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Solar Energy

Solar Electric (PV)
Solar Water Heating
Supporting Links

Our sun provides us with an abundance of clean and renewable energy. We have the ability to harness that energy to supply our needs by utilizing existing technologies that have proven their value over time. With increased knowledge and concern about the damage we're doing to our environment and our health by burning fossil fuels, it's clear that generating more of our energy from solar and other renewable sources is one of the best ways to reduce our CO2 emissions.

With this in mind, it's great to know that there's never been a better time to "go solar." While the cost of fossil fuels has soared over the last three decades, the cost of solar energy has dropped significantly. In San Francisco, the cost of electricity and natural gas each rise by about five percent a year. Today, it makes sense to invest in solar: to add to the value of your property, protect yourself from utility rate increases, and let federal, state and local incentive programs pay for a significant portion of the cost. Once the equipment is paid for, the solar energy you generate is free!

Solar energy can be produced in several ways, including: converting the light to electricity through photovoltaics (also known as PV) and collecting the radiant heat energy of the sun to provide heated water for your building's hot water and space heating needs (also called solar thermal). You can find out more about these applications by following the links found on this page.

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Solar Electric

With the rising price of fossil fuel energy and the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, solar energy becomes a smarter and smarter choice. Even in a place as foggy as San Francisco, there's more than enough sunlight to make solar electric systems (also called photovoltaics or PV) not only technically feasible, but also financially attractive. PV has been proven to be a robust and trusted technology with most new solar panels guaranteed for 20 years, and some systems that have already been in operation for 30 years or more.

A solar PV system allows you the ability to generate clean and renewable electricity from the roof of your building, make a contribution towards reducing CO2 emissions, and help provide green jobs that are needed in our communities now more than ever.

Below is information that will help you get started:

• Find out how you can get money from the City to install solar!
• Join the Mayor's Solar Founders' Circle!
• Become a Neighborhood Solar Champion
• Benefits of Solar Electricity
• Solar Rebates, Tax Credits, and other Incentives
• Frequently Asked Questions about Installing a Solar PV System
• Solar For Multi-tenant Buildings

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Solar Water Heating

Today, San Franciscans are searching for more information about renewable energy options, and while solar electric has received a good deal of attention, solar water heating has been largely overlooked. Water heating accounts for more than 4% of San Francisco's total CO2 emissions. The majority of water heaters in the City are fueled by natural gas. A typical household in San Francisco spends almost $1,000 a year on gas bills. With existing federal tax credits and a statewide solar water heating incentive program on the horizon, solar water heating can be an increasingly attractive option.

Choosing to install a solar water heating system can help bring your utility costs down while providing new green jobs, addressing climate change and ensuring a secure, local independent energy supply.

Below is information that will help you get started:

• Solar Water Heating Basics
• State SWH Rebate Program Moves Forward with Release of CPUC Staff Proposal

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