OC Homeowners Have Received Over $150,000 for Going Solar

For the last nine months, residents in San Juan Capistrano and across Orange County have been actively changing the way their community generates electricity. The Orange County Solar Program launched this year to support homeowners in their decision to declare energy independence.

This countywide program offers homeowners up to $1,500 cash-back to go solar. “Our goal is to move the world towards a sustainable future,“ said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, “With a vision to put solar on every roof in our sphere of influence, we strive to empower Orange County residents to be change agents in their community.”

Sullivan Solar Power, a leading Southern California renewable energy company, is administering the countywide solar program and has committed more than $151,000 back to residents across the county through the initiative.

The Bevan family in San Juan Capistrano was previously spending around $400 per month for electricity at their home. The family installed a 9,067-watt, ground mounted solar power system to help alleviate the burden of Southern California Edison’s ever-increasing electricity rates.

“We went solar because we wanted to reduce our energy bills,” said Kathy Bevan of San Juan Capistrano, who said their $2,000 incentive played a supportive role during their decision making.

The Orange County Solar Program is modeled whereby early adopters receive the highest incentives. The program is limited to 500 participants, or 1,350,000-watts of solar capacity, whichever occurs first. The county program is structured into three phases, and as milestones are reached, incentive amounts will drop.

• Phase I: $0.50 per watt up to $2,000
• Phase II: $0.40 per watt up to $1,500
• Phase III: $0.30 per watt up to $1,000

The second phase of the program is wrapping up with just over 125,000 watts remaining. The program administrators expect the second phase of funding to run out in the next two weeks.

“With the cost of solar down, utility rates for electricity on the rise, and financial incentives for solar customers running out, the time to go solar couldn’t be better,” said Sullivan, “We are providing homeowners the opportunity to get paid to go solar and save money. How does that sound for a stimulus program?”

A free educational solar luncheon will take place Saturday, September 27 at 11 a.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center at 25925 Camino del Avion in San Juan Capistrano. The solar workshop will cover solar technology and advancements, owning and leasing options, what to look for in a solar contractor, available incentives and details on the Orange County Solar Program. To RSVP, call 1.800.SULLIVAN. For more information about the Orange County Solar Program, visit www.OCSolarProgram.com.