From solar pool and water heaters, to solar electricity (photovoltaics), 30 homeowners throughout San Diego County showed off their residential systems with the help of local contractors, manufacturers, and tour sponsor BP Solar.
Many San Diegans found inspiration today by viewing the home of Richard Caputo and his wife Carol Jacklin. Featured recently on several local news stations, their Julian solar home is actually their second—the first one was destroyed in the Cedar Fire. “This one is better for many reasons,” Jacklin said. “The main electrical system is photovoltaic ( PV), which powers the home, and we have a second smaller PV system to power the hot tub.”
“We also have a passive solar heated house, which consists of special glass windows that allow the sun’s heat in with a slate floor to absorb the heat and release it at night,” she said. “It works remarkably well. We have also planted deciduous trees near the house to block out the summer sun, while letting the sun in during the winter months.”
And if that weren’t enough, their entire electricity bill from SDG&E last year was only $40.27. Caputo estimates that the system will pay for itself in eight years.
“For anyone interested in reducing their energy bills or learning about green power and solar technology, this was a golden opportunity to see actual working systems up-close and to talk directly to the folks who own them and install them,” said Irene M. Stillings, SDREO Executive Director. “Plus, almost $3 billion dollars has been committed to encouraging the adoption of solar through the California Solar Initiative. San Diegans want to find out how to take advantage of this funding. SDREO is likewise committed to educating them and helping them adopt this clean, renewable resource.”
SDREO estimates that more than 2500 people attended this year’s tour and more than 5000 people participated in this year’s Solar Energy Week activities. According to Stillings, that’s about twice the number of people involved in last year’s Solar Energy Week.
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