EchoFirst Inc.™ and California Solar Electric Join Forces to Deliver Revolutionary

Echo® Solar Systems to Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties

 

June 15, 2011 – OJAI, CA. California Solar Electric has signed an agreement with EchoFirst Inc.™ to deploy the Echo® solar system as one of its exclusive solar solutions.  The revolutionary Echo solar system is a complete solar solution that enables homeowners to generate much more of their own energy than a basic solar electric “PV” system.
“California Solar Electric is delighted to be teaming up with EchoFirst to ensure that their customers realize the tremendous benefits of Echo's game-changing technology," said Don ‘Cam’ Campbell, Owner and President of California Solar Electric. “Increasingly, our customers are looking for a complete solution for energy efficiency and sustainability, and Echo helps us deliver that comprehensive, turnkey solution. 

Echo doesn't just generate electricity like a basic solar electric PV system, it also helps our homeowners meet their total home heating and cooling needs.”
“Echo is the ideal option for homeowners who are looking for a total solution to their energy needs,” said Vikas Desai, CEO of EchoFirst. “Echo is the only solar system that generates all the types of energy a homeowner needs – electricity to power the home, as well as hot water, and solar home heating, cooling, and fresh air ventilation. Additionally, Echo includes advanced technology which lets homeowners use their mobile phone as a remote control for their home thermostat – now homeowners can control their home environment from anywhere in the world. We are excited to have a top quality company like California Solar Electric become one of our Echo Preferred Partners.”

Echo solar systems are being deployed by national homebuilders such as Meritage Homes and Shea Homes, large regional homebuilders including Garbett Homes and Joseph Carl Homes, and homebuilders and remodelers seeking to maximize the energy efficiency of their homes.

 

About California Solar Electric
California Solar Electric is dedicated to providing high quality customer service and the latest most efficient solar electric technology on the market. It is our intention to serve our community as a catalyst for a sustainable future with education, promotion and installation of clean, renewable power from the sun. For more information, please visit www.californiasolarelectric.com, email info@CaliforniaSolarElectric.com or call California Solar Electric at 805-640-7903 for a no-obligation, free home estimate and financing consultation.

About EchoFirst Inc.
EchoFirst Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets the Echo solar system.  Echo supplements conventional solar electric PV panels with a unique solar thermal technology that captures the heat from the PV panels. Echo generates not only electricity, but also hot water for washing and bathing, and thermal energy for home heating and home cooling.  EchoFirst headquarters are in Fremont, California. For more information, please visit www.echofirst.com.

Ojai, CA, March 2010 – Let there be light – and luckily for us, there is plenty of it in Southern California, making solar power the most popular, environmentally-friendly alternative to utility generated electrical power. Ojai-based California Solar Electric has made it a point to help educate the community in the importance of energy efficiency.

“We are dedicated to community outreach projects so our most recent install for St. Thomas Aquinas is special in a number of ways,“ states Don “Cam” Campbell, California Solar Electric’s CEO, “Working with schools, churches, synagogues, and non-profits, supports our mission of helping educate as many groups of people as possible about solar energy and stressing the importance of energy efficiency. Many people don’t understand the details of solar power, the reduction in electric bill costs, and the numerous incentives available to solar customers in the form of state rebates and solar tax credits. We are here to help answer questions as well as assisting in helping people reach their energy saving goals.”

Father Michael McFadden of St. Thomas Aquinas in Ojai decided to join the carbon reduction movement and chose California Solar Electric (with electrical work donated by Tony Demaria Electric) to install a 16.6 kilowatt system consisting of 72 photovoltaic panels. The system powers the Church and Rectory, “It minimizes our use of electricity and benefits our environment by helping keep the Earth green.” states Father Michael who blessed his new project on Sunday, February 28th.

Most people want to contribute in reducing their carbon footprint but still wonder how much solar will truly affect their electric bills – how much will they really save? As an example Tony Cunningham, who was instrumental in the St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s decision to go solar, has a 16-module ground system. He has reduced his electric bills from $145 to $25 per month. There are federal tax credits available as well as California Solar Initiative rebates which, when combined, can add up to a 45-50% savings on the solar system cost. As electrical companies, such as Southern California Edison, continue to increase power costs – solar power seems like the smart solution.

In addition to the St. Thomas Aquinas system, California Solar Electric has installed at Chabad of Santa Barbara (see video footage: /video-testimonials/ ) as well as Besant Hill, Thacher and Oak Grove Schools. They are also involved in various education and training programs for students aging from grade school to post high school age at-risk groups. California Solar Electric has installed hundreds of residential and commercial systems throughout the central coast including; Carpinteria, Montecito, Gaviota, Lompoc, Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Lancaster, Palmdale, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, and Kern counties.

California Solar Electric, Central California’s premier solar installation company, is dedicated to providing high quality customer service and the latest most efficient solar electric technology on the market. They serve our community as a catalyst for a sustainable future with education, promotion and installation of clean, renewable power from the sun. California Solar Electric is the area’s Premier Dealer for SunPower Corporation. For additional information visit: www.californiasolarelectric.com or call 805.640.7903.

California Solar Electric’s Newest Member – Tom Burt Joins Sales Team

Ojai, CA – Tom Burt, previously one of the owners and founders of Sun Pacific Solar Electric in Santa Barbara, CA, joins California Solar Electric as their newest sales representative. Tom has a true passion for solar and renewable projects.
Burt fits in well with California Solar Electric’s company culture where many of the employees ride their bicycles to the office and individually support various environmental causes. Tom believes “It is time for solar to become commonplace in our communities.”
"It's great to have Tom as the newest member of our sales team. We are one of the companies fortunate enough to expand in these difficult times. I believe it's partly due to our experience in and dedication to solar and thermal power, and also to our loyal customer base. Our customers continue to refer us to local residents and businesses," said Don "Cam" Campbell, owner and CEO of California Solar Electric. "I welcome Tom and look forward to a successful relationship."
California Solar Electric has more than 25 years of experience servicing Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. They provide turnkey solar energy systems and financial solutions to both residential and commercial customers. CSE is an Elite Sunpower & Echo Dealer. www.CaliforniaSolarElectric.com. 805.640.7903.

Affordable Financing Programs Are Getting Solar Power Into The Hands Of Those Who Couldn’t Previously Afford It
 

November 2, 2011 – Treading the waters of tax credits, solar rebates, leases, loans, grants and same-as-cash programs can be daunting. If you’re thinking of going solar, be sure to get the right financing program and solar system for your personal situation.

A solar system can average about $30,000, putting it out of reach for many homeowners, therefore no-money-down leases and same-as-cash programs have become a popular means for consumers to enjoy the benefits of solar power without having to pay the expensive upfront costs.

“New terms and leases allow most homeowners the ability to afford a solar electric system where in the past they just couldn’t make the economics work for them. Anyone owning a home and paying more than $100 per month to an electric company should consider solar. There are a variety of new financing options now available such as “Same-as-Cash” programs where homeowners can receive free electricity for 180 days to 18 months. Zero money down monthly lease payments can begin at $45 per month – much more reasonable than electric company rates,” said Don “Cam” Campbell, owner and president of California Solar Electric.

Even with tax credits and solar rebates, many homeowners were still unable to afford a system, therefore these new financing programs are gaining popularity quickly. The terms may seem incredible: $0 down, low monthly payments, early buy-out options, flexible (renew, buy or return the system) end-of-lease terms. These programs are allowing homeowners to spread the cost of the system over time – making this one of the best investments available in today’s market.

As with any new offering, there are warnings… There are many companies entering the solar business that likely won’t be around for long — homeowners should contract with reliable, experienced solar installers who guarantee their work, systems should come with performance guarantees and financing backed by reputable companies. If you have good credit and a company can’t offer you the following, you should shop around:

• Low interest (no interest on some programs)

• Unsecured financing

• A quick and easy loan process & fast credit decision

• Little to no paperwork

• No application fees, closing costs, or prepayment penalties

 

If you choose to go the traditional cash or loan route, CSE completes all rebate paperwork and submittals in order to ensure proper submissions and maximum returns.

 

Considering going solar? Give California Solar Electric a call (805-640-7903) and they will provide a free no-obligation solar estimate and financing consultation to see if this is the right investment for you and your home.

About California Solar Electric. California Solar Electric (CSE) is dedicated to providing superior customer service and the latest, most efficient solar electric technology on the market. Servicing Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and surrounding counties for 25 years -specializing in solar for over a decade; CSE serves the community as a catalyst for a sustainable future with education, promotion and installation of clean, renewable power from the sun. Hundreds of satisfied customers agree that CSE provides the highest quality solar energy and financial solutions for residential and commercial systems. For more information, please visit www.CaliforniaSolarElectric.com, email info@CaliforniaSolarElectric.com or call 805-640-7903 for a no-obligation, free estimate and financing consultation.

 

City of Santa Barbara to Honor Solar Projects on

September 27, 2011

SANTA BARBARA, CA – September 27, 2011
The City of Santa Barbara is scheduled to honor the owners of 97 single family residences, including 20 solar energy contractors, the City Housing Authority, Santa Barbara City College and 30 projects, including Tea Fire rebuild projects, in the Las Barrancas Homeowner’s Association located on Westmont Road and Drive, who have installed solar energy systems. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place today, September 27th during the regular City Council meeting, held in the Council Chambers at the second floor of 735 Anacapa Street (De La Guerra Plaza) at approximately 2:00 PM.  The agenda for the meeting is on-line at www.santabarbaraca.gov/CAP/.   Award ceremonies were also held in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. In 2006, the Council approved the City’s Solar Energy System and Passive Solar Design Guidelines and Recognition Program.  The intent of the program is to promote the use of renewable energy, efficient use of energy resources, and aesthetically integrated systems into the design of projects and buildings. 

This presentation covers two years worth of projects, 175 projects were considered for possible awards which were installed over the last two years.  This year’s plaque and certificate award winners cover 7 award categories and demonstrate both highly efficient systems as well as designs consistent with the Guidelines in the following categories.  A list of this year’s plaque recipients in each category is attached.  Award project photographs will be available on-line at:  www.santabarbaraca.gov/Resident/Home/Guidelines/index.htm#SolarDesignGuidelines

Not Publicly Visible Solar Energy System Projects,:
Ideal Sites
Flat-Roof Panel System

Design Challenge Solar Energy System Projects, Publicly Visible: 
Carefully Designed and Mounted Panel Systems

Special Challenge Solar Energy System Projects:
Mission-Style Tile Roofs
Historic District and Structures
Commercial Systems

Passive Solar Projects

Interested parties should contact Heather Baker, (805) 564-5470, for further information or visit www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov. 
2011 Active Solar Energy System
Recommended Award Plaque Recipients

Standard Solar Energy System Projects, Not Publicly Visible                    (Category 1)

Flat Roof Panel System

3829 Lincoln Road                                       
Owners:  Christine Wong & Jeffrey Light                   Contractor:  Prime Solar                                                                                            
Ideal Site

4132 Hidden Oaks
Owner:  Richard Nagy                                                Contractor:  California Solar Electric

1930 Mission Ridge Road
Owner:  Fulmer Family                                               Contractor:  Ojai Solar Electric

Design Challenge Solar Energy System Projects, Publicly Visible            (Category 2)

Carefully Designed and Mounted Panel Systems

2211 Anacapa Street
Owners:  James & Margaret Lombard                       Contractor:  Sun Pacific Solar

715, 719, 721 Laguna Street, 320 E. De La Guerra Street, 726 Garden Street  
Owner:  Housing Authority / City of SB                      Contractor:  Planet Solar

Westmont Road Project
Las Barrancas Homeowners Association                   Contractor:  Planet Solar

Special Challenge Solar Energy System Projects                                        (Category 3)

Mission Tile
928 W. Mission Street         
Owners:  Frederick Powell & Susan Revoc   Contractor:   REC Solar

Potential Historic Resource

234 W. Islay Street
Owner:  Sempervirens Family                                   Contractor:  REC Solar

Commercial Systems

609 E. Haley Street
Owner:  Catholic Charities Services              Contractor:  Bonterra

721 Cliff Drive
Owner:  Santa Barbara City College              Contractor:  Compass Energy Solutions

2011 Passive Solar Energy System
Recommended Award Plaque Recipients

320 Victoria Street

Owner:  Victoria Garden Mews                                 

Architect:  Thompson Naylor Architects

Contractors:  Allen Associates, Solforce Systems Inc. &
Dexter’s Solar Radiant Energy Service