City of Fresno Gears up for Solar

Fresno, CA, June 23, 2006 —Press Release-

A contingent of Fresno city building inspectors gathered at a home in Northeast Fresno to study solar electric systems and how to properly inspect them. The home was in the process of having a photovoltaic system installed which made it an ideal example. The explosion of solar installations has kept building departments across the Valley busy and because the technology is relatively new, training by a solar contractor was requested by the city.

The training spanned four homes of differing roof types and installations within walking distance. As the hot summer morning sun rose, the 18 attendees asked questions taking notes of what inspectors should look for to make certain the solar electric systems were safe and properly installed. Dennis Cox, Installation Director for Unlimited Energy, said that assisting the inspectors was essential, “The past year has been very busy for the industry and I expect it to continue. With more and more solar installations throughout the city, increasing the number of inspectors that understand solar is essential .”

Unlimited Energy was chosen by the City of Fresno to help train city inspectors on the nuances of solar electric systems in large part due to their large number of installations (well over 300) in the area. The Fresno company also has the important distinction of being one of only a few that have helped develop State of California standards for solar electric systems. Tommie Nellon, owner of Unlimited Energy, said, “ We feel honored that the city has chosen us to help develop standards for the inspections. By setting high standards for solar electric installations, it will benefit the entire industry. According to Nellon, a solar electric system, if properly installed, should provide 30 years or more of clean, quiet, and reliable electricity.

The explosion of solar has been fueled by recent PG&E rate increases. The utility raised electrical rates to all-time highs January 1st, 2006 and again May 1st, making solar energy more financially attractive to homeowners and businesses. “Imagine payng down a home equity line of credit with less than what you are saving on your PG&E bill. And after four to ten years, the system is paid for and producing free electricity for decades to come, with almost no maintenance,” says Mark Stout, a solar energy consultant with Unlimited Energy and long time solar advocate.

Solar electric systems offer many advantages. Along with producing electricity, they add value to a home without raising property taxes. They also help the environment by reducing greenhouse gases generated by coal or natural gas fired power plants. The State of California is advocating solar by offering generous rebates and the Federal government is offering tax credits for both businesses and homeowners.  Solar electric systems turn the sun’s energy into clean, reliable, and valuable electricity. Owning a solar power generating system essentially fixes the cost of electricity for 25 years or more. For more information about solar electric systems, contact Unlimited Energy at 559-486-2266.

Unlimited Energy is the largest, locally owned solar contractor in the Central San Joaquin Valley. In Fresno since 1984, they have installed more systems in the Central Valley than any other solar contractor and have designed and installed some of the largest PV projects in the State of California.