Tuesday, July 28, 2009

SolarCity Introduces Solar Lease to Customers of Nation’s Largest Municipal Utility

SolarLease™ Makes It Possible for LADWP Customers in Los Angeles Area to Adopt Solar Power for Less Than They Previously Paid for Electricity, and Save Money from Day One

SolarCity® today announced the availability of its award-winning solar leasing option (SolarLease™) to customers of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the nation’s largest municipal utility. SolarCity’s lease combines with LADWP’s generous solar rebates, among the highest of any U.S. utility, to make solar power as affordable for Los Angeles homeowners as anywhere in the nation. A SolarCity solar lease of a 4-kilowatt solar system, appropriate for a typical 3-bedroom home in Los Angeles, would start at $55 per month, with no money down, on approved credit.

LADWP provides more than 1.4 million customers in the Los Angeles area with electricity. Erik Solter, a homeowner in Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley, is among the first group of LADWP customers to sign up for SolarLease. “I’ve always wanted to be greener but I’ve been waiting for an option that makes financial sense,” says Solter. “With SolarCity’s SolarLease I can adopt solar power for less than I used to pay for electricity and help LADWP conserve energy.”

SolarCity’s solar leasing option for LADWP customers is a 20-year lease with fixed monthly payments for the life of the lease, so savings increase over time if electricity rates rise. The first month’s payment is due when the system is turned on. SolarCity’s lease option includes financing, design, installation, a performance guarantee, the company’s Web-based SolarGuard™ monitoring service, and repair service.

“LADWP and Mayor Villaraigosa are continually working to increase the use of solar power in Los Angeles,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “More than 1,000 LADWP customers have already inquired about our solar lease option, and we’re hiring 25 new installers in the Los Angeles area to help meet the demand.”

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This was very interesting. Having something that is eco friendly to supply you energy is very important. Geothermal heating and air conditioning is one way to heat and cool or home business while still thinking of the environment.

www.greenairexpress.net

Skip said...

Did you know the earth can heat and cool your home while saving on energy costs over the long term?

Just below the earth's surface, the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year by absorbing half the sun's energy. Geothermal heat pumps tap into this natural ground source of energy reducing heating costs up to 60%, and cooling costs by 25% in summer months. GHP's have three components: a ground heat pump, a closed pipe system, and the air delivery system. Buried in the ground is the closed loop, which is a continuous loop of polyethylene pipe. It's filled with water or an anti-freeze solution and connected to an indoor heat pump, forming an underground loop. The system circulates water through underground pipes that ultimately carry water through the home’s air transfer unit. In the heating mode, the liquid in the pipes is cooler than the ground. In the cooling mode, the soil is cooler than the liquid.

Geothermal technology has been around for a while, but is gradually becoming more popular. A geothermal system costs about twice as much as a conventional heating and cooling system; however, the energy savings combined with the new tax credit on these systems, most people make their investment back in three to five years. In Florida, that could mean a savings of up to $40 a month on air conditioning bills.

These systems are extremely durable, and when properly installed, this tubing will last fifty years or longer.

JohnnyGAExpert said...

Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.

Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home. The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft. With extreme durability the parts can last a generation and require very little maintenance. These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day. Geothermal heat pumps can even improve your health and reduce allergies because they excel at humidity control, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth.

In addition to being practical and providing a luxurious atmosphere, geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe. These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.

There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. Contrary to popular belief, geothermal units are surprisingly affordable and save you more and more money over time. While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years. With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs. Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.

When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

Johnny@GreenAirExpert.com
http://www.geothermalexperts.net