From Staff Reports
Third District Supervisor James Ramos recently announced a free, public expo, “Solar Options for Homeowners,” to be held on Saturday, April 26th from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Joshua Tree Community Center, 6171 Sunburst Ave. in Joshua Tree.
The Solar Options for Homeowners expo aims to bring area property owners together with solar power companies, contractors, installers, consultants, and lenders.
Plans for the expo came partly in response to a report from the Basin Energy Assessment Team and recent actions opposing large-scale solar developments by the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council.
“We’re under a lot of pressure to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels with renewables,” said Supervisor Ramos. “We have to do that by making rooftop solar an attractive option for everyday people because the alternative is a patchwork of industrial-scale solar fields across the desert floor which is simply unacceptable.” Ramos added.
Many businesses and homeowners are unaware of the options available for those interested in switching to solar power. Some will want to purchase panels outright and take advantage of big tax incentives. For retirees and others with a low tax burden, a lease agreement can be most economical. In those cases, the solar power provider may offer free installation, low payments and signup bonuses, and keep the tax incentives for themselves.
Representatives from the County’s Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) program will be on-hand with unique financing options not just for solar, but for a variety of home energy upgrades. They can explain how financing through HERO can be more economical than a conventional loan at a lower rate.
To make the best use of time, homeowners who have already determined they want to switch to a solar system will want to bring to the expo their electric bills from the last 12 months.
Solar Options for Homeowners expo will offer free admission and free promotional items.
For more information or to request a free vendor space, email BasinMAC@gmail.com or call 760-449-4048.