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September 2nd, 2010 / 0 Comments
Green Ambassador Update: Bill Walton came by the Greener Dawn office today and once he got in the door, he signed some autographs and recorded a couple educational voiceovers for Home Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy, giving us some pretty classic quotes including, “Live Green or Die!” Check out the the article below endorsed by the NBA Legend and look forward to some videos on our youtube and facebook page.
Join Bill Walton’s Team and Go Solar!
A future cap & trade program will bring much needed value over time but in the short term there will be costs to bear for our previous mistakes. These costs would be a result from fossil fuel power plants, particularly coal, paying necessary fees on the carbon they emit. These power providers need to retrofit their facilities to reduce their carbon emissions. These major polluters will then try to pass their responsibilities on to rate payers who would then be stuck footing the bill through higher utility rates. According to the Pew Center on Climate Change, 50% of all electricity generated comes from burning coal into the air.
Now one may ask, “Since our dominant form of residential power generation (coal) is harmful to the environment, and will continue to rise in cost with a large increase shortly, and does not provide homeowners with any energy independence; why would Americans not aggressively look to other sources particularly renewable energy?”
The answer is—-we are strangling and suffocating ourselves due to our lack of education and poor decision making.
Residential Solar is part of the correct answer and a major factor in solving some of our most vexing problems. With significant decreases in price, new financing tools, and utility rates increasing 6% per year over the last 20 years, residential Solar is not the luxury that only the rich can afford. It has finally become a financially viable option for many Americans. $0 money down leasing programs is just one new tool that has begun to take shape making solar affordable to most homeowners.
Solar power will not only reduce monthly energy bills, but states are wisely mandated by law to offer net-metering. Each utility has its own net metering policies, but it actually allows customers to sell their excess generated solar energy to the utility. During peak summer months, Solar panels in many cases can generate enough electricity to help homeowners break even on their bill and sell the remaining energy back to the utility. While Solar has always been a great thing for the environment, never has there been a better financial incentive to invest in this technology for your home.
NBA Legend Bill Walton has been a long time advocate for the environment, and Greener Dawn is proud and fortunate to have him as our Green Ambassador:
“As a California native son, and as an NBA player and Broadcaster for the past 36 years, I am privileged to support causes that are important to all of us, like the environmental quality of our lives today and for the future of our families and communities. We are at a turning point for what lies ahead for our children. Solar energy is one of the answers. The future is off the grid, and going Solar is one of the most secure investments available. Going Solar is not only good for the environment, but you can actually sell your extra energy back to the local utility. Do yourself and our environment a favor and go Solar!”
Follow in Bill Walton’s footsteps and “Do yourself and our world a huge favor and go Solar,” with a complimentary Solar evaluation through Greener Dawn. Let our local solar expert assess your home to see if solar makes sense. Our knowledgeable representatives will provide you with a cost benefit value analysis utilizing the federal, state and utility rebates to help you make an informed decision. Think Green. Be smart. It pays in every way.
Be a leader in your neighborhood and Go Solar! www.mygreenerdawn.com
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Solar prices have dropped, new financing tools are available, and solar has proven to be the most secure, predictable investment return generating up to 20% returns with limited risk.
1. Utility rates have increased over 6% per year on average for the past decade. Go Solar and stop paying the utility!
2. Energy bills are often times calculated incorrectly and you have no idea. Go Solar and manage your own monthly energy use!
3. There are dozens of hidden fees associated with buying from electricity from the utility. Go Solar and stop being surprised by each utility bill!
Break away from the utilities by signing up for a free Solar evaluation today.
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U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has recently released a report showing that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is creating jobs, improving the economy, and increasing the foothold of renewable energy in America.
According to the report,The Recovery Act: Transforming the American Economy through Innovation [pdf], the United States has made great strides towards three huge renewable energy and cleantech industry benchmarks.
1. Cutting the cost of solar power in half by 2015.
2. Cutting the cost of batteries for electric vehicles by 70% by 2015.
3. Doubling U.S. alternative energy capacity and U.S. renewable manufacturing capacity by 2012.
During the unveiling of the report, Vice President stated, “From the beginning, we have been a nation of discovery and innovation — and today we continue in that tradition as Recovery Act investments pave the way for game-changing breakthroughs in transportation, energy, and medical research.”
Read the full story at The White House: Vice President Biden Releases Report on Recovery Act Impact on Innovation
Go to www.mygreenerdawn.com for a free solar evaluation on your home.
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By Court Weisleder, Greener Dawn- www.mygreenerdawn.com
While most Americans traditionally think of the stock market as the shrewdest place to invest, they may be taking a much larger risk for those cherished 8-10% returns than need be. Over the past 10 years, the stock market has fluctuated wildly, proving to be a risky investing environment for independent investors as well as experienced advisors. From 8/18/2000 to 8/18/2010, the NASDAQ has had returns of -45%, the S&P -28%, and the DOW -6%. Dividend reinvestment is not factored into these declines. These numbers reflect the percentage decline in returns over the 10 year period. Not Good!
Now folks will argue that the Dow has returned 9% on average over the last 70 years. However, an investing paradigm shift has occurred due to the recent financial meltdown, the increased regulations in the healthcare and financial sectors, and the urgency Americans feel to rid our dependence on overseas oil which funds a large portion of the global terrorist network. Renewable Energy, particularly Solar, has to become a portion of every homeowner portfolio.
Installing a Solar system on your home is one of the most secure, predictable, and dependable investments available today. Over the next 20 years, Solar is projected to have a return well above 10%. Solar is the smart investment- your house will appreciate because of lower operating expenses, and you produce the power for your home.
Utility rates have increased 6% on average per year for the last 2 decades. Some utilities are now proposing 7% rate increases claiming more strict government regulation and higher insurance costs. Depending on the financing tools utilized, this record low interest rate environment allows Solar owners the ability to lock in a low interest Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or solar lease. A cash purchase is a great option utilizing the 30% Federal tax credit as well as state and utility rebates could pay 50% of the system.
You may, or may not, be surprised at how many consumers overpay each month for their utility bills. How many times have you walked outside to view your electrical meter and matched it up against data on your bill? Due to our antiquated electrical grid among many reasons, utility bills can be incorrectly calculated and consumers often times have no idea the inaccuracies. Solar will allow you to track your energy production as well as your financial payback in real time.
Over the past 10 years, Solar has been one of the most predictable and secure investments available. Break away from the grid, lock in your energy rates, and do your part to save the environment. Receive a complimentary Solar evaluation today with America’s Trusted Source for home energy- Greener Dawn. www.mygreenerdawn.com
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SDG&E is looking to pass on the cost of equipment and infrastructure upgrades to the customers by seeking an increase of nearly $1billion over the next four years. “Among customers of the country’s 30 biggest utilities, only those in New York City and Los Angeles use less power per household than San Diegans. In New York, it’s because they live in small apartments,” says Onell Soto of the Union Tribune. Despite San Diegans low energy usage, they will soon see a 7% yearly rate increase because of the way rates are structured based off equipment and infrastructure estimates from SDG&E. For example, while New Yorkers consume one of the fewest kilowatt hours on a monthly basis, this has led to one of the highest cost per kilowatt in the country. While rate hikes like this are common practice with Utilities, it will still come at a hard financial time for most Americans, during the largest recession of our time. Information taken from the Union Tribune.
 Energy Map of US 
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Although Democrats had introduced another energy bill after the failed Kerry-Lieberman climate bill, it still wasn’t good enough to get passed through the Senate. This watered-down bill (click here to see the contents of the bill) included measures, specifically the removal of the oil spill liability cap, that every Republican and two Democrats were not keen on accepting. Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, announced that he would not bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote before recess.
Environmentalists around the country have a few months to mull over the contents of the energy bill and perhaps lend a hand to creating a more bipartisan bill, hopefully one that will include the Home Star legislation, to get passed by the Senate. However, Democrats have only a short four weeks after their recess to clean up all of their unfinished business. The small business bill, the Bush tax cuts, and the war-funding bill are all on the liberal agenda before campaigns for re-election begin, so we can only hope that energy efficiency is a priority for all members of the Senate.
At this point, all we can do it wait and hope that Home Star, one of the few bills accepted by both parties, makes its way through the Senate within the following months.
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Solar power is perhaps at the forefront of the energy efficiency revolution, and renewable technologies like solar panels and solar water heaters make the switch to go green increasingly tempting; however, many are worried that the benefits of solar energy may not necessarily outweigh the costs.
The price tag for a typical solar electric system is about $20,000, but with the cost around $10 to $12 per watt, you can spend as much or as little as you want to on solar technologies. Additionally, most states offer tax credits and other financial incentives when a homeowner makes use of solar energy, so the price of installation could easily be cut down by thousands of dollars.
The benefits of solar energy reach far beyond the expenses. While it will take about 5 years for you to start saving money on your energy bills, it’s definitely worth the wait. Solar technologies are a one-time investment, so no maintenance is needed after installation—and with a standard lifespan ranging from 25 to 40 years, that’s a whole lot of energy for a small price. Moreover, and most obviously, solar energy is good for the environment. It’s completely natural and reduces some of the biggest threats to a healthy environment: pollution, greenhouse gasses, and consumption of fossil fuels. Solar energy is the future, and it’s an investment that will help you save both money and our planet.
To find out about other energy efficient upgrades for your home or to find a certified BPI energy auditor in your area, visit Greener Dawn at www.gdenergyaudit.com.
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Greener Dawn has gained access to a $360,000 training grant from the California Employment Training Panel to provide Building Performance Institute certification to local contractor firms who are Efficiency First members. Greener Dawn in conjunction with San Diego State University is launching the only local Building Performance Institute certification course in San Diego county on July 10th thru August 22nd. BPI is one of the key certifications recognized by the government for the proposed $6 billion Home Star program which offers up to $8,000 in energy efficiency rebates for homeowners. The grant allows for contractor firms to send employees to the SDSU course and receive a 50% rebate within 90 days of completion of the course. The cost of the course is $2,500 with $1,250 being reimbursed to the contractor firm.
“ Home Star will jumpstart this Residential Energy Efficiency Revolution and implement the proper infrastructure,” says President of Greener Dawn, Courtland Weisleder. “It starts with quality education and training through Building Performance Institute certification. This grant is a great opportunity for local workers to become BPI certified and participate in the upcoming Home Star program at the lowest price in the industry.”
Call today to learn more: 858-345-1390 or view information at http://www.greenerdawn.com/residential/bpi/
Posted by Fan Ding in Uncategorized
Efficiency First – “The proposed HOME STAR energy retrofit program is among several economic initiatives President Obama highlighted this week in an open message to the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate. The June 12 letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell calls for “swift action on several critical priorities that will give our Nation’s small businesses added impetus to hire and grow and address the devastating economic impact of budget cuts at the state and local levels that are leading to massive layoffs of teachers, police and firefighters.”
The letter describes the President’s priorities as follows (emphasis ours):
‘The small business legislation that I have called for includes a new lending initiative to help creditworthy firms access loans through community banks and innovative state partnerships. It also calls for the complete elimination of capital gains on small business investments so that small business owners have even greater incentives to expand and create good jobs in their communities. Also important are proposals to bolster our infrastructure and create clean energy jobs here in the United States, including the Home Star program of rebates for home improvements and additional tax credits for clean energy manufacturing here in America, both of which have the potential to unlock private sector investment. All of these targeted, temporary measures are directed at spurring private investment and are cost-effective ways of spurring job creation.’”
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Greener Dawn has aligned with Efficiency First, the BIA (Building Industry of America), and NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) as we strive to push the residential energy efficiency industry down this homestretch to HomeStar. As a special thank you to the three associations for their hard work in promoting energy efficiency in residential homes, Greener Dawn will be offering a $50 discount on BPI Training to all Efficiency First, BIA and NARI members.
Greener Dawn has become a Capitol Circle Member of Efficiency First, a national nonprofit trade association that unites the Home Performance workforce, building product manufacturers and related businesses and organizations in the escalating fight against global warming and rising energy costs. Efficiency First represents its members in public policy discussions at the state and national levels, to promote the benefits of efficiency retrofitting and to help our industry grow to meet unprecedented demand for quality residential energy improvements. In addition to our membership, Greener Dawn’s President Courtland Weisleder will serve on the Business Model National Committee as well as the San Diego Chapter Sterling Committee.
Greener Dawn has become a member of BIA (Building Industry of America), a non-profit trade association that represents the employees and firms associated with the Residential Sector. From government lobbying to local market trends, the BIA helps shape the growing residential sector with their influence and experience. The BIA has a dedicated workforce researching government policies, which will prove invaluable detailing the benefits of the HomeStar legislation. Greener Dawn is also a sponsor at the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) even in Santa Fe, New Mexico through August 4th-7th so check back here for more details on this huge industry event.
NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) is the largest Association in the remodeling industry, a key aspect to the energy efficient retrofits BPI Certified Professionals will be performing on houses. NARI’s mission is to promote and advance the professionalism, products and vital public purpose of residential remodeling. Greener Dawn is very proud to become a member and nationwide sponsor of NARI. We will also be providing a online webinar to their member base this month so check in soon for more details.
Visit www.bpitrainingnow.com and Call Today (858) 345-1390 to get your Code for $50 Off!
Posted by Fan Ding in Uncategorized
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