As Summer Heats Up and Rates Increase, Cool Down with Solar Power

In April of this year the California Public Utilities Commission approved San Diego Gas and Electric for a rate increase to take place this September. Over the next four years, SDG&E will raise rates by 11%. In addition, the annual increase of 3% will still be applied. In 2012, SDG&E was also granted a rate increase of 7.6% that did not take full effect. This means the owed dollar amount will be retroactively collected and bills will raise more than 11% to catch up. Some San Diego County residents will see their bills raise by as much as 30% if you're within tier four. 

San Diego Gas and Electric claims the rate increase is necessary for increasing safety and reliability needs and higher insurance costs. The money will also be applied to research and development of energy storage and new electric grid technologies.

SDG&E customers already pay the highest rates in the country. Consumer advocate groups contest that it is not fair for investor-owned utility needs to be put above those of the consumer. An increasingly viable solution for consumers to protect their own interests and save money is to adopt solar power at their residences. Not only is solar power a clean and renewable source of electricity, but also allows for energy independence. As the costs of electricity continue to rise, locked in rates from solar projects protect consumers from future rate increase, and shortens the timeframe for their return on their investment.

When Ramona resident, Michael Mason realized his electric bill would be increasing by more than $100 a month, he decided to take a look into going solar and become his own energy producer. The family installed a 7,900-watt solar photovoltaic system to eliminate their electric bill.

“With the information that was presented and the options provided that were provided, it was easy to come to the logical conclusion that solar is a good investment,” said homeowner, Michael Mason.

Sullivan Solar Power helped the Mason family their declare energy independence. To encourage all San Diego County residents to adopt solar power, Sullivan offers a cash-back incentive of $0.20 per watt, up to $1,500. Residents can go solar for $0 upfront, save money every month on their electric bills, increase their property value – and get paid for doing so.

“A typical Ramona homeowner that installs a solar power system of 8,000-watts will eliminate an electric bill of approximately $365 and have a new monthly solar payment of just $200 - plus receive a federal tax credit to the tune of $10,000,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, “Without spending a dime out-of-pocket, homeowners can save a hundred dollars every month, and now that the state rebate is exhausted in the SDG&E territory, our company is providing our own incentive program to the community.”

In an effort to provide all Ramona residents with information regarding going solar at their home, Sullivan Solar Power is hosting an educational solar seminar at the Ramona Community Library (1275 Main St.) on Saturday, August 10th from 11am – 12pm. This one hour presentation will cover solar technology, how to determine if solar is right for you, rebates and incentives, and a local case study. This is a great opportunity for interested parties to gain knowledge and have their questions about going solar answered. This event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. To RSVP for the seminar, or for additional information on Sullivan’s Cash Reward program, call 1-800-SULLIVAN or visit www.sullivansolarpower.com