California Center for Sustainable Energy

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 7, 2008) - It’s almost summertime, and the sun is shining brightly—why let all of that energy go to waste?

All over San Diego, electricity bills are going up as the use of air conditioning, fans and other appliances increases due to summer heat. Installing solar power can reduce, or virtually eliminate, these summer energy costs; and thanks to recently upgraded federal tax deductions and state rebates, most homeowners can recover almost 50 percent of their initial investment when going solar.

Using sunlight as a source of electricity requires a solar electric, or photovoltaic ( PV), system. At the heart of the system are small solar cells assembled in roof-mounted panels that convert light into electricity. The power they produce goes to an inverter that converts it to electricity, just like the electricity SDG&E produces. It’s not necessary to have storage batteries if you are connected to the utility. During the day, you use your own solar electricity. Any extra electricity flows back to SDG&E where they credit you. At night, you use your credits to buy the electricity. You don’t have to manage this process as it is all done for you.

Through the California Solar Initiative ( CSI), the state is providing $2.1 billion in incentives over the next 10 years for the installation of residential and commercial solar systems. The goals are to lower energy costs, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create a sustainable energy future.

“An important aspect to consider about installing PV is that CSI’s incentives will decrease over time,” said John Supp, CSI program manager at the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE). “So the best time to install PV is now.”
CCSE offers free workshops on solar power basics for San Diego home and business owners at their location in Kearny Mesa.