Southern California Green Real Estate Blog

THE SUN IN SHINING BRIGHTLY ON CALIFORNIA SOLAR

By Jodi Summers

Prices on solar panels have dropped considerably in the past 18 months – and this has caused the California solar installation market to boom. According to research by Mark Bachman of Auriga USA, in the first quarter of 2010 there have been applications for the installation of almost as many megawatts of residential, commercial, and government solar power as the entire year in 2009.

2010 applications for the state’s solar subsidy program, the California Solar Initiative, totaled 252 megawatts in the first quarter. At this point last year, only 68 megawatts had been applied for, and the by the year’s end the number sat at 267 megawatts.

A big boom in manufacturing capacity in Asia, the economic slowdown, cheaper raw materials and less generous subsidy programs in Europe have combined to cause the drop in prices. Companies such as Suntech Power (NYSE:STP), Yingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE), Trina Solar (NYSE:TSL), and Kyocera Solar (NYSE:KYO) are dominating the market.

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http://www.energyboom.com/solar/driven-asian-manufacturers-solar-fire-california?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+energyboom+%28EnergyBoom+Daily+Briefing%29

http://blogs.forbes.com/energysource/2010/05/06/solar-on-fire-in-california/

http://www.rechargenews.com/multimedia/archive/00027/Suntech_solar_panels_27731b.jpg

http://www.maxsolarsystem.com/images-1/suntech-solar-panel.jpg

15 NOTEWORTHY CLEAN ENERGY STOCKS

15 NOTEWORTHY CLEAN ENERGY STOCKS

Edited by Jodi Summers

Green Stocks Investing has researched publicly-listed renewable energy stocks including solar power companies, wind energy stocks, geothermal power producers, wave energy, tidal power, green mutual funds, emerging clean energy technology companies, and come up with a list of Top Alternative Energy and Renewable Power stock picks for 2010:

1. ITRI - Itron, Inc. (Itron), provides products and services to utilities for energy and water markets globally, and is a provider of metering, data collection and software.

http://www.itron.com/

2. AMSC - American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) is an energy technology

solutions company, offering products and services based on programmable power electronic converters and high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires. It serves are the wind energy market and the power transmission and distribution or power grid market. http://www.amsc.com/

3. CSIQ - Canadian Solar Inc. (CSI) designs, develops, manufactures and sells solar cell and module products in China that convert sunlight into electricity. CSIQ mplements solar power development projects, primarily in conjunction with government organizations. http://www.canadian-solar.com/

4. CLNE - Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Clean Energy) is a provider of natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets in the United States and Canada. CLNE designs, builds, finances and operates fueling stations, and supplies customers with compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and also helps them acquire and finance natural gas vehicles, and access government rebates and incentives. http://www.cleanenergyfuels.com/

5. LON-CWP - Clipper Windpower PLC (Clipper) is engaged in the design, engineering and manufacturing of advanced wind turbines and developing wind energy projects, including engineering, construction, and plant operation. It manufactures the 2.5 megawatts Liberty wind turbine and actively develops wind power generating projects in the Americas and Europe. http://www.clipperwind.com/

6. BOM: 532667 - Suzlon Energy Limited (SEL) is an India-based wind power

company engaged in the manufacture of wind turbine generators (WTGs) of various capacities and its components. http://www.suzlon.com/

7. CVE:WND - Western Wind Energy Corp. (Western Wind) owns two wind energy

electrical generation facilities and is developing wind energy projects in California and Arizona. WND currently owns over 500 wind turbines with 34.5 MW of rated capacity and a further 131MW of expansion power purchase agreements in California and Arizona. http://www.westernwindenergy.com/

8. YGE - Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (Yingli Green Energy) is a vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) product manufacturer in China. The Company designs, manufactures and sells PV modules and designs, assembles, sells and install PV systems in worldwide markets such as Spain, Germany, the United States and China. http://www.yinglisolar.com

9. TSL - Trina Solar Limited is an integrated solar-power products manufacturer based in China. The Company’s market reach includes Germany, Spain and Italy. http://www.trinasolar.com/

10. ORA - Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Ormat) is engaged in the geothermal and recovered energy power business. The Company designs, develops, builds, owns and operates geothermal recovered energy-based power plants, usually using equipment that it designs and manufactures. http://www.ormat.com/

11. APWR - A-Power Energy Generation Systems, Ltd. (A-Power) is a renewable energy company in China, engaged in providing onsite distributed power generation systems and micro power grids for industrial companies to recapture previously wasted heat and gas from their manufacturing processes to generate electricity.

http://www.apowerenergy.com/

12. AMAT - Applied Materials, Inc. (Applied) provides Nanomanufacturing Technology solutions for the global semiconductor, flat panel display, solar and related industries, with a portfolio of equipment, service and software products. http://www.appliedmaterials.com/

13. JASO - JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (JA Solar) is engaged in the development, production and marketing of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity in China. http://www.jasolar.com/

14. AOS - A. O. Smith Corporation is a manufacturer of water heating equipment and electric motors, serving a diverse mix of residential, commercial and industrial end markets principally in the United States. http://www.aosmith.com

15. OTC: SHCAY (Sharp Corp ADR) - Sharp Corporation is a Japan-based company

engaged in the manufacture and sale of electronic telecommunication devices, electronic machines and components. The Sharp Solar division is a world-leading alternative energy manufacturer. http://sharp-world.com/

http://agreenrealtor.blogspot.com/2010/01/15-clean-energy-technology-groth-stocks.html

GUEST POST - VA LOAN OPPORTUNITIES

GUEST POST - VA LOAN OPPORTUNITIES

by Jay Buerck

Veterans and their families in Southern California can take advantage of one of the country’s most affordable and flexible home loan programs. The Veterans Administration’s home loan program was created specifically for the needs of those who have served our country.

VA loans offer veterans an almost unmatched degree of flexibility. The VA guarantees loans from commercial institutions. That security gives lenders the ability to offer competitive rates and favorable loan terms for qualified borrowers.

VA loans come with myriad financial benefits. Borrowers can purchase a home without spending a penny on a down payment or monthly private mortgage insurance. The VA has loan limits that vary from state to state. Some borrowers can qualify for 100 percent financing. Currently, VA loan limits for San Diego County is $593,750. In Orange County, the loan limit is $737,500. USe a VA Loan Calculator to determine the loan limit for your home purchase.

The VA has multiple loan options. Veterans must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before moving forward with the application process. The COE ensures that a prospective borrower meets the program’s initial requirements.

Any military member who has served 181 days on active duty during peace time or 90 days during war time may be eligible, along with those who have served at least six years in the Reserves or National Guard. Spouses of service members killed in the line of duty may also be eligible.

Not everyone who meets the basic criteria will qualify for a loan. But veterans with poor credit can still qualify for a VA loan. So can those who have filed for bankruptcy or faced foreclosure.

Southern California veterans who currently have a conventional home loan can also benefit from a VA loan. Qualified borrowers can now refinance up to 100 percent of their home’s appraised value through a VA loan.

GREEN OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL REITS SHOWING PROMISE

GREEN OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL REITS SHOWING PROMISE

By Jodi Summers

Office and industrial REITs expect to remain tightly focused for the balance of the year –evaluating the damage to occupancy and rents twisted by current economic conditions.Expect REITs to be greening and negotiating sexier leases mitigate potential damage.

Buildings are responsible for 40% of emissions, and commercial sectors such as industrial and office are greening to cut costs and attract hipper clients.

Taking such savvy acts, coupled with the 2^nd + 3^rd quarter strengthening of the economy have motivated market observers to observe that the publicly traded REIT market at bottom or near bottom.

A recent CBRE Investors report noted that “the bottom of the capital market cycle may be close,” with pricing metrics on U.S. commercial real estate starting to look attractive again to buyers.

“Much of the recent negative press about commercial real estate reflects the experiences of distressed owners,” CBRE noted in their report. “However, from

prospective buyers’ perspectives, many pricing indicators look historically favorable,” based on the current widening spread between aappraised-value cap rates and risk-free 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds.

“Just as REITs led the private markets in 2007 and 2008, it is probable that the recent share-price recovery is an early indicator that a trough in private markets is coming soon.”

Energy saving upgrades such as timed lighting + cooling, white roofs and thin solar films to cover the windows of office buildings are cutting back on cooling costs and increasing user comfort.

CoStar’s office and industrial market report stated that average sale prices, while down significantly from their 2007 peaks, are at or close to their historical averages. Cap rates have expanded sharply during the same period but are also in line with historic averages.

REITs comprise just 10% of the commercial real estate market, but wield significance as a bellwether for future commercial real estate conditions.

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http://www.costar.com/News/Article.aspx?id=6A1CBF26B572D3A957377280529227C0&ref=100&iid=143&cid=383F14EEE265B182474DA2442BACBBBF

http://www.socalofficerealestateblog.com/?p=405

http://www.socalofficerealestateblog.com/?p=570

http://www.cars2go.us/wp-content/uploads/new-location.JPG

http://www.dezeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/so_il120.jpg

http://equitygreen.typepad.com/blog/2007/01/green_reits_par.html

http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2009/7/13/405200-124751501706183-The-Stock-Masters.jpg

CHINA’S GREEN PROPERTY MARKETS ARE ABOUT TO EXPLODE!

CHINA’S GREEN PROPERTY MARKETS ARE ABOUT TO EXPLODE!

By Jodi Summers

China’s secondary and tertiary markets are beginning to play a greater and greater role in the country’s real estate market, and analysts are speculating that China’s property market could quadruple in size by 2020.

The information comes courtesy of a report from at Jones Lang LaSalle titled China40: The Rising Urban Stars report.

“China’s Tier II and Tier III cities are dynamic centers of economic development and continued growth,” says Michael Klibaner, head of research Shanghai. “Massive infrastructure investment makes these markets increasingly accessible at a time when interest in China has shifted from being export oriented towards a focus on the domestic market.”

Analyzed in the report were the 40 top Tier II and Tier III cities which will be a strong future investment value. Each city was further analyzed for it real estate strengths. For office, Tianjon, Chongqing and Nanjong made the list; in retail Changsha, Wuhan and Wenzhou; and in Logistics Chengdu, Qingdao and Zhengzhou.

The country also has new cities under construction. Dongtan’s master plan outlines the world’s first green city, every block engineered in response to China’s environmental crisis. It’s like the source code for an urban operating system. “We’re not focused on the form,” project architect Alejandro Gutierrez explains. “We’re focused on the performance of the form.” He and his team imagine a city powered by local, renewable energy, with superefficient buildings clustered in dense, walkable neighborhoods; a recycling scheme that repurposes 90 percent of all waste; a network of high tech organic farms; and a ban on any vehicle that emits CO2.

William McDonough had drafted a master plan for building the city of Huangbaiyu as a “cradle-to-cradle” model city. Phase 1 construction, with forty new homes built using advanced construction is close to completion.

“The future evolution of China’s cities and their real estate markets will be driven by a rich combination of factors that are strongly influenced by government policy,” the report states. These policies focus on urbanization, with plans in place to see the city population explode to 850 million people by 2020. “The government’s ideal end vision of the urbanization process is a country wide network of environmentally sensitive cities each with their own unique competitive advantages and strong trading connections.”

Energy-saving fluorescent lamps will continue to be rule rather than the exception in China, and more efficient LED lighting will be widely used for parking lot and street lighting, among other applications. Growth areas are being designed with mass transit in mind.

“We are confident that more business park hotspots will emerge as experienced developers and investors penetrate further into China’s Tier II and Tier III cities,” says Tammy Tank, head of business parks in China.

Info courtesy of

http://www.globest.com/news/1366_1366/asia/177432-1.html

http://travel.aolcdn.com/travdestguide/Tianjin-China_02-360a032407.jpg

http://www.visit-southampton.co.uk/xsdbimgs/May%20Breeze%20square.jpg

http://www.virtourist.com/asia/china/chengdu/imatges/01.jpg

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/15.05/feat_popup.html

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/003475.html

LOS ANGELES IS A BETTER PLACE THAN PARIS TO BUY GREEN INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

LOS ANGELES IS A BETTER PLACE THAN PARIS TO BUY GREEN INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

by Jodi Summers

Sacre bleu! Los Angeles is a better real estate…according to Forbes.com.  In a recent top 10 article called World’s Best Places For Real Estate Buys, Ten cities investors will target in 2009 our beloved Los Angeles was #7 – after  San Francisco and before Paris.

Washington D.C. topped the list this year, thanks to the proposed $1 trillion swell of government spending. As Forbes notes, “At present, D.C. has the lowest unemployment rate in the country–4.1%, compared to the 7.2% national average. With President Obama’s stimulus package recommending $1 trillion in new spending, it’s unlikely government jobs–and those they support–will be leaving the District anytime soon.”

Not many investors were looking at L.A. in 2008, as we were hammered by the subprime crisis and a massive volume of foreclosures. As we all know, our perceived property poverty curtailed spending and our whole local economy limped along. We were 19^th on the 2008 Forbes World’s Best Places For Real Estate Buys, so this 12-point rise is a huge boost for real estate morale.

As far as green development goes, the Los Angeles Green Building ordinance –is being heralded as “the most far reaching plan of any big city in America to promote green building practices in the private sector.”  The ordinance intends reduce the City’s carbon emissions by more than 80,000 tons by 2012, the equivalent of taking 15,000 cars off the road – a bolder objective than any other major city in the country. (Now if they’d only find a way get 15,000 cars off the road.) 

“It’s all about perception,” notes a local investor. “If people perceive Los Angeles is a good value, then it becomes a good value, and prices grow strong.”

Good news for local property owners - sales surged 102%in the residential sector, according to Radar Logic, a derivatives firm, and Forbes notes that this wave “has that market hinting at a bottom.”

The 2009 Top 10 Best Places For Real Estate Buys

1. Washington, D.C.

2. London, U.K.

3. New York, N.Y.

4. Tokyo, Japan

5. Shanghai, China

6. San Francisco, Calif.

7. Los Angeles, Calif.

8. Paris, France

9. Houston, Texas

10. Singapore

Please note Forbes’ rankings come from the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, a research association that tracks where member investors are finding the best opportunities around the world.

Get the whole story @ http.//www.forbes.com/2009/01/21/investment-obama-realestate-forbeslife-cx_mw_0121realestate.html?partner=alerts

http://mightyminnow.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/washington-dc.jpg

http://www.pointernet.pds.hu/touristinfo/free_wallpapers_2/France_Paris_Night.jpeg

Global Green International Trade Show

Mark your Calendars: 27 thru 30 Want to Exhibit? Click here…   Let’s save our planet! The Global Green International Trade Show is the most exciting event of the year that focuses on environmental protection. We are bringing together manufacturers, buyers, inventors and investors from around the world to one big celebratory event to usher in the new era of environmental protection that is about to begin. We are inviting the general public to attend for FREE with pre-ordered tickets that can be obtained by filling out our online form. Don’t miss your chance to participate and learn about new technologies and ideas geared towards environmental protection. This Trade Show breaks new ground with workshops and conferences, bringing various entities together in the fight to improve our environment. We are inviting educators, consumers, government representatives and other groups to interact and work toward a positive change. Please visit our website, sign up to our newsletter, reserve a booth, order free tickets, and learn more about this ground breaking event!

You can help us spread the word… Download the file below (just click at the image to get the PDF) and send it to all your friends, co-workers and family members. You can freely print and distribute as many copies as you desire, or send it by e-mail to everyone you know… You can also use our automated Send to a Friend tool at the Trade Show Web Site to simplify this task. Your assistance is very important. The environment needs our help too!

ENJOY SANTA MONICA’S GREEN OFFICE BUYING GUIDE

ENJOY SANTA MONICA’S GREEN OFFICE BUYING GUIDE

By Jodi Summers

Find it @ http://www01.smgov.net/epd/SP/greenoffice/main/index.html

Have to love Santa Monica – the city is out there, oftentimes so far ahead of the curve that they make their own rules. In an effort to stay a nationally recognized leader in “green” purchasing and sustainable city programs, the City of Santa Monica invites you to explore our virtual tour of a “green” workplace. See for yourself the exciting opportunities that are available to create a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

http://www01.smgov.net/epd/SP/greenoffice/main/index.html

This site will assist anyone interested in purchasing products designed to use water and energy efficiently, preserve trees and natural resources, be less toxic and less polluting, and not threaten air quality. This site is the most current and comprehensive resource you’ll need to make smart, sustainable procurement decisions.

You now have the tools. Please go out and make the world a better place.

REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING GREEN CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE IN 2009

REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING GREEN CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE IN 2009

Bet you’ve already realized that the housing market is way down. 31.7% in 2008, according to the year-end statistics from the California Association of Realtors, and they predict a drop of 6% in 2009.

6%…guess we’re hitting the bottom…that’s the nice thing about deflated housing markets like Arizona, California, Florida, and Nebraska, they’ve fallen so low that they’re starting to rebound. Analysts have noted that prices have fallen to the point that those with average salaries can afford to buy once again.

“The buyers are returning,” says Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors chief economist. “And in such a strong way that, now, we are hearing in some cases there is multiple bidding, which hints that maybe pricing is reaching a bottom point. But inventory remains high.”

“Green” properties are going to be a priority in 2009, with increasing numbers of buyers opting for smaller homes that are within walking distance of school and work.

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008121602?OpenDocument

http://www.inman.com/news/2008/12/18/california-sales-spike-reflects-distress

AFFORDABLE GREEN HOUSES IN EAGLE ROCK FOR U TO BUY = ROCK ROW HOMES

AFFORDABLE GREEN HOUSES IN EAGLE ROCK FOR U TO BUY = ROCK ROW HOMES

Now you can go green and save green in L.A. Rock Row Homes - the City’s first reasonably priced green housing project in Los Angeles is under construction. Rock Row offers 15 homes ranging from a two story 2/2 at 1300 sq ft to a three story 3/3 at 1540 sq ft with prices from $475,000 to $550,000. The affordably priced homes are being constructed under the LA City Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance which promotes smart growth through allowing smaller lots to combat LA’s traditional suburban sprawl. To maximize outdoor space all of the homes have a series of decks and balconies arranged to guarantee privacy, while affording the residents abundant usable exterior space. In harmony with its neighbors, each home has its own character while fitting into the whole.

The first such development in the City of Los Angeles to be LEED Certified, Rock Row is proud to be using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ that encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Rock Row is built under the new LEED for Homes program, incorporating many environmentally conscious features and sustainable construction processes.

Designer Kevin Wronske notes, “we saw a desire among our eastside neighbors for ecologically sensitive homes but the only available properties were on the Westside and well out of their price range.” He continues, “there is an opportunity to fill a need while exploring our own interest in housing solutions for 21st century issues such as sustainability, smart growth and affordability.”

Some of the green features that the builders, Heyday Partnership, have incorporated into Rock Row include a water permeable grass pave system for the driveway, preventing run off into the ocean; tankless water heaters and low flow fixtures that have quickly become the choice for families demanding water conservation; and exteriors designed with green roofs and water efficient, drought tolerant landscaping and photovoltaic lighting to maximize attractiveness while minimizing resource use and cost. The homes are planned for maximum energy efficiency including pre-wiring for a rooftop solar array, central A/C with ultra-high 14 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and fully engineered, efficient duct layout & A/C sizing.

Heyday’s innovative business model creates the affordability working people need in today’s economy, without sacrificing quality or features. Together the partners fill the roles of architect, developer and builder creating a vertically integrated company which eliminates costly inefficiencies and allows for seamless communication, tighter overhead and a lower break-even point allowing the use of higher quality materials and design.

The development half of the duo, Hardy Wronske adds, “since we see the $500k sales price as real money, not only did we want to deliver on our green goals, we also wanted to provide residents with real luxury in quality design, construction and materials.” He adds, “our efficient business model allows us to construct homes for people like our friends, who are ready to move up in lifestyle but stay in the area, people who want more for their money in a new single family home, and expect higher quality than existing bungalows.”

Some of the upper end amenities in Rock Row include the custom millwork throughout the homes; gourmet kitchens equipped with EuroCraft custom cabinetry, Silestone quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances; baths done in top quality tile; doors with solid cores throughout; flooring of sustainable strand woven bamboo with recessed reveal base molding; and recessed lighting throughout with attractive cove lighting in bedrooms.

Please contact us for more information - jodi@jodisummers.com.

Check out Rock Row property development @ http://www.heyday-la.com/blog.html.