solar hot water | Solar Forward

Plug-in Hybrids: An Electric Step in the Right Direction

admin — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:16:00 +0000

If you’re anything like us, you may also feel the end of the world is just around one very hot corner. Seeing America’s infrastructure snapunder rising temperatures is terrifying.

Tailpipe emissions account for one-fifth of worldwide carbon emissions. Ideally, we would combat this by pouring funding into public transit, and single passenger car trips would become a rarity.

Instead, we’re clinging to life as usual. How do we have our automobile cake, and eat it too?

Plug-in hybrids.

Consumer habits have shown that most Americans fear the fully electric vehicle. Unfortunately, the climate can’t wait for us to adjust to the idea of going to a charging station rather than a gas station.

Luckily for future generations, drivers are willing to compromise. Sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles are up 381%in just the first half of this year. We won’t completely give up petroleum, but we are dieting.

This new breed of hybrid can travel 20 miles before switching to gasoline. And, the cost to charge at night is equal to a mere 75 cents per gallon of gasoline.

Plug-in hybrids are a great alternative to traditional EVs. They ease consumers into the ways of electric vehicles, while allowing drivers their gas tank security blanket.

Call Solar Forward to learn about powering your plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle with the sun.

Solar Pinball

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:10:00 +0000

Combine solar permitting bureaucracy and a no nonsense Solar Forward employee, and the result is a frustrated (and illustrating) work of art. See creation above.

Gaining a permit may be the most cumbersome step involved in solar. As city departments acclimate to the ever-increasing demand for renewable energy, contractors and clients sit. And wait. And wait.

In some cities (cough Van Nuys, cough Calabasas) obtaining a permit to install solar can feel like a cruel game of pinball, bouncing from one hurdle to the next. The diagram above depicts a recent Building & Safety Department adventure.

Three hours, eleven lines, one permit. I’d rather deal with the DMV.

We all know “time is money”. Are you familiar with this one, “wasted time is wasted money”?

This is not a meaningless gripe. Attention must be given to these issues if we hope to see the solar industry and government work symbiotically. When this happens, we will see more efficient, cost-effective, and greener cities.

Why kick back gifts and cash for solar?

admin — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:53:00 +0000

What could a solar company offer you to sweeten the deal? How about throwing in an iPad or cash gift for signing a lease contract?

The Solar market out there is competitive. And with competition comes sneaky marketing.

Incentives like a free iPad or cash-back to seal the deal with some companies are commonplace. Unfortunately, kick back incentives are illegal. (If you’re the legal type, you can check out the facts: §7157(b).)

Why do these companies opt for shady promotions over traditional marketing campaigns? Most are selling a financial lease product that makes money for investment bankers who have no concern for you or your home.

When solar marketers can’t distinguish their products from competitors with quality, they turn to kick backs. Inferior Chinese panels that are being dumped on the market are cheap to buy, but have no track record. Many of these installers cut corners during installation. Who do you want making holes in your roof?

Quality is important in this industry. Your system will be with you for 20+ years – that’s more than time than your kids expect to live under your roof.

Our recommendation – be an informed buyer. Know the brand of panels that are going on your roof, know who is installing them, and what the method of installation is before anything is signed. Read consumer review sites like Yelp, and ask lots of questions.

There is a reason we are an Elite SunPower Dealer – quality work, the most powerful solar panels and impeccable customer support.