PACE: The Preferred Solar Loan Option for California Homeowners
Call us biased, but we believe that solar energy is the best choice for California homeowners. We’ve written articles about how homes with solar power don’t have to worry about power outages and scheduled shut-offs, or have to deal with the rising costs of the public utility electric bill. There are many families across the state who agree and who would love to power their home with clean renewable energy, but hesitate because of finances. Saving money with solar can seem out of reach for those who need it the most. Fortunately, PACE is available here in California, and it [...]
Going Solar with Less-Than-Perfect Credit
Investing in solar panels is a wise financial decision for you, your family, and your community. Many solar panels have a guaranteed lifespan of 25 years and, on average, pay for themselves with energy savings in one third of that time. It seems like it is the ultimate solution for families who are looking to make ends meet. However, many homeowners hesitate to make the switch to solar because they are concerned about not being eligible for affordable financing options. Is it possible to buy solar panels with a lower credit score? Personal and Government Loans for Solar If you [...]
The Pros and Cons of DIY Solar in 2022
“I can do it myself.” It’s a phrase repeated since childhood; a mantra for independent thinkers and DIYers. But is it the right mindset when it comes to installing a solar energy system? There are advantages and drawbacks to going solo for a solar installation. Make sure you’ve got the big picture before you decide for yourself. The Draw of DIY Every professional construction project comes with considerable added labor costs. DIY enthusiasts seeking to keep those costs in check often learn trade skills through online tutorials or experienced friends and family. Instead of putting up funds, they invest “sweat [...]
How To Finance Your Solar Power System
Investing in solar power is a smart financial decision that millions of homeowners and businesses are making. Most solar power systems last for 25 years or more and generate considerable savings on utility bills – sometimes completely offsetting your monthly costs! As with all investments, going solar comes down to dollars and cents. What is the best way to pay for solar power? Three options make it easy for you to finance your solar system. Which one is right for you? The Trifecta of Solar Financing Buy, loan, lease – these payment options aren’t new concepts to home or business [...]
Energy Storage in California: Rebates & Incentives
Are you a California homeowner who’s interested in using a solar storage battery system with your panels? Well, 2021 is your year. You now have more incentives to install a solar battery than ever before. The state’s top energy storage rebate incentive program, the SGIP, underwent a major overhaul recently that makes it easier for residents to save money on battery installation. Selling excess power back to the grid isn’t the only way homeowners can see a return on their energy investment. With this program, homeowners with a solar system have the opportunity to expand their system to include storage [...]
Pros And Cons of Going Off the Grid
As electricity costs rise higher and higher, the idea of completely cutting ties with your electric company may sound more and more attractive. Going solar is a big step toward greater savings on your utilities, but for some, going off the grid is the ultimate goal. If you’re a home or business owner who’s made the switch to solar, is going off the grid the right choice for you? Freedom from electric bills and being totally autonomous when it comes to energy needs are worthy goals, but there are factors you may want to consider before making an informed decision. [...]
From Signing to Savings: 5 Steps to Switch to Solar
So, you’ve made the decision to switch to solar. Congratulations! You are just five steps away from soaking in all of the benefits that solar power can bring. As your installer, Synergy Power will be coordinating and taking care of the majority of the project. But understanding the process yourself will give you a good grasp on what to expect along the way. Step 1: Site Evaluation Before you sign your installation contract, your home will be assessed for solar panels. The initial assessment will determine your daily electrical usage, the best location for your solar array, and the [...]
Solar Tax Credit Extended: Act Now
In December 2020, Congress passed an economic stimulus package to help relieve the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in that package was a two-year extension to the federal solar Investment Tax Credit* (ITC). Originally set to phase out in 2022, the ITC is now available until 2024. That may seem like a long way off, but if you want to take full advantage of this tax credit extension, now is the time for action. What Is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)? The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal tax credit for a percentage of the purchase cost of [...]
Should You Buy or Lease Your Solar Panels?
One of the most important decisions to make when switching to solar energy is whether you should buy or lease your solar panels. There are clear benefits to both, but understanding their differences is crucial to determining which choice is right for you. Buying Solar Panels in Northern California The long-term value of a solar energy system largely depends on how it’s financed. Buying your system outright or acquiring a solar loan will yield the most savings. Typically, a solar system will cost between $15,000--$30,000. You can purchase it outright, or with a $0 down solar loan, pay for it [...]
Free Solar Panels in Northern California … Too Good To Be True?
For homeowners in Northern California, rising costs have been the only consistent thing about their energy bill. Electric bills have skyrocketed, rising nearly 8% in 2020. As a result, solar companies have become more attractive to residents in Livermore and beyond. Many are saying just the thing homeowners want to hear: FREE. Free solar panels. Free energy. But is it really free? The Cost of Free Solar Panels The plain truth is nothing in business is truly free. Solar companies are a business and, like all businesses, they need to make money. While free energy is the end result of [...]
Call us biased, but we believe that solar energy is the best choice for California homeowners. We’ve written articles about how homes with solar power don’t have to worry about [...]
Investing in solar panels is a wise financial decision for you, your family, and your community. Many solar panels have a guaranteed lifespan of 25 years and, on average, pay [...]
“I can do it myself.” It’s a phrase repeated since childhood; a mantra for independent thinkers and DIYers. But is it the right mindset when it comes to installing a [...]
Investing in solar power is a smart financial decision that millions of homeowners and businesses are making. Most solar power systems last for 25 years or more and generate considerable [...]
Are you a California homeowner who’s interested in using a solar storage battery system with your panels? Well, 2021 is your year. You now have more incentives to install a [...]
As electricity costs rise higher and higher, the idea of completely cutting ties with your electric company may sound more and more attractive. Going solar is a big step toward [...]
So, you’ve made the decision to switch to solar. Congratulations! You are just five steps away from soaking in all of the benefits that solar power can bring. As your [...]
In December 2020, Congress passed an economic stimulus package to help relieve the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in that package was a two-year extension to the federal solar [...]
One of the most important decisions to make when switching to solar energy is whether you should buy or lease your solar panels. There are clear benefits to both, but [...]
For homeowners in Northern California, rising costs have been the only consistent thing about their energy bill. Electric bills have skyrocketed, rising nearly 8% in 2020. As a result, solar [...]