It's hot time to go solar!

What if I told you that there was a simple, relatively inexpensive change that you could make to your house that could help you cut down your bills, do a public good, and increase the value of your home? There is indeed a solution, and it comes in the form of solar panels.

Solar panels are hot! Due to California and federal subsidies, solar panels are no longer reserved for mega-wealthy eco-friendly celebrities. Now, even the common urban Angeleno can enjoy the benefits of saving the environment, paying less for electricity, and earning a premium when it comes time to selling.

I searched the Go Solar California website (http:///www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov) to provide you with information about your burning questions about solar panels.

What’s the news?
The “California Solar Initiative” will provide over $2 billion in incentives over the next decade to subsidize the installment of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on commercial, industrial, and residential properties. The program is intended to increase the solar electricity market; it is not directed toward solar hot water systems.

What’s the deal?
The CSI will offer you up to $2.50 per watt that your solar panels generate. The more solar panels you have and the more energy from the sun they create in substitute of standard electricity, the more you will receive in return.

For systems that generate over 100 kilowatts, incentives are paid monthly. For systems under 100 kilowatts, you will receive a one-time incentive upfront. The incentives will decline seven percent per year—starting from 2007—over ten years.

The amount of incentive that you receive is based on how much electricity your panels produce. But having more panels does not necessarily mean more electricity generated. The orientation of your panels—where they are located and how much sunlight they receive—is a major factor. I discuss how to optimize your orientation below.

Am I eligible?
If you are a customer of Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, or San Diego Gas & Electric, you are eligible for the incentive program.

What is the best environment for solar panels?
The orientation of your solar panels is critical to optimizing the most value. The following bullets detail the best conditions for solar panels:

• Your roof should have clear, unobstructed access to the sun for most of the day and should not be under large amounts of shade (from buildings, trees, pipes).
• It is best if you have your solar panels facing south, which gets the most sunlight.

Do not expect to meet all these standards—few people do. But regardless of where your roof is, we do live in sunny Southern California, which receives more sunshine than almost anywhere in the country. You are sure to reap rewards on your electric bills. You should definitely contact a local provider to inspect your location.

How much space do I need?
You will need 100 square feet for each kilowatt of the common panel. Other types of panels may need more space.

How much do PV systems cost?
The costs of PV panels will vary based on the exact size, add-ons, and installation costs. Currently, systems average about $7.00 per watt.

Are PV systems reliable?
Although they may look delicate, PV panels are incredibly durable. They do not wear out. They can withstand brutal heat and other harsh weather conditions. They last upwards of twenty years.

Why spend money to get electricity I already have?
Solar panels have numerous public and private benefits:

• By using natural energy instead of conventional carbon-based electricity, solar panels keep the air cleaner and reduce the causes of global warming
• Panels save you money over time
• Panels reduce our dependence on that $140 per barrel oil—remember, oil doesn’t only go into your cars!
• Panels increase the value of your home (more on this later)

In addition to the incentives, the federal government also provides incentives. You can get an income tax reduction of 30% of equipment, and higher-income households can reap even more benefits.

How can solar panels increase the value of my home?
This may be the most critical question of all. You may argue that installing solar panels would be futile, because you are not sure if you still may be in your house in ten years. But consider the tremendous financial and psychological value that solar panels add.

Financially, you will offer the buyer a stable, environmentally friendly, and money-saving addition to the house. The buyer will be willing to spend more when he considers that he will be saving money on his utility bills for years to come. Looking ahead to the not too distant future, as solar panels become more of a commodity, legislative measures will make it even easier for households to buy and maintain solar panels—and more difficult to buy and maintain conventional electrical systems.

Finally, the psychological impact is even more profound. Not only are solar panels somewhat visually pleasing even on traditional homes, but they are fast becoming a social sign. The solar-paneled home gains respect and admiration from neighbors. The solar-paneled home declares that its owner is modern, proactive, and economically wise.

Yes, it may be difficult to think about laying down the money for a fancy system on your roof, but once you factor in the benefits of energy saved, reduced bills, and higher home value, the investment becomes quite worthwhile.

**Technical information and statistics gleaned from www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov