How Arizona Residents Can Tap Into Local, State and Federal Incentives To Go Solar

DJH Construction, Inc., a leading integrator of solar electric power systems announced the completion of a residential photovoltaic installation located in Fort Mojave, Arizona. This 5.06 kW system was installed on the residence of Larry Morse. The solar project was completed from beginning to end in two and a half weeks. This includes: contract signing, permitting, utility rebate reservation, final inspection, and commissioning/start-up. The actual installation itself was completed in two days after materials delivery.

Current incentives available to Fort Mojave residents include: a Utility Rebate, State Tax Credit, and Federal Tax Credit. Mohave Electric Cooperative customers are able to take advantage of a $3.00/watt utility rebate with a $12,000 maximum. This means that clients like Morse are able to offset the cost of installation by the amount of the rebate. In addition to the rebate, Morse will be able to take advantage of a $1,000 Arizona Tax Credit and 30% Federal Tax Credit. The basis for the tax credits is calculated from the net cost of the installed system, the cost after deducting the rebate amount.

The 5.06 kW photovoltaic system ties together a total of 22 Sharp photovoltaic panels onto 900 square feet of roof space. The estimated reduction in green house gas emissions from this system is estimated to be 141 tons of CO2 over the 25+ years. This reduction in green house gas emissions is equivalent to planting 5,648 trees or driving 478,644 miles in a small car.

"The Morse's solar project is another step in DJH Construction, Inc.’s long-term commitment to advance the delivery of renewable energy to the grid. We are grateful to play an active role in growing this nascent market in Fort Mojave and surrounding counties,” said Don Harris, president of DJH Construction, Inc.

How To Use Property Tax Assessments to Finance Your Solar System.

California passed AB 811 in September 2008, giving all California cities and counties the ability to offer low-interest loans for renewable energy projects to homeowners and small businesses. The cities are able to finance the installation costs through either City internal funds or the issuance of a bond and the project is secured through a property lien. The cost of the bond is then recouped over a specific time frame and repayment is made through tax rolls. For example, in the City of Palm Desert, AB811 offers a low interest rate loan (so far at 7% amortized over 20 years) from the City and is repaid every six months along with the County property tax payment.

Some of the advantages to AB811 are:
• Transferability - Residents would pay back the loans through assessments on property tax bills; if they move, the outstanding loan balance is taken over by the new owner.
• Little to No Out of Pocket Money - The renewable energy property owner immediately enjoys a greatly reduced electric bill with no out-of-pocket expense.
• Access to Capital - It requires NO credit check and can pass to new owners of property without future credit checks through title transfer at escrow. Loans have a minimum of $5,000 and no maximum limits.
• Small Payments Over Longer Time - The interest rate is fixed and paid bi-annually through property taxes.

California cities currently offering this financial vehicle are:

- Berkeley - Financing Initiative for Renewable and Solar Technology (FIRST)
- Palm Desert - Energy Independence Program
- Santa Monica - Solar Santa Monica
- Sonoma County - Energy Independence Program

For more information on how you can access AB 811 or other solar financing options, contact us at info@djhconstruction.com. You can read this press release at:
http://www.prlog.org/10260739-how-to-use-property-tax-assessments-to-finance-your-solar-system.html

Join Us At the Semi-Annual Virtual Energy Forum June 24-25, 2009

Join DJH Construction at the next virtual energy forum June 24-25, 2009.
The Virtual Energy Forum is a free conference that brings together stakeholders in the energy industry with potential customers, policy makers, and investors. The event, which meets twice a year and features live video presentations, real-time Q & A and a virtual exhibit floor, answers the need many senior executives have today--to better understand how to implement renewable and cost-saving energy-efficient practices in business.

The conference meets entirely online, making it time and cost-efficient to attend from the convenience of any computer, offering a greener way to gather.

The Virtual Energy Forum features . . .
• Live video keynote presentations from renewable energy and sustainability thought leaders.
• Get your questions answered by these experts in real-time!
• Live video track presentations feature case studies in industries such as consumer goods, healthcare, government, education and retail.
• Browse a virtual exhibit floor featuring product & service solutions from energy innovators.
• Chat live with exhibitors or other attendees and exchange contact information.

DJH Construction representatives will be present for the following webcasts:

"Solar Energy: Understanding the Deal Components"
"Embracing the Renewable Energy Future"
"Sustainable Capital Planning"

To signup or for more information on this forum, visit: http://www.virtualenergyforum.com/

The Solar Energy Council of Orange County Hosts It's First Event

The Solar Energy Council of Orange County (SEC-OC) hosted a "Go Solar Now" event at the Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California last night. The event featured guest speakers: Don Harris of DJH Construction, Inc. and Laura Franke of Clean Energy Advocates. Both speakers presented different topics on the Obama stimulus package and how it will affect the solar installation community during 2009. This event was organized to assist in clarifying many misconceptions of what is allowable, and what is not allowed for solar installations under the economic stimulus act, AB811, and SB1. In addition, an overview of financing and PPA options for system developers and homeowners was also addressed. Laura Franke presented SB811, SB1 and muncipal requirements for government guaranteed loans for renewable energy projects. Don Harris presented on various solar financing options: Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), and Renewable Energy Portfolio (REP) standards.

The turn out was a huge success and a great networking event that brought together solar advocates and professionals from all over the Orange County area. The SEC-OC is looking to expand its membership base and is open to the public. Please visit the SEC-OC website at: www.solarenergycouncil.org for more information on future events and membership opportunities.

This press release can be viewed at:
The Solar Energy Council of Orange County Hosts A "Go Solar Now" Event

Street Smart San Diego 2009

The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) presented the 3rd Annual Street Smart San Diego event. The latest alternative fuel vehicles were on display throughout the expo. Some of the green technology featured at this event were: electric, solar, hybrid, and water. DJH Construction attended this event to view the latest in solar technology for everything from solar powered golf carts to big wheels. To learn more about future events, visit:
www.streetsmartsandiego.org

The Solar Energy Council is Expanding to Orange County, CA (SEC-OC)

The Solar Energy Council (SEC) of the Inland Empire is expanding its reach to include a branch in Orange County, CA. The mission of the Solar Energy Council of Orange County (SEC-OC) is to promote the use of solar through advocacy, education and community outreach. The Council addresses concerns about the growth of the solar industry and fosters business to business relationships. In addition, the Council will advocate legislation on solar initiatives and serve as a clearing house on vital information to the industry.

Heading up this initiative is a diverse group of companies and individuals representing a broad spectrum of expertise in solar: DJH Construction, Inc., Eco-Hut Academy LLC, Altec Resources, Keyshot and Golden West College. Their leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing the Council’s solar message within the Orange County community. The Solar Energy Council (SEC-OC) is pleased to announce the election of new officers for 2009–2010:

• Jon Dugal- Executive Director.
• Rob Srinivas of Eco-Hut Academy – Board of Director Solar Energy Council/ Steering Committee Chair/Marketing Committee Co-Chair.
• Don Harris of DJH Construction, Inc. – Board of Director Solar Energy Council/ Steering Committee Co-Chair/ SEC-OC branch Treasurer/ Education Committee.
• Tom Hersh and Marius Cucurny of Golden West College –Education Committee SEC-OC branch.
• Essie Jourabchian, Electrical Contractor – SEC-OC branch Secretary.
• JC Chericky of Altec Resources –Membership Committee
• Juan Benavides of Keshot – Marketing Committee

The SEC-OC is open to all supporters of solar energy in Orange County and beyond. Membership is open and encouraged by those serving all aspects of the solar industry. Visit our website at www.solarenergycouncil.org for more information.

DJH Construction, Inc. Completes the Installation of a 6.44kW Solar System Incorporating a Direct Monitoring System

Another California homeowner in San Clemente goes green with solar. DJH Construction, Inc. recently completed a 6.44 kW DC/5.434 kW AC installation at the residence of John Franks. The estimated annual production is expected to be about 9,750 kWh. The solar system ties together a total of 28 Sharp 230W solar panels and will reduce an estimated 167 tons of CO2 emissions over the next 25 years.


The Franks home is the first to go solar in this mobile homes community and incorporate a direct monitoring system. ShoreCliffs Mobile HOA manages the mobile parks community and sub-meters out a monthly utility invoice to each of its residents. By installing the direct monitoring system the Franks will receive a monthly utility credit in direct proportion to the energy production of their solar system. Through the implementation of this direct monitoring system, our homeowner will not only be able to retrieve data on production but also consumption habits. The monitoring system helps homeowners increase their awareness of electricity use and encourage more energy efficient behavior. The data recorded allows users to view historical data for seasonal or other comparisons and access live system data in real-time through the web or web-enabled mobile devices. In addition to this, the system performance is monitored and automatic maintenance alerts are generated when the system is not functioning optimally.