Semper Solaris Blog
Eco-Friendly Home Improvements That Save You Money Purchasing a home is already a large investment, but to make the most of this asset, you’ll need to spend some time and money upgrading it. Doing so can increase the overall value of your property and help you save money on monthly expenses. However, not all home upgrades are created equal. You have to be deliberate in how you change your home to benefit, both financially and personally, from updating it. To that end, here are some of the best improvements you can make to your home: Install Solar Panels Consider getting solar panels for your home. Though you’ll have to spend some money to have them installed, you can look for solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates to reduce those upfront costs. It will likely take several years for your solar panels to pay for themselves, but in time, solar panels can help you save money on your monthly utility bills. Look into solar battery storage for additional savings. A battery allows you to store more of the sun’s energy for later use, even during a blackout or power outage. If it’s allowed in your area and you manage to generate enough power, you can even make money from your solar panels by selling your power back to your utility company. Additionally, solar panels will boost the value of your home. Like remodeling your kitchen or putting in a pool, solar panels are a home upgrade, and buyers will pay extra for it. One study discovered that buyers are willing to pay $15,000 more for a solar home. Keep in mind that the actual value of your home may differ greatly, depending on the local housing market and demand for solar in your area. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that heating, cooling, lighting, and refrigeration account for the majority of annual household energy use. This means that your refrigerator, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and other appliances are likely the biggest users of gas and electricity in your home and the biggest charges on your utility bill. If you haven’t made the switch already, swap out your existing appliances for ones that use less energy. Simple upgrades, like changing out your incandescent light bulbs for LEDs, can make a surprisingly large difference for the environment and your wallet. However, if you’ve got the budget for more significant changes — like updating your HVAC system or getting a tankless water heater — they’re certainly worth making. You will have to spend some money to purchase and install your new appliances. But, because they use energy more efficiently, you won’t be paying as much for your power and gas bills each month. You can also use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to look for discounts and special offers that reduce the upfront cost of upgrading your appliances. Use Low-Flow Fixtures Similarly, low-flow water fixtures benefit both your finances and the environment. Simply put, they help reduce your water usage, which, in turn, lowers your water bill. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that switching out a single bathroom faucet can decrease water flow by at least 30%. As a bonus, low-flow fixtures can also reduce energy costs. When less water runs through your faucet at a given time, your water heater uses less power to warm it up. To enjoy these benefits, all you have to do is purchase and install low-flow fixtures in your home. These fixtures are fairly inexpensive and usually simple to install on your own. Use the EPA’s WaterSense Product Search to find low-flow toilets, faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. You can also shop for them at most hardware stores, but look for the EPA’s WaterSense label to ensure the fixture meets their efficiency standards. Update Your Roofing You should also consider updating the roof of your home. This is an inevitable expense for homeowners, as all roofs deteriorate over time, no matter what roofing materials were used in their construction. After all, they are designed to protect your home from the elements and keep you safe and comfortable when you’re inside. Further, leaving your roof in shambles can have costly consequences, such as leak damage or decreasing the overall value of your home. Not only does updating your roof help you avoid those expenses, but it can also help you save money. What’s more, depending on the work you do, this may also increase the overall value of your home, especially if you have plans to sell it soon. To keep things affordable, you may want to stick to patching holes, fixing loose shingles, or simple fixes. If you can, though, it may be worth doing a complete overhaul. There are also new roofing materials that make your home more energy-efficient and better protect it from the elements. By replacing your entire roof, you stand to get the most value out of your investment and reap the benefits of a new roof for years (if not decades) to come. Plant More Trees On top of boosting your curb appeal, planting trees on your property can have a dramatic impact on your energy usage. Researchers have discovered that planting shade trees can reduce the amount of energy buildings use for cooling and heating. In addition, the Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency reports that shade trees can lower the air temperature by three to six degrees, helping you save $100 to $250 in cooling and heating costs each year. Trees provide another layer of protection for your home. In the warm and sunny months, a tall tree will shade your house and help keep it cool. During colder times of the year, trees can insulate your house, making it warmer. They also block cold and potentially damaging winds, minimizing their impact on your home. The kind of trees you should plant depends heavily on your local climate and the location of your home, as well as your personal preferences. If you need more information, Energy.gov provides a great overview of landscaping for shade. You can also refer to local nurseries, landscapers, or gardening experts for more specific advice about shade landscaping in your area. Use Native Plants for Landscaping To save even more, you can reconfigure your landscaping entirely with native or drought-tolerant plants. Unlike traditional lawns, native plants will thrive without a lot of additional water or maintenance. These plants are meant to live in your area, and they’ll do well with what your climate naturally provides. Lawns and non-native plants require frequent watering to survive. The EPA has discovered that outdoor watering accounts for 30% of all water use in the U.S. Depending on water rates in your area and the size of your garden, this could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually. If you switch up your landscaping, you can save that money instead. From swapping your lawn for local grass to full-on xeriscaping, there are many ways to incorporate native plants into your yard. If significant updates aren’t feasible, you can make smaller changes — like putting in a few native plants at a time — and try to reduce the amount of water you use in your yard. What to Expect After Updating After updating your home, take some time to enjoy your upgraded space. It will likely take a little time to reap the financial fruits of your labor. In some cases, you may discover a more immediate benefit — solar panels typically come with a federal tax credit, for example — but this is ultimately a long-term strategy to improve financial health. The same goes for the environmental benefits of your updates. You probably won’t see any jaw-dropping, immediate differences, but you’re making incremental improvements that will add up over time and make an immense difference. As long as you’re strategic about the upgrades you make, you’ll be on the path to living comfortably in your home while improving your long-term financial health.
Does Leaving Things Plugged In Use Electricity? When You Should and Shouldn’t Unplug When was the last time you unplugged your television from the wall? How about your computer, or perhaps kitchen appliances like your toaster or blender? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Many Americans have electronic appliances in their homes that remain plugged in 24/7. The potential downside to this is that many electric appliances continue drawing power from wall outlets, even when they’re turned off. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that in a typical household, 75% of the total power used by consumer electronics is drawn when those items are switched off. In California, where the average household spends about $1,400 per year on energy bills, this waste amounts to an annual cost of around $1,050 (or $88 per month). Knowing when to unplug certain electronics is a simple way to manage your energy consumption and lower your electric bill. What Is Standby Power? “Standby power” is a blanket term that describes the energy used by electronic appliances when they are switched off, or not in use. Some items, in particular, are referred to as “energy vampires” because they require a continuous supply of power to function. Modern consumer electronics offer many convenient features like remote controls and digital displays. These features are popular because they make devices easier to use, but they also increase a household’s standby power consumption. A television set is a prime example of a residential energy vampire because it’s operated by remote control with a receiver. Remote control receivers must remain on at all times to await the activation signal, which in most cases is the power button. The Fight Against Energy Vampires Standby power consumption used to be a largely unheard-of concept, but as more people have become aware of its costs, the collective effort to reduce it has grown and advanced. The 21st century has brought with it new regulations aimed at controlling the standby power consumed by household appliances. Additionally, new technologies like home automation systems can be programmed to cut standby power to appliances when they aren't being used. Other advances in conservation technology can help homeowners save even more on their annual energy costs. Modern home solar panel systems produce clean local energy and are being developed with new features that help reduce waste from standby power even further, such as batteries that can store excess energy for later use. Eliminating Energy Vampires in Your Home The first step to reducing your standby power consumption is to identify the biggest sources of waste in your home. Older appliances are common culprits, as they were designed without standby power consumption in mind. Fortunately, that has changed, and many modern Energy Star appliances are made with standby power requirements that ensure their efficiency. While it can be beneficial to simply replace the older electronics in your home, it can also be very expensive and inconvenient, and may not be the only way for you to conserve. Using automatic timers for your television set, heater, and air conditioner reduces energy waste by cutting standby power to these devices while they aren’t in use, but still allows them to be conveniently ready when needed. If possible, it can also be helpful to replace the older power adapters in your home with newer, lower wattage ones. Adapters are easier and cheaper to replace than appliances but still make an impact on energy consumption. If you have an older adapter that becomes warm when you plug it in, it is likely to use more power than necessary and should be replaced. What Should Get Unplugged? As a general rule, appliances that are remote activated or utilize digital displays tend to consume the most standby power, but not all of these devices can feasibly be unplugged whenever they’re not in use. Computers and cable boxes, for example, have lengthy restarting processes that make it difficult to regularly unplug them. Mobile device chargers: Phone, tablet, and laptop chargers continuously draw power from wall outlets while they’re plugged in, even when the battery is full or there is no device connected. Blu-ray/DVD players: These devices are heavier standby power users because they typically utilize both remote receivers and digital displays. Coffee makers: Many modern kitchen appliances use digital displays that draw standby power but can be easily unplugged when not in use. Microwaves Food processors Blenders Printers: Modern printers often feature advanced digital display screens that consume power while they are in standby mode. While it can be more complicated if you’re using an internet-connected smart printer, you should still unplug printers and fax machines from the wall if you know they won't be in use for a while. What Can Stay Plugged In? Refrigerators: Besides the danger of food spoiling, unplugging your refrigerator is inadvisable because modern refrigerators are designed to be efficiently running all the time, and unplugging won't save you much energy. Wireless modems: While some modems do have digital displays that use standby power, restarting a modem is a tedious process that can interfere with the functionality of other devices in your home. Power Strips and Outlet Control For many people with full schedules and busy lives, it can be difficult to remember every time they leave something plugged in. Power strips are an excellent way to manage standby power use and keep track of all your different appliances. When several devices are plugged into a power strip, you can easily cut standby power to all of those devices at once, just by flicking a switch. Modern smart power strips can even detect when appliances are in standby mode and automatically cut off their power supply.
Global Trends in Renewable and Alternative Energy In 2020, renewable capacity upgrades grew 45% worldwide from 2019, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) — with a 90% rise in global wind generation and a 23% rise in solar power installations. China alone made up 80% of that rise, with the United States and Vietnam next in line, respectively. Policy deadlines are to thank for the “unprecedented boom.” Another report by the IEA finds that renewables were the only sources of energy to see an increase in 2020, as demand for all other sources declined. Despite supply chain disruptions and construction delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, these sources of energy have remained steadfast. The use of renewables has been dubbed the “new normal” by the IEA. From solar to wind and everything in between, there is no doubt that renewables are the future of energy generation. Countries all over the world are on board with this development, as evidenced by the IEA’s reports. Trends in Solar Energy In 2019, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasted that solar energy will be among the fastest-growing sources of electricity generation in the U.S. Solar is a popular alternative energy source — and for good reasons. This energy source does not create pollution or greenhouse gases, unlike its traditional counterparts: coal, oil, and natural gas. Harnessed from the sun’s radiant light and heat, solar power is here to stay. Solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, have become efficient, commonplace energy sources for both residents and businesses alike. Other uses of solar power include heating homes, water, and even supplying large power stations. From fighting air pollution to toxic water to homelessness, solar technologies are saving the planet. In 2020, China was leading the way in solar power capacity and was expected to add up to 65 more gigawatts to its grid in 2021. When it comes to the United States, California is the largest producer of solar power in the country. Solar incentives are a driving force to this rise in California, as well as around the world. Trends in Wind Energy The rise in the popularity of wind energy is right up there with solar. In 2020, wind energy capacity nearly doubled from 2019, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) — with China adding 72 additional gigawatts, followed by the U.S. with 14 gigawatts. Once again, China leads the way in wind energy generation with 29% of the world’s share, followed by the U.S. and Germany with 21% and 9%, respectively. There are many benefits of wind energy; it is cost-effective, a clean energy source, sustainable, and creates jobs. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of wind energy is its ability to ramp up electricity production in cold snaps of weather. This source of energy has its drawbacks too though. One drawback is that wind sites are often located in rural areas, but energy demand largely comes from cities. Transmission lines must be built to carry power to these more densely packed locations, where placing wind turbines isn’t as practical. Besides rural areas, offshore sites are another common location for wind power. In 2021, the U.S. Biden administration kicked off a series of offshore wind projects to foster a clean energy revolution and create jobs. Trends in Hydropower In 2020, hydropower plants contributed to 7.3% of the total electricity generation in the U.S. — and 37% of the total renewable energy generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This technology, also known as water power, utilizes mechanical equipment to turn running water into electricity. Hydropower facilities in the U.S. are primarily concentrated in three states: Washington, California, and Oregon. However, this country and those states are not the forerunners of the pack. China and Brazil lead the way in hydropower generation, respectively, with China adding another 6.8 gigawatts to reach over 370 gigawatts of capacity in 2020, according to a status report conducted by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). Citing its low costs and flexibility, the same report by the IHA predicts hydropower will become the dominant source of electricity generation by 2050. Trends in Alternative Fuel Alternative fuel, also known as advanced fuels, is defined as any materials or substances that can be used as fuel, other than traditional sources, such as fossil fuels or nuclear materials. This type of fuel includes gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, or propane; alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, and butanol; vegetable and waste-derived oils; and electricity. Biodiesel and bio-alcohol are two of the more commonly known forms of alternative fuel. In 2020, the U.S. and Brazil were leading the way in the production of biofuels, contributing 1,347.3 and 883.7 petajoules that year, respectively. The biofuel revolution in Brazil is largely thanks to Brazilian law, which requires that gasoline be mixed with 27% ethanol. Blending fuel like this releases fewer emissions and contributes to a cleaner environment. What Does This Mean for the Future of Alternative Energy? From solar, wind, and hydropower to alternative fuel, each of these innovations is benefitting our world in myriad ways. For one, the energy that produces zero greenhouse gases is energy that reduces pollution. The environment is not the only thing benefitting from the switch to renewables though. These forms of energy diversify our energy supply, reduce our reliance on imported fuels, and create jobs in manufacturing, installation, and design. The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) reports that renewables have the fastest-growing market of any energy source in the U.S. — from 2000 to 2018, renewable energy witnessed a 100% increase in use. The continued development and implementation of renewable energy sources, however, will heavily rely on the backs of governments all over the world. Policy initiatives and government incentives serve as a driving force to get consumers and businesses alike to make the switch to renewables.
Solar Panels in Sacramento are on the rise! It’s true, Solar has taken over California’s Capital and is turning the City of Trees into the City of Solar! And Semper Solaris is leading that charge! Bringing military-grade service and military-grade values to the Solar installation industry! The City of Sacramento loves Solar power so much it has helped the Golden state reach number one in Solar Installation! Leading the way in California Solar! Best Solar Sacramento That is because California, and Sacramento in particular, believes in Solar power! Whether it be the money saved, the freedom gained, or the sense of pride that comes with sourcing your own energy, the benefits of Solar are overwhelming. Not to mention what it does for the environment! Sacramento Solar Panels 95815 Sacramentan’s can see these benefits clearly, and that is why they are lining up for the amazing state and federal Solar incentives! So, if you are a Sacramento resident, and haven't already gone Solar, make the change now while these incentives last! You’ll reduce your carbon footprint, save thousands, claim your energy independence, and lock in your energy cost forever! That doesn’t just make sense, it’s a no-brainer! And if that isn’t enough to jump on the Sacramento Solar train wait till you hear what Solar is doing for the local economy! The Sacramento Solar boom is boosting the city’s economy at a record pace! Bringing jobs, large-scale commercial projects, as well as federal investment! Best Solar Panels Sacramento With these powerful additions to such a great city, it is plain to see why the City of Sacramento and Solar power are such a great match! Join the Sacramento Solar revolution today!
So, how can you tell if your Air Conditioner needs a repair? Or maybe yet, a replacement. Its April and you are ramping up the use of your trusty AC, however, you are noticing something about it that is needing your attention. You may have come to realize that over the years your AC has already been through several repairs and remarkably, it's still going. The thing is, you might already need to replace it. Here are 5 common signs that you may have to get yourself a new air conditioner: 1. It No longer Cools the Room the Way it Should One of the most telling signs of an AC that is past its prime is that after several repairs, it just is no longer consistent when cooling your room. When you first turn it on, it just blows warm air, and then it takes more than a few minutes to come up with cool air. Even then, it is not as cool as it used to be. For some, it might just be a case of blockage in the duct or maybe a thermostat that needs to be replaced. But if it is something that is regularly occurring then it might be time to replace your AC. 2. It’s Making Some Strange Noises that Doesn't Go Away with Use Grinding, loud squeaking, rattling, and sometimes a little bit of sporadic banging from wherever inside your unit could be signs that wear and tear has already had its way with your AC. A normal operating AC of considerable quality would barely make noise when it runs. But if your unit is getting too loud and is unusually troublesome because of the racket, and, you just had it repaired the previous month. It might do you good to have it replaced eventually. 3. Strange Smells Coming from Your AC An AC that works well should be able to blow cold, crisp, and odorless air from its vent. However, if you smell something strange like a burning or a musty, moldy smell that doesn't go away, it's about time to check your local dealer for a new unit. In fact, something burning could even be an emergency as it needs to be checked immediately. 4. Moisture Build Up One of the conveniences of having an air conditioner is its ability to control humidity, if not eliminate it. This is so that you can enjoy a cool and dry environment where you don't feel sweaty or clammy. An air conditioner that is no longer working properly starts to accumulate moisture right on the unit itself. It sometimes drips out in drops of water, or you might see the front panel "perspiring". Worst case scenario, your unit is already leaking water right inside your room. Fogging windows and moisture in the ducts and vents are also signs of your evaporator coil that is no longer working properly. Mold and mildew can result from these situations and could cause health problems later on. 5. Your HVAC System is Already Old and Needs to Replaced All appliances have their own life expectancy as to when they are able to deliver optimal service right before they expire. In the case of your HVAC system, it should be useful inside of 10 years or more. Naturally, if your air conditioner is already more than 10 years old, even with proper maintenance it will definitely show some signs of aging that could be a combination of any of the first 4 signs discussed above. Anyhow, an older air conditioner even though it may seem okay may already be outdated or obsolete unless it has a lifetime warranty. You could be running higher bills in terms of energy consumption, more than how much you will be paying for a brand new, more energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly unit. The use of Freon (refrigerant) in older ACs has already been phased out, due to its effects on the ozone layer. It was replaced by R-410A (in newer models) which doesn't damage the ozone layer. An air conditioner that still uses freon is already subject to replacement. That goes for older units 10 years and above. The Benefits of Replacing Your Air Conditioner Better Performance No more problems with humidity and irregular cooling patterns. A new unit will deliver consistent cooling power which will keep you comfortable for as long as need it. Savings from Repair Costs If you find yourself paying more in repair costs that are accumulated versus purchasing a new AC, it would make a lot of economic sense to replace it instead. Better Energy Efficiency Newer models mean better technology which then translates to energy savings, all the way to money savings.
Solar panels have been the future of energy for a long time now. They aren't for everyone but they can do a lot of good in the long term. If you're someone who has disposable income and wants to save more on energy as time goes on. Going solar will do a lot of good for you. This also means as time goes on these solar panels are going to go cheaper. Here are 5 reasons why you should switch to solar energy. - Save money on your energy Using solar energy is going to free up the energy costs of making sure that other people have energy. Not only is this good for your community, but you will see yourself saving more and more on your bills because the energy you are using is natural. There is a lot of talk about the kind of energy that we should be using, but it feels like solar energy could be the best in California. Other kinds of energy are getting more expensive. If we get our energy from the sun, that means companies and countries don't have to fight and debate over the energy we should use, saving you money. - California has consistent, warm weather year around While solar energy is good, it's really only optimal in environments where there is a lot of sunshine. Even 93 million miles away, in a snowy town, there will still be solar energy, but it's not optimal at all. In California, there is no real worry about a power outage in the summer with solar panels. California has consistently been sunny and warm meaning that residents will get power as well as their electricity bills going down. For the people who want solar panels for financial reasons, the weather is going to make it a good choice. - Properties with solar panels are seen as more valuable Real Estate seems like it's at an all-time high in California. Living in the state can be expensive, but living in a property with solar panels is going to make paying the monthly bills a lot more attractive to tenants. It's also more valuable because not every person is going to have solar panels in their apartment complex. For people who want to stay indoors during the summer, they will receive massive benefits. If you're a real estate agent, this could potentially make the property more attractive to others. - Renewable energy in the long term As time goes on, there are going to be fewer and fewer fossil fuels for countries to take advantage of. This isn't a problem for our generation, but it could potentially be worrisome for the next generation. Even if they can have enough fossil fuels to last their lifetime, it's going to be a lot more expensive than the money that we paid for those energies. Using solar panels is going to make energy more affordable as time goes on. It's definitely an investment to use them now, but the benefit for the rest of society is definitely there - The government promotes it through policy If you're someone with capital or wealth in California, you definitely dread tax season. However, what you can to get some educations is use solar panels. The government wants to incentivize people to use these panels, so they can get tax breaks if they use them on their private property or business. You get this on top of the benefit for the money you save on your electricity bills. Perhaps, you won't notice these kinds of tax breaks immediately, but as you achieve more and more, you going to pay more attention to these benefits. Conclusion Solar panels aren't for everyone in America, but if you are going to get them, California is a great state for that. The sun is constantly out meaning, you will never have to go weeks without large sources of power. It can easily save you thousands of dollars on energy every year which is only getting more expensive. If you're a real estate agent, solar panels are a great way to attract new customers. And if you're a business, it can get you tax breaks in the state that has some of the highest taxes.
Customers of the utility company Pacific Gas & Electric can expect higher prices in the future and will be seeing their monthly bills go up as a result. Millions of households in California get their utility services from the company and will be directly affected by the 8% average rate increase. The money from the increase will go towards funding improvements in the company's Northern California service area in an attempt to address outdated equipment and cut back on the risk of that equipment sparking another potentially fatal wildfire. The increase will go into effect starting March of this year. This means that residential customers of the company will soon be seeing the results of this rate hike and will be paying an average of $13.44 more monthly when it comes to their gas and electric bills. While it may not seem like much, multiply that by 12 over the course of the year and the average customer will be paying over $150 more annually ($161.28, approximately) for the same services rendered. However, the added cost comes at a time where individuals, couples, and families are struggling already to make ends meet. The Covid-19 pandemic altered economic circumstances for many people. For those who are behind or on the verge of falling behind, the higher bills are yet another financial obligation they must contend with in a situation that is already precarious. Despite what appears to be a quickly-looming date for price increases, the negotiation for the increase itself has been a long time coming. Power regulators in California met with Pacific Gas & Electric and other groups concerned about the financial impact customers might be expected to take on for two years before approving an increase. The utility company's grid provides power to roughly 16 million people in its service area, but the company itself has also been accused of neglect. The out-of-control wildfires of 2017 and 2018 in California were thought to have been caused by outdated PG&E equipment. The wildfires killed over 120 individuals and destroyed more than 27,000 residences and buildings. In 2019, Pacific Gas & Electric filed for bankruptcy. They also negotiated $25.5 billion worth of settlements with those who affected by the fire. It was a real life catastrophe that led to a negative public image and relationship with the public from which the company still has not fully recovered. Now the company has come out of the bankruptcy and is seeking to prevent the same problems that led to those disastrous consequences. The revenue from the rate increase will go to upgrading equipment and implementing new safety measures. While the company is to be lauded for their efforts to increase safety, it also dragged its feet on implementing solutions that were long overdue, and now their customers are literally paying the price. Unfortunately, for those without solar panels or battery storage, relying on a local utility service provider might be their only option and they have no choice but to pay the bigger bills. A solar panel company can install solar panels and battery storage like the Tesla Powerwall easily so that reliance on utilities alone is no longer required. The fact that these panels and battery storage can provide residential power for the home and provides independence is good news as utility rates go up and could increase again in the future. Astonishingly, the rate increase could have been even higher. Regulatory documents show that Pacific Gas & Electric originally proposed the goal of $2 billion more in revenue from increasing customer rates in what would have been from 2020-2022. After negotiations, regulators approved the final rate settlement, which will generate $1.15 billion for the utility company. With wildfire season fast approaching, California will once again be at risk for large wildfires starting and spreading. Pacific Gas & Electric says that it plans to use added revenue to pay for improvements to the grid, trimming trees that are near power lines, and pursuing other actions to decrease the odds of starting another blaze. Some express disappointment with the approval of the rate increase, pointing to the financial strain that the pandemic has caused already. TURN(The Utility Reform Network) worked with other groups to negotiate the settlement of the rate increase with Pacific Gas & Energy. TURN's executive director Mark Toney expressed his concern that higher bills for consumers "will only add" to the problems they have. For now, it appears that customers have no choice in the matter. The rate increase will go into effect on March 1, 2021.
Extreme weather events are inevitable no matter where you live. Recently, the normally mild state of Texas experienced the arrival of a harsh winter storm that brought unusually frigid temperatures, snow, and ice. A power outage only compounded the effects of this cold weather disaster. In California, residents frequently struggle with extreme weather that is opposite to what has been afflicting Texans: dangerous, out-of-control wildfires that lead to extensive power outages. Florida also repeatedly sees vicious storms and hurricanes that wipe out electricity for days on end. During the extreme weather that so many states across the country have been experiencing in the past decade, the importance of having a reliable solar energy storage system is more important than ever. There is nothing quite as dangerous as losing the ability to heat your home in chilling, subzero conditions, or the lack of air conditioning during hot, stifling weather. Independence from conventional power sources is currently one of the few ways to navigate the challenges that power failures bring. This is where the importance of an alternative energy source comes in. Rooftop solar panels and the Tesla Powerwall together serve as a viable solution. The costs of installing an alternative energy system can seem steep at first glance. However, the price is more than worth it when it comes to saving money on electricity and having access to power during an outage. Even during non-emergencies, the ability to reduce an expensive electric bill is always a plus. Solar panels gather energy from the sun throughout the day, while the Tesla Powerwall serves as solar batter storage that you can utilize to accumulate energy for nighttime use or for a time that you truly need it. Depending on the solar panel company, these alternative energy systems can last from anywhere between 10 and 25 years before a replacement is due. Most companies offer 10-year, 25-year, or more warranties just in case of any premature malfunctions. The Tesla Powerwall is an excellent addition to most types of solar energy system, including the Silfab, Q-Cells, Tesla Solar Roof or power system. Powerwalls from Tesla have an energy usage capacity of 13.5 kWh and come with a 10-year warranty. The Tesla Powerwall is also easy to program so that it will automatically switch to stored power during the night or the moment the electricity goes down during a storm. Temperature resilience is another added benefit to these Powerwalls, which makes them suitable for most hot to moderate climates if you choose to install them outside. They function in temperatures as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) and as low as minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius). Depending on individual homeowners' budgets or household needs, anywhere from one to several installed Powerwalls could be necessary. For the average household, it is better to install two Tesla Powerwalls than one. A single Powerwall restricts energy to minor, low consumption functions such as outlets, power circuits, and lights. A double Powerwall installation is more suitable for most homes so that appliances that take up more energy can also receive enough power to function. With two Powerwalls instead of one, your electricity use can go on as usual during an outage without the need to reduce energy usage to bare necessities. Depending where you live, a snowstorm, hurricane, wildfire, or other unanticipated event of severe weather could kill your power for several days and leave you without running water, heat, or air conditioning. This is not only inconvenient, it is potentially deadly if you are unable to warm or cool your home during extreme temperatures. With the rapidly heating global climate, unusual weather events have continued to increase around the world. The Tesla Powerwall combined with a rooftop solar energy system provides homeowners with a self-sustaining energy source that will keep the lights on during even extended power outages. With sky-high power bills and reoccurring storms or fires, green alternative energy sources can save you a lot of money and inconvenience. While the costs of a solar energy system in addition to a couple of Powerwalls costs several thousand dollars, the price is well worth it when it comes to being able to keep your power on during unavoidable natural disasters.
The expansion of clean energy grows as an innovative solution to energy needs in the United States. Solar panel systems are becoming an energy source that plays a revolutionary role in meeting energy needs, which has fueled their rapid growth in the United States. According to SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), the solar market has not stopped growing since it doubled in 2016. Solar battery storage is playing a leading role in the advancement of solar energy. States that promote solar panels and solar battery storage will lead to an unmistakable solar industry trend. What is the last? SEIA has presented an ambitious vision for expanding clean energy in the US to the 117th US Congress. Aware that a new administration will take over in 2021, SEIA recently adjusted its vision for clean energy policies to help solar have at least 20% of generation by 2030 and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. SEIA, through one of its directors, announced on October 29, 2020, that Arkansas Group joins the National Solar Trade Association to strengthen solar defense in the southeast. Now the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) is an official state affiliate of SEIA. If you want to be part of this growth, you can participate in SEIA's Solar Goes Corporate. In this forum, buyers and suppliers of clean energy converge, designed to discuss how companies can effectively invest, acquire, and implement clean energy technologies such as solar energy and batteries' storage. The solar energy boom has brought with it the emergence of other renewable technology such as solar batteries capable of storing additional solar energy for later use. In this sense, companies like Tesla develop batteries combined with solar panels to create "solar + storage" systems for domestic and industrial use. Get an informative summary of the basics of solar + storage and SEIA's role by clicking on the following link: Solar + Storage. We invite you to read on to learn more about clean energy and determine if you should consider installing a solar plus storage system for your home. Keep in mind that the cost of solar energy has been falling across the country. Why Choose Solar + Storage? To consider why you may choose to install a Solar + Battery Storage system in your home, you must first understand how a solar PV system like the standard home works. The standard of a solar energy system includes: Solar panels, A kit to mount the panels on your ceiling, An inverter, A performance monitoring system that tracks electricity production. Solar panels concentrate energy from the sun and transform it into electricity, which passes through the inverter and is converted into energy used to power your home. By solar policy, residential solar energy systems must be connected to the electricity grid. This allows the exchange of energy. When your panels make more electricity than your home requires, the excess travels to the power grid. On the contrary, when your solar panels cannot supply your home's electricity demand, you can obtain energy from the electrical grid. Also, by solar polity, you will receive a credit on your electricity bill for helping the utility company by delivering excess power to the grid. Of needing more electricity than your solar panels can generate, you can use those credits instead of paying more for your utility. This process is known as net metering. In all this, the plus is given by the batteries. Solar politics energy storage can smooth electricity prices through arbitrage. It can also mitigate reduction risk, manage nighttime power ramps, provide black start capability, provide backup power, and more. Many solar energy companies like the California Solar Company see storage as a business growth opportunity. They see solar system owners as their allies. This is due to solar politics and to the fact that to achieve 20% of the total electricity generation that the solar industry is targeting, it relies heavily on cost-effective integration of storage. How Is The Storage Of Solar Batteries? The function of solar batteries is to store the energy produced by your solar panels for later use. According to technology, there are solar batteries that come with their inverter and offer integrated energy conversion. The storage is directly proportional; the greater your battery's capacity, the greater its electrical energy storage capacity. At Semper Solaris, a California Solar Panel installation company, they recommend always installing a solar battery as part of your solar panel system, as that allows you to store excess solar electricity in your home rather than send it back to the grid. If your solar panels make much more electricity than required, the excess energy is deposited in the battery. That will decrease the energy exchange with the grid. It will only send electricity to the grid when the battery is 100% charged, and it will only receive electricity from the grid when the battery is low. As you can see, houses with solar energy plus storage will be able to store excess energy for use when in contingency or when the sun doesn’t shine. They have the additional benefit of having short-term backup power in the event of failures in the public service network. Installing A Solar Battery In Your House Is An Opportunity? SEIA is firmly supporting the creation and improvements of an Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for energy storage; it is part of what it has submitted to Congress. Installing a solar battery is synonymous with saving money, which largely depends on solar politics and how the utility company compensates you for your solar energy. With full net metering, you typically receive credits on your electricity bill for every kilowatt-hour of electricity your solar panels produce, so you don't use them right away. However, it may not be so. The trend is for a solar battery to help improve the economy with solar panels for your home or business. Solar battery storage can help you save more, as long as your solar energy supplies your electricity demand. But if the utility company has times of use rates or demand charges or simply does not offer net metering. Not only that, Solar Panels and Battery Storage can help with Sleep Apnea and CPAP Machines even when the electricity goes out. How Does Solar Grid Storage Fit Into The Broader Electrical Ecosystem? Solar batteries and other energy storage technologies are set to become a market of around $ 2.5 billion in the United States by 2020-2021. Why is Energy Storage Expected to Grow so Fast? For the benefits that solar battery storage offer to their owners, such as those of homes, that is: Renewable electricity storage capacity for later use, Ease of application on a larger scale for the entire electrical network. Depending on the technology, they provide more flexibility in the generation and use of electricity, mainly from solar and wind energy. Utilities have a complex task. They need to provide their customers with a reliable and quality service. To do this, they must ensure that they have enough electricity on the grid to meet demand. Otherwise, there can be fluctuations in service and even have dissatisfied customers from experiencing blackouts. For increasing solar battery storage, incentives are needed in that direction. This will help network and utility operators manage their electricity flow operations from renewable resources with more flexibility. In the long term, it means there will be more renewable energy resources built into our nation's electricity mix, where home solar panel systems will be a major stronghold.
A new roof is a crucial home investment - one that shelters your family from the elements, keeps your home insulated, and makes up to 45% percent of your homes curb appeal. This is why you should ensure it is always in pristine condition. If you are not sure whether your roof needs to be replaced or not, our experts can assess and identify whether a roof replacement is necessary for you. If the roof is more than 15 years old, it's wise to get an inspection to determine whether there's any damage to be repaired or if it's time to undertake a whole roof replacement. You don't want to wait for too long to replace your roof as it might begin to accrue water damage and pests and leak in moisture and humidity in your home, which can all lead to more expensive repairs later on. And now that rainy season in California is around the corner, getting a roof replacement can keep your home safe. Here are more reasons roof replacement might be the best solution for your home; To Fix Storm Damage There are a variety of ways in which storms can cause damage, including blowing off weak shingles and causing weaknesses that need a replacement immediately. Shingles that are buckling or curled could signal that you need a new roof. Additionally, high-velocity storms could break tree branches that could break your roof. If the rooftop is in bad shape and can't hold up to some heavy impact, then you may risk getting your home exposed during cold season. Yes, some major repairs can be done, but it's better to opt for a complete roof replacement, especially if your roof has seen better days. Also, check the gutters for shingle granules as a lot of granules could be a sign that your roof is wearing out. Granules help protect the asphalt from the sun, and once they fall off, the quality will deteriorate fast. To Make Your Roof Energy-Efficient Can a new roof reduce your energy costs? Absolutely! Replacing your roof will make your home energy efficient and help you cut down on bills because it puts less strain on your heating and cooling systems. As your roof ages, it becomes less effective in controlling temperatures and humidity, thereby allowing them to seep in and affect your internal environment. Consequently, you are forced to use air conditioners and heaters to regulate the internal environment. There are a few things to keep in mind as a homeowner when determining whether a new roof will cut your energy costs. Energy efficiency varies depending on the material used to build the roof and how it's installed. For instance, your roof should reflect sunlight away rather than absorb heat and transfer it to your home. A new roof that's properly installed should also offer ventilation to ensure lower reliance on the air conditioners. You should also choose roofing products with Energy Star Rating as the shingles are better at reflecting solar back to the atmosphere. That's why you should always work with a professional roofing company to ensure all these things are taken into account. When You Want to Undertake a Major Project Such as Solar Panels Installation To install solar panels on your roofing, the solar roof company will drill into the roof to attach the mounting hardware. That's why, if you are considering going the solar power way, you may need to install a new, long-lasting roof to accommodate solar panels. Keep in mind that solar panels can last for up to 30 years. With this in mind, you should consider installing a roof that won't need to be replaced the roof after 5 or 10 years. Removing and reinstalling the solar panels is labor and cost-intensive. To Increase Property Value Installing a new roof increases your home's curb appeal and value if you want to resell the property. When done in conjunction with fresh paint, it can improve your property value and make it more attractive. Replacing your roof also increases financial security to potential buyers as they won't have to undergo additional expenses on roofing issues. This means your home can fetch good amount in the market. Reach Out to Our Experienced Roofing Experts Today! It's evident that installing a new roof will upgrade your home's efficiency completely and minimize energy bills. A new roof features the latest advances in technology, like high shingle ratings and Energy Star. Water leaks, poor ventilation, and insulation issues can all be solved by replacing the whole roof. You can contact our local roofing company in California to assess your current roof and offer you free estimate on cost of roof replacement. We also offer free estimates on solar panel installation. Do not wait for the rains to begin. Contact us today for a free quote.
