Solar Electric Solar electric systems use a chemical reaction to sunlight to generate electricity. The panels that are used to create the electricity are called photovoltaic modules. The installations are commonly called PV systems. PV systems generate electricity during the day only and usually are generating their highest amount of electricity in the afternoon. PV [...]

Tax Credits Federal (IRS) tax credit for eligible solar energy systems. Anyone who has purchased or is contemplating purchase of a solar energy system should consult with an account or the IRS for tax advice. The following information is provided for general information and is not tax advice. For residential solar energy systems  the tax credit [...]

In California, meeting demand for electricity must be achieved two ways: enough energy generated to meet the needs of all the utility customers enough electricity generated to meet the needs of all of the utility customers at a given time of day California’s total demand for electricity is growing. The chart below comes from a [...]

USING SOLAR ENERGY FOR RESIDENTIAL WATER HEATING Using energy from the sun to heat water is one of the oldest uses of solar energy. Today, several million homes and businesses use solar water heating systems. These systems are providing consumers a cost-effective and reliable choice for hot water. How you heat the water for your [...]

CAL SEIA Ethics The California Solar Energy Industries Association and its members recognize certain obligations to the general public, to their customers, to the solar industry and to related professions and industries. These obligations bind the members of the association to conduct business and promote their products and services in a manner which assures the [...]

Questions for homeowners to ask if considering a Solar Lease or a Solar Power Purchase Agreement In 2008 new financing options for homeowners wanting solar systems were introduced in California. These options were designed to overcome the biggest obstacle to potential solar users: the first cost to acquire the system. For typical residential solar installations [...]

Permitting In all Cities and Counties in California, the local government requires permits for residential and commercial solar projects (there are more than 550 local jurisdictions). The permit is usually obtained by the licensed contractor doing the work or it can be obtained by the site owner. Fees are based on the reasonable cost of [...]

California Law provides a property tax exemption for qualified solar energy systems. California Revenue and Taxation Code, section 73. 73.  (a) Pursuant to the authority granted to the Legislature pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 2 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution, the term “newly constructed,” as used in subdivision [...]

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director Category Board Term Ends December, … Andrew McAllister At Large 2012 Greg Gahagan Manufacturer 2012 Jason Hanson Contractor 2012 Les Nelson At Large 2012 Andy Black At Large 2012 Gary Gerber Contractor 2013 Cecilia Aguillon Manufacturer 2013 Ed Murray Contractor 2013 Bill Stewart Contractor 2013 Allison Arnold At Large 2013 [...]