Real Gas and Electric - Renewable Energy Solutions

A1.1) Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity. Wind turbines can be installed on top of towers between 80-120 feet tall. They are installed in rural areas, at your home and/or business properties. For the past 20 years, the majority of wind energy conversion systems have been installed on wind farms generating multi-mega watts of energy.

A2.1) Wind energy is sustainable, makes socioeconomic sense, and promotes renewable energy technology. Wind energy provides capital investment payback within 3-6 years, and then your utility costs become virtually free. As an investment, a wind system increases the value of your property. Many systems are purchased because of concerns of rising utility rates. A wind energy system will lower your utility bill up to 100%. And, wind turbines produce no pollution.

A3.1) A wind system stores excess energy for future usage and/or is bought at a “buy back” rate from local utility companies. Net Metering is a special metering and billing agreement between utilities and their customers. When your renewable energy system creates more power than is being consumed, the electric meter runs backwards generating credits. Consult you local utility company.

A4.1) RG&E will obtain topographical maps of your potential area. We will analyze the area and determine if there is enough wind to warrant a wind resource investment. There must be a wind mean average speed of 9 mph for an independent system and a minimum speed of 10 mph for a net metering system in order to justify the investment of a wind energy system.

A5.1) Wind energy systems can be installed at homes, businesses and in rural areas. A wind system can be installed if there are sufficient wind resources, enough acreage based on local laws, and supportive local neighbors. Because a wind turbine is large, it is not suitable for urban business areas and is most efficient on property sizes of five or more acres. Wind turbine systems are also being used for village water supply and irrigation, providing an alternative to traditional diesel powered pumps worldwide.

A6.1) No. TV reception is not affected. However, wind turbines do generate a minimum noise level depending on the turbine size and the wind velocity.

A7.1) Wind turbines require very little maintenance. They have 3-4 moving parts and do not require regular maintenance. Wind turbines operate automatically. They are easier to operate than a diesel engine and can operate for one to three years without any attention.

A1.2) Solar hot water is the most cost effective of any renewable energy resource. Solar hot water systems heat homes, swimming pools, spas, and high volume commercial uses such as carwashes, laundromats, hotels and/or commercial swimming pools. Interestingly, the United States Solar Rights Law states that if a prospective customer is prevented from enough sunlight due to neighboring trees, they can legally have them trimmed or removed.

A2.2) Active systems (which have pumps and electronic controls) should be examined annually for any connection, corrosion or leakage problems. Passive systems (which have no pumps or controls) require little or no maintenance.

A3.2) Yes. A substantial amount of money can be saved during the months that consumers heat their pools.

A4.2) RG&E can provide statistics showing a return after using solar hot water systems specific to your demographics. Most customers see a return on their investment after four or five years.

A6.2) All solar thermal water systems install by RG&E are given a 10 year full warrantee. After 10 years RG&E will replace your panels at cost. Tanks are given a 6 year warrantee and 1 year for electrical controls.

A1.3) A water treatment system effectively removes contaminants from your water supply whether the water comes from a well or a municipal water company. Weather it for contaminate, bacteria or just esthetics or taste, most everyone can benefit from pure clean drinking water.

A2.3) RG&E recommends RO (Reverse Osmosis) drinking water systems that use water pressure to force the water through a membrane removing minerals and contaminants from the water. see Next RO

A3.3) Generally RO water is somewhat tasteless, depending on the water source. Most RO systems include a final carbon and / or mineral filter which provides a 'sweeter' tasting water.

A4.3) An RO system can be put under a sink or on a countertop in your home. For an entire house RO system, the system equipment is usually installed in a garage or out-building.

A5.3) Typically, whole house or business filtration systems are usually installed for wells that are contaminated by unwanted minerals and / or bacteria. These systems require space from 3’ x 5’ to 8’ x 12’ or more.

A6.3) Before any installation begins, RG&E requires a certified lab to analyze the chemistry of your water source. This helps identify your filtration needs.

RO membranes typically need to be replaced every 1-6 years depending on the water influent.

Water filters usually need to be changed every 6 to 12 months.

RG&E specializes in solutions for complex water contaminate chemistry.

Projects with adverse conditions that present the heaviest contaminants are our specialty.

A7.3) RG&E guarantees not only the manufacturer's equipment warranties and labor involved, we guarantee that the water quality will meet MCL standards or RG&E will purchase the entire system back from the customer.

A1.4) Renewable energy is any energy source that can be continuously supplied by non-fossil fuels such as wind, sun and water. Renewable energy is important because of the decreasing supply of fossil fuels worldwide. More than ever, it is in everyone’s best interest to reduce the effects of global warming for future generations by using renewable energy.

A2.4) Building permits for solar hot water and wind energy systems are required if you plan to apply for a tax credit or special financing. Small water treatment systems do not require a building permit and tax credits are not available.

A3.4) Every manufacturer has its own warranty. However, thermal solar manufacturers typically have a full 10 year warranty on the panels and a 6 year warranty on the tanks. Wind energy manufacturers are required to have a 5 year full warranty. Water filtration equipment has at least a one year warranty.

A4.4) We attend the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the American Wind and Energy Association annual conventions. This year, RG&E will have a booth at WATEC October 30 through November 1 2007 in Israel.

A5.4) RG&E will install solar electric systems in combination with wind systems. For stand-alone solar electric systems, we would be happy to recommend a qualified installer.

A6.4) RG&E is one of the oldest alternative energy companies in the United States. Our resources are extensive and we are happy to provide you with additional information. Finding a solution for your application is our number one goal.

To submit questions or place an order, please call us toll free

at (800) 90-WATER or (800) 909-2837

or email us at inquiries@realgasandelectric.com

You can write to us at the address below:

Real Gas and Electric

1501 Ronne Drive

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

A7.4) Every manufacturer has its own warranty. However, thermal solar manufacturers typically have a full 10 year warranty on the panels and a 6 year warranty on the tanks. Wind energy manufacturers are required to have a 5 year full warranty. Water filtration equipment has at least a one year warranty.

A1.5) Yes. RG&E sells directly to dealers and to the public.

A2.5) Yes. We offer several types of technical support. Depending upon your need, we are available for consultation in person, on the phone or via email.

A3.5) Yes. Shipping and crating will be sent F.O.B. from our Northern California warehouses.

A4.5) Yes. We work with a finance company that specializes in wind, solar, and water treatment customers. They are typically non-recourse loans at competitive rates.

A5.5) Dealers who order large quantities will be given a discount.

A6.5) Yes - with no fee for simple question for dealers, installer or homeowners. For technical support call 800-909-2837.

A7.5) RG&E will have a booth at the Water Quality Association, the Pacific Water Quality Association, the American Wind Energy Association, and the Solar Energy Industries Association conferences.

A1.6) There are several web sites that can provide you with tax credit information specifically applicable to your area. They include:

www.dsire.org

www.energystar.gov

www.energy.gov/taxbreaks

www.energytaxincentives.org

www.seia.org

A2.6) No. The federal tax credits are only applicable to new wind and thermal solar systems.

A3.6) Yes. However, a customer must show invoices showing the purchase and installation of new systems within the given credit rebate period. The Press Democrat has published the latest legislation regarding proposed state tax rebate for residential systems.

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Welcome to RG&E's FAQ page. If you have questions beyond the scope of this FAQ please feel free to contact

Solomon Kagin

Email: Solomon Kagin

707-578-3003

RG&E