Energy Efficient Upgrades

Most of us are looking for ways to live more frugally and make our homes use energy more efficiently. One thing that the bursting of the housing bubble has shown us is how important it is to live within our means. Saving money on energy costs is not only great for our wallets, but also the planet. By using less resources we can preserve our environment for generations to come.


PG&E has several ways to help us save:

1. Accept installation of a SmartAC thermostat. The SmartAC is a digital thermostat that is connected to your air conditioning/ HVAC unit. On an as-needed basis, PG&E can temporarily raise your temperature by 4 degrees gradually throughout the day. The display on the thermostat can alert consumers when there is an energy emergency. Consumers can also decline to participate on a daily basis if so chosen. This 4 degree difference per household can help keep 77,000 homes powered during an energy emergency. Most people don’t even notice!



2. Thinking of changing out your appliances? PG&E offers rebates on hundreds of energy efficient appliances like dishwashers and clothes driers. Get $35 for recycling an old, operational refrigerator. Visit www.pge.com/rebates for more information.





3. PG&E is installing SmartMeters™ throughout the county. You can see how much energy you are using, and when, so you can lower your overall energy bills. Visit www.pge.com/smartmeter.

A few simple home upgrades such as insulating your air ducts and sealing any air duct leaks, replacing old and inefficient HVAC units, upgrading your water heater or installing attic fans and insulation can save you a lot with a small investment. Your home will be more comfortable with stable inside temperatures and you’ll feel better about not wasting precious energy.



Here are over 20 ways you can save on energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint and live in a more comfortable home:

• High efficiency HVAC systems and HVAC system sealing

• Duct and home sealing

• Evaporative coolers

• Efficient natural gas storage water heaters

• Tankless water heaters

• Solar water heater systems

• Cool roof systems

• Reflective roofs and coatings

• Attic and wall insulation

• Reflective insulation or radiant barriers

• Whole house fans and attic fans

• High efficiency windows and glass doors

• Window filming

• Weather stripping

• Efficient skylights

• Solar tubes

• Additional building openings to provide addition natural light

• High efficiency lighting installation

• High efficiency pool equipment

• Electric vehicle plug-in stations

• Geothermal exchange heat pumps

• Solar thermal systems for pool heating

Sonoma County’s Energy Independence Program is a new opportunity for property owners to finance energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment. These assessments will be attached to the property, not the owner, and will be paid back through the property tax system over time, making the program not only energy efficient but also affordable.

• Participation in this Sonoma County program is completely voluntary.

• Energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy generation upgrades must be permanently attached to the property to qualify. Items not permanently attached such as dishwashers and other appliances are not allowed. Improvements like insulation, cool roofing, heating and air conditioning systems, waterless urinals, solar panels and energy efficient windows are acceptable.

• Improvements must be for existing buildings, new construction does not qualify.

• Assessments are a lien on the property itself: when the property is sold, the assessment stays with the property.

• Repayment is made through your property tax bill over time.

Federal Investment Tax Credit

On October 3, 2008 H.R.1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 was passed. Division B of this bill includes the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. This landmark legislation extends critical Federal Investment Tax Credits for solar customers and other renewable energy projects. This bill contains $18 billion in incentives for clean and renewable energy technologies, as well as for energy efficiency improvements.

For homes

A one-time, 30% federal investment tax credit is available to homeowners who purchase and install solar electric systems through December 31, 2016. The Federal Investment Tax Credit for Residential is 30 percent of net system cost, with no cap.

For businesses

The Federal Investment Tax Credit for Commercial and Business owned systems is 30% of net system cost with no cap. In addition, business-owned systems may also be eligible for MACRS five-year accelerated depreciation (aka the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System required by the IRS.)



California Solar Initiative Rebate

The California Solar Initiative offers two state incentive paths to Sonoma County consumers:

Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) – Owners of solar systems less than 50 kilowatts may apply for this up-front cash rebate. Rebates are determined by the expected performance of the owner’s system based on equipment ratings and installation factors such as geographic location, tilt, orientation, and shading. Customers receive their incentive payment in a lump sum after their system in fully installed and interconnected with their utility.

Performance Based Incentive (PBI) – Solar systems between 50 kW and 1 MW must apply for the PBI, a five-year stream of fixed monthly payments determined by the system’s actual metered output based on utility records. After January 1, 2010, all systems greater than 30 kW must use the PBI, although the PBI incentive path is available at any time to ANY size system. (Consulting a solar professional is advised to determine whether PBI makes financial sense for individual situations.)

For more information and referrals call Valerie Leivo Tran at 707-490-5527 or visit www.greenvalerie.com and select “green resources.”