If You Needed Another Reason to Go Solar in Northern California
Building code revisions are not usually ground-breaking events, but we think that California’s latest amendment to Title 24 Part 6 is history in the making. The state is not just making a commitment to reduce harmful emissions - these changes will save homeowners a lot of money in the process. Title 24 and Solar Energy At the beginning of this year, a mandate went into effect that will require nearly all new residential construction in the state of California to use solar energy systems, as well as adopt improved standards in air filtration and home insulation. This building code update [...]
Will Solar Panels Make My Roof Leak?
It’s a very understandable concern; your roof protects your house from the elements and you want to be sure that nothing damages it. Could solar panels be the cause of leaks or instability? The truth is that the overwhelming majority of solar power users report that they are very happy with the decision to switch and related roofing issues have been minor to none. That said, there are still some important factors to consider. Is Your Roof in Good Condition Now? When it comes to your solar module, your roof is going to act as the foundation. If you start [...]
How Much Energy Will My Solar Panels Produce?
Whenever you make any investment, you naturally want to know what kind of return to expect. Solar is a sizable investment, so it makes sense that this is one of our most frequently asked questions. So how much will your solar panels produce? The answer isn’t the same for every person. There are several factors to consider, and a few things you can do to take control of your system’s potential - and savings. Let's talk about that. What Contributes to Solar Panel Productivity? As you probably know, solar panel productivity is entirely dependent on exposure to the sun. In [...]
What to Know About Solar Tax Credits for 2020
The federal government enacted the Energy Policy Act in 2005, when business and residential consumers began receiving a 30% tax credit for solar energy system installations. Since last year, the tax credit has dropped a bit but is still sizable and worth considering: Year Business Home Business Residential 2017-2019 30% tax credit 30% tax credit 30% tax credit 2020 26% tax credit 26% tax credit 26% tax credit 2021 22% tax credit 22% tax credit 22% tax credit After 2021 10% tax credit 10% tax credit None What does that mean in real numbers? Let’s just suppose your [...]
Will My Solar Power Work During a Blackout?
PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, the large-scale mandated electricity shutdown that rolled out as a communications and logistics disaster and prompted a state investigation, has pushed many Bay Area residents to consider solar power. One of the biggest solar-related questions we hear is this: “Will my solar power work during a blackout?” The answer to that question is yes, solar power can work during a blackout ... but you need the right system to handle these special energy needs. Bay Area Solar Power: Blackout Backup There are generally three types of solar energy systems: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid [...]
How to Avoid PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Program
“Power companies have two jobs: Keep the lights on and don’t kill your customers. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. of Northern California flunks on both counts.” This opinion column's opening line sums up how many Bay Area residents feel about PG&E after we were left in the dark this October. Statements from PG&E, like the one confirming that the Public Safety Power Shutoff program could continue for a decade, aren’t helping. To make matters even worse, PG&E’s communication about the forced blackouts has left many frustrated. Here’s how you can avoid PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program for years [...]
Why Your Northern California Business Should Go Solar
Though the economy is growing faster in Northern California than other parts of the country, succeeding in business is not an easy task. But as a savvy businessperson, you are working hard to make your investments a success. Of course, you know one of the most effective ways to make the bottom line work is to reduce overhead. Going solar can do just that. How can you give yourself a raise by going solar? Let’s examine the facts. Savings by Going Solar in Northern California The fact is, there are several financial advantages to switching from an electric provider [...]
Life, Uninterrupted – Solar Installation is Not a Home Invasion
Homeowners often ask two questions when they're considering a home improvement project: 'How much does it cost?', and 'How long will it take?' These are important questions to answer from the start. After all, the payoff should be worth the inconvenience. For example, we justify the hassle and expense of a kitchen remodel by remembering that, at the end of the project, our home is more fashionable, functional, and valuable. A solar installation project is the same ... yet different. We don't call solar fashionable or trendy, (although you can dress and decorate more stylishly with the extra cash solar [...]
Where Is The Best Place to Install My Solar Panels?
[et_pb_section bb_built="1" _builder_version="3.0.47" next_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.47" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.0.106" background_layout="light"] Can’t I Install My Solar Panels Anywhere I Want? Whether you’re trying to build a garden or planning where you want your tool shed positioned, location is extremely important. In order for the garden to flourish, it must receive the appropriate amount of sunlight and be placed in good soil in the most optimal conditions for growth. As with a tool shed, the best place is usually where it can be easily accessible, doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, and maximizes space. Position, placement, and orientation is equally important, [...]
What Size Solar System Do I Need?
It depends on how much electricity you use. Two homes the exact same size will use different amounts of electricity and therefore require different size systems. Major electrical loads within a home are air conditioners, electric heaters, pools, and other heating elements or motors. That being said, an average 2,500 sq. ft. single-family home uses about 5,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. A 3 kilowatt (AC) system will generate nearly all the electricity required for such a home on an annual basis. Sometimes a PV system can be installed that is slightly over-sized to allow for the possibility of a growing family [...]
Building code revisions are not usually ground-breaking events, but we think that California’s latest amendment to Title 24 Part 6 is history in the making. The state is not just [...]
It’s a very understandable concern; your roof protects your house from the elements and you want to be sure that nothing damages it. Could solar panels be the cause of [...]
Whenever you make any investment, you naturally want to know what kind of return to expect. Solar is a sizable investment, so it makes sense that this is one of [...]
The federal government enacted the Energy Policy Act in 2005, when business and residential consumers began receiving a 30% tax credit for solar energy system installations. Since last year, the [...]
PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, the large-scale mandated electricity shutdown that rolled out as a communications and logistics disaster and prompted a state investigation, has pushed many Bay [...]
“Power companies have two jobs: Keep the lights on and don’t kill your customers. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. of Northern California flunks on both counts.” This opinion column's [...]
Though the economy is growing faster in Northern California than other parts of the country, succeeding in business is not an easy task. But as a savvy businessperson, you are [...]
Homeowners often ask two questions when they're considering a home improvement project: 'How much does it cost?', and 'How long will it take?' These are important questions to answer from [...]
[et_pb_section bb_built="1" _builder_version="3.0.47" next_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.47" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.0.106" background_layout="light"] Can’t I Install My Solar Panels Anywhere I Want? Whether you’re trying to build a garden or planning where [...]
It depends on how much electricity you use. Two homes the exact same size will use different amounts of electricity and therefore require different size systems. Major electrical loads within [...]
