Energy Saving Tips As a solar energy contractor and installer in San Jose California, I often get questions about how to maximize the value of the power produced by a solar electricity system. The answers are not typically what most people think. As solar design consultants, our job is not simply to design and install the largest solar power system that we can, but to help our customers get the most for their solar dollar. The easiest and cheapest way to accomplish this is to start with energy conservation. It's not as tough as you might think. Energy Vampires San Jose, and Silicon Valley in general, is the home of electronic gadgets - everything from computers to video games to the instant electric frappuccino maker. Alone, none of these things is a major energy consumer, but combine them all and you will add a significant load to your monthly electricity bill. Start by taking a walk around your home and looking for these energy vampires. Are your computers always on or only when you need them? Do you have extra disc drives for making backup copies of your data? Can these drives be turned off when not in use? How about the printers, scanners, modems, etc. - do they need to be on 24 hours a day or when you are off on that two week island vacation? Appliances When was the last time you cleaned the coils on your refrigerator? If you're like most people, the answer is 'never'. The extra refrigerator and/or freezer in the garage are nice conveniences, but do you really need them? Has your air conditioning system been checked for proper coolant charging? If not you may be spending a lot of money blowing slightly cooled air around your house rather than cold air. And if you have the budget, appliances have become much more energy efficient in the past 10 years. Look at replacing the old refrigerator or air conditioner if it is over 10 years old. Lighting Compact fluorescent lights have advanced to the point where there are very few reasons not to be using them in almost all applications.   According to the "Annual Energy Outlook for 2008", by the Energy Information Administration, converting half of all light bulbs to CFL's would reduce CO2 by approximately 42.4 million tons per year. Environmental benefits aside, this simple and inexpensive change can provide a substantial reduction in your overall electricity usage. And don't forget to turn them off when you are not in the room! Pools and Spas The most common element in the high-energy-use household is the presence of a swimming pool and/or spa. Often the swimming pool pump is running for far more hours per day than is really necessary. Speaking of pumps...they have become much more efficient in the past few years. Take a look at the new two-speed pumps. They can pay for themselves in just a few years. And many times the spa is being heated continuously even though it is only used once or twice a week. These things alone can add over $1000 per year to your annual energy bill. In summary, conservation is the cheapest and easiest way to maximize the value of your new solar power system. We will be happy to help identify these opportunities as part of the solar energy site evaluation of your San Jose area home.