Mass. unveils new solar-rebate programs

Massachusetts energy officials unveiled the heirs apparent to its wildly successful Commonwealth Solar rebate program, using a mix of ratepayer funds and stimulus money to pay for the incentives.

Dubbed Commonwealth Solar II and Commonweath Solar Stimulus, the programs aim to fill the gap in financial incentives left when the first, $68 million Commonwealth Solar program ran out of money in October — more than two years ahead of schedule.

At the time, solar installers told the Boston Business Journal they were concerned the lack of incentives would stop projects from moving forward.

Commonwealth Solar II will provide rebate incentives for small residential and commercial systems, with total allocations up to $4 million per year. This program will be funded through the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, which managed the last Commonwealth Solar program and is funded by a surcharge on electricity bills.

For larger projects, state officials plan to tap $8 million in state energy plan funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide rebates to projects.

Both programs are expected to begin in late January.

“Commonwealth Solar has already played an important role in speeding the Bay State’s transition to a clean energy economy,” Gov. Deval Patrick said in a statement. “I commend the more than 1,200 homeowners, businesses and municipalities who have taken advantage of this innovative program in the past two years, and encourage many more to partner with the commonwealth as we continue along the path toward a cleaner future.”

The state continues to work on a long-term incentive program based on renewable energy credits, which must be purchased by utilities and can be used to finance projects, rather than post-construction rebates. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources is developing regulations for such a scheme, and officials say they expect a program to launch in January.

Adding a Patio Spa to Your Backyard

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the amenities of a spa retreat without the costly expense, all you need is your own backyard patio. Although you may typically use your patio as a place for cooking outdoors and entertaining guests, why not recreate a spa-like atmosphere in the privacy of your own backyard?

“I generally use my patio for entertaining, but for a spa treatment, that’s special,” says garden designer Jill Slater. With simple embellishments from around the house and purchased from the garden center, Jill shows how you can turn your patio into a day spa where special guests can enjoy facials, foot baths and even spa rock treatments.

Creating a spa-like atmosphere
In order to create a tranquil spa retreat, find ways to appeal to the five senses – sight, smell, taste, sound and touch – to help you get in the mood. Incorporate plants and accessories that offer appealing colors, textures, fragrances and even tastes.

To start, embellish existing patio furniture with big, comfortable pillows that invite spa-goers to sit and rest. Don’t be afraid to use different colors, sizes and textures. You can find a variety of pillows designed for indoor and outdoor use, and if you want something that stays on the patio, many of the new weatherproof fabrics are durable and attractive. Toss the pillows anywhere a bit of added comfort is desired.

However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative to dressing up drab pillows and cushions, use a beach towel as a covering. This way you can adjust it to fit an existing pillow accordingly, and when you’re finished, take it back inside to wash in the laundry. “The best spas are meticulously clean so a beach towel that gets flung into the washing machine after a messy spa treatment makes a lot of sense,” Slater says.

A home spa just wouldn’t be a spa without the sound of tranquil water. “You can buy miniature tabletop fountains practically anywhere,” Slater says. To add your own personal touch to your tabletop water feature, float flowers from your garden in the water or add brightly colored rocks or marbles to the water basin.

The soothing power of plants is an important ingredient to your backyard spa oasis. Use plants with palate-pleasing scents and textures. Herbs such as rosemary, lavender and scented geraniums not only smell and look great but can also be used in your homemade herbal spa treatments. Incorporate plants in shades of pastel pinks, purples, whites and silvers to create a soothing color palette. Get creative with moveable container plantings.

Finish setting up your outdoor spa by accessorizing with scented candles, an outdoor rug, hand towels, bottled water and other objects. Play some soft mood music in the background. Set up a standalone umbrella to protect spa-goers from the sun or stand an oscillating fan in one corner to provide a gentle breeze on a hot day.

Homemade spa treatments
Once the atmosphere has been created, invite some friends over for a day at your home spa and prepare all-natural homemade spa treatments that you can give to your friends. Start with a foot and hand soak. Add equal parts of warm water and buttermilk to a large bowl and stir gently. Then add a few dashes of essential oil to the mixture. Lavender can be used for its calming and balancing properties, while eucalyptus is a good choice for an uplifting, refreshing feel. Place hands in the bowl and allow to rest for a few minutes. Add smooth rocks to the bowl for a nice foot massage.

Perhaps a little exfoliation is on the menu? Prepare two cups of sea salt, one cup of grapeseed oil and a few liberal dashes of jasmine essential oil for a moisturizing exfoliating treatment.

And who doesn’t love a rose mask facial? Prepare three tablespoons of natural yogurt (not the low-fat kind), 2-1/2 tablespoons of rose water and a dollop of honey as a natural antiseptic.

You could even grow the sponge used to apply these mixtures. The loofah sponge is a natural exfoliant and can be grown in your own garden. Purchase loofah gourd seed online or at a specialty garden center and plant them after the last frost date. Let the fruit ripen on the vine. Harvest them when you can hear the seeds rattling inside. Peel away the skin, remove the seeds and allow them to soak in water prior to use.

Patios are supposed to be relaxing sanctuaries that make you feel better, and here’s one that helps you look better too. But the best part about the patio spa? No appointment necessary!

Do-It-Yourself Tips for a Luxury Kitchen

The kitchen is known as the heart of the home. It is here where families convene, friends converse and memorable holiday cuisines are prepared. An attractive kitchen is also a reliable source for enhancing the overall value of your property. That’s why when selling your home, many potential buyers view the kitchen as the most important room in the house, and an area that may serve as a make-or-break factor in whether or not this is the place for them.

A major kitchen overhaul can be very costly, yet equally effective when placing your home on the market. While not everyone can afford the cost of a possible $75,000 full-scale remodel, there are simple, wallet-friendly steps you can take to spruce up the heart of your home with a surface renovation. Here are the top 10 do-it-yourself tips for updating your kitchen and making it sparkle:

1. Stick to the Plan – The key to keeping your kitchen update within budget is by not changing the existing layout. Use what you have to make the job easier and much more affordable. This will also keep any plumbing or electrical costs to a minimum.

Replacing the handles and knobs on your cabinetry and drawers can enhance the design of your kitchen.

2. Accessorize – You’d be surprised with how replacing the old knobs and handles on your cabinetry and drawers can make a difference in your design. Today’s hardware comes in any shape or design you can imagine, and can pull a room together with a polished, clean look.

3. The Magic of Paint – New paint makes everything look clean and bright again. And don’t forget the ceiling. Applying a fresh coat to your kitchen is an easy, inexpensive, effective way to revive the room. Have fun with it, and paint the trim a contrasting color, or create an accent wall by using a different shade of the same color. Try to stick to neutral colors, as an overbearing scheme can turn off some potential buyers.

4. Everything but the Kitchen Sink – Replace the faucet and update it with a more sleek, stylish model available at any home improvement store. The work is not difficult and just requires a few basic tools. But the outcome does wonders for the look and design of your kitchen.

5. Make a Splash – Updating the backsplash can add a new dimension of style and creativity to your design. This project can be done with a bit of tile, a new coat of paint, wallpaper, or even beadboard.

Installing a rack above your island creates a stunning focal point.

6. Shade for Your Island – Does your kitchen have an island? If so, install a pot rack over the island to save space while adding an interesting focal point.

7. Save Face – Do your appliances clash with the new design of your kitchen? You can update your appliances without buying new ones by replacing the panels to your dishwasher, stove, or refrigerator to match your new color scheme or even your cabinet door color.

8. On the Surface – If your existing countertop is old, worn or outdated, try replacing it with some new tile. This can be done pretty inexpensively, especially if you don’t have a lot of counterspace. Again, try to keep it neutral.

9. Let there be Light – Creating the best lighting design for your kitchen is like cooking a great meal; you have to have the right recipe and the proper ingredients. Ceiling lighting sources can be replaced with updated fixtures or designs, many of which utilize brighter, energy efficient bulbs. Adding under-cabinet lighting eliminates shadows created by ceiling lights placed close to cabinets. Plus, they create abundant light to help you see your meal preparing projects better.

10. Look Down – Once all the other work is completed, look to the floors to complete your updated package. Choose flooring that is easy to maintain, since spills, drops and accidents of all sorts happen in the kitchen. Think function before beauty when it comes to the kitchen floor. Rest assured, with all the styles and designs available today, there are plenty of beautiful choices.