If California is to achieve the goal of building a Million Solar Roofs and 3,000 MW of solar power by 2016, California homeowners and businesses have to invest in their own roof-top solar systems. Below is information helpful for consumers interested in investing in solar power. Click on the individual pages below or Download our Consumer Guide to Solar Power.
Types of Solar Power
Cost of Solar
Government Subsidies
Net Metering
Installers
Municipal Solar Programs
Solar on New Homes
Solar Rights
Tax Credits
Consumer Protection
Other Resources
Visit the official California Solar Initiative Web site for detailed information about the state’s rebate program.
http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/index.html
The California Energy Commission publishes a handbook on solar. (PDF)
California
Solar Energy Association provides workshops and guides for homeowners.
California Solar
Center
Real Goods’ Solar
Living Institute provides workshops, sales and installation resources.
Solar Calculators
Get an idea of whether and/or what kind of solar system is right for you with these on-line calculators:
http://www.findsolar.com/index.php
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/renewables/estimator/index.html
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/codes_algs/PVWATTS/
California Solar Homes Tours
NorCal Solar Energy Association 2005 Solar Home Tours
http://norcalsolar.org/tour
Solar Events in Sebastopol
http://www.solarsebastopol.com
Tours throughout California—find
the tour nearest you:
http://www.ases.org/tour/2005_tour/listings.htm
consumer_guide_to_solar_July_2007.pdf