October 11, 2010
In 1991, a presidential proclamation declared October to be National Energy Awareness Month. This year, Governor Schwarzenegger has taken it a step further by designating this October “Solar Energy Month.”
In an official proclamation on September 24th, the Governor urged all Californians to learn more about how solar power can be integrated into their lives and businesses. Citing the increasing numbers of solar panels on California roofs, Governor Schwarzenegger described the bold steps the state has taken to move towards its goal of 1 million more solar roofs by 2018.
There are many ways you can get involved in California Solar Energy Month. Go Solar California has created a “Go Solar, California! Community Solar Calendar” to compile dozens of solar community events and classes. If you already have solar power, you can help your neighbors, friends, and family learn more about solar by hosting a solar party at your house to show off the dazzling mini power plant on your roof. We have a fun, new solar party kit available for SunRun customers who want to host a solar party for their neighbors and friends, so email us if you want to spread the word!
Supporting renewable energy goes hand in hand with energy awareness, conservation, and efficiency. That’s why we’ve compiled 3 easy ways you can save energy to help you celebrate this October:
- Know your home: According to a nationwide poll conducted by RESNET, only 1 out of 3 Americans believes their own home is energy efficient, although 9 out of 10 are concerned with energy efficiency. So, basically most Americans care about energy efficiency and know their home is wasting energy, but don’t know what to do about it. The easiest answer is to ask a professional for an energy audit. Request an energy auditor to take a look at your home and they’ll help you find the energy-wasting problem areas.
- Get rid of vampires: Vampire energy is one of the biggest culprits in energy waste. Your electrical appliances and devices use vampire energy when they’re turned off, but still plugged in (e.g. computers, televisions, cell phone chargers). Unplug electronics and chargers when you’re not using them and plug larger devices into power strips so you can easily switch them on or off when necessary.
- Open and close your curtains: Use your curtains to stay warm this winter. Open your drapes on south facing windows during the day to let sunlight in and close them at night to cut the chill from cold windows
Happy National Energy Awareness and Solar Energy Month from SunRun!
