michelle's blog

Across the nation, legislation is being passed to make investing in renewable energy more affordable to homeowners and small business owners. In addition to the 30% federal tax credit, many states offer a variety of programs via tax credits, rebates, and incentives. Click on your state for more detailed information.... read more

Many children today grow up hearing terms like “green” and “sustainability” without understanding the relevancy to their lives and future. Educational programs promoting environmental literacy in school children are incredibly important for the future of our planet – our children need a keen understanding of the importance of environmental responsibility in order to lead the future of the sustainability movement.... read more

Belle G. of Los Altos Hills, CA discusses her experience with Poco Solar as part of our Go Solar! series.

What went into the decision to install a PV solar system? Belle had been exploring the idea of installing solar panels for several years. She wanted a system that would produce 70-80% of her power, which meant it had to be pretty large. She began with a solar pool heater and kept her eye on the photovoltaic market as prices began to drop. She always felt going solar was the right thing to do, it was just a matter of time.

How Belle chose a solar installer. When the time seemed right, Belle got 6 estimates, ranging from small local installers to the big guys. Poco Solar had previously installed the solar pool heater and had done a great job. The bid provided by Poco was the best price AND used a more efficient panel than the quotes from other installers. Between Belle's prior experiencewith the company, the super efficient panels, and the price, it was clear that Poco was the best company for the job.... read more

The state of Minnesota leads the mid-west's efforts to increase clean energy by providing several incentive programs for installing wind and solar power systems. In 2005, the legislature passed a law which requires all utility providers to generate at least 25% of their energy from wind, solar, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources by the year 2025. Xcel Energy, the state's largest utility, must produce at least 30% of its power from renewable energy sources by 2025, 25% of which must be wind power.... read more

The Garden State has a pretty awesome Solar Incentive program, making PV solar installation affordable for many residents and small businesses. The program in New Jersey (aka “The NJ Renewable Energy Incentive Program”) is comprised of several components which differ somewhat from traditional models (in states such as California and Massachusetts).

• Open market system of “Solar Renewable Energy Credits” (SRECs):

  • Utilities are required to increase the amount of renewable energy they use each year. In order to do this, they buy SREC credits from individual producers of renewable energy (you).

  • 1,000kWh (kilowatt hours) of solar energy = 1 Solar Renewable Energy Credit (1kW of PV paneling will create, on average 1,000kWh per year, providing you with one SREC. The average home solar system is 2-4kW, so that would be 2-4 SRECs per year... confusing, I know).

  • These SRECs can be traded on an open public exchange, where their value will change from year to year. In 2010, one SREC was valued at $693, so a homeowner with a 4kW system could have received approximately $2,772 for their credits.... read more