Sebastopol, Calif., December 4, 2003 -- Solar Sebastopol, a citywide program to install a megawatt of solar energy by 2005, recently established its program headquarters in downtown Sebastopol. Centrally located one block off Bodega Highway at 130 Petaluma Avenue, Suite A, the new Solar Sebastopol offices also house the staff of Cooperative Community Energy, the solar energy cooperative partnering with the City of Sebastopol to manage its municipal solar campaign. The Solar Sebastopol program includes raising general awareness about Sebastopol's solar goal, educating people about solar energy, helping property owners determine whether solar makes practical and financial sense, and managing individual solar installation projects.

"We're glad to be in a local office at last!" says Solar Sebastopol program manager Pete Blair. "Our staff lives and works in the Sebastopol area, and going from a virtual office to a real one is a great feeling. Our in-town location helps to increase awareness among Sebastopol homeowners and businesses that the Solar Sebastopol program is alive and thriving!"

Upcoming outreach plans include hosting a series of free, informational solar workshops, educating local schools as well as business and civic groups about the benefits of solar energy, and contacting property owners directly through City of Sebastopol mailings and communications.

The program's inaugural outreach event, the Solar Sebastopol Fair and Celebration, was held at the Sebastopol Community Center last August and attended by an estimated 2,000 people. Since then, CCEnergy representatives have been conducting dozens of site visits at local homes and businesses, and working with local contractors to initiate solar installation projects.

Solar Sebastopol helps homeowners and businesses take advantage of state-subsidized solar energy financing incentives while they're still available. For many homeowners, the monthly cost of a solar system is less than current electricity bills. Residential solar systems usually pay for themselves within 10-12 years (possibly sooner if utility prices rise). Declining solar equipment costs combined with state and federal incentives can cut installation costs by as much as half. For businesses, the case for going solar is often even more compelling due to the unique tax incentives, investment benefits, and utility cost savings gained by installing a solar energy system. Many businesses can generate an immediate return on this investment.

To help make solar energy more affordable and easier, the City of Sebastopol has:

• Earmarked $100,000 to carry the rebate amount of property owners' installation costs, meaning far lower out-of-pocket expenses to initiate a solar energy project.


• Cut the cost of building permits and streamlined the process. Instead of weeks, permits can be obtained in a matter of days.


• Led by example, installing solar panels on the city's Fire Department and Public Works buildings. The city is exploring several more possible locations for solar installations.

Solar Sebastopol is attracting widespread attention as an innovative program. An October 3 editorial in the San Jose Mercury News said "the most interesting development on the solar energy front comes from Sebastopol, a community of 8,000 in Sonoma County.... Given the grid lock in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, it is encouraging to see local governments in California responding to consumers who strongly support solar energy. If all goes well, tiny Sebastopol could show the rest of the state and nation how local communities can take their energy future into their own hands."

For more information about Solar Sebastopol, see: www.solarsebastopol.com.

About CCEnergy

CCEnergy is a solar energy cooperative headquartered in San Rafael, with area locations in Sebastopol, Davis, Oakland, East Bay and Arcata. The Sebastopol office serves members in the entire Sonoma County region.

CCEnergy is an organization for people who want clean energy for their homes, businesses, and communities. CCEnergy provides discounts on renewable energy equipment, design and project management services, and a strong voice in energy policy. CCEnergy recognizes that our energy future depends on far more than the successes of individual renewable energy businesses. By nurturing a "cooperative community" of solar installers, solar designers, energy efficiency consultants, local government managers, building department officials, financing institutions, and consumers, CCEnergy is working to grow a sustainable renewable energy market where all participants thrive. For more information, see: www.ccenergy.com.

For more information, contact:

Pete Blair
Solar Sebastopol / Cooperative Community Energy
707-829-1999
pete@ccenergy.com

or


Lori Houston
Solar Sebastopol / Cooperative Community Energy
707-529-8420
lori@ccenergy.com