Lancaster, California Requires Solar Panels on Homes by 2014!

        In a recent announcement made by Mayor Rex Parris, there is a requirement that states solar power systems are to be implemented within every newly built single-family houses within the city by January 1, 2014. These recent stated requirements will be written into Lancaster's "Residential Zones Update." It specifically states as followed: "The purpose of the solar energy system standards is to encourage investment in solar energy on all parcels in the city, while providing guidelines for the installation of those systems that are consistent with the architectural and building standards of the City."
         With these requirements in place, residential homes on lots larger than 7,000 square feet will need to possess a system of 1.0-1.5 kilowatts. If there are residential homes in rural areas which holds lots up to 100,000 square feet, they are required to possess a system of at least 1.5 kilowatts. Homebuilders, though, have an alternative in forgoing these requirements by providing proof of purchase of solar energy credits from a solar energy development located within the city.

Mayor Rex Parris is shown, speaking at an event in Lancaster to celebrate the 100th solar-powered home.

          Mayor Rex Parris may be a Republican but he is an extreme solar power advocate for he strongly supports his intentions to make Lancaster, California "the solar energy capital of the world." In the year 2010, Lancaster has had a partnership with SolarCity to launch a successful solar financing program for nonprofit organizations, businesses and residential areas. It is known as "Solar Lancaster" and this 1.45-megawatt program extends towards helping solar finance the city hall, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Clear Channel Stadium, churches, schools, and other areas. Solar Lancaster is expected to generate $1.5 million annually through 2017 and then $800,000 per year for the next 20 years. In addition, Lancaster is scaled with many solar production plants, including the infamous eSolar's Sierra Sun Tower.

eSolar's Sierra Sun Tower

       

Shopping for Solar Panels are easy!

      Are you interested in obtaining a solar panel onto your rooftop to save money on those utility bills that just never seems like it's going to end? Well, maybe this will help your matters: there is a new free online solar panel shopping service that can help you research and shop for solar power systems from solar power companies that will offer the best incentives for you.
      It is known as the Online Solar PV Marketplace, which Distributed Energy Research & Solutions, Inc. (EnergySage) had announced and released recently. It has been developed for the convenience of interested consumers, forming an open-market platform between potential customers and solar panel installers and for President Obama's Sunspot Initiative. The term "sunspot" has been formed as the President's call for a "Sputnik movement" to stimulate American innovation as the foundation for economic revival. It originally was developed in the year 2011 to make solar power as cheap and accessible as fossil fuels. Simply put, it tries to obtain information for potential solar consumers, which as said, Online Solar PV Marketplace offers.
     Because of this development which no longer barricades the opportunities between solar consumers and solar providers, EnergySage has been awarded $500,000 from the Department of Energy as a Sunshot startup investment. "EnergySage is thrilled to receive this Sunshot award," said Vikram Aggarwal, CEO of EnergySage. He also claims "by making it easier for consumers to navigate the solar PV system purchase process, we are lowering customer acquisition costs, lowering prices, helping installers improve profitability and ultimately, expanding the market exponentially."
     As you may be curious in the shopping experience, it opens as you take an online survey to outline relevant details about your property. You are, then, able to list your property on the marketplace and EnergySage's preselected network of solar companies will start bidding on your job. Instead of having to compare different types of variables from different companies, you will receive all bids in clear, standard format for easy access to be able to decipher. EnergySage only participates in this relationship by obtaining a small commission fee from the solar companies, which you do not have to worry about because the marketplace is, once again, free for use to businesses, nonprofit organizations, or even residential buildings.
     Check the marketplace out here to start looking!