Sustainable Energy Group Inc.

News!!

Sustainable Energy Group Inc.
Mechanical Engineering, License #21982
General Contracting, License #868816

2009. This year we, along with so many other green job companies, were blessed to help lead the economic recovery. We're looking forward to 2010 being another step forward in helping to build a more sustainable energy future!
Summer 2008. We've been so busy since the last post - A YEAR AGO! - this page hasn't been updated to reflect all the fun and important work we've been doing since. To help make up for this, we'd like to present for your enjoyment a video one of our happy customers made of our work in converting her garage into an art studio (she's an especially talented person as this video will show).....
VIDEO OF SEG's GARAGE TRANSFORMATION
Summer 2007. We've moved from our Nevada City location! We now occupy a much larger space in Grass Valley
Winter 2006-2007. On January 1, 2007 the California Energy Commission's Emerging Renewables Program for photovoltaics was discontinued. The good news is the new California Solar Initative has taken its place! In addition to the new rebate level of $2.50 per watt of solar electric we also have the $2000 federal tax credit for residential systems through 2007. Businesses and home offices have even greater credits available as they can take advantage of a 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit as well as 5 Year Accelerated Depreciation.
As a result of these factors the PV systems we install provide an attractive return on investment (IRR) and, in some cases, the money you save on your utility bill is less than the cost of the loan to go solar! It depends on the PV system design, your electric bill and the financing you choose (see examples). We optimize your savings by doing a detailed analysis of your sites solar access in addition to the costs and savings of your solar PV alternatives.

We also provide a free analysis of energy efficiency options to our PV customers to further increase the economic benefits of an investment in PV (see example). As a result, our approach to finding your best energy solution yields one of the best investments a person can make.
Summer 2006. On July 30, 2006 we finished putting a new cool roof coating on our office building's old capsheet roof. We measured the surface temperature of our old roof, at 3pm in the afternoon, to be 158F (85F outside). The day after the cool roof was applied we again measured the surface temperature of our cool roof at 3pm to be 92F (86F outside). We estimate air conditioning savings will be around 30% and that the roof will never (ever!) be torn off for replacement - every 7-10 years (on average) we will simply recoat it with the cool coating!
Winter 2005-2006. On Thursday, January 12 2006, the California Public Utilities Commission passed the California Solar Initiative (CSI). The CSI provides 2.8 billion in customer incentives for solar projects on existing residential buildings, as well as all public buildings, industrial facilities, businesses, and agricultural facilities. Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) power systems are really getting attention now!
Fall 2005. Our associate, Mike Saturno, "The Plumbtrician" is featured in the Nevada County Contractor's Association publication "Home Improvement Guide - Fall 2005."
Summer 2005. "Sustainable Energy Group" is featured in the Nevada County Contractor's Association publication "Home Improvement Guide - Summer 2005"
July/August 2005. Ray Darby is featured on Reality Check, a local TV show, spreading the sustainable energy gospel! Take this link for showtimes.
June 2005. "Harnessing sun's rays for business," Colfax Record, June 15, 2005.
September 2004. "Solar solution - Energy guy uses sunshine to save money, waste" An article from The Union, a local Grass Valley newspaper, about Ray Darby's home.
November 2004. We completed one of the largest commercial Photovoltaic installations in Northern California! Working with Felix Electric and R.W.E. Schott Solar, we brought online a 145 kW solar electric system for Hills Flat Lumber in Colfax, CA. Click this link to see how it's performing in REAL TIME!
November 2004. We moved into our spacious new offices. Located at 111B New Mohawk Road in Nevada City, California, we're growing to meet the demands of our clientelle!
August 2004. "Green construction isn't just for new buildings" Sacramento Business Journal.
May 2003. "Detailed discussion of Energy Modeling of Advanced Relocatable Classrooms with Indirect/Direct Evaporative Cooling (IDEC) Systems" Lawrence Berkeley National Labs.
June 2002. "Straw Bale Custom Home Construction Workshop & Fund Raiser" Ray Darby will be speaking on Active and Passive Solar, Radiant Floor Heating, Grey Water, and Solar Water Heating.
June 2001. "SMUD Offers Rebates for Cool Roofs from Roof Maintenance dot com.
March 2001. "California Businesses Galvanized to Cut Power" from Greenclips.
March 2001. "Swamp coolers seen in new light" from Climate Control Systems.
December 1998. "Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Untapped Savings Opportunities for Local Communities" produced by the Local Government Commission, Ray Darby assisted the LGC in its development.
Fall 1998. "Energy Conservation Under The Sun: A Resource Book For Local Governments" produced by the Local Government Commission, Ray Darby assisted the LGC in its development.
November 1997 - Present. Papers and articles by Ray Darby (aka The Energy Guy).

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Last revised
12/30/09