Solar energy a light of hope for local homeowners Solar energy a light of hope for local homeowners (November 18, 2005)

Dozens attend workshop to learn more about available technology

By Carl Mills

Rising PG&E rates have cast a financial gloom to complement the approach of winter's long nights. But the sun's own power may be the light at the end of that tunnel.

On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club sponsored a Solar Electric Workshop and Solar Home Tour in Mountain View. Attending homeowners learned how to turn sunlight into clean, reliable electric power from their rooftops.

"It's important because, in California especially, we have an excellent solar resource," said Gillian Zaharias, a research engineer and one of the workshop speakers. "A lot of people are interested and a lot of people want more information."

Fifty-seven people attended the free workshop at the Mountain View Public Library. Zaharias talked about future technologies such as flexible solar electric applications. Kurt Newick, a solar advocate, discussed the installation process, system sizing, how to select a solar contractor, and how homeowners benefit from solar energy. Andy Black, a solar financial specialist, explained return-on-investment information.

"The idea is to help customers see what's possible, see how attractive solar can be, and to understand whether it makes sense or not economically for them," said Black.

Solar contractors say their business is rising in this area. Recent federal and state incentives have made solar systems cheaper. At the same time, conventional energy sources are becoming more expensive. PG&E increased natural gas rates this month and has proposed higher electricity rates starting in January.

After the workshop, Mountain View resident Jack Miller hosted the Solar Home Tour at his house. There he discussed the benefits of his own 1.8-kilowatt solar system.

"In terms of maintenance ... there's nothing to maintain," said Miller. "They [solar panels] are completely trouble-free."

As for the permit fee required to install solar panels, Miller picked the right city to live in: Out of 40 municipalities in our area, only Portola Valley, Saratoga and Palo Alto are cheaper than Mountain View, according to a study by the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club. As of Summer 2005, the city of Mountain View charged $156 for a standard 3-kilowatt residential rooftop installation, compared to $1,652 in Millbrae. The study recommends that all cities reduce permit processing times and set a ceiling of $300 for permit fees.

"Reducing the cost and delays for solar permits will benefit society by making solar power more affordable and faster to install," said Newick.

You can view and download a copy of the solar permit study at http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/global_warming/articles/pv_permit_study.pdf.
Carl Mills, a technical writer living in Milpitas, is a member of the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club.

INFORMATION: The next solar energy workshop will be held next year in Los Altos. The "Solar Electric Info & Trends Class," held at the Community Room of the Los Altos Library, will feature many of the same keynote speakers who spoke to capacity crowds in Mountain View. Topics covered will include rebates, tax credits, solar electric technologies and benefits.
WHERE: Los Altos Library, Community Room, 13 S. San Antonio Rd.
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006, 1:30-4 p.m.
COST: Free RSVP: Send an e-mail to Kurt Newick at kurtnewick@yahoo.com, or call
(408) 370-9636

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