Verengo Solar Plus!

ORANGE, CA –June 7, 2010 – Verengo Solar Plus, the largest residential solar installer in Southern California, announced today a new referral program to offer cash for solar referrals in partnership with the referral company uRefer. The program launches today as part of a comprehensive approach by Verengo Solar Plus to encourage more Californians to go solar and spread awareness that solar power is not only affordable but provides excellent returns on investment.

Using a new referral system developed by the lead-generating company uRefer, Verengo Solar Plus’ customers, partners and affiliates can now earn $300 cash for every successful referral provided. In turn, Verengo is also offering referred prospects $300 cash for becoming a new customer. To participate in the referral program, please visit: http://www.referverengo.com/

“The reason we have been growing so rapidly at Verengo Solar Plus is that our customers are eager to share their positive experiences with our company via word-of-mouth referrals,” said Verengo Solar Plus CEO Randy Bishop. “With nearly half of our business coming from referrals, we are now able to identify and reward the people currently making referrals by utilizing the uRefer system to offer cash to our growing network of Verengo Solar Plus brand advocates.”

By automating the referral process, uRefer will help streamline and enhance Verengo’s ability to increase, respond to and manage their referrals.

“We are very excited to be working with Verengo Solar Plus,” said Dick Beedon, uRefer Founder & Chairman. “People already love and are excited about their product. The uRefer system will give them the technology to capture that excitement and create a powerful reward system for the growing network of Verengo Solar Plus customers.”

For more information, please visit http://www.referverengo.com/

About Verengo Solar Plus!

Verengo Solar Plus is the largest residential solar installer in Southern California. Staying true to its motto of "do good and do well," Verengo Solar Plus has installed solar systems that will save its customers $34 million in energy costs and reduce carbon emissions as much as planting 41,340 acres of trees, or taking more than 16,500 cars off the road for a year. Last quarter, the energy systems Verengo Solar Plus installed were equivalent to planting enough trees to cover the entire island of Manhattan. For more information on Verengo Solar Plus, please visit http://www.goverengo.com./

About uRefer

Referrals are the best leads and the advocates who make those referrals are an organization’s greatest asset. uRefer’s mission is to transform more of our client’s customers and partners into advocates, creating a powerful “commission only” sales network that consistently refers high quality leads.

Our innovative software platform consists of: The tools to engage and enlist advocates; technology that makes it easy for those advocates to reach out to their own personal and corporate networks; incentive programs to grow the organization’s advocate network; and systems that manage the entire process. For more information on uRefer, please visit http://www.urefer.com/.

Press Contacts

Amanda Crater

Verengo Solar Plus

510-684-0954

cratercom@gmail.com

Molly McFarland

uRefer ™

(734) 585-5684

mmcfarland@urefer.com

###

Verengo Solar Plus President Discusses Solar Power, Solar Costs in CNN Local Interview

2010-06-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Press Release Source: Verengo Solar Plus On Thursday June 3, 2010, 1:46 pm EDT

ORANGE, CA--(Marketwire - 06/03/10) - Going solar in Southern California has never been easier or more affordable, said Verengo Solar Plus President Ken Button in a television interview that airs May 31 through June 6, 2010 on Charter Cable's CNN HLN channel. Based in the city of Orange, Verengo Solar Plus is the largest residential solar installer in Southern California.

"There's a common misperception that solar is expensive, but those are the old days," Button said in the five-minute segment with host Brad Pomerance. "What's really changed is that solar is really compelling on the numbers now -- with the subsidies, with lower prices, it really saves people money."

Thanks to leasing options, with a very small upfront payment around $1,000 and sometimes as low as zero, homeowners can start saving money immediately, Button said. Homeowners can also purchase a system and earn an attractive return, typically around 20% per year, on the investment. Typical payback periods for solar systems today are approximately six to eight years, although with leases the paybacks can be as soon as 1-2 years.

The solar industry is also a source of new jobs, particularly at Verengo Solar Plus. In addition to helping thousands of homeowners save money on their electric bills, the company has added 100 new jobs in the past year.

"One of the really great, gratifying things about being in solar is that we have been able to hire a lot of people at a time when it's really tough out there," Button said. To view the full uncut version of the CNN local interview, visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/VerengoSolarPlus.

About Verengo Solar Plus
Verengo Solar Plus is the largest residential solar installer in Southern California. Staying true to its motto of "do good and do well," Verengo Solar Plus has installed solar systems that will save its customers $34 million in energy costs and reduce carbon emissions as much as planting 41,340 acres of trees, or taking more than 16,500 cars off the road for a year. Last quarter, the energy systems Verengo Solar Plus installed were equivalent to planting enough trees to cover the entire island of Manhattan. For more information on Verengo Solar Plus, please visit www.goverengo.com.

To connect with Verengo on social media, please visit:
http://twitter.com/verengosolar
http://www.facebook.com/verengosolar
http://www.youtube.com/verengosolarplus

Contact: 
Amanda Crater 
(510) 684-0954

How to Use Time of Use programs and Solar Power to Reduce Your Energy Bill

2010-06-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Time of use (TOU) plans are special billing programs offered by utility companies and are great for people who have installed solar and are not using a lot of electricity during peak hours. A TOU plan doesn’t change your rates based on how much energy you use, but rather based on WHEN you use that electricity. You get charged more for peak hours, and less for off-peak.

What are peak hours?

There is a higher rate during peak hours, when the demand on the grid is highest, and a lower rate during the evening and weekends. The definition for them, however, differs by utility company. For Southern California Edison peak hours are between Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and for the LADWP are between Mon-Fri 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

How does of a time of use energy program work for solar?

During the day, especially during the longer days of summer, your solar panels generally produce more electricity than your house needs. So you send the extra energy back to the grid and get a credit for each extra kwh that you send back. At night, when the sun isn’t shining and your solar panels aren’t producing, you pull your electricity from the grid, and you use up your credits. This is basically net metering.

Utility buys your energy

Because the utility needs your electricity most during the day, your utility company is willing to “pay up” for your extra electricity when you switch to a TOU plan. They will pay you the higher “peak rate” which can be as much as 2x your regular rate for your electricity. So you build up dollar credits based on peak rates, rather than credits based on kilowatt hours.

Nightime rates

Here’s where it gets good. At night, when the sun isn’t shining and you buy some or all of that power back, you buy it back at the cheaper night time rate. In other words, you buy low, and sell high! Instead of getting 1 kwh back for every extra 1 kwh you produce, you can get up to 2:1. It’s like getting 30% extra production out of your solar system! That’s Time of Use.

Los Angeles Time of Use programs with the LADWP
The Department of Water and Power's (DWP) Residential Time-of-Use Program offers electricity to customers at three different rates. The prices are based on the time of day when the electricity is actually used, unlike the standard rate when the price for electricity is always the same.

All residential customers have the option to switch to TOU pricing, which requires a special meter that tracks the time of day the customer uses energy. Residential customers whose monthly energy use exceeds 3,000 kWh are now required to use TOU pricing, which encourages energy conservation and can help lower a customer’s bill.

To learn more about LADWP’s program, visit their TOU page here or download their PDF here.

Southern California Edison Time of Use programs

Southern California Edison (SCE) offers Time of Use programs to existing customers only. TOU with SCE is different than LADWP because it has only two pricing “Levels”.

In addition SCE splits charges into two categories:

Energy Charges per kWh consumed that vary by season and time of day.
Basic Charge that covers a portion of costs for services such as meter reading and customer billing.

To learn more about SCE’s program, visit their TOU page here.

Plan time of use into your solar design

Properly factoring in TOU into your initial solar panel design can decrease your system size because of the extra savings. So you want to make sure you have just enough solar power to get your bill close to a zero, but not lower than that.

Survey Shows More Americans Support Solar Energy, Especially the Young and Affluent

2010-04-26T12:10:00.001-07:00

Solar energy is finally getting the positive attention and widespread acceptance it deserves. As reported by Solar Energy News, a recent study done by Rasmussenreports.com showed that 44% of Americans believe in investing in solar for their home. Income is also playing a factor in opinions, as over half of adults who earn $75,000 or more per year believe solar energy will become a standard method for powering their homes. Specifically in California, higher income cities like San Diego and San Jose are leading the shift towards solar technology.

Younger Generations More Supportive of Solar

Even more interesting is the age of those who are willing to forge a solar path. Supporters in the 18 to 40 segment feel solar energy will become a standard method of powering their homes. Moreover, those in this younger age group are also roughly twice as likely as to say they are very likely to use solar power in their homes in the next five years.

What does this possibly mean for the solar industry? It sends a signal to shift advertising and marketing dollars to Gen Y as they start to enter new income brackets. Science Daily reports, “Generation Y is maturing into a pragmatic generation that wants to do the right thing for the environment but also has real economic concerns."

There are numerous programs that provide incentives to make the switch including the new PACE program and the California Solar Incentive. Given these emerging tax incentives and new innovations in solar technology, it’s only a matter of time before solar becomes more mainstream.

Powering Your Home

2010-03-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

Verengo solar power systems convert 95% of the sun's rays to power your home. When the electric current is converted to energy it is passed through an inverter. There it is converted into the electricity that is used in our homes. This conversion is extremely efficient, making the most of the sun's rays. This simple process needs little or no maintenance insuring that a typical solar panel can last over 30 years. Get started today at http://www.goverengo.com/.

How Solar Energy Really Works

2010-03-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

A Verengo solar power system will save you money on your electric bill as soon as it’s up and running. But once once it's up, do you know how it works? Your solar panels are made up of photovoltaic tiles that convert some of the sun's light into a clean form of electricity, usable in your home. The solar panel cells have positive and negative pieces of silicon under a piece of a glass. When the sun hits the cells, it moves the neutrons off the silicon. Small wires catch the neutrons and they are driven down to the circuit where the electric current is made and later converted to electricity. This electricity powers your lights, your AC, your heater, your computer and more. If you have made the switch to solar yet, contact us at http://www.goverengo.com/.

News Round Up

2010-03-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Check out solar energy in the news!

PR Newswire – 'Poll: 3 out of 4 Americans Approve of Solar Energy Development on Public Lands
CNET – 'Bright spot for one California college: A solar farm'
Wired – 'Solar-Powered iPhone Battery Case: Apple Approves'
Huffington Post – 'LA's Bright Future in Solar'
UPI – 'California gets stimulus for solar power'
New York Times – 'Chevron Testing Solar Technologies'

Apply for Solar Credits

2010-03-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

So you want to install solar panels and want to save with solar tax credits. And because the state is encouraging Californians to use cleaner, greener energy, they’re giving homeowners a property tax break for solar installations, saving you even more. Even though solar increases the value of your home—your property taxes won’t increase. The tax credit and property tax break both save thousands over the years, paying off the initial costs sooner than you think. Be sure you apply to get the write off and visit EnergyStar for more about which tax forms to use. And remember, this tax credit is available all the way through December 31, 2016.

Get Solar Tax Credits

2010-03-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Did you know installing solar panels gets you a tax credit? With April 15 coming fast, keep in mind that going solar not only helps crush your electric bill it also generates a tax credit from the IRS. The new Stimulus Bill, which passed in February 2009, is great news for homeowners switching to solar. You get a tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of the system—which could result in thousands of dollars back, and it means the tax incentives are now better than ever. The savings go farther with rebates and incentives, so start staving today and visit http://www.goverengo.com/.

Solar Open House + News Round Up

2010-03-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Check out solar energy in the news!

NYT: 'Los Angeles Electric Rate Linked to Solar Power'
Tonic: 'Google Holds Up a Mirror in Search for Cheaper Solar Power'
Courier Press: 'Solar power, LED lights add flash to police fleet'
WWCO: 'Report Outlines New Vision For Solar Power'
Cooler Planet: 'Colorado Will Be 30% Renewable Energy Soon'

This Sunday, March 21 from 2-4pm,

Verengo Solar Plus presents Solar Open House!!

Solar is more affordable than ever and we'll give you $25 to prove it!

Because electricity rates are on the rise again, it is more important than ever for people to learn about Solar Energy Systems and how it can cut their electric bill!

So come by our Solar Open House this Sunday to see ho solar energy systems work, how much you can save, and schedule an appointment to see if solar is right for you!

*Qualified home owners will receive $25 after their in home consultations

Verengo Solar Plus | (877) 883-7364 | CSLUB# 935263

Make Your Solar Panels Pull Their Weight

2010-03-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

So you've installed your solar panels after prepping your home. But to keep your solar panels working at their best, be sure they're maintained throughout the year. Keep them working efficiently with regular checkups. And be sure to always consider quality, energy-efficient and money-saving home products to help you reduce energy consumption. There are many ways to make your home energy-efficient beyond your solar panel system with new windows, natural insulation and more. Solar panels kept at their peak performance will keep the savings coming year after year.

News Round Up

2010-03-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

Check out solar energy in the news!

San Diego Business Journal: 'Homeowners Turn to Solar Technology to Cut Their Utility Bills'
PC Mag: 'Solar Powers Base Stations of the Future'
MIT Technology Review: 'U.S. Solar Market to Double in the Next Year'
Toledo Blade: 'Alternative-energy push gets bipartisan support'

Getting Your Home Ready for Solar

2010-03-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

Verengo is one of a select group of premier distributors with access to the most efficient solar panels on the market. And when you prepare your home for solar panel installation, be sure to consider this checklist:

Update your windows. If you don't have energy windows put in yet, be sure that they're in before solar panel installation.
Make sure your doors are sealed. Warm or cool air escaping your home lowers the efficiency of your solar panels.
Change your energy habits now. Turn off the lights when you leave the room and use your heater or AC efficiently.

Energy Companies & Solar Rebates

2010-03-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

California is aiding residents by providing solar energy incentives but the Utility companies, like Southern California Edison and Los Angeles Department of Water & Power are offering solar rebates worth $1000s as well. Check out this chart that outlines how much you can save on your solar energy system installation:

Before your install your solar energy system or if your already have, be sure to apply for your solar rebate. Also, always contact your utility company to take full advantage of solar rebates.

New Round Up

2010-03-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Check out solar energy in the news!

Mercury News – 'Support for solar: California doubles cap on credits for excess power'
Biz Journals – 'Study: Renewable-energy mandate bill could create 23k jobs in Colorado'

Go Solar with State Incentives

2010-03-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

Reaping the benefits of solar doesn't stop at your energy bill. With state incentives, using solar energy becomes the best decision. Right now California offers $0.50 per watt per hour. When electricity is almost $1.00 per watt per hour, the savings are substantial. And not only are the states helping cut the cost with solar energy incentives, tax credits can also be redeemed. So the sooner you install solar, the more you’ll save!

For even more information, visit the Go Solar California website.

Benefits of Solar Power in the Home

2010-03-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to harness the power of solar in your home? With electric bills starting to rise as the days get warmer, installing a solar energy system goes the distance in saving you money. A Verengo solar power system will save you money on your electric bill and depending on the size of your house and the number of solar panels in your system, your monthly bill could easily be zero. Get ready for the summer with solar panels to kick high energy bills.

News Round Up

2010-02-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

Check out solar energy in the news!

Wall Street Journal: 'Wal-Mart Canada Plans Wind, Solar Energy Projects'
Progressive States: 'Solar energy Continues to Make Its Case – Now as a Job Creator'
Renewable Energy Focus: 'Florida installs solar energy on emergency shelters'

Beyond Hot Water

2010-02-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

Though using the sun to heat your home's water is popular, solar panels go much farther to power your home. Utilizing solar panels is the most efficient way to go since the sun is a renewable energy source. Day in and day out, the rays can reduce your energy bill by capturing their natural energy source. Learn more about what Verengo can to to harness the power of the sun and reduce your electric bill at http://www.goverengo.com/

News Round Up

2010-01-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

Check out solar in the news!

The Solar Market is on the Rise: 'Solar Market Rises in 2009, says CEO. Will Supply, Demand Meet in 2011?' (from Green Tech Media)
Call to Action: '80 US CEOs Call on Obama and Congress to Enact Clean Energy Reform' (from TreeHugger)

Going the Distance with Solar

2010-01-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

Cutting costs this year is one to consider when finishing up your resolutions. Whether it is to save for your vacation or to contribute to conservation efforts, going solar to save some cash is the way to go. Still not sure how much it will save you? Making the investment saves you more then you know. With electric rates rising nearly 7% every year (average from the last 20 years in California), , in fifteen years a $200 monthly energy bill will be $551 each month! Cutting your electricity use with solar energy, you can buffer this rise in energy costs. Start now to add up the savings.

A Better Investment

2010-01-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Still considering the switch to solar? Consider this: solar energy investments are more efficient and budget conscious than ever. As this new year gains speed, plan out your conservation strategy and begin the investment that lasts for years to come. But make sure you have already implemented other conservation tactics to save energy and get the biggest bang for your buck! These other savings will make your solar payoff even more!

Many people think of solar in terms of doing the right thing...for the earth. But the below chart shows it is also the right thing for your retirement!

Vertical Crops Anyone?

2009-10-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

A new vertical method for growing crops which claims to use less land and only 5% of the water usually needed is being piloted at a Zoo in England.

The system grows plants in trays of water moving on a conveyor belt, and can be powered by wind or solar energy, as well as electricity.

<TELL US WHAT YOU THINK>

California Renewable Portfolio Standard to 33% by 2020

2009-09-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this week signed an Executive Order (EO) directing the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt regulations increasing California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 33 percent by 2020 - first established by the Governor’s directive last year.

<< READ THE ORIGINAL POST >>

Solarize Your Home Los Angeles!

2009-09-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

With the Polar Ice Caps melting faster than estimated, the WWF has put up a really clever installation on the steps of a Berlin square that anthropomorphizes ice block sculptures. The ice carved out to look like simple humans melted away in the hot summer sun in a statement speaking to the frailty of nature and the human impact thereof. Great stuff!

<< DO YOUR PART. SOLARIZE! >>

Your Green Light

2009-09-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

What switched on your personal green light? What made you aware of the climate crisis and called your attention? Did you read some bad news? What was it that switched on the green light in your head? Share your inspiration. Don't be shy. Be a participant instead of a spectator. So what are you going to do to get involved?

<< TELL US YOUR STORY >>

Solar Powered Skins for iPhones and iPod Touch

2009-09-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

It looks like Apple gadget users will have a new way to charge up iPods and iPhone devices with the sun, thanks to the latest from NovoThink. The company has released the Solar Surge, a skin with an integrated solar cell capable of charging the Apple devices on 100% solar power.

As for charging capabilities, the company states that 2 hours of direct solar exposure provides about 30 minutes of talk time on a 3G network or 60 minutes of talk time on a 2G network, and the skin's battery stores 120% capacity of iPhone 3G.

It also comes with a Solar Planner application that helps you assess what your solar needs are to fully charge up your gadget, so you eliminate the guessing for how many hours of daylight you need to get full bars.

<<WANT TO SOLAR POWER YOUR HOME?>>

One more handy way to get your gadgets off grid - or at least it will be. It isn't quite on the market yet. But at the end of this month, you'll be able to pick it up for $70. A little pricey, yes, but not too bad for a solar charger made specifically to fit and protect as well as power your device.

More Sun for Less: Solar Panels Drop in Price

2009-09-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

For solar shoppers these days, the price is right. Panel prices have fallen about 40 percent since the middle of last year, driven down partly by an increase in the supply of a crucial ingredient for panels, according to analysts at the investment bank Piper Jaffray. The price drops — coupled with recently expanded federal incentives — could shrink the time it takes solar panels to pay for themselves to 16 years, from 22 years, in places with high electricity costs. That calculation does not include state rebates, which can sometimes improve the economics considerably.

The smaller residential sector continues to grow: In California

, by far the largest market in the country, residential installations in July were up by more than 50 percent compared with a year earlier. With prices dropping, that momentum looks poised to continue.

Mr. Hare in Texas cited the larger tax credit, which sliced about $23,000 from his $77,000 bill, as a major factor in his decision to go solar, in addition to the falling panel prices. Sensing a good deal, he even got a larger system than he had originally planned — going from 42 panels to 64. The electric bill on his 7,000-square-foot house and garage has typically run $600 to $700 a month, but he expects a reduction of 40 to 80 percent.

<< WANT TO SEE IF SOLAR POWER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?>>

Danita Hardy, a homeowner in Phoenix, had been put off by the prospect of spending $20,000 for solar panels — until she spotted a news item about a company called SunRun that takes on the upfront expense and recovers its costs gradually, in a lease deal, essentially through the savings in a homeowner’s electric bill.

“I thought well, heck, this might be doable,” said Ms. Hardy, who wound up having to lay out only $800 to get 15 solar panels for her home.

How Many Solar Panels Would It Take to Power The Entire World?

2009-09-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just 496,905 square kilometers. That's really nothing compared to the total world area: Less than the surface of Spain (504,030 square kilometers) covered with solar panels, distributed across deserts and areas with almost 24/7 sun, all year around.

<< WANT TO SOLAR POWER YOUR HOME? >>

Give us your view: Could we replace the nation’s pavement with solar panels?

2009-08-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

So crazy it just might work? Apparently the Dept. of Transportation thinks so: Solar Roadways [based in Idaho], has received a $100,000 contract from DOT to build a prototype [read their press release].

Solar Roadways will collect solar energy to power businesses and homes via structurally-engineered solar panels that are driven upon, to be placed in parking lots and roadways in lieu of petroleum-based asphalt surfaces.

<< Give Us Your View >>

The Solar Road Panels will contain embedded LEDs which “paint” the road lines from beneath to provide safer nighttime driving, as well as to give up to the minute instructions (via the road) to drivers (i.e. “detour ahead”). The road will be able to sense wildlife on the road and can warn drivers to “slow down”. There will also be embedded heating elements in the surface to prevent snow and ice buildup, providing for safer winter driving. This feature packed system will become an intelligent highway that will double as a secure, intelligent, decentralized, self-healing power grid which will enable a gradual weaning from fossil fuels.

... Fully electric vehicles will be able to recharge along the roadway and in parking lots, finally making electric cars practical for long trips.

It is estimated that is will take roughly five billion (a stimulus package in itself) 12’ by 12’ Solar Road Panels to cover the asphalt surfaces in the U.S. alone, allowing us to produce three times more power than we’ve ever used as a nation - almost enough to power the entire world.

Encyclopedia for Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living

2009-08-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Always wanted an encyclopedia for alternative energy & sustainable living?

<< We Found One Here >>

What’s Your Earth Impact?

2009-08-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Take The Test

Earthlab has come up with a very cool widget to see what your carbon footprint level is, and helps guide you to making a conservation plan.

New battery could change world, one house at a time!

2009-08-24T16:09:00.001-07:00

A team of specialists in advanced materials and electrochemistry has produced what could be the single most important breakthrough for clean, alternative energy since Socrates first noted solar heating 2,400 years ago.

Read more here!

Acts of Green!

2009-08-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

We happened along this web site earlier today and decided to make a post about it. It was created by Cisco, a description of the goal as stated on the site is shown below...

" Change can start with just one person. One action. One Million Acts of Green.

We know that to change human impact on the environment we have to change how we think and how we act. But how do you start? We think you can start simple, with “acts of green.”

In October 2008, Cisco launched One Million Acts of Green in Canada to show that individual, organizational, and community acts of green add up to something significant. Today, we’re asking everyone in the United States for an act of green. It can be small: install a low-flow showerhead, take public transportation instead of driving, use a refillable coffee cup. Or something bigger, like covering your roof in solar panels.

One Million Acts of Green asks you to form a community, record your acts of green, and share your ideas to encourage others. It shows the power of people coming together and working toward meaningful goals—the power of the human network. "

You Can Visit The Website Here

Can I sell extra solar power back to my utility company?

2009-08-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

View Our You Tube Videos!

Verengo Solar releases it's first You Tube Video. Look for additional, educational short-flicks in it's series of Solar FAQ.

Residential Solar Install Pictures

2009-08-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Today we wanted to give you something extra special and show off a few of the recent solar installations performed by Verengo Solar.

If you'd like to see some more of these photos please visit the Verengo Solar Plus Photo Gallery.

The Coolest iPhone App - iRecycle

2009-08-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

iRecycle iPhone App Powered by Earth911! - iRecycle makes it easy to find recycling locations anywhere in the U.S. Find places to drop-off your old cell phone (or water bottle or motor oil or… well, you get the idea), get directions and find out what else they accept. It's available on the iPhone iTunes App Store.

Solar Forest

2009-08-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Designer Neville Mars has designed a charging station that keeps your car both cool and charged.

Called the Solar Forest, the panels actually follow the sun throughout the day for maximum efficiency. And that canopy provides some much needed shade for the cars below, hopefully while keeping the overlap to a minimum.

The tree trunks are like a giant power strips for electric vehicles. Cars can just plug in and cool off.

To see more photos of the solar parking forrest you can click here.

Go Solar, Go Verengo! www.GoVerengo.com

Solar-Powered Lawn Mower Robot

2009-08-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to really like the techy gadgets we highlight - so - How cool is this?! ~ This Automower Solar Hybrid is being advertised as the “the world’s first solar electric hybrid lawn mower.” It claims to be able to mow you lawn for around 45 minutes before running low on power, at which point it heads back to it recharging station. Both the recharging station and the “automower” run off of solar power, allowing you to sit back and let the Sun mow your lawn.

Click here to read more about the Fully Automated Solar-Powered Lawn Mower Robot

If you want to learn more about going solar, visit GoVerengo.

Waterproof solar laptop charger

2009-07-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

Everyone seemed to enjoy the posting on the solar powered ipod charger so I figured I would follow it up with another great DYI from Voltaic for a wateproof solar laptop charger! You can find the instructions so you can make your own here.

If you love the idea of powering your computer with the sun, imagaine powering your whole house! Verengo Solar can show you the way! Visit us at www.GoVerengo.com.

Go Solar, Go Verengo.
www.GoVerengo.com

Solar Berkeley

2009-07-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hold on to your solar hats... its getting exciting out there. The city council will vote in November on a measure to help residents of Berkley go solar for no money down. Property owners would be eligible to have a solar electric system installed by a city approved contractor, and be able to pay the system off in the form of a tax that would be less than the energy savings they achieved.

To read more on this initiative you can visit the SF Chronicle article here.

To learn more about going solar, you can visit www.GoVerengo.com.

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

Giant Plastic Trees!

2009-07-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

Tree is a bit of a loose description, it in fact looks more like a giant fly-swatter that has been stuck into the ground. BUT, it does act like a tree in the sense that it is able to suck CO2 out of the air. However unlike a real tree, the fake cousin can absorb the CO2 about 1000 times faster!

Unfortunately these trees don't produce power (like a solar system does) but, if you want to read some more about them, you can click here.

If you want to learn more about getting a solar electric system that can reduce your CO2 footprint, AND save you money, visit Verengo Solar.

Go Solar, Go Verengo!
www.GoVerengo.com

Amazing Solar Eclipse image !

2009-07-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

See the solar image here!

Solar energy CA

2009-07-27T14:26:00.001-07:00

Are you part of the Solar Energy surge in California? There's a major competition heating up to be the greenest city in the US. Apparently San Diego, has beaten out both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Read more from the LA Times article, you can see it here.

Interested in going Solar? Visit www.GoVerengo.com.

Solar powered I-pod!

2009-07-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in Solar power but don't feel like jumping into the deep end? Would you feel more comfortable just sticking a foot in the shallow end. The link below gives you the plans to make a solar powered module for a usb port!

Find the instructions for your solar powered Ipod charger here.

Once you get used to harnessing the power of the sun, we know your not going to want to stop with your phone, so come check out www.GoVerengo.com and we will help you power your entire house!

Go Solar, Go Vernego
www.GoVerengo.com

*use this DIY at your own risk, Verengo is not responsible for any damage that may occur to electronic devices.

Renewable energy adds to home value

2009-07-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Renewable energy is in high demand and its showing up in home values. For every $1 of energy savings you can see a $20 increase in your homes value.

To read more about increase your home value with renewable energy additions visit the article here.

To learn more about going solar and adding to your homes value visit Verengo Solar!

www.GoVerengo.com

More money then they know what to do with...

2009-07-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a TEN FOLD increase in the amount of money the government is devoting towards weatherizing homes. It has sky rocketed from $447 million to $4.7 BILLION dollars! This means there is a lot of opportunity out there to have the government help you pay to improve your homes energy footprint. Solar rebates are fantastic from the government and can save 1/2 the cost of your system.

Read more on the stimulus money here,

Learn how to go solar at www.GoVerengo.com

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Solar powered flowers?

2009-07-21T11:48:00.001-07:00

Yup, you read that right, solar powered flowers. Its all related to Toyota's campaign running currently to promote the Prius. You might have seen it on TV recently, its the one where the weird flower people sprout out of the desert to advertise the Prius's solar powered venting system. Well giant solar powered versions of these flowers have been attached to bench's with outlets to allow random passers-by to charge their electronic devices. Pretty cool Toyota!

Want to learn more about the giant solar powered flowers, visit the article.

Want to Go Solar at your own house visit www.GoVerengo.com.

Sorry, we're not currently selling giant solar powered flowers. BUT, you never know.

Go Solar, Go Verengo.

www.GoVerengo.com

NO on Coal, YES on Solar

2009-07-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

The Verengo Blog had posted earlier this month about Los Angeles City Mayor Villaraigosa's announcement that Los Angeles would move away from purchasing energy produced with coal. That was great news, but what has been even better is to see some of the immediate ramifications of that annoucmenet. One of Los Angeles cities largest suppliers of coal energy recently announced that it was scrapping a plan to build a 900mw coal power plant.

You can read the article here.

If you want to help Los Angeles use less coal produced energy GO SOLAR! Visit www.GoVerengo.com.

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

How Solar is your city?

2009-07-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Want to find out how well your city stacks up in comparison to other California Solar Cities? In 1999 there were roughly 500 Solar roof installs, compared to 2009 with nearly 50,000! Solar energy is a great option for California residents and this report shows we are making great progress to the CA state goal of 1 million roofs by 2017.

Find the report and more details about CA's Solar Cities here.

If you want to learn more about going Solar and helping CA reach its 1 million solar roof goal visit www.GoVerengo.com.

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Verengo Solar Home Install

2009-07-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

Just a few examples of what a beautiful Solar Home can look like!

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Verengo Solar @ US Open of Surfing!

2009-07-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

Verengo Solar will be at the US Open of Surfing! Come learn about going Solar and Spin the Wheel of FREE STUFF!!!

http://www.goverengo.com/?q=Facebook-HB-surf.html

and don't forget Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Green Home Guide

2009-07-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

As theofficial Verengo Blogger I get the opportunity to see a lot of really cool web postings related to GREEN, but I think this might be my favorite post thus far. Popular Science has released their new Green Home Guide for FREE, and its pretty sweet. It offers lots of great tips to be GREEN and save GREEN. You can check out the Green Home Guide HERE.

If you want to learn how to save even MORE GREEN, visit VERENGO SOLAR!

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Green and Solar rebates for 2009

2009-07-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Do you have your eye on something green, like for instance a solar PV system (wink* wink*) and you want the government to help you pay for it. We'll you just may be in luck. Our friends at Low Impact Living compiled a list of Green Tax Credits, you can view it here.

If you want to learn more about Solar, visit www.GoVerengo.com

Go Solar, Go Verengo

Palm Desert helps resident's GO SOLAR!

2009-07-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Solar makes so much sense these days that even cities are getting involved to help fund their residents solar system. Palm Desert recently acquired $2.5 Million to continue their Solar Loan program. Palm Desert isn't the only city to help their residents go solar, other cities like Burbank and San Diego have initiated similar proposals. Solar is a great way for home owners to drastically reduce their energy consumption and save money all at the same time.

To read more about the Palm Desert Solar Loan program look here!

To learn more about going solar, visit VERENGO!

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Your home might be smarter than you think!

2009-07-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

New smarter technology for home energy savings is on the horizon. GE and Tendril have teamed up to create smart appliances that can be powered down remotely during high energy demand periods. Products like these are just another step in the right direction to help homeowners lower their electric bill. You can drastically reduce or ELIMINATE your electric bill TODAY by going solar!

To read more on this article click here.

To learn more about going SOLAR visit Verengo Solar!

and don't forget...

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Gadgets show how much power your house eats!

2009-07-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how much power your microwave uses every time you turn it on? How about those fifteen 100 Watt bulbs you love so much because it brightens up the whole room. New products are coming out to help you monitor the effect all those products have on your meter. You can now instantly see how much energy usage you are racking up as it happens. The best thing about watching your electric consumption is that it is actually helping people use less! Combine this lower usage with a Solar Electric System and pretty soon you'll have your utility company paying you!

Read more about the new gadgets HERE!

Want to learn how to go Solar for $1,000 or less, visit VERENGO here!

dont forget...

Go Solar, Go Verengo

www.GoVerengo.com

Google helps you view your electric use online!

2009-07-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Google has teamed up with SDG&E(San Diego Gas & Electric) to bring you the ability to view your electric usage online. By combining the newly installed digital smart meters with Google's new power meter app, customers can see an hourly detail of the previous days energy useage. This is a great step towards a better understanding of our energy usage and as smart meters become more common we should see the spread of this type of technology. With a Verengo Solar install you have the option for a similar setup to monitor your production of solar energy via a web portal.

Read more about this topic here.

If you want to learn more about going solar with Verengo visit our webpage.

dont forget...

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Solar to cost less in L.A. County!

2009-07-08T09:53:00.001-07:00

I was very excited to wake up this morning to a news bulletin on NPR that permit fees will be decreasing in Los Angeles. Thanks to a survey conducted by the Sierra Club that highlighted an outdated permit cost for Solar, the county supervisors unanimously voted to lower the fees by a significant margin. This is great news for Solar in Los Angeles, as these savings will mean less expensive Solar for all!

Just another reason why now is the BEST time to go Solar!

Check out the rest of the article here.

and dont forget... Go Solar, Go Verengo!

www.GoVerengo.com

Los Angeles Mayor wants to switch from Coal to Solar!

2009-07-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is pushing to switch from cheap dirty coal to a focus on renewable energy. Villaraigosa put forth a goal of 40 percent renewable energy by the year 2020. There is no doubt that Solar energy will be a big part of this plan. There is also no doubt that this will lead to continued rate increases, which some have stipulated might even be higher that the historical 7% a year. Just another great reason to put your own Solar Electric System on your house and declare independence from the utility company.

You can read the rest of the article here.

OR, you can find out how to Go Solar for as low as $1,000 HERE!

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

http://goverengo.com/

Its so easy to Go Solar and 8th grader can do it!

2009-07-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

This junior high school student built a solar powered bike complete with an ipod dock and gps. The article states that his interest with solar panels began after seeing his dad install them on the roof. This proves once again that going Solar is the beginning of lots of great things.

To read the article click here!

To learn more about going solar, visit

www.GoVerengo.com

Solar Electric Car

2009-06-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

An electric car with built in Solar electric panels! I think i'm in love! Just imagine, pulling your car into your garage and plugging in to your outlet. I paid $3.30 a gallon on the way into work, I would much rather be paying nothing and powering my car with solar energy.

Check out the electric solar car here!!!

and don't forget,

Go Solar, Go Verengo!

Climate change legislation

2009-06-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Just in case you haven't been watching here's a quick update on the progress of the major climate change legislation currently being voted on. The main focus of the legislation is to reduce the carbon emissions in the united states. As it stands its going to be very close to passing.

Read more on the status here

and don't forget...

www.GoVerengo.com

LADWP rates on the rise!

2009-06-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Below is an excerpt from a conversation with an LADWP insider.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has recently restructured the electric rates. The restructured electric rates are effective September 19, 2008 for some rate schedules and July 1, 2009 for most rate schedules. It will be revenue neutral for each customer class. Please click on the following link to review the electric rate restructuring ordinance.

It's not to much of a surprise though, if you've been following the news. Electric rates are forecast to continue to rise into the future. If only there was a way to fight back against the utilities and produce your own power at a set rate... Go SOLAR!

USA Today article on rising utility prices!

www.GoVerengo.com

Solar power from space

2009-06-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Apparently we will soon be getting our solar power from space! If you were thinking about getting solar power, you might want to act now before the astronauts take all the panels!

http://www.worldculturepictorial.com/blog/content/pge-put-solar-panels-orbit-capture-suns-rays-247-wirelessly-beam-energy-down-earth-2016

www.GoVerengo.com

Solar powered cooker!

2009-06-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

To keep in line with yesterday's post of solar powered speakers, I found another innovative product the solar powered cooker! While you may never see this one in the Verengo Solar product offering, it is a pretty sweet dish. (pun definitely intended :) )

Solar Powered Cooker Link!

www.GoVerengo.com

Solar Powered Speakers

2009-06-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Found this link online and just couldn't help but share. Not only is Solar helping save the planet, but now it's making for portable enjoyment of excellent tunes as well!

Solar speakers link!

www.GoVerengo.com

Welcome To Verengo's Blog!

2009-06-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Verengo Solar is extremely excited to be officially blogging! Now all we need is some loyal blog followers....

www.GoVerengo.com