How Does Solar Save Money?
We all know that using renewable solar energy helps protect our natural resources. But it also allows you to take advantage of the financial benefits that come with it—from increasing the value of your home to getting tax rebates and saving some cash on everyday activities.So what does that look like in action? Here’s a closer look at the benefits of a residential solar ecosystem:Solar Panels Increase Home Value: Average residents of northern California pay over $300 a month for electricity from PG&E. Going solar eliminates that bill, while at the same time increasing your home's value up to 7%.Battery Backup: Streamline and optimize your entire solar [...]
PG&E to Customers: “Pay More So We Profit More”
Yes, it’s true: more rate hikes are coming for PG&E customers—and this time, they’re not even trying to hide the fact that it’s solely to increase profits for shareholders. The utility company is asking for yet another rate increase in their recurring three-year update from the California Public Utilities Commission. It specifically cites boosting investor profits as the rationale for the increase, despite reporting record profits for two years in a row—$2.47 billion in 2024, on top of the $86 million that is already earmarked for shareholder dividends. So what does this mean for customers like you? In short: higher bills, fewer answers, and [...]
A Powerful Choice of Battery Backup
Tesla is redefining home energy storage once again! If you're searching for the ultimate backup solution—or just love groundbreaking technology—the Tesla Powerwall 3 is worth your attention. Engineered for reliability and packed with advanced features, this battery is built to keep your home powered through anything. Here's what makes this third-generation powerhouse a great option for your home's energy needs: Robust Product Design The long-lasting and powerful lithium ion phosphate (LFP) battery cells in the Tesla Powerwall 3 have a maximum continuous output of 11.5 kW. That’s double what the Powerwall 2 offered—and a solid option in terms of an energy storage system [...]
Rate Hikes Hit New Highs (and Lows)
If you’re not mad about PG&E’s rate hikes last year, you haven’t heard the news yet. In 2024, the Bay Area utility company raised their prices on residential electricity a whopping six times, bringing the average cost to over $0.40 per kWh. That’s more than double what they were charging a decade ago, and 67% more than at the start of the pandemic. (See the chart above.) So if your bill has gone up hundreds of dollars per month recently… you’re not alone. And the rate hikes aren’t going away. In a recent statement, PG&E acknowledges resident complaints over price but only promises that 2025 [...]
2024: A Bright and Brilliant Year
As we reflect on 2024, we want to share our thanks with you, Solar Family. As a family-owned business, we truly understand the effort it takes to do something that matters—bringing energy and sustainability to homes across the Bay Area. This year, we’ve added over 3,836 kW of renewable energy systems to our community—that's more than 320 new installations contributing to a greener planet! Here's the impact in perspective: Generating enough energy to fully charge around 8,100 electric cars with 60 kWh batteries Offsetting the equivalent of burning 315,000 gallons of oil Powering a 50-inch TV for about 3,200 years nonstop That’s no small feat! We’ve accomplished so much together—and we couldn’t have done it [...]
Our Top 3 Battery Backup Brands
The days are getting shorter as we head into fall and winter in California. With less sunlight and storms on the horizon, a battery backup can be a great way to maximize and optimize your energy needs. You’ll be able to store your solar-generated electricity for use during peak hours and as backup during power outages. Is it time for you to consider adding a battery backup, Solar Family? Yes! We'd love to help you explore some battery options that will work with your existing system. Here are the top three battery backup brands that we use in homes and businesses all over the Bay Area. This is [...]
We all know that using renewable solar energy helps protect our natural resources. But it also allows you to take advantage of the financial benefits that come with it—from increasing the value of [...]
Yes, it’s true: more rate hikes are coming for PG&E customers—and this time, they’re not even trying to hide the fact that it’s solely to increase profits for shareholders. The [...]
Tesla is redefining home energy storage once again! If you're searching for the ultimate backup solution—or just love groundbreaking technology—the Tesla Powerwall 3 is worth your attention. Engineered for reliability and packed with [...]
If you’re not mad about PG&E’s rate hikes last year, you haven’t heard the news yet. In 2024, the Bay Area utility company raised their prices on residential electricity a [...]
As we reflect on 2024, we want to share our thanks with you, Solar Family. As a family-owned business, we truly understand the effort it takes to do something that matters—bringing energy and sustainability [...]
The days are getting shorter as we head into fall and winter in California. With less sunlight and storms on the horizon, a battery backup can be a great way to maximize [...]
