Applications for the "California Emerging Renewables Buy-Down Program" Available Senator Jack O'Connell announced today that applications for the California Emerging Renewables Buy-Down Program are now available at his San Luis Obispo District Office. Beginning March 20, California consumers can reserve money through the California Energy Commission to help them install solar panels on their roofs or wind generators in their back yards - and the Commission will initially pay fifty percent of the system cost or three dollars a watt, whichever is less expensive. "As a part of the restructuring of the state's electricity supply, $54 million was set aside by the Legislature to help homeowners and small business owners install what are called 'emerging renewable technologies.' The first $10 million of that fund becomes available this month from the Energy Commission on a first-come, first-served basis," said Senator O'Connell. "I am extremely pleased that the State of California has gone to this length to promote renewable energy and I am hopeful that local residents will take advantage of the program." Four types of "green" power generation qualify for funding under the program. The first two include photovoltaic (PVs) which convert sunlight to electricity and wind turbines of less than 10 kilowatts. The last two include technologies designed for certain types of industrial use such as solar thermal technology, which converts sunlight into heat in order to power an electrical generator and fuel cells that convert renewable fuels into electricity. For an application or more information please contact Senator O'Connell's District Office at (805) 547-1800 or you may stop by at 1260 Chorro, Suite A, San Luis Obispo. # # # STATE CAPITOL, Room 2187, Sacramento, CA 95814 * (916) 445-5405 1260 Chorro, Suite A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 * (805) 547-1800 228 W. Carrillo, Suite F, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 * (805) 966-2296 89 S. California Street, Suite E, Ventura, CA 93001 * (805) 641-1500 | Homepage | Commission Info | Site Index | Search Site | Links | E-mail us about our Web Site at: energia@energy.ca.gov "Energia" means ENERGY in Greek and Latin. Energy used to create this page was produced by California's electricity providers... the most diverse in the world. Page Uploaded: April 3, 1998