Right here in Lincoln, right now, WE HAVE A PROBLEM. A BIG PROBLEM. So big, in fact, it's more like a crisis. An EMERGENCY, if you will. We homeowners are overpaying the power companies for the power we consume, the power we depend on. The power conducive to our very way of life. Desperate to resolve our serious problem, we are OVERPAYING FOR THE SOLUTION! Wait, what?!? Many of you are scratching your heads right now. I'll explain...
How many Band-Aid's do you think are applied in a hospital emergency room? Not many I'm sure...nobody who simply needs a Band-Aid goes to the ER. The solar revolution is like a Band-Aid. We know we are having a power emergency, but not knowing how to holistically resolve the emergency, we go solar. Problem solved, right? Maybe...maybe not. Sure, our bills are down. We may even be overproducing! Knowing just enough to be dangerous, well meaning friends and neighbors are describing their solution to the same problem we face, however, our home's age, condition, construction, family schedules and habits are all unique to us and must be approached as such. And while on the right track with the right intention, we are potentially setting ourselves up for a big surprise down the line if we're not effectively identifying and resolving the problem of WHY our energy bills are so HIGH in the first place. Even if you have a newer home, there are potential inefficiencies that lurk within the attics, walls, appliances, and systems. All factors must be considered and addressed!
How many of the solar canvassers in our area carry an infrared laser temperature gun? How about the salesman who show up to provide the quote once the canvasser talked us into the appointment? Were they rolling up with a large decompression fan? Even if you visited the topic of attic ventilation and/or insulation, the recommendation most likely led you right back to the same place -- a brand new pricey Photo-voltaic System, also known as a Solar System. Creative financing makes it attainable, with everything from County PACE programs to Home Equity Lines of Credit (perhaps even offering a tax break) to 0% down options, almost any homeowner can qualify. Whether leased or purchased, all roads seem to only lead to solar as the end all solution. While solar is a great way to increase energy production while reducing our carbon footprint, it's not the only way. Solar should be added in conjunction with other energy efficient measures and upgrades that address the root of the real problem. In order to attain true energy efficiency, our homes should contain airtight, sufficient seals to prevent our money from literally flying out of the window. The concept of "Reduce before you Produce" is being taught in reverse through marketing campaigns and single measure solar contractors. Wouldn't it make sense to know what might potentially be causing these high energy bills prior to investing $20-50K on a "Solar Only" solution? While marketing efforts from renewable energy companies are pushing homeowners to react quickly, there are alternatives to at least consider. When you "Reduce before you Produce", you not only create efficiency that may reduce the size of solar needed, but if done correctly, you maximize utility rebates that exist, increase home value and most important of all, you have a safer and more comfortable home to live in. Ultimately, we think it's about saving money, but in reality we want to have cleaner air quality, stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer without having a heart attack upon a trip from the mailbox!
The BEST part about CHERP, THEY AREN'T SELLING ANYTHING!!! There's no "bottom line" to be met, no pockets to be lined by locking you, the homeowner, into an expensive purchase or a restrictive lease. CHERP is a 501-C3 non-profit funded by grants, other non profits and private donations. The CHERP educators are simply volunteers who care about the economic and environmental future of our region and seek to educate and empower homeowners. They simply educate you as the homeowner on building science, all the financing options available, and facilitate a comprehensive energy audit with "Best in Class" Home Performance Contractors that have been pre-screened and who meet strict State and Utility standards resulting in recommendations that the homeowner is in full control of and that maximize benefits and minimize costs. Keep an eye out for upcoming CHERP Community Workshops, radio guest interviews, local and regional events. Check out the comprehensive CHERP website at www.cherp.net, to see how CHERP helped homeowners receive over $800,000 in utility rebates as a result of following the CHERP education model and process. Sign up for your $250 Gift Certificate for a comprehensive Energy Audit today on the website at http://www.cherp.net/homeowners-1 or feel free to contact Jack Frost at 916-616-7962 / jackfrost@cherp.net or Brian Van Norman at 530-362-6730 / brianvn@cherp.net. Energy is invisible, so by taking the correct steps in a logical order, CHERP helps make the invisible, visible. Don't fall into the trap of sales pressure, solar hype, hearsay or opinions. Get some advice and education from the most successful non profit energy retrofit organization to protect yourself as a consumer. CHERP is proudly recognized and endorsed by the Governors Office, Senator Jim Nielsen, the CA Energy Commissioner, PG&E, SMUD, the Sacramento Board of Supervisors, Ygrene, HERO and many more. See CHERP's letters of endorsement at https://www.facebook.com/cherpsacramento. 
As an active, energy conscious concerned citizen and real estate professional, I highly recommend at least looking into what CHERP offers in the way of "no cost" education, unbiased and third party information about utility rebates, energy efficient measures and processes and much more. See for yourself why other cities are super excited and CHERP'ing about a great community program http://www.cherp.net/testimonials.
Mitzi De La Cruz
CalBRE License 01929064
Real Estate Professional
Lyon Real Estate
cell~(916) 871-8132
e-fax (916) 746-7593 private fax no cover sheet required
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