As solar becomes more and more mainstream, it is also becoming easier and more affordable. Wither more and more state and federal rebates for solar electric systems, homeowners are seeing multiple benefits of a solar system. Solar electricity is certainly no longer only for the families of environmentalists. For many families, solar has actually become the more affordable and sustainable solution to families’ energy needs. This is especially true in the states that are now home to a new solar financing company called SunRun. SunRun does not only make the choice to go solar more feasible, it actually provides homeowners with a realistic choice by serving as a viable competitor to local utilities. In Massachusetts, New Jersey, California, Arizona, and Colorado, homeowners can now pay $1000 down to get a solar system installed on their house. Following the solar electric installation, the homeowners will pay fixed monthly payments to SunRun, with the guarantee that the rates will not change (a guarantee that cannot be matched by utilities). With rising costs of electricity, this option, with the added bonus of being sustainable and green, begins to look very attractive, especially to states such as New Jersey and California, where electric prices can be very expensive.

                SunRun, based out of San Francisco, was only started a few years ago, but has grown considerably since then. They have partnered with certified solar installers in the five states, including groSolar in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California. groSolar and SunRun have already helped hundreds of homeowners in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California make the choice to go solar and avoid fluctuating utility costs and an unsure environmental future.

                SunRun is not the only San Francisco based company who is trying to make solar more mainstream and affordable. Another relatively new company called One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), founded in 2007, is providing an interesting opportunity for many Californians. The San Francisco based company operates under the knowledge that paying for a residential system alone is still expensive, but paying for it in a group can make it much more of an option for homeowners. They have partnered with groSolar as their installer in the Bay Area campaign. groSolar offers 1BOG members a competitive price and in return, helps 1BOG spread solar across the Bay Area.

1BOG is also developing projects in some Massachusetts and New Jersey cities as well as many parts of California. With both of these great financing opportunities, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California are sure to leap even farther ahead in the race to go green.