-20% is typical. There is the more efficient “variable” speed motor that is even more energy efficient that customers report savings of 25-40%. Yet even greater savings can be achieved by the addition of a controller for use in conjunction with the variable speed motor. Customers report 40-60% savings over the old single speed motors.
The best part is that you have options which are all available through Aztec Solar so contact us today for a free in-home consultation. In a consultation, you will also learn if solar pool heating is right for you!
Aztec Solar is a proud sponsor of FPSIE, and SMUD approved solar contractor.
Sacramento a Clean Energy City
Top Ten Things Making Sacramento a Clean Energy City
Today, Sacramento is known for its agriculture, commercial business, and its growing culture, including food, music, and art. The city is also known for the large number of clean technology highlights, including energy efficiency and renewable energy. Read ten of the biggest highlights for Sacramento, California- making it a clean energy city.
Solar is a growth industry in California, and now notably Sacramento. Blogger, Shawn Lesser, comments on the top quality solar companies we have in the region, recognizing Aztec Solar as 1 of the best! "Another company is Aztec Solar Inc. which provides solar energy solutions as well for residential and commercial clients. Aztec offers some of the best solar technologies and products on the market, including solar electric, solar pool heating, and solar water heating."
Energy Commission awards, the number of certified LEED buildings (Leadership in Energy and Design) and Sustainable Sacramento are some other factors making Sacramento a Clean Energy City. Let’s all do our part to support this local economy and do what’s best today and tomorrow for our community. Read more
Aztec Solar Acquires Stockton Solar Company
PRESS RELEASE
Local Company Acquires Stockton Solar Company
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. – February 9, 2012 – A large Sacramento solar company has acquired a top Stockton solar company and plans to expand services in Northern California and product distribution nationally.
Aztec Solar, Inc. recently acquired Solahart Services of Stockton California. Aztec Solar, a Sacramento based residential and commercial solar company, is excited about acquiring Solahart’s regional and national solar customers. Solahart provides solar installation and repair as well as solar water heating products.
The president of Aztec Solar, Ed Murray, is thrilled about the acquisition and the expansion of his company’s customer base and service territory because he believes this product is one of the best solutions for residential Solar Water Heating (SWH). “A key objective of bringing Solahart Services on board with us is to meet the service needs of their customers while expanding the Solahart distribution channels nationally to enable explosive growth of solar heating industries in the United States,” said Murray.
The history between Murray and Solahart president, Terry Bart, is long-standing. Both are pioneers in the Solar Industry and committed to providing the best solar options for their customers throughout the economic shifts of our economy. Bart expresses his trust in Aztec Solar because of our 30 years of solar water heating expertise, the quality of our certified technicians that are full time Aztec employees and our winning customer service. “Customer service has kept us in business for over 30 years”, states Murray, and he hopes that it will keep him in business for 30 more.
Murray brings 35 years of experience as an expert in SWH and solar PV solutions. His company, Aztec Solar, has been installing solar heating and cooling systems for commercial and residential customers throughout California for 30+ years.
About Aztec Solar, Inc
Aztec Solar, Inc. is a solar design company specializing in residential and commercial solar water heating, solar electric and solar pool heating applications. Aztec Solar is an award winning green solar company that is committed to protecting the environment and providing quality products and excellent customer services throughout Northern California.
For more information regarding this press release or any other solar related news, please contact Heather Dowling at Aztec Solar.
Media Contact
Heather Dowling, Marketing Manager
Aztec Solar, Inc
Tel: (916) 853-2700
heather@aztecsolar.com
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