Solar Energy, Solar Panel Systems-Start putting money back in your pocket.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy can put your hard earned dollars, back in your pocket.

PhotoVoltaics: Basic Design Principles and components

If you are thinking of generating your own electricity, you should consider a PhotoVoltaic (PV) system-a way to genereate electricity by using evergy from the sun. These systems have several advantages:They are cost-effective alternatives in areas where extending a utility power line is very expensive;they have no moving parts and require little maintenance;and they produce electricity without polluting the environment.

A couple of nearby solar panel companies are Sacramento Solar Panels http://www.recsolar.com/ and Evergreen Solar-made in the USA25 year Warranty-36 yers in Solar http://www.suneiec.com/
Hundreds of cost-effective applications for PV systems have been developed. In the United States, PV systems must have unobstructed Southern exposure. Where you live, will determine the number of PV modules you will need. In addition to the PV modules, you will need to purchase balance-of-system (BOS) equipment. The National Electric Code cntains provisions and requirements for PV systems.
For online Renewable Energy Information go to http://www.eren.doe.gov/ and http://www.nrel.gov/
For more information-or for the packet made available by PG & E, email me at wendimae@wendimae.com or visit me at http://www.wendimae.com/ you may also call me toll free at 866-333-6333
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI-Broker Associate, Real Estate Counselor, Connect Realty

Energy Efficiency-Learn to be GREEN!

It is easier than you think to be Green...Home improvements don’t have to be epic to relieve utility costs. Here are ideas to start you off-thinking GREEN!

Some things you can do, that cost little to no money-AND over time, will actually save you lots of cash:

-If you have a home office-buy an “All-in-one” FAX, Scanner, and Copier...saves A LOT of energy, and costs you less to operate.
-When you go to bed at night, or out of town-or even during the day when not using your TV or VCR-turn off the power strip...keep in mind, when your appliances are off, but still plugged in-they pull and use power. This will save you anywhere from $60.-$100. a year on your Electric bill.
-Recycling, in general, is huge. It is so much better to buy a re-usable beverage bottle-than to buy bottled water...just think of how much you will save-using filtered water, over buying bottled water.
-Turn up the air conditioner thermostat.
-Change filters often.
-Plant trees on the South and West sides of the home to provide shade and reduce interior temperatures.
-Landscape with drought-resistant or indigenous plants, which retain more water.
-Add motion sensor lights, to save electricity.
-Install a gas fireplace in an addition, such as a den or sunroom, which will extend heat to that room.
-Replace appliances with Energy Star-rated versions. They exceed Government energy-efficiency standards by 10-25%.
-Invest in new, more energy efficient heating and cooling systems.
-Paint your home’s exterior a light color-as darker colors retain more heat.
-Plug up air leaks, which are equivalent of leaving a window open all year.
This can save up to 10% of your energy bill.
-Install double-glazed windows with low-emisson glass, which allow maximum light while keeping out heat and cold.
-When replacing roofing, install light-colored shingles made of material or tile to reflect heat.
-Add insulation in walls.

This is just a start! Feel free to email me-should you like more information or links to helpful energy saving “GREEN” websites!

check it out: http://www.epa.org

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate
Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com