Goal 1 - Create 25,000 Clean Tech jobs as the World Center of Clean Tech Innovation
Green Vision
Goal 2 - Reduce per capita energy use by 50 percent
Green Vision
Goal 3 - Receive 100 percent of our electrical power from clean renewable sources
Green Vision
Goal 4 - Build or retrofit 50 million square feet of green buildings
Green Vision
Goal 5 - Divert 100 percent of the waste from our landfill and convert waste to energy
Green Vision
Goal 6 - Recycle or beneficially reuse 100 percent of our wastewater (100 million gallons per day)
Green Vision
Goal 7 - Adopt a General Plan with measurable standards for sustainable development
Green Vision
Goal 8 - Ensure that 100 percent of public fleet vehicles run on alternative fuels
Green Vision
Goal 9 - Plant 100,000 new trees and replace 100 percent of our streetlights with smart, zeroemission lighting
Green Vision
Goal 10 - Create 100 miles of interconnected trails
Mayor Reed's 60-Day Solar Challenge
During the 2008 California Clean Tech Open, Mayor Reed surprised the crowd by issuing a challenge, calling on solar companies to develop ways for San Jose residents to install solar energy systems on their homes at no cost. Setting a 60-day deadline, Mayor Reed hopes to help families who are eager to switch to clean, green energy but cannot afford the upfront costs. Listed here are the various responses to the challenge.
Plan: 25 yr or less home equity loan, monthly cost varies depending on electric usage Contact: 408-978-0111, info@GoSolarNow.com Website:http://www.GoSolarNow.com
Plan: Solar Fixed 15 or 25 yr plans, or Solar Flex 25 yr plans
Contact: 1-888-OK-SOLAR (888-657-6527), info@recsolar.com Website:http://www.recsolar.com/
Plan: Financing for ownership through secured or unsecured lines of credit Contact: 1-800-564-0362 Website:http://www.needaroof.com
Plan: 15 yr lease, monthly cost varies with utility costs, option to buy Contact: 408-998-7400, info@solutionsforpower.com Website:http://www.solutionsforpower.com
Plan: 15 yr purchase (average), monthly cost 10% less than current utility bill, includes replacement of old home appliances Contact: 408-778-4567 Website:http://www.stablsolar.com
Plan: Solar loan options with 15, 20, or 25 yr terms, monthly cost lower than current electric bill
Contact: 1-888-56-SOLAR (888-657-6527) Website:http://www.realgoodssolar.com/
Plan: Zero-down financing available through premier dealers Contact: 1-877-SUN-0123 Website:http://www.sunpowercorp.com
*The options above are presented for informational purposes only. They do not constitute a formal endorsement from the City of San Jose. Any agreement that is entered into with these companies should be done with the full awareness of all terms and conditions.
A few hints: If you are considering having solar installed on your home or business...
1. NEVER give a deposit more than $1000. Contractors are prevented by law from requesting or collecting deposits more than 10% of the contract amount or $1,000, whichever is less. After your deposit is made it is customary to make partial payments as materials are procured and work is performed; these payment amounts should be specifically listed in the contract. Be sure that your contract has a provision for holding back a reasonable amount (5% or 10%) until you are satisfied with the work, but do not hold back that money unless you have good cause. If the contractor is carrying your rebate for you, then a hold-back may be unnecessary.
2. READ your contract carefully. The contractor wrote the contract, so you can expect it to contain provisions which protect the contractor's rights. However, a good contract will be fair and even in its provisions.
If you feel that the contract you are asked to sign is one-sided, ask the contractor to change the clauses that you object to. If the contractor refuses to negotiate, you may want to reconsider whether this is the company that you want to do business with.
3. NEVER pay the full amount of the contract before the work is performed.
4. ALWAYS look for the contractors' license number printed on the contract and the company business cards.
5. VERIFY the contractors' license number at www.cslb.ca.gov and make sure that the contractors' license number is in the same name as the company. This website also shows whether there are any disciplinary actions pending against the contractor and whether they have insurance that meets the state's requirements.
6. CONFIRM the sales representative is a registered Home Improvement Salesperson (they will have an identification card issued from the Contractors' State License Board).
It is always a good idea to get more than one estimate for the work.
You will find that most reputable solar companies are competitively priced. If the claims your salesperson makes sound too good to be true, they probably are. Don't sign the contract and don't give the salesperson any money if something doesn't feel right to you. And remember, you have 3 days to reconsider any contract you sign in your own home. Do your own independent research to verify that the benefits and costs are described correctly. Talk to your neighbors and people you know who have a solar system and learn from their experiences.
Where you can find more information:
www.calseia.org includes a list of solar companies that are members. Click on Find an Expert www.cslb.ca.gov is the State Contractors' License Board website where you can check a license or sales person registration
Office of Mayor Chuck Reed
200 East Santa Clara Street San José, CA 95113
tel. (408) 535-4800 fax (408) 292-6422 mayoremail@sanjoseca.gov
The City of San Jose is committed to open and honest government and strives to consistently meet the community’s expectations by providing excellent service, in a positive and timely manner, and in the full view of the public.
