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Category: SDG&E Green Academy

SDG&E Green Future grant project

How to become an Eligible Contractor in the CSI-Thermal Program

Published August 19, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

This contractor and self-installer workshop is a prerequisite for participation in the CSI-Thermal incentive program for solar water heating installations. For contractors, it is MANDATORY that the contractor business owner attend the workshop, and it is strongly recommended that the lead installer and rebate manager attend as well. Contractors must hold an A ,B ,C-4, C-36, or C-46 license in order to be eligible for this program, and the attendee’s name must be identified under the contractor’s business name on the California State License Board webpage.

This workshop will provide information on the CSI-Thermal Program requirements, such as the application process, incentive amounts, customer and equipment eligibility, and installation guidelines. Training on solar water heating system design and installation is not provided in this workshop.

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Solar for Homeowners 2 – Be a Smart Solar Customer

Published August 19, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

Solar for Homeowners 2 is the second workshop in this two part series that provides the details and information required for homeowners when comparing solar bids from contractors. In this free workshop, homeowners will be given the tools necessary to compare different bids received by contractors. We will also discuss the details that must be included in a solar purchase agreement and reveal some consumer awareness tips for those entering into negotiations. After completing this two step series, homeowners will have the knowledge and resources necessary to confidently make that final decision to go solar!

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North Park – Energy Efficiency Home Tour

Published August 19, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

You’re invited to tour Shirley’s energy-efficient home.

Is an 87-year-old home destined to be drafty? Shirley of North Park knows the answer is no. After enduring 13 chilly winters, she decided to make her living environment more comfortable.

“Inside this 1920s vintage house it was extremely cold in the winter and I had to wear heavy sweaters most of the time and use extra blankets,” Shirley recalls. “The bathroom was so cold that I would run a space heater in there before taking a shower.”

Shirley hired a contractor to add attic and crawlspace insulation, seal the home’s air leakage, replace the ducts, replace the old furnace and water heater with high-efficiency models, and install dual-pane windows. Because the contractor was participating in Energy Upgrade CaliforniaTM Home Upgrade, Shirley was able to access a rebate of $4,000.

The energy efficiency upgrades are projected to reduce the home’s annual energy use by 41%. And, just as important to Shirley, “the temperature is consistent throughout all the rooms; when it is cold outside I hardly need to turn on the furnace.”

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Solar for Homeowners 1 – Getting Started

Published August 19, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of solar electricity and the current incentives that are offered through the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program. We will explain how to calculate your energy use and properly size a solar system for your home, as well as how to find and research solar contractors. The more you know, the better prepared you will be when choosing a contractor that is right for you!

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Spring Valley – Energy Efficiency Home Tour

Published August 19, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

You’re invited to tour Tony and Cindy’s energy-efficient home.

In 2010, Tony and Cindy bought a remodeled 25-year-old home in Spring Valley. They quickly discovered the temperatures in the home were inconsistent and uncomfortable. “Our house was really cold in the winter and it got really hot in the summer,” says Cindy. They knew there was very little insulation in the attic, and a home energy assessment conducted last year revealed gaping holes in the ducts.

After seeing the results of the assessment, the couple decided to complete upgrades including attic insulation, air sealing, new ducts, and a high-efficiency furnace and air conditioning system.

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Serra Mesa – Energy-Efficiency Home Tour

Published August 19, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

You’re invited to tour Crystal and Joseph’s energy-efficient home.

Crystal and Joseph have completed a variety of improvements on their 1959-built Serra Mesa home. Like many families, they wanted to lower their energy bills. But they were also motivated by the connection between energy upgrades and healthy indoor air quality.

“Before the upgrades, I was sick a lot, and we suspected the bad ducts and poor air quality may have been the cause,” Crystal says. “After the upgrades were installed, my headaches, nausea and sore throat are no longer an issue.”

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Diversity Focused Engineering and Science Chapters Collaborate at Joint Planning Conference

Published August 18, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), along with the San Diego Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) Alliance, hosted a unique event that brought student leaders and professionals together to network, collaborate and exchange ideas for improving math and science education. The event was sponsored by National Society of Black Engineers Professionals San Diego and co-sponsored by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers San Diego Professional Chapter, to increase the number of students to pursue academic and career paths in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries, increase retention in these disciplines, and promote opportunities in energy efficiency, sustainability, and green career pathways.

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Comprehensive Energy Solutions for Your Facilities

Published August 14, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

Integrating energy efficiency, demand response and renewables is key to managing energy effectively in your facilities. This class will first cover opportunities to manage energy related to lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, boilers, pumps, motors, and self-generation as well as the benefits of doing so. This material will be presented in the context of an actionable roadmap for improving energy management: where to start; what to look for; how to quantify the costs and benefits; how to identify sources of financing; tips for getting project installed and verifying results; and, next steps for continuous improvement.

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Fundamentals of Effective Energy Management

Published August 5, 2013 by Eric Pamintuan

Energy costs are on the rise. The move to be green and sustainable is now the norm rather than the exception. This one day workshop on effective energy management for the technical and non-technical facility professionals will introduce fundamental energy management strategies and provide facility professionals the knowledge and tools needed to develop and start implementing an effective energy management program for their business that can improve energy performance, reduce energy costs, and improve the business bottom line.

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