While the California Solar Center does provide news and information to solar industry contractors, our visitors actually represent a much broader spectrum of the general public. A recent user survey (September 2002) provided this revealing feedback:

• More than 30 percent of respondents identified themselves as solar energy advocates, while another 40 percent said they were either educators, writers, researchers, nonprofit organization staff, government workers (local, state and federal), and utility employees. Another group of respondents said they were simply homeowners who currently have solar systems, or intend to install solar systems in the future.

Other information gleaned from this survey:

• When asked which information sources users rely on to learn about solar energy issues, 90 percent of respondents said they read Solar e-Clips on a regular basis (at least monthly).
• When asked if they currently use solar energy in their homes, business, or schools, 35 percent of respondents said yes; 37 percent said no. Eighteen percent stated they were considering installing a system in the next six months, while 21 percent said they were considering doing so in the next year.
• Most respondents cited system reliability, ease of installation and maintenance as the most important considerations were in buying and installing a system,

Here's What Readers Say About Solar e-Clips, our Bi-weekly Roundup of Solar Energy News and Information

"It's a great digest of up-to-date information that would be hard to find otherwise."
Michael, Kentfield, CA

"Solar e-Clips is excellent in providing a sense of market momentum by providing current, up-to-date regulatory and project-based information."
Kari, Berkeley, CA.

"It is very pertinent information and lets the solar industry in California know when we need to act. Without this great service, our individual voices would fall on deaf ears. Thank you!"
Chad, Guerneville, CA.

"I appreciate the focus on California issues. I like the look of the whole California Solar Center site - very appealing. E-clips has a nice up-beat feel. Great work, keep it up!"
Bruce, Berkeley, CA

"By far the easiest method of remaining abreast of the evolution of solar energy in the Golden State."
Corbertt, Orlando, Fl.

"I really like that I can quickly get the latest information regarding legislation and California Buydown Program status and other information located in one spot. This site is a useful resource."
Brian, Davis, CA

"I'm a first time visitor, but I'll be back. I recently moved to California and purchased rural property and am gathering information for an addition."
James, Chico, CA

"The education aspect is key. Most people don't know anything about the solar industry, the technology, or the financial benefits. Most people believe what they are told by the fossil fuel lobby, that solar is some far-off technology whose time is a hundred years from now. The public needs to be educated about how badly they are being taken advantage of by the fossil fuel contingent."
Anonymous

"I think it is great that you even exist!! You bring positive news and information to a vast wasteland of depressing negative media reports. I am much encouraged to learn of all the public buildings going solar and all the inroads solar has made in the past year!"
Karen, Eureka, CA

"I can always count on e-clips to keep up with the latest news regarding solar issues. The legislative up-dates are beyond the call of duty, and are the most reliable and up to date. Well written and informative."
Phillip, Rocklin, CA

"Solar e-clips is my primary source of solar information. It is an easy-to use/view format, and is evenly focused (not too heavy of a reliance on any one sector, product, etc). Keep up the good work."
Alison, Sacramento, CA

"The best part is that you can find in Solar e-clips all the articles and news relating to solar energy published on different trade magazines and newspapers around the world."
Mauricio, Pasadena, CA

"Much information is also of interest for Europe!"
Rijkert, Netherlands

"Concise and easy to read. I can find the info I want very quickly. Otherwise, if it takes too long to find the info I need, I quit using it as a resource. Solar e-Clips is a ray of sunshine - no pun intended...."
Kate, Turlock, CA

"The layout is quite good and easy to get to, get into and get specific info from. The photos are just as good and nothing quite does it when I am showing someone a picture of an application or a device."
Michael, Hayward, CA

"What really shines is the fact that you care deeply about the future of the solar industry and see the potential this resource will provide. Thank you for your efforts."
Graham, North Hollywood, CA.

"It's a first point of reference when I need to try and get some updates nationally and on a state wide basis for any solar or alternate energy legislation, incentives."
Gerald, San Francisco, CA