Last Saturday, at the Calabasas (CA) Farmer’s Market, a representative from California Green Design was offering information on home photovoltaic systems. The Los Angeles based design and installation firm offers a Free Evaluation for homeowners. The representative mentioned using satellite images to provide free estimates, much like the Northern California start-up Sungevity (mentioned in an earlier post). The melding of technologies – satellite imagery and online access – enables solar installers to serve a greater number of people, reduce their costs and pass them on to consumers in the form of low or no-cost estimates. In order for the expenses of these systems to decrease, installers must reach economies of scale. The time for solar power systems has arrived. With the incentives available, also mentioned in the February 10th post, these systems become economically viable after rebate.