Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) April 24, 2006
Since its launch only six months ago, a new online directory has linked thousands of home and small business owners around the country to qualified solar energy system installers serving their area. The web site also gives consumers a place to estimate costs and output of solar systems for hot water, electricity, and pool or spa heating.
With increased energy costs and federal tax breaks, more consumers are exploring their options to add solar energy systems to their homes and businesses. As of January 1, 2006, residential and commercial customers are eligible for a 30 percent solar tax credit (capped at $2,000 for residential) for each system installed. Many states, counties, cities and utilities also offer rebates and other incentives to spur adoption of clean, renewable energy sources.
Visitor activity on Find-Solar.org attests to the growing interest in solar energy. From October 2005 through March 2006, more than 107,000 unique visitors came to Find-Solar.org. Visitors to the site can request bids from qualified installers. More than 2,700 such leads were generated by over 1,100 visitors so far; the leads are sent directly to installers selected by the user, typically in the same or nearby county.
"In March, we finished the first photovoltaic project referred to us through Find Solar - a 3.8 kW residential PV installation in Santa Monica," says Kirstin Brement, installation manager for California Solar Engineering, Inc., located in Los Angeles, Calif. "Our customers mentioned to us that they found the web site a very helpful tool in finding a contractor they could trust."
"As awareness of the web site grows, along with summer air conditioning bills, we expect thousands more to consider their solar options and visit Find Solar as a resource to get started," says Brad Collins, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society, based in Boulder, Colorado. "With continued rising energy costs, consumer interest in clean, renewable energy from secure U.S. energy sources, and federal tax incentives, we believe more homeowners and business owners will look for sustainable alternatives," he adds.
"Find Solar is a great starting place to learn more about solar energy and to assess the options for your own particular home or building," says Julia Judd, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based, Solar Electric Power Association. "With minimal inputs, including your state, county, utility, and typical monthly energy bill, the site provides you with estimates of system size, costs, savings, and other benefits."
Currently the energy calculators on the site encompass solar electric (PV), solar domestic hot water and pool/spa heating. Additional capabilities for solar space heating and cooling systems will be added in the future. Solar professionals and companies can be listed by providing a minimum amount of information. A pre-screened status enhances the listing if certain criteria concerning the company's experience and customer satisfaction are met. Solar system and component manufacturers, meanwhile, are also listed in the web site's manufacturer directory.
Find-solar.org is a joint partnership between the American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The site serves as a convenient, user-friendly means for homeowners and businesses to learn about incentives and the economics of solar energy and to find qualified professionals who can install and service systems. For no charge, listed installers receive instant email notification of sales leads that are targeted to match their company's capabilities and geographic area.
The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's oldest and largest membership society dedicated to advancing the U.S. to a sustainable energy economy. http://www.ases.org
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is a non-profit membership organization of electric utilities and the solar industry working collaboratively to make solar electricity a mainstream option for energy service providers and their customers. http://www.solarelectricpower.org
Energy Matters LLC develops and manages dynamic, database-driven, secure web products. The company has developed several proprietary Internet tools to facilitate the adoption and growth of renewable energy in the United States and Canada. Energy Matters also produced the television programs "This Renewable House", "Sunny & Friends", and a series of renewable energy public service announcements featuring Lee Iacocca. http://www.energymatters.net
# # #
No comments:
Post a Comment