Mayor Jerry Sanders was at the conference and he hailed the local policy and programs that are in place as the reason why San Diego is number one.  “San Diego didn’t become the state’s Number One solar city by happenstance — it was the result of local policies and programs that encourage investment in solar power,” he said. “It’s good for our environment, it’s good for our reputation as a city that embraces innovation, and it’s been great for our economy.”

This news comes during a week that has been great for solar.  Just last week the CPUC voted against SDG&E’s bid to implement a network use charge for solar customers.  The report by Environment California can be read in its entirety here.

The war is not over but this was a huge battle we have won.  The ruling basically said the proposed Network Use Charge was in violation of net metering law.  SDG&E will now go through the legislative process to try to change this law.  Rest assured, we will continue to battle and fight for this cause.  The process going forward is unknown at this point and we are not sure of the exact direction it is headed but are sure it will not simply go away because of this ruling.  A media statement released by SDG&E this morning suggests they will continue to pursue this matter.  That can be read here.  Please continue to stay active in this matter as we move through this process, your continued support is what makes this possible!

Being a solar customer you know and enjoy the many benefits of having a solar electricity producing system on your home.  The proposed fees have the ability to dramatically affect the economics of solar return on investment as they are asking for an additional monthly fee for all solar customers.  Should this proposal be approved it will directly affect you as a homeowner.  There are a series of hearings this week – and NOW is the time to take action.

As the smart grid develops, distributed generation matures and new technologies come to market, the utilities are rightfully concerned about their ability to preserve their revenue streams. This leads them to the extreme gaming strategies on display in its application,” said Executive Director of Utility Consumers’ Action Network, Michael Shames, in a recent response to SDG&E’s filing.

It is crucial that the local solar community take a stand on this issue as it has the ability to negatively affect the industry that we have come to know and love.  SDG&E is already being subsidized by more than 13,000 solar power producers in the region.  The new rate increase will create millions of new revenue dollars, without any increase in jobs or costs to the utility.  It is simply a mechanism to keep investors happy whilst stomping on the toes of their most important asset – you.

SDG&E currently collects a meter charge of $5 per month from solar power system owners for being tied to the utility grid, even if the customer produces all the energy they consume. The proposed rate hike not only hurts solar power generators’ pocketbooks, it effectively voids the existing net-metering agreement entered into by both parties. This additional charge was never specified in the original agreement.

You have the opportunity to have your voice heard in person. Next week there are eight hearings in San Diego County and we encourage you to please attend. The only public hearings that will have a Commissioner present will be on Monday, October 10, in Kearny Mesa at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. All hearings will be on record.  You can be heard at the following hearings:

Monday, Oct. 10, in San Diego: Al Bahr Shriners Center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road.

Tuesday, Oct. 11, in Chula Vista: Comfort Inn & Suites, 632 E. Main St.

Wednesday, Oct. 12, in El Cajon: El Cajon City Hall Council Chambers, 200 E. Main St.

Thursday, Oct. 13, in Oceanside: Civic Center Library, 330 N. Coast Highway.

If you are trying to determine whether solar is right for you, this factor will increase the piece of mind that solar as an investment already offers.  Our residential clients see a healthy return on investment and a short payback period.  This news brings even more value to the equation if you are not planning on owning your home for a long period of time.  Give us a call or email us if you would like to determine the value of solar on your home.

• Simple interest, unsecured financing, which means there are no hidden escalators or fees.  We can show you exactly what your payments will be for the life of the loan and guarantee they will not change, very much unlike your electric bill.
• Ease of Application.  It only takes a 10 – 15 minute phone call to get approved.  Our highly trained solar consultants will walk you through the entire process.  The is very little paperwork involved and everything is very easy to understand.
• Flexibility – there is a built in one time principal pay-down without any penalties.  This enables you to go solar today then what you get your 30% investment tax credit you can apply it towards your loan for lower monthly payments!
• No Payoff Penalty – should you decide you want to payoff the loan in full; you can do so at any time without any penalties.
• Long Term Option – The Loan is offered in increments of five, ten, fifteen or twenty year terms.  You get to choose your payment amount and interest rate by adjusting the term to your liking.
• No balloon payments at the end of the term.  Once it is paid off you own the system and enjoy the free electricity.
• You reap all the benefits of full ownership – the Investment Tax Credit, all available rebates, and accelerated depreciation (if available).

We are very excited to offer option as a part of our expansive financing portfolio.  Our goal is for everyone who owns a home to have the ability to go solar and enjoy the many benefits.  Now with the loan we expand that ability to nearly anyone!  Hows that for moving forward in a tough economy?

We are very excited to invite all of our beloved customers as well as anyone who wants to come learn about solar PV.

The days activities will include:

• Discussion on the Scottish Rite Solar Electric System – Whats that thing on my roof and how does it work?
• Discussion with 100 solar families – Come meet people who have been solar customers for up to 10 years.
• Discussion on Solar and Electric cars -  How to think beyond expensive and dirty petroleum based products.
• Discussion on New Incentive Credits to be Offered – The financial drive towards the future.
• Discussion on general solar questions regarding technical/mechanical, economical and political issues.

Date: Saturday April 30th

Time: 4:00 in the afternoon

Where: Scottish Rite Cathedral 1895 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108; Corinthian Room

Hors D’oeuvres and refreshing beverages will be served.

For further information call (619)692-2015

Lease

The lease is a 20 year term option that should get a lot of folks excited.  This option allows you to go solar for zero money down.  That means you start saving from day one and enjoy positive cash flows for the entire 20 year term.  Give us a call or check out our page on financing for more details.

Same As Cash

Do you want to to pay for your system with your state rebate and your Solar Investment Tax Credit but don’t want to wait more than a year to receive it?  This option may suit your needs.  We offer 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 month same as cash financing.  Simply sign up with your consultant and be sure to pay off the loan before the term is up and we will give you free cash!  Please contact us for more details.

Home Equity Line of Credit

A great way to finance your solar system with Home Energy Systems.  We have teamed up with some banks and are happy offer competitive rates on Home Equity Lines.  Contact us now and let us show you how you can create positive cash flow from day one with the right Home Equity Line.  Although not for everyone, this is a great option for those who have equity in their property.

Loan

We have some loan options currently available with more on the way.  We are working hard to get our clients the best financing options that the market has to offer and will release updates as we finalize these options.  Contact us for more details.