The (Solar) Train Is Leaving the Station
Get Your NEM-2 Status before It’s Too Late Big changes are ahead in the solar market... and they’re not good for consumers. NEM—net energy metering—is a program for solar owners to supply clean energy to the electric grid and sell over-produced power to the utility companies. But PG&E doesn’t like paying solar customers for stored power. The utility giant has lobbied for changes to this program, fighting to keep its stranglehold on consumers. The result is NEM-3, a new energy metering program that will alter PG&E's financial obligations to solar owners selling stored power. And, if history is any judge, [...]
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 [...]
Alert! NEM-2 Savings Are Ending
There are major changes on the horizon that will impact how much you can save by going solar. The current net metering program, NEM-2, will be replaced by NEM-3 this year, and PG&E and the other big utility companies are pushing to reduce the cost-saving benefits solar customers enjoy. While we don’t want to be the bearer of bad news (who does?), it’s important to understand how NEM-3 could negatively affect you if you wait to go solar. Your ROI will decrease. The big utility companies suggested that “bill savings eventually cover the cost of the investment over the life [...]
Lights Out for 2020!
Wow, what a year it’s been. Things were a little different than we originally imagined but we’re finishing out 2020 with immense gratitude for our solar family. Because of this community, the installations we completed helped offset our carbon footprint, allowed you to become fully energy independent, cut down CO2 emissions, and conserved trees. Your contribution to the planet and future generations is not lost on us. As we wrap up the year, we hope that the rest of your 2020 is full of family time and relaxation. We’re excited to see what the new year holds. From the entire [...]
Synergy Power is Livermore’s Premier Solar Provider
The word “home” can conjure up a variety of images. Whether you’re from a big city or a country town, you are shaped by the place you grew up in a way that stays with you for the rest of your life. As for us here at Synergy Power, we couldn’t be prouder that our roots are right here in Livermore. Solar Based in Livermore, California Livermore is rich with charm and traditional values that have aged like a fine wine. We love living in a town that treasures relics from the past like Vine Cinema and its vintage films. [...]
Solar + Battery: If My Power Goes Out, How Long Will My Backup Last?
How many PG&E power outages have you been through so far this year? A battery backup system for your home or business could reduce that number to zero. But many of our customers have asked us, “How long will my battery last if my power goes out?” Good news: Your battery backup system could give you power for several weeks, while continuing to charge from your solar panels … even while the power is out. Let’s talk about that. The Joy of Battery Backup Systems A battery backup system, when used with your solar panels, it is not at all [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Get Your NEM-2 Status before It’s Too Late Big changes are ahead in the solar market... and they’re not good for consumers. NEM—net energy metering—is a program for solar owners [...]
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 [...]
There are major changes on the horizon that will impact how much you can save by going solar. The current net metering program, NEM-2, will be replaced by NEM-3 this [...]
Wow, what a year it’s been. Things were a little different than we originally imagined but we’re finishing out 2020 with immense gratitude for our solar family. Because of this [...]
The word “home” can conjure up a variety of images. Whether you’re from a big city or a country town, you are shaped by the place you grew up in [...]
How many PG&E power outages have you been through so far this year? A battery backup system for your home or business could reduce that number to zero. But many [...]
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 [...]
“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 [...]
