The future looks bright for solar energy in San Diego.
The San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO) is attempting to raise awareness for and encourage installation of alternative energy sources by providing a plethora of information for both individuals and businesses.
A recent tour of solar San Diego homes was primarily for homeowners considering photovoltaic systems.The many benefits of solar energy include decreased dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels, or natural resources that will not be replenished once exhausted. High gas prices and increased energy bills for heating, lighting and cooling homes have heightened the public’s consciousness about alternative energy sources such as hybrid cars and solar power.
Tom Geldner, SDREO media contact, said that going solar almost allows individuals to emancipate themselves from the electric companies.
“The primary benefit for most people is that they are declaring themselves energy independent,” Geldner said. “Even though you can’t do it completely in San Diego because solar only works during the daytime, you are still helping the region out by reducing the demand for energy.”
Solar energy users remain connected to the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) power grid for their nighttime energy needs because the technology to store daytime energy for later use is not readily available. However, unused solar energy created while most people are at work is fed back into the SDGE system and customers are credited each month for their contributions.
The cost of installing a photovoltaic system is high, but there are many one-time rebates and tax incentives for California business and homeowners. Even the federal government acknowledged the need for alternative energy sources by approving an energy bill that offers tax breaks for first-time installations.
Increasing a home’s energy efficiency is important for everyone, not just solar energy users, according to Geldner. The simplest way to do so is by replacing regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use one-fifth the energy of their counterparts. Homeowners can also check their windows and attic insulation for leaks that result in heat or cool losses.
Large appliances, such as washers, dryers and refrigerators use enormous amounts of energy and can be replaced with more efficient “Energy Star” products.
Geldner warned that in the future, electric companies might charge more for energy consumed during peak daytime hours when demand is at its highest. Consumers can hugely benefit the power grid by waiting until after 7 p.m. for big tasks like laundry or running the dishwasher.
For more information on solar energy, call (866) SD-ENERGY.