Three Point Plan to Stimulate America's Economy

The Alternative Energy Association Announces Three Point Plan to Stimulate America's Economy

PALM BEACH, Fla.--The Alternative Energy Association, Inc., a Florida-based non-profit organization has announced its Three Point Plan to stimulate the American economy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create millions of new jobs.

The Three Point Plan focuses on three solutions which relate to fuel efficient vehicles, solar power and wind energy. Highlights of the plan include bailout limitations on the Big 3 American automobile manufacturers, solar and wind energy requirements for government buildings, advanced solar financing plans, and government subsidies for wind energy infrastructure.

The Alternative Energy Association is in the process of planning the creation of 50 state chapters, along with multiple college-based chapters. These state and college chapters will be charged with the responsibility of working with their state’s members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, state legislatures and local governments to create legislation to accomplish these goals, on a grassroots basis.

IMPLEMENT THE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ASSOCIATION’S 3 POINT PLAN TO SAVE AMERICA

Reduce, or eliminate, our need for foreign oil, create millions of jobs and stimulate our economy NOW by following the AEA’s 3 POINT PLAN.

Point One: Transportation. America's most immediate energy problem is a liquid fuels issue affecting the transportation sector. Bail out the Big 3 auto makers only if they agree to stop producing any passenger vehicle that does not get at least 25 mpg and give them greater incentives to build vehicles that get 40+ mpg. 60% of all daily vehicle usage in the U.S. consists of less than 30 miles of travel. Plug in hybrid vehicles use an electric motor for travel up to 40 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in, which reduces gasoline usage so that some vehicles can even get up to 100 mpg. BUT, we are still using foreign oil. By using existing technology, not unproven theory, we can create plug in hybrids that run on electricity and domestic natural gas, not gasoline made from foreign drilled oil. Today we have a supply of 118 years worth of natural gas in America. Follow this plan and there will be enough natural gas for 300 plus years – and no foreign oil will be used. Stop sending $600 billion to $1.5 trillion out of the U.S. every year.

Point Two: Solar. One-half of all solar panels manufactured in the world go to Germany. Why? Because of German feed-in-tariff legislation that makes it financially beneficial for homes and businesses to install solar equipment. Eight U.S. states are contemplating similar legislation, and a local variety of this plan is being implemented in Gainesville, Florida. Make Congress pass federal legislation mandating the same plan and provide financing to new solar panel manufacturers. Widespread use of solar will create millions of jobs in the U.S. in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Use of solar in federal and state buildings should be mandated NOW, so that government leads the way. Extend the 2008 Economic Stimulus Act provisions that provide tax incentives for commercial solar and implement the financing plan used by some municipalities to help finance solar for residential use. Create government loan guarantees like the ones used by the Small Business Administration to finance solar equipment.

Point Three: Wind Power. The wind corridor from New Mexico/Texas north through the Dakotas can produce enough wind power to generate electricity not only for all of the United States, but for all of Canada and Mexico. Wouldn’t it be nice to export power for a change? Wind power infrastructure will also create millions of jobs in the U.S. and must be built to distribute the power throughout the country. This is the world’s cheapest and fastest-growing new energy source, along with being clean and renewable. Make Congress provide incentives for wind power infrastructure the way it did for the telecommunications infrastructure and the way it provided subsidies to oil companies for decades.

The Alternative Energy Association is in the process of planning the creation of 50 state chapters, along with multiple college-based chapters. These state and college chapters will be charged with the responsibility of working with their state’s members of House and Senate, state legislatures and local governments to create legislation to make this happen on a grassroots basis.

For those desiring to learn more about energy issues and possible solutions to our energy situation, download the AEA's free publication “The Energy Revolution – 277 Things Every American Needs to Know About the New Energy Paradigm” at http://www.alternativeenergyassn/freeenergyrevolution.html

Article from www.alternativeenergyassn.com/home.html

Bob Gentile Solar Energy Consultant, Abundant Energy Inc. www.Solar-FL.com

Sunshine "rising" State towards clean energy & it's time!!

Florida could create more than 120,000 new jobs by investing in clean energy.

Gov. Charlie Crist last year launched Florida's efforts to control carbon. He called for the state's utilities to get 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy by 2020 and proposed a carbon cap-and-trade system to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions.

Obama's energy proposals

• Help create 5-million new jobs by investing $150-billion over the next 10 years to boost private efforts to increase clean-energy production.

• Within 10 years, save more oil than the United States currently imports from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.

• Put 1-million plug-in hybrid cars — cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon — on the road by 2015.

• Ensure 10 percent of the country's electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.

• Implement an economywide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

Bob Gentile Solar Energy Consultant with Abundant Energy Inc. www.Solar-FL.com

No you did not say it's a NO Brainer?!! Did you?

Is what I said to the prospect during my Presentation last week...

He said "Yup Bob this is a NO Brainer" Well being that the customer is always right, I agreed with him :-) as we set up an installation date.

(Below is what we went over as I was breaking down the investment of a Solar Hot Water System)

Now I believe as a Solar Energy Consultant for Abundant Energy, Inc. that Solar Hot Water is one of the VERY best ways to lower your electric bill. I believe it truly is a "No Brainer" for many homes in FL, not all but for a large majority. So while I will never say that directly to the prospect, it's really nice to hear them say "It's a No Brainer Bob" :-) (hence the reason for this post)

I Hope the information below at least gives you some more insight on the benefits of a Solar Hot Water System and why many Floridians are moving towards FREE Hot Water "CLEAN Sunshine Energy" every day.


Solar Hot Water collector on a Palm Beach County Home
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How can I pocket up to $16,200 over the next 20 years?

The $16,200 is an estimate using the current information we have collected from government sites. This is not a promise and might not apply in your particular circumstances.

How did we calculate that?

The yearly electricity avg. savings are between $600 and $960 - (monthly $50 - $80 (Source: Department of Environment and Natural Resources).

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the life of a solar hot water system to be between 15 and 20 years.

So in an ideal scenario, you could save $960 per year x 20 years, which is $19,200. We can install a solar hot water system on avg. $2,000 - $3,000 (after rebates and depending on your location and needs). Deducting the roughly $3,000 off the $19,200 leaves a potential profit of $16,200.

How else could you calculate it?

As you can see this calculation is the ideal scenario. Assuming that only $600 are saved per year ($50 per month) and the system lasts 15 years, the total savings would be $9,000. There are systems that might cost around $4,000 fully installed (again after rebates). Only a profit of $5,000.

So this scenario is not as profitable. What we have NOT considered is the NEVER ENDING rising
electricity prices. (FPL latest increases total 19% from August, 2008 to January 2009). So obviously your profits will be higher.

Thinking further

However, even in this most negative scenario, you are still better off getting a solar hot water system than not doing anything - just financially. Taking the environmental impacts into account: 3,000 kg of CO2 saved each year (25% of household greenhouse co2 emissions) makes it an excellent proposition and good example for kids & grand-kids.


How long does a Solar Water Heater last?


No one can give an exact estimate of how long a solar water heater lasts. Just the same as for any other technical appliance.

However, here is what the Environmental Protection Agency says about solar water heater lifespans:

“A solar hot water system normally lasts 15 to 20 years, which is up to double the life of an electric system. They are a well-proven product and have experienced substantial development over the past decade, with newer models expected to last even longer.”

According to Sue Roaf, author of “The Ecohouse 2 - A Design Guide” (Architectural Press, 2003) writes:
“A good liquid solar collector should have a life expectancy of 20-30 years. Most of the collectors built since 1980 are manufactured with materials that should give a 30-50 year lifespan.”

What follows is that the tank might need replacement before the collectors. As they are two separate pieces only connected by plumbing, it is quite simple to do that.

The owner from Abundant Energy Inc. is going on his 18th year of his Solar
Hot Water System. Yes, That's a lot of FREE Hot Water.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For more info. about Solar Hot Water contact Bob Gentile 561.732.5181 from Abundant Energy, Inc. Find out if a Solar Energy System makes sense for your home and or business.

How Solar Energy Panels Work ? Photovoltaic PV

You have options to lower Electric Bills -Benefits of Solar Hot Water

You don't really have a choice when it comes to increases, Like you Water & Sewer Bill, Trash Removal, Basic Cable, Home Owners Association fees etc... You just have to Pay the increased rates... and cut back in other areas like going out to Dinner less, staying home on your two week vacation, try to carpool more to cut back on gas costs.

Well GOOD NEWS with your Electric Bill, You DO have Options to combat the never ending increases from FPL.(see latest increases here)

The very best way to LOWER your electric bills immediately is to part ways from that "ENERGY HOG" called your "Electric" Hot Water tank and move over to a Solar Hot Water system... You will save $70-$90 per month immediately ($80 x 12 months = $960 x 5 years is almost $5000 and that doesn't factor in any FPL increases, so it's actaully way over $5000 and probably closer to $6000.

When you invest in a Solar Hot Water System it puts you on the road to FREE Hot Water with a payback of 2 - 3 years and we all know how fast the years go bye....bye :-(

The Benefits to you:

• Reduce your energy bills by 30%
• Environmentally friendly
• Make a difference by helping to reduce greenhouse emissions by reducing your dependency on your electric or gas water heater
• Add Value to your home and if you sell your home, It's Nice to say "THIS HOUSE has FREE Hot Water". A way better upgrade then new carpet & fresh paint, even though that helps as well.
• Extends the expected life of your residential hot water tank.
• Qualifies for the 30% Federal Tax Credits
  

A Solar Hot Water System from Abundant Energy, Inc. is a great way you can offset the never ending increases. An average savings with Solar Hot Water per month is $70-$90, your payback is 2-3 years.

After that you can say “I have FREE Hot water”


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For more info. about Solar Hot Water contact Bob Gentile 561.732.5181 from Abundant Energy, Inc. Find out if Solar makes sense for your home or not

Profit on Solar?!Could be some Amazing news FL Residents & Businesses

Gainesville Considers German Solar Tariff

In a move that would emulate Germany's feed-in tariff, a utility in Gainesville, Fla., could become the first to pay residents and businesses for solar power.

by: Jennifer Kho October 14, 2008

Gainesville, Fla., is poised to become the first U.S. city to adopt incentives similar to the ones that made the German solar market the largest – by far – in the world.

Gainesville Regional Utilities has drawn up a plan for a feed-in tariff, in which it would buy all the electricity that solar-power systems generate for a set rate guaranteed for 20 years from the time a project is installed.

The plan would pay 26 cents per kilowatt hour, according to Mike Antheil, acting director for the Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy.

While California already has a feed-in tariff, for instance, it only allows residents to offset their electricity bills – not to make money if they sell more power than they use.

"This is really a historic moment," Kellyn Eberhardt, an associate with the Environmental Defense Fund, told The Gainesville Sun. "This is the first time in North America that a municipally owned utility is considering a feed-in-tariff policy."

At the Solar Power International conference in San Diego on Tuesday, Roy Ratner, director of operations at Atlas Solar Innovations, also said it's an important step.

"This is very exciting," he said. "This could be the catalyst for big change. ... Policy has to come before everything."

According to the Sun, city commissioners on Monday asked the utility to draft an ordinance to try to get the tariff passed as early as Jan. 1.

The move means the tariff is very likely to pass, Antheil said.

"Once the commissions say to draft that up, it's pretty much a done deal," he said. "Business as usual, these are the formal steps we have to go through. But once the first step begins, it usually pretty much follows like dominoes and this is what we'd like to see here."

He said he has no doubt this will not only go through, but it will spark movement in the rest of Florida.

"Nobody wants to be left in the dust on something like this," he said. "This is going to spark an almost 'Don't be left behind' thing among the different cities and municipalities. I think this is a great move for Florida. It's a phenomenal start."

While he isn't certain about the Gainesville tariff, which seems to target solar power specifically, Antheil said his group hopes more renewable-energy sources will be included in future plans and in other areas. He also expects most tariffs will decrease over time to push costs toward competitiveness with traditional energy sources.

According to the Sun, the Gainesville feed-in tariff would end the current cash rebate of $1.50 per watt for solar-electric panels and also would eliminate a program that turns customers' meter backwards when they feed power into the grid.

The cost of the program would be distributed among customers as an increase in the utility's "fuel adjustment rate," which is determined by the amount the utility spends on coal and natural gas each month, The Gainsville Sun reported.

If the program results in the installation of 1 megawatt of solar equipment each year for the next 20 years, customers would see a rate increase of less than 1 percent per customer by 2029, according to the utility.

Large incentives have the tendency to be more successful than expected (see Big Renewable-Energy Subsidies Backfire).

But Antheil said even in Germany, the largest solar market today, the tariff costs customers the equivalent of a load of bread – some $2 to $3 – per month.

"This is a spark that is going to create competition amongst the different municipalities and show Florida that right now, we have an opportunity to lead the rest of the country when it comes to job creation, energy independence and environmental stewardship," he said. "We have the chance to set the roadmap, to create the blueprint. I hope Gov. Crist and the rest of the municipalities take the opportunity to launch us onto the world stage in this area."

Few examples of local increases in Palm Beach

Here are just a few examples of local increases in Palm Beach County which you don’t have much control of, you just have to pay it and find other ways to cut your costs.

Palm Beachers turn up noses at West Palm Beach water
By WILLIAM KELLY Palm Beach Daily News Staff Writer Tuesday,
October 07, 2008

Nine out of 10 said they oppose the 48 percent water rate hike that appeared on their July bills. That increase was in addition to four planned hikes, of 9.75 percent each, on Oct. 1 of this year, 2009, 2010 and 2011, the city said in April. The city said the higher rates are needed to make up for revenue lost to reduce water usage because of drought-related watering restrictions.

READ THEIR LIPS: NO BOCA TAX INCREASE, BUT….
Sunday, September 28, 2008

There will be additional fees including $5 per month trash fee, $10 increase in fire assessment fee for homeowners, water and sewer rate increase of 5.8% and 2% water and sewer electricity surcharge. The new library project has been moved to the 2009-2010 fiscal year in the city’s capital improvement budget. Beginning the library now, the city manager said, would cause next year’s tax to go up by 2%, counting debt service and library operations.

DELRAY BEACH: Water rates to rise $5-$6
September 22, 2008

Effective Oct. 1, water prices will increase, with the average customer paying $5-$6 more per month. Officials point to the higher cost of chemicals to treat water and a reduction in use for the rate increase. Handling sewage also got more expensive. The rate will go from about $33 a month to about $35 depending on how much water you use. Sewage fees will go up to $51 per month from $45. Garbage and trash collection will rise from $3.06 to $6.14; recycling from $1.67 to $2.50; and yard trash from $2.13 to $2.50.

A Solar Hot Water System from Abundant Energy, Inc. is a great way you can offset the never ending increases. An average savings with Solar Hot Water per month is $70-$90, your payback is 2-3 years.

After that you can say “I have FREE Hot water”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more info. about Solar Hot Water contact Bob Gentile 561.732.5181 from Abundant Energy, Inc. Find out if Solar makes sense for your home or not.

FL projected increase in your electric bill now Nineteen %

Here is what to expect by June 2009' not good ... 19% increase

August: The typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour monthly bill will increase about 8 percent, from $102.63 to $110.77.

January: The 1,000-kilowatt-hour bill will jump another 9 percent to $120.93, with $2.51 of the increase going for FPL's nuclear plant expansions.

June: The 1,000-kilowatt-hour bill will increase to $122.36, including the $2.51 nuclear charge and $1.43 for the West County Energy Center's Unit 1 near Loxahatchee.

Click on pic to enlarge FPL Rate Increases Chart from 2003- 2009

It's time to look into Solar more closely... please email or call to see if a solar system makes sense for your budget or not.

Sincerely,

Bob Gentile

Solar Energy Consultant

Abundant Energy, Inc.

Office: 561.732.5181
Email: solarnow@bellsouth.net

"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist,
or accept the responsibility for changing them." ~ Denis Waitley

Solar power's popularity is heating up -

Solar power's popularity is heating up - Daytona Beach News-Journal

Sunday, 24 August 2008 Commercial/Residential Projects

ORMOND BEACH -- Solar power technology, once exclusively used for hot water heaters and raising the swimming pool temperature a few degrees, is now powering homes, may soon power cities and may even be collected from outer space.

"The technology has been around for 25 years or so," said Andy Barbaro, vice president of Wayne's Solar. "What's made it more popular is the increased efficiency, and the rising cost of electricity has made it more affordable. It's not for the millionaires anymore. But what's really driving the increase here are the state rebates and federal tax credits. They can pay for almost half the cost."

Installing thermal solar panels was Wayne Phillips' main business for more than 25 years, along with other solar businesses in Volusia and Flagler counties. But, about half of Phillips' business now is installing solar electric panels -- known as photovoltaic cells -- to provide homemade electricity. Business is up about 30 percent from last year.

"Building homes with pools was big business around here for a long time, but that is hurting now," Phillips said. "The solar electric panels have really taken off in just the last year and a half."

Thermal solar panels have been used in Florida since the 1940s to heat water for showers and washing the dishes. Larger systems were designed to heat pools to extend the swimming season a few months. The panels functioned like a radiator. Water, either stored on or pumped to the roof, runs through a set of tubes heated by the sun.

Solar pool heaters still function the same way, but home water heaters have improved through the years where hot water can be stored in heaters with computerized sensors regulating when water is sent to the roof collector for heating -- usually during the day when the sun is shining.

The early solar water-heating systems are intended to save homeowners money, but they can cost money, Barbaro said. If water is taken from the ground at 72 degrees and run through rooftop pipes during cooler night temperatures, the water must be reheated, using conventional electricity.

A new home solar water-heating system costs between $2,000 and $2,800, but could reduce electrical bills 20 to 30 percent, he said.

The popularity of solar electric systems has also created new jobs because licensed contractors must install the systems for a homeowner to be eligible for rebates and tax credits. The number of persons sitting for contractor classes and tests is soaring, said Bruce Kershner, executive director of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association.

"The numbers have gone from less than a 10 a year to a couple hundred this year. You would not see an increase like that unless there is a demand," he said.

Roof-top mounted solar electric panels can reduce electrical bills from 30 to 80 percent depending on the number of 3-by-5 foot photovoltaic panels. System costs start at about $8,000 for a minimal 2,000 watt system that generates 2 kilowatts an hour when the sun is shining. It may take eight or more years of savings off the electrical bill to pay for the installation.

However, with the rebates, a 25-year warranty on panels that may last 40 years, the economic benefits are obvious, Barbaro said.

Lou and Judy DePaul of Ormond Beach initially got a thermal water heater about a year ago and then recently added a large solar electric system to their 1,800-square-foot home.

""We liked the results from the water heater, so we added the electric," Judy said. ""We saw a $35 electric bill the first month. We love it."

To encourage more use of renewable energy, Florida started a solar rebate program in 2006. The legislature approved $3.5 million last fiscal year and $5 million this year.

Homeowners can get a solar electric rebate of $4 a watt up to $20,000. A commercial project could see a solar electric rebate up to $100,000. Rebates of $500 a home and $5,000 a business are available for thermal water heaters and $100 for a home pool-water heater.

A swarm of applications exhausted last year's pot. This year's money paid off last year's waiting list and was quickly exhausted. A new list is developing. The program is slated to expire in 2010.

Federal incentives provide $2,000 tax credits for solar electric and thermal water heaters, but none for pool heaters. That program expires at the end of the year and renewal has been difficult. Congress has failed eight times to pass a new bill.

Progress Energy provides a $450 credit to offset the purchase of a solar water heater. Florida Power & Light does not have a rebate program.

""Solar struggled for years with pool heaters and some hot-water heaters," Kershner said. "Rebates and tax credits make it more cost effective. If we don't have the tax credits extended and adequate money for rebates, it will severely cripple the industry. Any renewable energy source is expensive to provide and it needs time and incentives for it to be successful."

Most solar electric panels do not provide all of a home's electrical needs. That would require many batteries and be costly, Barbaro said. Instead, he looks to reach the rebate levels and then work with customers to tailor a system. However, during peak electrical generating periods -- bright sunny days while the homeowners are at work -- the system could be adding power to the electrical grid and be making money for the homeowner as power companies are required to buy the surplus power at retail prices.

While most solar energy equipment retailers are focused on retrofitting existing homes with thermal and electrical systems, a few homebuilders are starting to make solar systems optional amenities to new homes. It's cheaper to add the systems during construction.

Shea Homes builds "green" homes in the Victoria Gardens section of Victoria Park in southeast DeLand. Solar-powered attic fans, dual-pane windows and motion/occupancy sensor lighting are standard features. The California-based company also is offering solar electric systems to new homeowners, even a free $30,000 package through Aug. 31.

"We have been building green for a long time. This is just an extension of our green efforts. It just makes sense as the next step," said Jeff Gersh, Shea Homes area vice president. "It also brings added awareness to the benefits of solar technologies."

For some, the goal is to build a self-sufficient solar powered home.

Progress Energy has teamed with the Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida Brevard campus and Palm Harbor Homes to build a manufactured home with a roof outfitted with solar electric panels. The program wants to combine the efficiency of mass produced housing with advances in photovoltaic-panel technology.

The team is studying the six homes it built in 2001 and placed around the coastal county.

Progress Energy and Florida Power & Light are working on larger projects as well to reduce the use of coal, natural gas and oil.

Last month, a state agency approved a $17 billion plan for the company to build two nuclear power reactions in Levy County with the hope of having them operational by 2017.

FPL at the same time gained permission to build three solar power facilities for $688 million in Brevard, Martin and DeSoto counties. The plants would produce 110 megawatts (110,000 kilowatts). When the announcement was made, the plants would generate the most power from the sun and would power about 35,000 homes.

That changed last week when California-based companies Sunpower and Optisolar announced plans to build two solar plants to produce 800 megawatts of power. That is equal to a small nuclear or a large coal plant. It is 10 times the amount of power from any existing solar power plant. It would power 239,000 homes.

The debate over solar and other none-oil based power system has grown to be one of the top issues in this year's presidential campaign.

But solar power dreams are limited to the planet.

Collecting solar power in outer space, where there are no clouds and the sun shines all the time, was considered during the 1970s by NASA and the Department of Energy. Costs were prohibitive then, but as the cost of energy continues to climb, it is becoming more of a possibility.

The major hurdle, along with getting to and working in space, is how to transmit the collected energy to earth, according to Pravna Mehta, director of India operations for Space Island Group, a company developing solar satellites.

"The cost of energy is not going down, that's for sure," Barbaro said. "Every little bit helps."

Payoffs Energize Solar Power

$2,000-$2,800 Cost of a new home solar water-heating system

20%-30% Percentage that electric bills can be reduced by solar panels

$8,000 and up Cost to install roof-mounted solar panel system

8 years + For roof-mounted system to pay off

30%-80% Percentage that electrical bills can be reduced with roof-mounted solar panels

Florida Rebate Program

Florida started a solar rebate program in 2006, which expires in 2010.

Up to $20,000 Rebate for Florida homeowners at $4 a watt

Up to $100,000 Rebate for Florida business owners

$500 Rebate for home thermal water heaters

$5,000 Rebate for business thermal water heaters

$100 Rebate for a home pool-water heater

$2,000 Federal tax credits for solar electric and thermal water heaters (program expires this year)

New Study Shows Extending Solar Tax Credits Will Create Jobs....

New Study Shows Extending Solar Tax Credits Will Create Jobs, Increase Investment
If Congress Passes Bill, 440,000 permanent jobs will be supported by the U.S. solar energy industry by 2016.

Sept. 15, 2008
WASHINGTON, Sept 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A new economic study issued today by Navigant Consulting, Inc., shows that more than 1.2 million employment opportunities, including 440,000 permanent jobs, and $232 billion in investment would be supported in the U.S. by the solar energy sector alone through 2016 if Congress extends the solar investment tax credit (ITC) for 8 years.
"By extending the solar investment tax credits, Congress can provide an immediate boost to the floundering U.S. economy by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and injecting billions of dollars of new investment capital into the economy, while at the same time driving down energy costs for consumers," said Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), based in Washington, D.C. "The solar energy industry creates jobs that are the foundation of our economy -- jobs for manufacturers, construction workers, engineers, roofers, electricians, and plumbers. These jobs are needed now and Congress is in a position to extend the ITC and ensure that these jobs are created here in the U.S."

According to the study, by 2016, the solar energy industry would create 440,000 permanent U.S. jobs with much of the direct growth occurring in domestic manufacturing, construction and the trades. This figure reveals the strength of the solar job creation engine when compared to the current 79,000 direct employees of the coal mining industry and the 136,000 direct employees in oil and gas extraction.
"There is the potential to create significant U.S. employment and investment opportunities," said Jay Paidipati, Managing Consultant at Chicago-based Navigant Consulting, Inc. "An 8-year extension of the ITC would allow the market to maintain or possibly exceed its current growth rate."
Because solar energy components are manufactured near its markets, extending the ITC would create manufacturing and installation jobs in all 50 states. The states that would enjoy the largest economic boost are California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

Similarly, the economies of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and the rest of the Great Lakes region would grow significantly from solar energy if Congress passes the ITC extension. This area of the country has suffered greatly from a huge decline in jobs in the automotive and traditional manufacturing industries.
"In the next week Congress will be voting on energy tax legislation and we strongly urge Congress to seize this opportunity to extend the solar investment tax credit for 8 years now before leaving for the campaign trail," said Resch.

Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

FPL nuclear plans carry big costs to pass on to YOU

Florida Power & Light planning to build the state's first new nuclear-power plants since the 1980s. Each plant will cost billions of dollars, with customers being asked to start paying for them in 2009.

· 2009 costs:

FPL wants to collect $221 million from customers next year to pay for the initial phases of the project and to help upgrade already-existing nuclear plants. That would add $2.13 a month to the bills of residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.

This is an ADDITION to normal rate increases each year.

Take more Control of your Electricity Costs... Go Solar!

COMPLETE article details here.

Solar hot water heaters...

Solar hot water heaters are ideally suited for families and heavy users of domestic hot water. The key opportunity is that water is heated for free, meaning guilt-free and bill-free hot showers for everyone. Family-sized consumers of hot water benefit most from these systems because the displacement of hot water heating costs is the measure of system payback.

For example, a family of four will have significant demand for hot water for bathing, dishes and washing. When not using solar, the energy costs for providing hot water to a household like this is significant. Therefore the return on investment, measured in displaced utility costs, is significant.

Imagine selling your home with solar hot water, and being able to say, “This home comes with free domestic hot water.” The most powerful part of this sales pitch is the math. Comparing the operational costs associated with heating the same water volume using electricity or natural gas allows your Realtor to demand a higher price for your home.

Every home owner who currently has an electric powered hot water tank should consider migrating to one or both of these technologies immediately – the investment is a no-brainer. Anyone using a gas-fired hot water heater should consider switching, because these systems are the emerging standard and you don’t want to be left behind. There are significant Tax Credits & State Rebates available for homeowners who invest in these systems.

Top 10 Reasons to Plug into the Sun Today!

A domestic solar water heating system.

10) Qualifies for financial incentives. Take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit that is scheduled to expire December 31, 2008. Using our certified systems, Florida homeowners also qualify for a $500 cash rebate and there’s no sales tax on solar appliances.

9) Saves money each month. Heating hot water represents as much as one third of the monthly power bill for a family of four. Virtually all of a family’s hot water can come from the sun.

8) Saves energy. Solar energy greatly reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and makes America more energy independent.

7) Uses a renewable source. The sun provides clean, quiet, free energy that is renewable with each sunrise.

6) Doesn’t pollute. Enough said.

5) Pays for itself. With financial incentives, a family of four can pay off their complete system in less than three years. For those expecting to replace their water heaters, the payoff is even quicker.

4) Is reliable. Our solar water heating systems are a proven technology using copper piping and flashing, and come with an 80-gallon water heater with a back-up heating element. We warranty all of our work so you get the best solar system in the solar system.

3) Is durable. Our employees trained in-house to install our panels to meet all building codes. While no one can guarantee performance during a hurricane, our systems have survived recent storms intact.

2) Is the safest, most profitable home improvement. Our systems provide excellent returns, year after year without fees, taxes or risk to your principal. They improve your home’s value, can be financed through mortgages, and will not raise your property taxes in Florida.

1) Is the right thing to do. Take a decisive step towards saving money, energy and the world. Your family, your accountant and your planet will thank you.

Enjoy hot water that is carefree, guilt-free, pollution-free and free-free. Call today for a free estimate on how to stay in hot water year round. 561-732-5181

7 Ways to Convince Your Spouse to Go Solar

So you’re ready to go solar but your spouse isn’t. Convince your spouse to make the investment that’s good for the environment and, ultimately, healthy for your pocketbook. Here are 7 no-fail arguments:

1. They’re practical. If you’ve got enough money saved up for a tropical vacation with first-class seats and five-star lodging, consider putting the money towards a practical solar panel system instead. With federal incentives, you get a chunk of your investment back, and with lower utility bills from month to month, you will be able to save up for another vacation in no time. In the meanwhile, flying coach isn’t bad.
2. He’ll have one of the most sought after homes on the block, even in a troubled economy. According to a recent L.A. Times article, homes equipped with solar power are selling fast, and they raise the value of your home.
3. Relying on solar power doesn’t mean he needs to sacrifice residential luxuries. Your husband can still watch TV and use the dishwasher. Reduce your electrical needs because you want to conserve energy, not because the solar system isn’t capable. In fact, college kids in the Solar Decathlon built homes that can keep the computer and TV on for up to 5 hours, all without a backup grid.
4. He can relocate to a remote mountain cabin. Or at least dream about it. Solar systems are capable of operation off-the-grid, so those who live in remote areas need not depend on conventional power.
5. He’ll get his money’s worth. Solar power systems utilize the most recent technology available, withstanding hail and snow, and proving reliable for upwards of 20 years.
6. They’re commitment free, and they come in many different options. Passive solar power systems won’t take up your husband’s Sunday afternoons with maintenance and repair. Once they’re installed, they essentially run themselves. You can choose from a myriad of passive solar options, from windows to walls to floors.
7. They come with a whole new set of high tech toys, including free web-based tools and handheld devices that measure sun concentrations on every end of your property.

Going Solar by Renee

FPL's rates to increase 16 percent

Business & Home Owners you can now GO Green and lower your FPL Bill forever!

Time to Ask yourself...

Do you think FPL rates are going to go Up or Down over the next 10 years?

How much MORE are you willing to pay FPL before you think about Solar. There is NO end in sight of FPL rate increases (see article below)

Solar Systems are now an affordable "REAL" option - State and Federal Tax Credits Apply

**Federal Tax Credits rebates expire this year - don't miss out**

Financing now available...

PLUG your home or business into the SUN and get on the path towards FREE Clean energy ...

Added bonus YOU WILL reduce your carbon footprint for your children's, children's future!!

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Florida Power & Light customers should brace for two boosts in their monthly electric bills, the first coming in August.

The state Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved FPL's request for a 16 percent price increase, but delayed half of it until January.

The increase will help FPL raise the extra $746 million it needs to cover higher-than-expected fuel costs from late 2007 to 2008.

Commissioners rejected the power company's request for the full price jump next month because consumers already are coping with increases in food and transportation costs.

The fuel fee increase means that in August residential customers of FPL, the state's largest utility, will see a monthly boost from $102.63 to $110.77 for using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of power, slightly less than what the average customer uses. In January, the monthly electric bill will increase to $118.42 for the second half of the fuel charge.

Florida utilities typically propose fuel cost adjustments annually, but can revise them mid-year if their projections are off by 10 percent or more. By state law, they are not allowed to earn profits on the fuel fees passed to customers.

Utility customers, including representatives of businesses and school districts, told public service commissioners sitting in Tallahassee the rate increase would have ripple effects for Florida's economy.

"The word 'shock' has been used a lot [today] but I can tell you we were shocked," said Jaime Torrens, chief facilities officer for Miami-Dade County schools. Torres said the district is one the state's biggest employers and has been forced to lay off employees, shut down schools completely during summer vacations and cut educational programs to deal with major budget cuts in recent years. "This is a very traumatic situation for our board...Every dollar we cut is coming from the classroom."

After about five hours of heated debate about fuel charges for FPL and Progress Energy Florida, which serves Central Florida, commissioners approved the proposed increases by a vote of 3 to 2. They also delayed half of Progress' 8 percent increase.

"We understand this is very painful for the customer. We hate to do these increases," FPL spokesman Mayco Villafana said. "We know the pain and today's decision is not ... a victory for anyone. It is what's happening in worldwide fuel markets."

Commissioner Katrina McMurrian voted against the increases because she said they should all be implemented next month, rather than delaying part of the increase until next year when consumers will be hit with other fee hikes. Commissioner Nancy Argenziano also voted against the hikes because she wants an investigation of the utilities' finances, including profits and executives' salaries, before approving the full increases.

"At some point, never ending rate increases have got to be controlled. We have to allow our regulated entities to recover the cost of service, and remain strong, healthy, and in business,'' McMurrian said. "But the current structure of automatic fuel, conservation, and environmental cost pass-throughs - with the addition of nuclear and renewables construction next year - cannot continue in isolation. It is time for us to look at the entire structure of a utility's rates, not in isolated piece-parts, but in totality."

In addition to the additional fuel costs, FPL residential customers will see another $2.51 cents tacked on their monthly bills in January for nuclear plant costs, bringing the bills for customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month to $120.93. That will jump to 122.32 in June to help pay for a new natural gas generator in Loxahatchee.

Late Tuesday, commissioners also started discussing FPL's Sunshine Energy program, in which about 39,000 customers pay an extra $9.75 per month for alternative energy. PSC staffers have blasted the program for spending about 76 percent of $11.4 million collected from FPL customers on marketing and administrative costs instead of renewable energy. Commissioners started discussing options such as refunds for customers and limits on what FPL can spend on marketing.

Although FPL's power grid does not separate renewable energy from other energy types, FPL created the Sunshine Energy program in 2004 to allow customers to contribute to the utility's alternative-energy projects.

Mike Twomey, a lawyer for AARP, the senior citizens advocacy group, said he suspects most customers wouldn't sign up for the project if they knew that three-fourths of the money collected from them went to administrative costs and that some of the rest of the money went to projects outside of Florida.

"But I've got a more fundamental question,'' he said. "I have to wonder why it took [regulators] so long to realize what FPL was doing. This thing should've been audited the first year and every year after.''

By Julie Patel, Sun-Sentinel July 1, 2008

Keep tax credit program alive for wind, solar energy

With both political parties now positioning themselves as the agents of "change" in Washington, D.C., it would be nice to actually see some.

Congress could start by stop shooting itself — and the country — in the collective foot by approving legislation to continue the tax credit program that has created a boom in wind and solar energy projects.

It is a boom in danger of being derailed by political infighting that prevents a clean vote on the program.

It also provides a lesson in "control" of Congress. The reality is that control of the Senate requires 61 votes. No party that can't muster that many votes is really in control, and the Democrats currently do not have 61 votes without Republican support.

At the moment, a bipartisan group of senators — eight Democrats and eight Republicans — is bucking the leadership on both sides of the aisle to push a compromise that would renew the tax credits while also allowing limited expansion of offshore drilling (which should not include the Gulf Coast of Florida).

The two ought not to be tied together, and Republicans are to blame for risking continuing advances in wind and solar in an effort to force more drilling. One should not depend on the other.

But the stakes are too high to allow partisan gridlock to derail needed advances in wind and solar.

These projects not only will help produce the energy to help wean us from foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they also create jobs and drive advances in energy technology.

As oil reserves dwindle, it should be obvious that future economic power will accrue to those nations that lead in the production of alternative energy. It is the new economic frontier, and if the United States doesn't lead, someone else will.

Some Democrats oppose the proposed compromise because they don't want to allow any expansion of offshore drilling; some Republicans oppose it because they don't want any limits.

The Democrats could call the Republicans' bluff and let them risk taking the blame for hampering development of wind and solar energy. But given their lousy record on energy independence, the Republicans might be dumb enough to do it.

It's time for both sides to get off their duffs and do something positive to keep the United States at the forefront of alternative energy.

The Pensacola News Journal

How Solar Water Heaters Work to Save You Money

Like the name implies, solar water heaters use energy from the sun to heat water. Initially, the cost of a solar water heater is high, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. In this article, we'll discuss the costs associated with solar water heaters, how they work and how to install them.

Solar water heaters are still supported by tax credits-State & Federal also they have become considerably more reliable, less expensive and more efficient than the popular models of the 70s and 80s.

For example, a moderate climate system that's capable of heating water for an entire household can be installed for anywhere from $3000-6000, making solar water heaters very competitive when compared to traditional electric and gas heaters.

What's the Annual Tab?

Typically, a solar water heating system has an annual operating cost of only about $50. Meanwhile, a traditional gas or electric water heater will cost you $800 and more - especially those that heat up the water all night while everyone sleeps.

Essentially, solar water heaters work by serving as a preheater for a conventional storage or on-demand water heater. They even work well with on-demand water heaters that have temperature adjustability.

Because the solar system preheats the water, the extra temperature boost required by the on-demand heater is low and people who use them can get a high flow rate and lots of monthly savings.

Installation Considerations

Before installing a solar water heating system, always look for a qualified installer and dealer who can design and size your backup system. Ask about their certifications, and request referrals from past customers. This will be a fairly expensive job, so you don't want to be shy about insisting upon an experienced installer with positive customer feedback.

Thinking Ahead

You should also start planning now. Like most people, we don't think about replacing our water heating system until it actually fails and hot water becomes unavailable for several hours. In fact, depending on the design of your home water pipes, the main water valve to the entire house may need to be shut off until the water heater is replaced.

Then in those unplanned emergency situations, we wind up rushing out and putting in whatever system we can get. Instead, take the time to research different solar options, find the system that fits your energy needs and plan ahead to replace your existing water heater before it fails.

Remember, most water heaters have a lifespan of about 10-15 years, so be prepared. The energy savings alone could pay for that new solar water heater by the time the year is up, and you'll be happier knowing you're polluting the earth just a little bit less.

TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online

FROM A READER
Article link here

Published: August 23, 2008

Editor:

After reading a deluge of letters devoted to solving our energy crisis by drilling in the gulf, I am amazed that the obvious is being missed.

The idea of drilling as a panacea is a misconception. We cannot solve our energy crisis in this way because of our free market system. China and India are just revving up their economies and they will pay more for oil.

No the answer is under our noses and always has been: Solar water heaters and energy-generating systems.

What do solar water heaters have to do with our car driving? Just think about this.

We use as much oil producing energy for home use as we import for gasoline – roughly 40 percent.

So if we were to replace our energy use for homes with renewable resources it would better impact our future demand on oil.

Further gains could be made with moving up mpg requirements on vehicles sold in the United States.

This could easily be met with hybrid mandates on automobiles and trucks.

Third-generation hybrid technology – used in the Toyota Prius – could be shared with U.S. automakers from the Japanese in exchange for the new ion-battery car coming in 2010.

I have a Prius and solar water heater. Both costs will be recovered in three years.

Mike Maio
Port Richey