San Francisco’s ‘Solar Map’, a map of solar activity around the city, looks pretty impressive, and it’s only growing. The majority of the action is in the little yellow dots, signifying solar electric on residential properties. The activity in this sector is certainly fueled in part by groSolar’s work in the region to make solar a smart, affordable choice. Partnering with the San Francisco based company SunRun, groSolar is now offering financing packages to residential solar customers in the Bay Area, other parts of California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts! With a small down payment and a low monthly rate to SunRun, that stays the same even when utility rates rise, this initiative makes solar electricity easier than ever in San Francisco.

The goal of the city is to have 10,000 systems installed by 2012. With over 1600 installed now, they still have a long way to go, but it is by no means an unreachable goal, especially as solar electric and hot water is being made easier and more affordable. With groSolar, a residential project can be completed in just two days, making the switch from utility powered to solar powered easier than ever. Part of this effort includes solar installation courses, happening all over California and especially prevalent in the Bay Area. These are key. Solar is creating (and will continue to create) tons of jobs in the green energy market. But first the installers must be trained and earn their certification. Boots on the Roof, another San Francisco based company, is leading the way with a variety of different courses, from beginner level that tries to quickly cover all of the basics of solar electricity to a master certification industry that can lead right into a job in the industry.

But San Francisco doesn’t just purchase and install solar, it exhibits it! This July San Francisco will be host to the annual Intersolar North America, with exhibitors of PV manufactures, solar distributors, dealers, and installers. San Francisco is certainly the place to be to experience and learn about solar first hand.