Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) December 14, 2013 -- For the first time in history, commercial solar hot water systems will pay for themselves in 1-3 years, yielding huge cost savings over gas. This is due to simultaneous incentives (cash rebate and tax credit) now being offered by the state of California and the Federal government. Ted Bavin, owner of All Valley Solar in Los Angeles, a true solar expert with over 30 years in the business, states, “this perfect storm of incentives has aligned to make this the most profitable time for businesses and apartment owners to invest in solar hot water systems. By the end of 2013, All Valley Solar will have secured over $940,000 in CSI rebates for SoCalGas customers; and this will continue to be a very popular program into 2014.” Eligibility for the commercial solar rebate includes: owners of multi-family apartment buildings and condos, schools, government buildings, military barracks, restaurants, Laundromats, food processors and other commercial hot water users. All Valley Solar are the solar experts, we are listed on google search under the keywords: solar Los Angeles, solar North Hollywood, solar hot water Los Angeles, solar thermal los angeles, solar companies los angeles, los angeles solar installer, los angeles solar panels.
So let’s take a look at how the economics of this “perfect storm” of incentives works. First, the Gas Company, through the California Solar Initiative, pays an average of 50% to 60% of the total cost (received within 30 days of completion). Then the IRS pays you back another 30% as a tax credit, even toward AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax). Finally, bonus depreciation lets you write half of it off in 2013, with the other half depreciated over the next five years.
But in order to reap these benefits, the first step is to find a competent solar thermal contractor. Nine out of ten Internet search results will yield solar electric contractors who know little to nothing about solar thermal… but they may be hungry for business, so beware!
The CSI Thermal website (http://www.csithermal.com) has a map showing all the rebated projects in your area and the company that installed each system. Those companies may be looked up on the CA Contractors State License Board website (https://www..cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/checklicense.aspx) to ascertain their experience, specialty and whether there are any active complaints against them.
Bavin says, “look for a company with a C46 license (solar) with at least 15 years of experience, not just a C10 (electrical), C36 (plumbing), C39 (roofing), or B (general). Keep in mind, however, that the C46 (solar) license encompasses both thermal and photovoltaic electric solar disciplines, and most contractors are masters of one or the other...not usually both.” Bavin also suggests that “when hiring a company to install a solar hot water system, ask for a list of at least ten Thermal multi-family installation references and contact at least three.” Additional Tip: the six digit CA State License number is sequential from date of licensing, so the lower the number the longer the experience.
This opportunity should not be missed by owners of apartment buildings and businesses which use hot water. However, as it is with most rebate programs, the proportion paid out towards installations will decrease as chunks of funding are used up. This CSI Thermal program is still in its first of four phases, so it’s important to reserve a rebate as soon as possible. Apartment and business owners who don’t will continue being “renters” themselves, renting natural gas monthly with nothing to show for it except a bigger bill next month.
So, what is solar hot water? Simply put, a solar hot water system is black material under glass which absorbs the energy from the sun…and if you run water through it, the water gets very hot. Since the technology won’t change, the only things which drive up the cost of an installed thermal system are the ever-increasing price of copper, aluminum and labor. Under the CSI rebate program, solar hot water systems must be even sturdier and longer lasting, having to meet a long list of quality criteria including being freeze-proof and protected from over-heating. Bavin says, “in Southern California, solar panels have the potential to overheat, which can reduce component and system life. Because we want long lasting solar thermal panels that are low maintenance, we use SunEarth collectors. The panels made by SunEarth are CSI compliant, durable, and aesthetic.”
Ted Bavin is the owner and CEO of All Valley Solar, Inc., and is the author of the soon to be published book, “How to Buy Solar: 10 Tips for Maximizing Your Investment”. He has designed and installed over 7,000 solar hot water systems for 36 years and is the authority on advanced drainback technologies. Ted’s company All Valley Solar (http://www.allvalleysolar.com), serves all of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange County, and much of the Inland Empire. For questions or more information feel free to contact info(at)allvalleysolar(dot)com or call 800-400-7780.
SunEarth is one of the most experienced solar thermal manufacturers in the world. Since 1978, SunEarth has designed and built industry-leading solar hot water collectors, components and packaged systems. Every SunEarth product is constructed to exacting standards with the world’s harshest climates and environmental conditions in mind. Our commitment to performance, durability and innovation is unparalleled – SunEarth is a global leader in renewable energy technology, offering more SRCC certified system options than anyone else in the world. Over thirty-two years of engineering and design experience is built into every solar hot water collector, component and system we manufacture. SunEarth products are marketed in the U.S. and abroad by leading wholesalers, dealers and professional installation contractors. http://www.sunearthinc.com
CONTACT:
Erin Chapman, Business Development Director
All Valley Solar
info(at)allvalleysolar(dot)com
http://www.allvalleysolar.com
Tel. 818-765-0720
Twitter: @tedbavin #allvalleysolar
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tedbavin/allvalleysolarcom/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/ted-bavin/13/b20/411
Blog: http://www.allvalleysolar.blogspot.com
Erin Chapman, All Valley Solar 12128 Sherman Way North Hollywood, CA 91605, http://www.allvalleysolar.com, +1 (818) 765-0720, [email protected]
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