What is Solar Sebastopol?Your chance to slash your electric bill
Solar Sebastopol is a local first-of-its-kind program to encourage more solar energy on residential, business, and public properties in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, CA. Our goal is to install 1 megawatt of solar power production in the City of Sebastopol. That’s equivalent to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on about 500 average-size homes. We also have a goal of assuring high-quality installations that meet all code standards which is why we sponsor trainings for inspectors and professionals in the field. We have a window of opportunity to drastically cut the out-of-pocket costs of each solar electric system installation. Act now while rebates and tax credits are still available! How close is Sebastopol to reaching the goal?As of December, 2007, Sebastopol has added nearly 500 kW of solar power within city limits, or almost one half of the 1 megawatt (1,000 kW) goal. Sebastopol has installed 105.5 kW on city buildings. We will update this information as new installations get approved - so come back often to check in. You can help us reach the goal! AND, although it does not technically count towards our goal, the 95472 zip code which includes Sebastopol and the surrounding unincorporated area has installed more than 1.4 Megawatts of solar PV!!
How did this get started?Local people like you who wanted a program like San Francisco’s Vote Solar initiative started meeting in 2001. Students from Sonoma State University's Energy Management Design Program conducted a solar feasibility study in 2002 and the Sebastopol City Council endorsed the study’s recommendation for a citywide solar program. A self-funded advisory group of solar business and community leaders now manages Solar Sebastopol under the guidance of the City of Sebastopol. Membership is open to anyone who wants to help reach our goal. (Membership information) What’s in it for you?A custom-designed solar energy system and highest quality installation, lower utility bills, enhanced property value, greater energy self-reliance, reduced CO2 emissions, reduced fossil fuel dependency, a part in achieving our community-wide goal, role modeling local energy control, and oh yes, helping to save Planet Earth!
|
Financial Incentives |
|
Right now you can qualify for rebates on the cost of your solar system as well as a generous 30% federal tax credit. Rebates are decreasing and the federal tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2008, so act now! Click for a pdf summary of financial benefits. Contact one of our solar vendors to get the details. |
About California Solar InitiativeIn January 2006, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created the California Solar Initiative (CPUC ruling - R.04-03-017) with the goal of installing 3,000 megawatts of solar electric (PV) power on the equivalent of a million roofs by 2017. This new incentive program, for renewable systems of less than one megawatt, begins in January 2007 and is projected to provide a total of $2.9 billion over ten years. |
|
Vist the Go Solar California web site for more information on the current rebate program. |
|
BIG NEWS! Solar Sebastopol receives grant to establish Solar Sonoma County |
Solar Sonoma County now has a web site! Check it out: |
Upcoming Events |
May 1 - May Day Renewable Generation & Climate Protection WorkshopPlease join us on May Day 2008 for a free workshop to learn about up-to-date opportunities available for renewable generation and climate protection. This workshop will provide information on: Reservations required - email: Martha Baeli |
May 11 - Sebastopol Farm MarketCome to a mini Solar Fair at the Farm Market and Downtown Sebastopol Plaza - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Bring your Mom!! Solar Vendors will be there with solar panels and displays and lots of information for you on how to go solar. |
Next Building Inspector & PV Installer Training - July 9 & 10, '08, Santa Rosa, CAWe will offer two days of training with John Wiles. You can sign up for either or both. Click here to download the flyer and registration packet. |
 |
|
Steven Strong (right) and Marty Roberts visit Laguna Farm and their new solar collector. Scott Matheson (ctr) runs much of his organic farm with the electricity produced. The system was installed by Solar Sebastopol member business: Solaris Solar. |
Contact Us |
|
To receive a packet of information about the program and a list of participating solar vendors, please call: |
|
With questions about the program, please email our Project Manager Marty Roberts: info@solarsebastopol.com. |
Legislation to move us forward |
| After three years, the Million Solar Roofs bill, SB 1, authored by Senator Kevin Murray, was signed into law this morning by Governor Schwarzenegger.... SB 1 compliments the California Solar Initiative established by the Public Utilities Commission in January and puts California on track toward building a million solar roofs in the next ten years. ~ Environment California, 8/21/06 |
| California will impose broad caps on its greenhouse-gas emissions under a landmark plan that marks a clear break with the federal government and which backers hope will become a national model. ~ AP, Sacramento, 8/31/06 on AB 32 by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Assembly Member Fran Pavley |