First Sonoma County Energy Independence Project Completed

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – On May 6th, the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) celebrated the completion of the first energy project and financial award in its history.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul Kelley presented Ann and Deke DeKay of Healdsburg with a check for $25,500 toward the purchase of a solar energy system for their home. Solar Works of Sonoma County installed the system, which became operational on April 22nd. From application to payout, the entire process took less than six weeks.

SCEIP was made possible by California Assembly Bill (AB) 811, whereby local governments can finance property improvements for renewable energy, and energy or water conservation upgrades. SCEIP provides financing for the improvements, and the property owners repay the program over time through their property tax bill. In this way, the program helps to solve the problem of high “up -front” costs for these types of projects.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved SCEIP on March 25th. Ann and Deke DeKay made their application on the very first day, and soon achieved two SCEIP firsts; they were first to complete an assessment contract, and they were also the first to complete their energy project.

The DeKays chose to install a 5 kilowatt photovoltaic system that is designed to produce as much as 5000 watts. It will generate an average of 35 kilowatt hours per day. The DeKays estimate their normal usage at between 28 and 30 kilowatt hours per day. When excess power is produced, it flows out to Pacific Gas and Electric and the DeKays receive credit at $0.29 per kilowatt hour. During the check presentation, which took place on a rainy, overcast day, the system was still producing 1400 watts of electricity.
The DeKays’ system carried a price tag of just over $40,000. The cost was offset, however, by a California Solar Initiative rebate of about $8200. In addition, the DeKays qualify for a dollar for dollar tax credit of about 30% of the after rebate cost. This brought their final cost down to the $25,500 financed by SCEIP.

Jason Almirol, sales manager of Solar Works, said the DeKays system would offset the emission of 13,451 pounds of carbon dioxide, which is roughly equivalent to not driving 13,246 miles each year, or planting 156 trees. Almirol stated that Solar Works was immensely proud to be associated with the first SCEIP project, and praised the willingness of SCEIP staff to work with the renewable energy industry and to be responsive to its suggestions and concerns.

As of May 12th, SCEIP has received applications for almost $6 million in energy improvements. Eight of the nine cities in Sonoma County have formally adopted SCEIP, which will enable their residents to participate in the program. The ninth city, Petaluma, is expected to adopt SCEIP on May 18th. SCEIP is the first county level AB 811 program in California, and with $100 million pledged for financing, it is also the largest. In addition to the environmental benefits, the program is expected to stimulate the business climate for “green” technology in the region.

Contact: Jim Toomey · (707) 565-2188
jtoomey@sonoma-county.org

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