I sometimes hear people say, “solar doesn’t work here, it’s too cloudy,” or even, “it’s too cold.” Did you know that solar panels actually like the cold?  It makes them more efficient.  They also produce energy while overcast.

Others have heard that even the slightest amount of shading is a dealbreaker.   In that case, there are so many nuances to solar shading even the most educated consumer would probably need the tools of a pro to be sure what the impact was.

… So what Dave, what’s your point?

If you’ve thought about solar for your home, go ahead and get checked out.  It doesn’t cost anything, and it gives the pros a chance to dispell any myths or misconceptions, or provide creative solutions that you may not have known existed.

Sure it may just end up being a few minutes over the phone with a guy looking at satelite photos of your place, before you either realize it’s out of your budget or you realize that giant redwood is in fact, a dealbreaker… and you’re not cutting it down.

But who knows, maybe you didn’t know that leasing could be an option, or you’re surprised by how much energy it actually produces… either way, at least you’ll know.

We’ve got some really exciting news to announce. After the success of our first solar campaign in San Francisco, Dan, Dave and I have been busily working on ways to move 1BOG into the next phase. Well, today we’re proud to announce that we are launching 1BOG campaigns in 20 cities across 11 states – and this is only the beginning.

What makes this possible? 1BOG recently joined forces with Virgance, an exciting group of incredibly smart folks who have figured out ways to scale new activism ideas like 1BOG by using the power of online social networks, turning each idea into a large-scale, citizen-powered global campaign. Virgance’s work has a consistent common thread: positive change.  Take a look at their site and get familiar with the other social activism campaigns in the works like Carrotmob, Lend Me Some Sugar, and GreenFund.  We are still young, but we’re growing fast so keep an eye out for more big news coming soon!

These are very exciting, dynamic times. Let’s work together to get this country on the fast track to energy independence and clean living!

Sylvia

Sylvia@1bog.org

Together we can send a strong message that California is ready to get serious about Renewable Energy!

2007 Total System Power in Gigawatt Hours

*Note: In earlier years the in-state coal number included coal fired power plants owned by California utilities

Source: gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov

OK, so someone MAY have sped up the tape, but whatever.

If you click “more about author”:

“A video of Real Marin Solar installing panels on my roof. With all the rebates (thanks to the bailout) and 1bog.org I am getting pretty mush a free solar panel system.”