If you live in the state of California I have some very good news!
Citizenre Announces Partnership Solar Rental System Installation
The housing crisis that sent our country into a tailspin also set back lending for worthy projects like the solar rental program we have championed.
And so it has been too long since we first spoke and explained the benefits, both environmental and monetary, of our company, Citizenre and its’ Solar Installation Program.
You had expressed an interest in solar with no upfront cost. And now we have a way to deliver on that promise to those of you in some areas.
When we spoke the management of Citizenre Corporation, believed that we would be able to contact you in about a year with a free site evaluation for solar with no upfront cost and a monthly expense smaller that you current electricity bill. Unfortunately, our company experienced some challenges with the struggling economy.
We have entered into an agreement with a sister company that will allow us to now install solar systems in 90% of California. While the program offered by the sister company is similar to the program that we discussed, there are some differences
Our company – No upfront cost – No deposit.
Sister company – No upfront cost – No deposit!
Our company – Offers a 10 year lease.
Sister company – Offers a 10 year lease with optional 5 year extensions (up to 3 extensions)
Our company – Initial monthly payment for system remains the same for duration of lease.
Sister company – 2.5% increase of payment each year.
- example $50 dollar per month payment would be $51.25 the following year and so on. The average utility company has a 6% increase per year. Obviously not as good as our program but no deposit is required with their program.
Our company – no free cleaning
Sister company – has free cleaning.
Our company – no credit check required.
Sister company – Requires 680 credit score.
Both companies have insurance included, free site evaluations to determine suitability for solar, roof penetration warranty, performance guarantees and operate on net metering.
If you live in an area served by LADWP we may soon be able to offer you a Citizenre product. Any other area in California may take several more months or several more years before we are able to offer a system. However, our sister company is able to offer you a system NOW in 90% of California.
Our sister company has stated that of the systems that they have installed, the customer is saving an average of 15% over their current provider. With no upfront cost or even deposits required, just immediate saving and green electricity, this seems like a very attractive offer.
So, if you have any interest in this program and your credit score is over 680, please e-mail me back or call me at 619-462-4290.
New Jersey, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California all received an “A” for the policies that govern net metering from the Network for New Energy Choices (NNEC). Of the 38 states graded, New Jersey and Colorado had the best score with a 17.5 while Wisconsin had the worse with a score of -.5. Oregon and Delaware also had a very strong showing. For an explaination on net metering see our Oct 25 entry in this bolg.
Catagories that were used in the scoring model included but were not limited to, system and program capacity, how excess energy is credited, the availablity of renewable energy credits (rec’s), and possible associated charges.
The study also graded the ability to connect to the grid. While no state received an “A” in this scoring model, New Jersey again toped the list while Missouri was found at the bottom.
Already having the highest rated net metering marks, both New Jersey and Colorado are trying to do even more. Solarjoules has found both of these stories today.
Google made it known today it is going to make a massive investment in alternative energy.
From www.AskAME.com today…
by Steve Laurvick
When Google talks people would be wise to listen and so when we saw the Google announcement on the financial wires of its plans to invest in renewable energy we investigated.
Announced was a decision to “pour hundreds of millions of dollars” into alternative energy solutions. They have named the initiative Renewable Energy Cheaper Than Coal (REC). The money will come from the internet giant’s philanthropic arm but Google co-founder Larry Page has the midas touch,”we are going to be in the (electricity) business in a very big way,” Page said. “We should be able to make a lot of money from this.”
Be assured REC isn’t going to be about changing light bulbs or programming conservation into the workplace. Google is partnering with two startups with big ideas eSolar, Inc. and Makani Power Inc.
Bill Gross is the Chairman of eSolar. Haven’t heard of him? Well you should, as the CEO of Idealab, a “technology incubator” as eSolars’ web site (www.esolar.com) calls the parent company, Mr. Gross is responsible for the creation and sale of Overture to Yahoo, Picasa to Google, CarsDirect & a “lifelong proponent of solar power. While still in college, Mr. Gross founded Solar Devices, a firm that sold plans and kits for solar energy products.”
Suffice to say Gross and Page speak the same language and its spelled G-R-E-E-N. And lots of it.
The eSolar website lays out its ambitious but very simple plan as one of creating massive solar arrays that will operate as utilities. If current fossil fuel prices hold up its hard to see how that is not acheivable with the backing of worlds largest marketing company.
The other startup, Makani Power, has plans which are more vague. The stated goal is to harness the high velocity winds of the upper atmosphere. How they intend to do that is not laid out on their website (www.makanipower.com) but Google intends to help them figure out how to “produce energy at an unsubsidized real cost significantly below that of the least expensive coal-fired power plants.” According to the Vision statement on the Makani Power site, “high-altitude wind has the largest energy per square foot. Capturing a small fraction of the global high-altitude wind energy flux could be sufficient to supply the current energy needs of the globe.”
If, as the eSolar site predicts,”Worldwide electricity consumption is projected to double by the year 2040.” By that time a substantial number of us will likely be writing our monthly checks to Google subsidiaries eSolar or Makani Power instead of SDG& E, ConEd or Southern California Edison.
November 5, 2007 — A young married couple in their first home, shoestring budget, baby on the way—how can they possibly afford to add solar energy to their house? “By renting it”, said Ed Begley Jr., six-times Emmy nominated actor and environmentalist.
In the November 5 episode of “Living With Ed”, host Ed showcases solar in this new form. “Putting the 2 kW Citizenre system on this house symbolized a 20-year dream for me, to help put solar power within reach of anyone.”
The young family in Venice, CA, shows exactly why renting solar makes so much sense.
Paul Eckstein & Hala Khori have just moved into their 2-bedroom bungalow. He is a writer, she is a yoga instructor and their first baby is due anytime. How is this the right time to be adding an expensive solar system to their home? “Renting the system just makes so much sense”, said Paul. “We really wanted to do the right thing, to make our new house is as green as possible. But we sure didn’t have the cash to buy a system, or even to carry loan payments. This way, Citizenre takes care of everything—they install it, fix it, all that. And our savings increase every time the rates go up”.
Paul and Hala worked closely with Citizenre’s local system installer Stephen Gates, who designed and installed their solar system. “The family should save about 30% – on their electricity each month, for $25.00 per month,” Gates explained. “Since they averaged $28 per month for that same amount of electricity, they are already saving a little each month”.
“It’s so great that we can actually have solar on our first house”, said Hala. “By renting, we actually save money– and that’s money we can save for something else. And we know we’re still doing the right thing for our baby’s future. That’s the very best part of the story”.
“I have been involved with residential solar power for over 20 years, and put my own system on in 1990. You can’t make gasoline in your house, but you can make electricity on your roof – I’ve been doing it for 17 years,” said Begley. “I’ve been frustrated by how many
people come to me for advice on solar, only to find it is out of their financial reach. With Citizenre’s rental program, all that changes. Anyone who wants to make clean, green power in their home can do it. With the help of Citizenre, I hope we duplicate Paul and Hala’s story nationwide beginning in 2008.”
The Eckstein family and “Living with Ed” are showing that solar electric systems can now fit in everyone’s budget.
Founded in 2005, Citizenre Corporation announced its “solar made simple” residential rental model in late 2006. High-volume manufacturing, a national network of branded franchise installation companies, proprietary technology and innovative finance will enable Citizenre to achieve similar breakthroughs in cost and customer service for non-residential solar customers as well. Further announcements about Citizenre’s plans and achievements are expected throughout the months ahead. Ed Begley Jr. has served as media spokesperson for Citizenre Corporation and their innovative REnU rental program since December 2006.
For more information about Citizenre Corporation and the REnU program, please click solar interest list at the top of this page.
In the state of California, can the homeowners association prohibit an owner from installing a solar system?
If you are the owner of the roof, the answer is…NO. California Civil Code 714 as amended January 2005 states any association having such rules are, “void and unenforceable.” The key is that the solar client must be the sole owner of the property that the system is to be installed. Associations can restrict installations in common areas.
A good test is to ask your self this question:
If my roof starts to leak, who will be responsible to fix the problem?
If you the homeowner (not the association) are responsible for fixing a roof leak, then you are the owner of the roof, and the association cannot deny you the right to install a solar electric system on it.
Many other states have adapted similar legislation and if you are part of an association and wish to use solar, we recommend that you research the laws in your area. If you are in California and you own your roof, congratulations, the association cannot deny you the opportunity to use clean, renewable energy.
A controversial new Solar Panel Rental System was embraced with enthusiasm by customers introduced to it by Reggie Rasmussen and two of his team members over the weekend at the Perris California Home Show.
Reggie and Ecoprenuers Steve Laurvick and Jorge Bernal signed up 100 applicants to the “Citizenre Forward Rental Application (FRA).”
“It was 100 on the nose,” said Reggie, “I don’t think they’ll believe me at corporate.”
Ecopreneurs like Reggie and his team members are rapidly expanding the potential client base of a company by the name of Citizenre. They are in the process of finding parties who are interested in renting solar panel systems with no upfront fees rather than buying solar systems out of pocket or financing sytems that cost $20,000 -$50,000.
During the show, Reggie was busy training team SolarJoules newest member Jorge, who signed 16 customers on Saturday breaking Rasmussen’s first day record of 14. On Sunday, Jorge added 14 more for a total of 30 new customers for the solar panel rental program.
“Should all houses qualify for our solution Jorge stands to earn $54,000 or more over the next 25 years from his first two days on the job ,” said Rasmussen, “Not bad for two days work.”
Customers have to get in line though. To date over 20,000 interested parties have signed up knowing they will have to wait close to a year for a Citizenre Solar Engineer to come to their house for an analysis.
“This is a tremendously easy product to sell,” said Laurvick, “There are no upfront costs and for most of the customers of Southern California Edison here at the Perris show they will be saving $50-$175 a month when the solar system goes up on their property.”
You can become part of the SolarJoules solution too. “We are actively seeking out new Ecoprenuers and adding training material to the site all the time,” Reggie says, “If anyone wants to learn more just go to www.SolarJoules.com and fill out the request form.”
Click to enlarge photos of the Solar Panel Rental program SolarJoules sales team 9/22/2007.
People are embracing the new technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and solar energy which allow us to move away from fossil fuel use and toward a cleaner, brighter future.
Group to Construct Large-Scale Solar Power System for General Motors
6,400 UNI-SOLAR(R) Panels to Provide Half of Energy at Fontana, Calif. Warehouse
September 14, 2007: 12:45 PM EST
BALTIMORE, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Constellation Energy today announced that its subsidiary, Constellation Energy Projects & Services Group (CEPS), has signed an agreement with General Motors Corporation to construct a solar power system that will generate approximately 870 kw of power and supply nearly half of the power requirements at GM’s 300,000-square-foot Service and Parts Operations warehouse in Fontana, Calif.
Constellation Energy will own and operate the rooftop system and provide power to the GM facility under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
The photovoltaic solar installation, one of the largest of its kind for a corporate customer, will feature 6,400 UNI-SOLAR(R) solar panels. GM estimates the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 355 metric tons annually and reduce electricity costs by approximately 10 percent.
“At General Motors we understand that good environmental decisions are good business decisions and solar energy is a perfect example of this,” said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “The new solar arrays on our rooftops are reducing our energy costs and carbon footprint, while providing green energy to the community.”
“These projects represent cost-effective and turn-key energy management solutions because Constellation constructs, owns and operates the on-site renewable systems and customers enjoy stable, long-term energy prices,” said Gregory Jarosinski, president of Constellation Energy Projects & Services. “Environmental leaders like GM recognize that with today’s technology and the expertise of a skilled energy partner, sustainable solutions make sense economically and environmentally.”
In August, Constellation Energy announced the completion of its first solar photovoltaic system in partnership with leading aluminum manufacturer Alcoa and DEERS, owner of the patent pending solar rooftop attachment design. The new system — a 588,000-watt, roof-mounted photovoltaic solar power system — recently began operation at the Alcoa Building and Construction Systems’ Kawneer manufacturing facility in Visalia, Calif. Power is generated by more than 4,300 UNI-SOLAR(R) solar panels.
Constellation Energy Projects & Services Group (http://www.ceprojects.com) is a full-service energy company, providing customized energy solutions to government, institutional and large commercial and industrial customers nationwide. The company’s large array of products and services-including utility infrastructure outsourcing, energy consulting and energy projects-are all designed to increase energy efficiency, reliability, cost effectiveness and improve the customer’s bottom line.
Constellation Energy (http://www.constellation.com), a FORTUNE 200 company with 2006 revenues of $19.3 billion, is the nation’s largest competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and the nation’s largest wholesale power seller. Constellation Energy also manages fuels and energy services on behalf of energy intensive industries and utilities. It owns a diversified fleet of more than 78 generating units located throughout the United States, totaling approximately 8,700 megawatts of generating capacity. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland.
______________________________________
BALTIMORE, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Constellation Energy today announced that its subsidiary, Constellation Energy Projects & Services Group (CEPS), has signed an agreement with General Motors Corporation to construct a solar power system that will generate approximately 870 kw of power and supply nearly half of the power requirements at GM’s 300,000-square-foot Service and Parts Operations warehouse in Fontana, Calif.
Constellation Energy will own and operate the rooftop system and provide power to the GM facility under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
The photovoltaic solar installation, one of the largest of its kind for a corporate customer, will feature 6,400 UNI-SOLAR(R) solar panels. GM estimates the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 355 metric tons annually and reduce electricity costs by approximately 10 percent.
“At General Motors we understand that good environmental decisions are good business decisions and solar energy is a perfect example of this,” said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “The new solar arrays on our rooftops are reducing our energy costs and carbon footprint, while providing green energy to the community.”
“These projects represent cost-effective and turn-key energy management solutions because Constellation constructs, owns and operates the on-site renewable systems and customers enjoy stable, long-term energy prices,” said Gregory Jarosinski, president of Constellation Energy Projects & Services. “Environmental leaders like GM recognize that with today’s technology and the expertise of a skilled energy partner, sustainable solutions make sense economically and environmentally.”
In August, Constellation Energy announced the completion of its first solar photovoltaic system in partnership with leading aluminum manufacturer Alcoa and DEERS, owner of the patent pending solar rooftop attachment design. The new system — a 588,000-watt, roof-mounted photovoltaic solar power system — recently began operation at the Alcoa Building and Construction Systems’ Kawneer manufacturing facility in Visalia, Calif. Power is generated by more than 4,300 UNI-SOLAR(R) solar panels.
Constellation Energy Projects & Services Group (http://www.ceprojects.com) is a full-service energy company, providing customized energy solutions to government, institutional and large commercial and industrial customers nationwide. The company’s large array of products and services-including utility infrastructure outsourcing, energy consulting and energy projects-are all designed to increase energy efficiency, reliability, cost effectiveness and improve the customer’s bottom line.
Constellation Energy (http://www.constellation.com), a FORTUNE 200 company with 2006 revenues of $19.3 billion, is the nation’s largest competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and the nation’s largest wholesale power seller. Constellation Energy also manages fuels and energy services on behalf of energy intensive industries and utilities. It owns a diversified fleet of more than 78 generating units located throughout the United States, totaling approximately 8,700 megawatts of generating capacity. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland.
