Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Solar Panel Retrofits

[David L Mandel (dlmandel]

Eris:
Thanks for the encouragement. I could use some help overcoming inertia here in 
Sacramento, where we have at least as much sun as you do. If you have quick 
answers: When do rebates expire? Do you agree we're better off waiting a few 
years until our roofs need replacement? They're getting close. If it's better 
to refer that to the expert you mentioned, feel free if s/he is willing.
Thanks.
David Mandel, Southside Park


Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 11, 2014, at 20:13, "Eris Weaver" <eris [at] erisweaver.info> wrote:
> 
> 
> Here at FrogSong we added solar panels to our common house a few years ago;
> over time our net usage of electricity from the grid zeroes out, but
> fluctuates with the season - we generate more than we use in the summer and
> vice versa in the winter. The utility company pays us less for what we
> generate than it charges us for what we use. We are in the process of
> changing to a new, local energy provider that offers a better deal in that
> regard. Have not had any problems with it that I know of. I can't remember
> what our estimates were for how long before the initial investment pays for
> itself.
> 
> We're in the process of getting bids to add panels on the residential
> buildings. We've wanted to do this for years, but the regulatory environment
> in California made it impossible - multifamily housing had to have separate
> panels and meters for each unit, which was cost prohibitive. My neighbor
> (who happens to be CEO of the new local energy company!) spent a lot of time
> in Sacramento lobbying for changes in those regulations, which has
> happened....but it's a new program and so getting permits, bids etc is
> challenging. We've also been trying to get things done before certain
> rebates expire.
> 
> This is one of those issues that is going to vary widely from state to
> state, in terms of the regulatory environment, your local energy providers,
> and your climate.
> 
> I can try to put you in touch with someone who knows more about all of this
> than I do, but not sure how much it will apply to your local situation.
> ------------------------------
> Eris Weaver, Graphic Facilitator & Group Process Consultant
> Founding member, FrogSong Cohousing in Cotati, CA
> eris [at] erisweaver.info . 707-338-8589 . http://www.erisweaver.info
> 
> 
> 
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