…saving a LOT of money on your electric bill, then you’ll probably be very interested to hear about Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning .

Recently, John & Dominic, stopped by Fox4’s Morning Blend, and talked about our Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning product, be sure to watch the video above to learn more.

Our Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning system uses a roof mounted solar thermal collector panel to assist a high-efficiency compressor. By using the power of the sun, we can significantly reduce your electrical consumption.

Benefits:

• Reduce your electricity consumption
• Efficiently cool your home
• Enjoy the comfort of air conditioning at a lower cost

Different than solar electric systems, which produce electricity, hybrid solar air conditioning systems use evacuated tubes to heat a transfer fluid in the solar collector. This fluid superheats an environmentally friendly refrigerant to make the cooling process more efficient. The hybrid solar air conditioner reduces the amount of electricity required to cool your home.

Learn more about How Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning Works, or give us a call at (239) 574-1500.

Currently, our Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning product is available in most of Southwest Florida.   Call us at (239) 574-1500 if you want to assure it’s available for you.

- Dan

…to our product offerings!

What is Zep?

The Zep system eliminates costly and cumberson aluminum rakcs by integrating the rails WITH the solar modules.   It also provides the most reliable electrical grounding system WITHOUT separate grounding wires.

Zep is simpler, easier, and cleaner – the best part?  It’s less expensive, too!

What does this mean for you?

• Dramatically shorter installation times on our solar panels,
• Elimination of mounting rails and clip hardware,
• Elimination of separate grounding hardware,
• Ultra-reliable hyper-bonded grounding matrix,
• Ultra low part counts – 3 parts for the entire array,
• Enhanced aestetics – low-profile, straight and level!

Learn more about Zep on our Web Site, or by giving us a call at (239) 574-1500.

- Dan

…our new Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning product (see video above).

You can learn more about our Solar Air Conditioning solution, along with all of our Solar & Renewable Energy solutions on our Web Site.

If you have any questions, contact us, or give us a call at (239) 574-1500.

Enjoy!

Dan

You’re invited!

We’re having an open house at our “green” building in Cape Coral from Monday, April 19 to Friday, April 23, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, and we’d love to see you!

At our Open House, you’ll be able to:

• take a tour of our Green Building,
• sign a “Declaration of Energy Independence,” and
• learn more about all the solar energy products offered by us.

We’ll also give you a listing of other local Earth Day events, tips and suggestions for going green and a “Solar Bill of Rights” to take home!

As I said in a recent News Release:

“This is a great opportunity for us to be able to educate the public on what they can do to be green and do their part to save the environment. Solar energy is a readily-available and renewable source of energy that will not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but it also helps our customers save lots of money. We’re proud to celebrate Earth Day by teaching our customers how to be environmentally responsible citizens.”

See you next week, and have a great day!

- Dan

…and how Florida is not number #1 in terms of solar usage, YET, it is the Sunshine State!

We’ve been in the Solar Energy business for over 30 years, and we’re definitely seeing a continued growth in our solar energy business.

Here’s 9 ways you can conserve energy by switching to solar energy based solutions:

• Solar Pool Heater – save by using the sun to heat your pool!
• Solar Water Heater – save by using the power of the sun to heat your water!
• Solar Electric Photovoltaic System – save by powering your home with solar energy!
• Solar Lights – save by using natural light for your home!
• Solar Attic Fan – save by using the sun to pull heat from your home!
• Solar Pool Pump – save by using the sun to power your pool pump!
• Pool Automation – save by automating your chlorination, pump timing and heating!
• Solar Water Pump – save by not having to bring in costly utility lines!
• Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning – save between 30% to 50% on your air conditioning!

If you have any questions about Solar Energy, or would like to learn more, visit our web site at: www.FafcoSolar.com, or give us a call at (239) 574-1500.

We’re very passionate about what we do, and would love to help you!

- Dan

…we’ve just added our newest product, Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning!

By the power of the sun, we can help you reduce your electrical use…

At this point, our new product is only available to homes and businesses in Cape Coral, Florida, however, the benefits are amazing, you’ll:

• reduce your electricity consumption,
• save between 30 to 50% on your air conditioning costs,
• efficiently, and eco-friendly, cool your home!

Learn more about our new Hybrid Solar Air Conditioning, and if you’d like you can even learn how it works!

Remember: less harm – more harmony.

- Dan

By the end of the year, we were FAFCO’s authorized exclusive dealer for SW Florida…

By 1983, I was so “in love” with FAFCO, that I changed our company name and starting operating as Fafco Solar.

Our “marriage”, as Freeman likes to refer to it, remains strong. This year marks FAFCO’s 40th year in business. Not a bad milestone for the solar industry. So, I’d like to raise my glass and say  “Here’s to you, Freeman!”

If you’re interested in learning about us, please visit our Web Site at: www.FafcoSolar.com, or give us a call at (239) 574-1500.

Here’s the official news from Fafco, Inc., about their 40th anniversary:

At Solar Power International 2009, FAFCO today celebrated its 40^th anniversary in the solar energy industry. Founded in 1969 by Freeman A. Ford and Richard O. Rhodes, FAFCO is the oldest and largest solar water heating manufacturer in the United States.

“Congratulations to FAFCO for four decades of providing consumers with affordable, reliable solar water heating,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “FAFCO has long been a leader in the solar thermal market, which has grown more than fivefold since 2000 and represents the largest segment for installed solar energy in the United States. Solar thermal is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to go solar. I’m sure we’ll see FAFCO and the solar thermal market continue their strong growth as Americans look for ways to lower their bills and go green.”

In 2008, Newsweek magazine published the “History of Solar”—a look back at the history of solar over the last 100 years. FAFCO Inc. is credited with developing the first lightweight set of solar panels that can reduce heating costs by up to 50% (or more in warmer climates). FAFCO is the only company in the world given this distinction in global technology history.

A World Solar Industry Leader

Since its inception in 1969, FAFCO has achieved many significant milestones. Over the last four decades it has manufactured more than 1.75 million solar collectors. The company has shipped 66 million square feet of pool heating collectors, or the electrical equivalent of 4.3 gigawatts. Finally, FAFCO owns more than 25 domestic and international patents on its technology.

“FAFCO was not only one of the earliest solar companies and longest running solar companies, but also one of the only U.S. companies to compete in a subsidized conventional energy market without subsidies for its products — a notable achievement that exemplifies its stature, quality and professionalism in the market today,” said Scott Slar, president of The Stella Group, Ltd. and former executive director of the national Solar Energy Industries Association for 15 years.

FAFCO History

From 1969 to early 2008, FAFCO was led by world-renowned solar thermal expert and 2006 Inductee to the International Solar Hall of Fame, Freeman A. Ford. The Solar Hall of Fame is an international award that was created by an Act of Congress during the 1976 Bicentennial of the United States. The Solar Hall of Fame distinction has been given to 45 men and women from various countries throughout the world. Ford joins such industry luminaries as Dr. Charles Abbot, Dr. Erich A. Farber, Dr. John Yellot and Dr. Harry E. Thomason.

Under Ford’s guidance, FAFCO pioneered the solar pool heating industry. When the company was launched, the solar pool heating industry was based on expensive, difficult-to-install copper collectors. Despite significant drawbacks, copper absorbers had dominated solar thermal heating for a century. FAFCO’s vision was to replace copper with inexpensive, easy-to-install polymer absorbers. It has since spawned an entire industry.

In 1985, Ford directed his company’s polymer expertise toward Thermal Energy Storage (TES). Today FAFCO TES systems allow customers to buy inexpensive off-peak electricity at night, store the energy and then use it to cool buildings in the day when electricity costs peak. In addition to saving customers money on HVAC costs, FAFCO TES systems enable utilities to reduce peak load thus saving the costs associated with building new capacity.

In 1996, Ford once again focused his company on developing ground-breaking solar energy products. In collaboration with the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, FAFCO developed the world’s first lightweight, affordable, all-polymer, solar hot water system. The system, designed to reduce water heating bills by up to 50%, was launched in 2007.  Ford’s vision was to not only provide cost-saving benefits to consumers worldwide but also to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional energy sources.

In 2008, Ford was succeeded as president by Robert Leckinger, a 22-year veteran of renewable energy, aerospace and the automotive industry. Ford remains an integral part of the FAFCO team as Chairman of the Board.

Industry Recognition

FAFCO’s solar water heating systems have won numerous industry awards, including PCBC’s 2008 “Cool Products” for industry; Building Products’ MVP Award; 50 Most Innovative Products for 2008, Professional Remodeler; Top 100 Products: Residential Design & Build; and Top 10 Products: Readers’ Choice, Qualified Remodeler. FAFCO was also named one of the Top 100 Companies in California’s Central Valley

FAFCO’s headquarters are located in its own custom-built, state-of-the-art solar research, design and production facility, in Chico, California.   To learn more about FAFCO visit www.fafco.com or call (800) 994-7652.

There are a number of things to consider including good sunlight, financial incentives, net-metering policies, cost of materials, and high electric rates…

Good sunlight…

We all know that three consecutive days of cloudy, rainy weather in the Sunshine State is rare and when it does occur many of us begin to suffer from light affective disorder (myself included). In fact the sunlight in our part of Florida is some of the best in the country. According to the Florida Solar Energy Center, Florida has 85% of the maximum solar resource of any location in the country (7.2 kWh/day out of a maximum of 8.5 kWh/day).

Financial incentives…

The federal investment tax credit (ITC) for solar systems has had such a big impact on the solar market since 2006 that Congress extended it for 8 years in 2008 and dropped the cap for residential systems. The solar tax credit reduces the retail cost of an installed system by 30% and you receive the credit when you file your taxes (it is not a grant). At the state level, Florida offers rebates for solar electric (PV) and solar hot water.  For residential PV installations the state rebate is $20,000 for up to 5 kilowatts and for commercial PV installations (10 kilowatt or more) investors receive a rebate of $100,000. In addition to rebates and commercial tax credits, commercial customers of a grid-tied PV system are also entitled to five-year, accelerated depreciation for projects completed in 2009. The State of Florida also provides grants from the Governor’s Energy Office for solar water heaters, solar electric systems and solar pool heaters.

Net-metering policies…

Both LCEC and FPL have enacted net-metering policies for grid-tied, PV systems. Under net metering, electric meters turn backwards when PV systems generate electricity in excess of the demand. This means that their customers receive retail prices for the excess electricity they generate. The kilowatt-hours generated are credited to the next bill at retail rate. At the end of a 12-month billing cycle the utility then pays for solar generated electricity at avoided-cost rate.

Cost of materials…

The price of modules declined sharply this year but according to Solarbuzz (a portal to worldwide solar data) the trend downward has slowed. The demand for photovoltaic modules was high in 2008 so manufacturers increased production. Then the global recession hit the solar industry so in the beginning of 2009 there were plenty of modules on the market which resulted in lower prices. Just remember when you are comparing prices of modules that brand, technical attributes, and certifications do matter.

High electric rates…

Nationwide, electricity rates have increased an average of 4.4% per year over the past 35 years, twice that rate in some parts of the country.  The energy from the sun is free so rates will never increase!

An analysis of the factors influencing an investment in solar reveals that solar energy does pay in Southwest Florida.

It makes economic sense for many but only a hard look at the numbers and a physical analysis of the property will tell if it makes sense for you.

Be sure to visit our web site at www.FafcoSolar.com to learn more about the all of the Solar Energy products available to you.

Nonetheless, here’s the attributes of solar energy:

•    An endless supply… the sun will continue to shine for millions of years
•    A reliable supply… the output of the sun is predictable
•    A secure supply… the sun cannot be a target
•    A safe supply… the sun does not cause pollution
•    A healthy supply… sunshine is essential for good health
•    A free supply… sunshine is delivered to your house free of charge (and fast)
•    Promotes energy independence… both national and personal
•    Promotes energy democracy… ownership for many people (not just a few)
•    Promotes a healthy economy…
•    Promotes enjoyment… you like its beauty, its warmth and all it provides
•    Promotes biodiversity… sustainable behavior in harmony with nature
•    Promotes community… a world that works well… we’re ALL in this together
•    Promotes life… all life depends on the solar energy

At its core, solar energy is in alignment with all you love — and because of that, solar energy is an energy source you love.

Just a few thoughts for the day…

- Dan

For more information, here are some good books:

• Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedman
• The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones
• Plan B by Lester Brown

Here I am with my dad, and grandpa, in 1978 celebrating the Grand Opening of our new store in Cape Coral – at the very location we’re at today!

Back in the day, it wasn’t about ‘going green’ and ‘renewable energy’ – the gas crisis of the 70’s made solar pool heating much more attractive.

I was fortunate enough to be invited by my dad to participate in this wonderful new technology!

Solar pool heating has always been the most economically viable form of solar energy.  It’s always made economic sense.

Today, 35 years later, we’ve expanded our products to include more than just solar pool heat – we also offer:

• Solar Electric Power (or as we call it, photovoltaic (PV) power)
• Solar Water Heater
• Solar Lights
• Solar Attic Fan
• Pool Automation

What’s interesting is how the use of solar energy plays a big role in our goals today relating to ‘going green’ and committing to a sustainable future.

Who knew this is where I’d be today!

I’m really excited that we’re taking our business to a new level using the power of the Internet to help people just like you create your energy independence.

I’m extremely proud to introduce our new online initiatives:

• This very blog, www.GoSolarEnergyforLife.com
• Our Web Site, www.FafcoSolar.com
• Our LinkedIn Business Page, www.linkedin.com/companies/fafco-solar

I want to thank Charly, and his team at Internet Services Group of Florida, LLC, for helping create & deploy our online connection to you!  (Be sure to read his blog post about the Top 5 Results from Going Green).

It’s really important to me that you let me know if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, as well.

Thanks!

Dan