Santa Rosa--Sonoma County's Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) provides services and funding for a wide range of Energy Star-rated efficiency measures, including those which let property owners get rebates as well as SCEIP funding. Participation is completely voluntary.
The Program is a new opportunity for property owners to finance energy and water efficiency, and renewable energy improvements through an assessment, which is then attached to the property and is repaid through property tax over time, making the program not only energy efficient but also affordable.
The Sonoma County Energy Independence Program offers SCEIP funds for a number of energy efficiency measures, including solar systems, and other innovative, energy-saving and energy generation measures. In each case, if a rebate is available to the property owner to be applied to the purchase price, that amount is deducted from the amount of financing requested. Assessments are on the property itself: when the property is sold, the assessment stays with the property. Repayment is made through the property tax bill over time.
Energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy generation upgrades must be permanently attached to the property to qualify. Improvements like insulation, cool roofing, heating and air conditioning systems, waterless urinals, solar panels and energy efficient windows are goals of the Program.
Improvements must be for existing buildings. Participating in the Program is easy. First is to decide how much improvement makes sense in terms of imcreased energy and water efficiency or renewables for your site. An energy audit can help provide a Return-On-Investment analysis. Using this Program, property owners could be realizing a significant monthly energy savings, which in turn pays for the improvements.
The following Energy Star measure – among others – is eligible in the Efficiency Track: Window filming, in compliance with the NFRC glazing attachment ratings for solar heat gain--and visible transmittance Window film--reduces solar heat gain by as much as 84% and improves insulating properties by up to 30%. Window film delivers an impressive average payback of only 2.5 years.
ClimatePRO provides residential and commercial energy audits and uses the U.S. Department of Energy's DOE-2 energy simulation program. Commercial and Residential property owners can obtain an onsite survey by hiring a Home Energy Rating System (“HERS”) rater, or equivalent. For more information, go to http://www.energy.ca.gov/
The first step is project scoping. Most property owners work directly with contractors to determine the scope of their project. As the project is defined, the property owner obtains a contractor’s bid or determines cost. "It's in the County's interest to promote energy efficiency,"
For residential properties, water conservation and energy surveys are highly recommended but not required. By participating in SCEIP, property owners are making a financial investment with return in mind; this decision should be made based on both the efficiency and cost effectiveness of improvements. Conducting a water and energy audit helps property owners assess water conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy opportunities for their property. Online surveys can be conducted through PG&E's website http://www.pge.com/
Energy evaluations typically ask: How much do you spend per month for electricity and natural gas? Does your bill skyrocket in winter with home heating? Is your summer air conditioning bill excessive? A few simple home upgrades such as wrapping your furnace and air ducts, replacing old and inefficient HVAC units, upgrading your water heater or installing attic fans and insulation even window tinting can save a lot with minimal investment.
There are many ways to save on energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint and live more comfortably. Some steps include high efficiency HVAC systems and HVAC system sealing Attics and wall insulation; high efficiency windows and glass doors, which include Window filming; Weather stripping; Efficient skylights...to name a few.
Applications are online or visit SCEIP, 404 Aviation Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Or, email at energyinfo@sonomacountyenergy.org
http://www.ClimatePRO.com (800) 479-6292
http://www.sonomacountyenergy.org
