At an average price of $36,000 to install a photo voltaic (PV) system on the roof of a 3000 square foot building, the cost was too high for the average homeowner.

In New York State (and this goes for about 20 other states), The New York Energy Smart PV Incentive Program, makes going solar affordable for everyone. Check your state for a similar program.

This rebate program funds up to 70 Percent of the total cost. The balance of 30 percent can be covered by a low interest  bank loan.

The Solar Choice Act of 1997 gives residential electric customers the right to sell back any excess solar electricity that their PV system produces.

Plus, data shows a PV system works just as well in the Northeast as it does in Florida. All you need is four hours of sunlight a day.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY

www.realgoods.com
Products for an ecologically sustainable future.

www.realgoods.comcalsolar
How to convert California sunshine into energy

www.solarliving.org
Promoting sustainable living through environmental education. Various workshops, events, and the annual "SolFest".  This year takes place August 21 and 22 in CA.

www.FreeEnergy.Greater.Things.com
Latest developments in the quest for clean, safe, non-depleting energy technologies.

www.calenergy.org
A video guide to renewable energy:"This Renewable House". This explains how technologies work, purchase incentives, how to select a contractor to install. etc.

www.solartoday.org
A magazine on the news stands,  Solar Today..

SOLAR TOUR
Nearly 1400 solar homes and commercial buildings will be open to visitors October 2, 2004. For info: email Becky Campbell-Howe at  bchowe@ases.org , or see web site: www.ases.org  in September for info on this tour of solar homes.