Semper Solaris Blog
With movements like CleanPowerSF and other programs and incentives developed by the city of San Francisco, there is no doubt that it is one of the leaders in the renewable energy movement for the Bay Area and beyond. The city fully supports the idea that renewable energy resources like solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro power are essential to the sustainability of our future as a country and a planet. In fact, Mayor London Breed is so passionate about shrinking the city’s impact that she has made a very aggressive goal to completely eliminate San Francisco’s carbon footprint by 2050. How will the city reduce their dependence on natural gas and other pollutants? By requiring any new buildings in 2030 and beyond to be net-zero carbon emitters and other dramatic tactics, encouraging more efficient electrical appliances, promoting shared or cleaner transportation (like electric cars and bicycles), and providing incentives for residential and commercial renewable energy systems. By embracing renewable energy solutions like solar panels and more, San Francisco has already successfully reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to the levels in 1990. That stands alongside a major growth in population as well. Going Solar Can Help the Planet & Your Wallet Sometimes it feels like going green or reducing your carbon footprint requires significant sacrifice. While it's true that it is a change of lifestyle, reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort or even suffer financial loss because of it. That’s the beauty of going solar. So how much can you save with solar panels in San Francisco? It depends. First, you could be looking at significant savings on the cost of installation simply by taking advantage of local rebates, tax credits, and incentive programs. Some of the options available to SF residents include: The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 26% of the system installation costs from your federal taxes.City of San Francisco - Solar Energy Incentive Program (GoSolarSF) offers residential homeowners who install solar panels rebates ranging from $300 to $650 per KW, with different incentive levels based on system size, location, and other factors.The Single-family Affordable Solar Housing incentive allows qualifying low-income homeowners to get cash incentives when installing solar systems (managed by GRID Alternatives). The Upfront Cost vs. the Long Term Savings Though there will be some upfront investment on your part with solar installation on your home, the long term benefits are definitely worth it -- including financial savings, grid independence, and a spike in the value of your property. What could be better than cutting back on greenhouse gases while saving money? It may sound too good to be true, but we promise it isn’t.That’s why countless customers in the area have already trusted Semper Solaris to install solar panel systems on their homes. If you are interested in talking to a solar contractor in San Francisco about reducing your carbon footprint with solar panels, Semper Solaris is always ready to provide insight. Get started by filling out a simple learning more about our services in San Francisco!
Solar panel installation is a great way to take advantage of the sun’s free renewable energy. For many homeowners considering solar, their regional climate is the many concern. Are they in an area well-suited for solar panels? Will they get enough sun to meet their household electricity needs? First, understanding how panels work is key to figuring out if they will work best in your area. So how exactly do solar panels bring electricity to a household? We like to keep it quick and simply so you can understand the basic idea without getting into the nitty gritty science details. When the particles of sunlight reach the solar panels, the conversion process begins. The photons of the particles are turned into electrons, which are used as direct current electricity. From there, the system’s inverter will begin it's work, converting it to usable electricity for a home. Why Cloudy Days Aren’t the End of the World for Solar Most people assume that solar panels are only able to work when the sun is out and shining. While this is definitely the best weather for solar panels to produce useful energy for a home, it's not the only time those solar panels can harvest sunlight. Of course, it would be reasonable to think that solar panels can only create converted electricity when we can see the rays of sun hitting them, but this is simply a misconception. The important thing to remember is that direct sunlight isn’t necessary for this process. All the solar panels on a roof need are the photons that are emitted from the particles of sunlight, which means even a cloudy day can result in solar energy. While not as powerful as direct sunlight, this allows a home’s solar panels to be productive even in not seemingly “ideal” weather conditions.” Overall, solar panels are extremely durable and designed to withstand even harsh winter climates and storms for decades. Still, getting 100% production compared to the 10 to 25% production rate on cloudy, stormy days is preferable, which is why consistently sunny areas can be much better suited for solar panel systems. How Clairemont Is Part of the Renewable Energy Movement When you live in Southern California, you know you’ll be enjoying particularly sunny and comfortable weather year-round. Even with the winter months are pretty moderate considering the snow and ice storms in other areas of the country can experience. That’s one of the main reasons that San Diego - including Clairemont - is one of the leading cities in renewable energy. Modern PV panels undergo serious testing to ensure they meet quality standards and can endure extreme climate and weather. While solar panels can still produce electricity in colder winter climates, the more moderate winter in Clairemont means there will be no snow or ice to clear off of panels to ensure they are operating at maximum capacity. San Diego is one of the top cities (in 2nd place behind Los Angeles) in the nation for solar, boasting a total capacity of 287.2 megawatts and at least 50 watts of PV capacity installed per person. As a nearby neighbor, Clairemont is part of the trend as well, with more and more homeowners opting to have solar panels installed to increase their savings and boost their home value. Want to join the renewable energy movement? Let our team help you install solar panels in Clairemont! Get in touch with our solar contractors to learn more.
With California’s solar boom, green homes win when it comes to real estate. Solar panel installation saves you bundles on your energy bill and increases the resale value of your San Marcos home. Buyers consider solar to be an asset and are willing to pay a premium. And homes sell faster if they have the added value of energy efficiency. More and more realtors are getting on board and featuring energy efficiency aspects of a home as a desirable commodity in home buying. With the California mandate that all new homes and buildings be outfitted with rooftop solar, it isn’t hard to imagine that solar is the wave of the future and will be in demand in older homes as the grid phases out carbon-based fuels. Although there is a cost to installing solar, the cost of the installation according to the Department of Energy estimates will be offset by the substantial savings in energy bills over the life of a 30-year mortgage. And if you take into consideration the other cost reductions, solar installation is an attractive financial investment for your home and will provide a return on your investment. Rebates and Incentives Hedge Against Rising Energy Costs Further Savings When The Loan Is Paid Off Increase In The Value Of Your Home If you are leasing a solar system, you still save money on energy costs, but you don’t benefit from incentives and rebates. And leased systems are not considered in the value of your home. It is best to buy, and you can access low-cost solar loans to pay for your system. There are ways to expand the value of your solar system. As technology is advancing, electricity will be more in demand with smart homes being the wave of the future. Adding to your system is a proactive, forward-thinking way to increase the value of your home and its attractiveness to buyers with innovations and uses for solar power. After all, people tend to like getting a little more for their money. Backup Battery The addition of a backup battery to your solar system will enable you to store extra power for use when you need it and add more value to your system. Use stored power at night or times when your panels are not producing enough Be prepared for emergencies when the grid goes down Become more energy independent Surplus Panels Overbuilding your solar capacity as new technologies arise that increase the need for electricity is a proactive move that will add value to your home now and in the near future. Enhance the potential of your solar system for things like an electric powered car. Adding extra panels will leave room to: Expand and accommodate ECC charging stations Heat your water or pool Add RV solar chargers Add Solar Awnings to high sunlight windows Take hold of the future and prepare for innovative technologies that are on the horizon with solar panels in San Marcos. It is cheaper to install panels in the beginning than add them later. It is even better if you are able to entrust a local solar contractor who is familiar with the area. Semper Solaris is on the frontlines of renewable energy technology and innovation. We use only the very best equipment available, and our technicians have years of experience in the installation of all types of solar systems, and that list is growing. We can provide you with expertise in choosing your solar system, its design, and aesthetics with the many options for Solar installations in San Marcos.
Valley Center, this small rural community in north San Diego, has traditionally been a farming and agriculture community. But that is changing thanks to the nearby Casinos that have generated interest from businesses, investors, and homebuyers alike. Economic prosperity and investment in infrastructure are moving this town forward with real estate development featuring retail outlets, restaurants, recreation center, parks, and more. The wide-open spaces of Valley Center have plenty of room and land for expansion. Valley Center is a community on the rise, bustling with opportunity. As the new city grows, the infrastructure is developing and opening up avenues for businesses and residences with amenities that will be built from the ground up. Investing in solar is one of the smartest moves a community can make. And with California's mandate to meet sustainability goals and phase out fossil fuels along with the requirement to install Solar Panels on new buildings, Solar Power is in. Valley Center has the unique opportunity to be a historic traditional town based on the technology of the future. Solar power, with its flexibility, supports developing smart infrastructure, promotes innovation and investment. This opportunity along with farming and agriculture brings with it the prospect for a truly sustainable town. Going Solar ensures a more healthful environment with clean air and water and a better quality of life for its residents. The benefits to the city through residential, government, and business solar power installations reach far into the future as California leads the way in achieving the sustainable goals for decreasing fossil fuels and carbon emissions. And with a city built on renewable energy, it is possible to detach from commercial utilities and manage energy through what is called Microgrid which leads to energy independence, higher efficiency, and even more savings. Semper Solaris supports conservation and the development of renewable energy. We are committed to sustainable metropolitan infrastructure, clean air, and a reduction in pollution. We are experts in the maintenance, repair, and installation of Solar Panel systems for municipalities and local businesses. Through the implementation, Valley Center can benefit in many ways. We can help you plan for the future. The Benefits of a City Going Solar Financial Reduction in monthly electrical bills and operating expenses Earn credits to apply towards future bills Reinvest the savings in the development of more infrastructure Economy Clean energy and green economy Provide Job growth with local solar contractors Help Low-Income Residents with low-cost power Environment Meet sustainability goals Reduce or eliminate air, water, and noise pollution Promote energy independence Infrastructure Smart Technology Resiliency in natural disasters Provide energy to remote areas Disconnect from local utilities with micro-grid Homeowners in Valley Center are joining their growing community as it moves towards becoming green and clean. In a city on the move with solar as its primary source of energy, aligning yourself with your cities sustainability goals will reduce your carbon footprint while reaping the financial rewards of going solar. The Benefits of Residential Solar Lower or eliminate your electric bills Increase the value of your home Get a return on your investment by hedging against rising energy prices. Offset installation costs with incentives and rebates Access energy upgrade financing Benefit from tax deductions for depreciation Increase the value of your home By going solar, you are investing in the future and opening the door to future technology that will increase efficiency, add useful innovations, and enhance the comfort of your home. Why not get on board and join your cities commitment to clean energy, conservation, and enjoyment of your town? Semper Solaris is on the frontlines of renewable energy technology and innovation. We use only the very best equipment available, and our technicians are experienced in the installation of all types of solar systems, and that list is growing. We can provide you with expertise in choosing your solar system, its design, and aesthetics with the many options for Solar installations. Click here to learn more about solar in Valley Center.
Here in Carlsbad, a coastal town and unique vacation destination, conservation is an integral part of the community. With a sense of duty to the protection of habitats, open spaces, clean air and water, the value of solar energy is on the forefront of their commitment to renewable energy. The benefits to the city both through residential, government and business solar power installations reach far into the future as California leads the way in achieving the sustainable goals for decreasing fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Semper Solaris supports conservation and the development of renewable energy. We are committed to clean air and a reduction in pollution. We are experts in the maintenance, repair, and installation of Solar Panel systems for municipalities and local businesses. Solar in the City Carlsbad is committed to making the city environmentally friendly, financially efficient, and economically prosperous. Savings on the cost of power, achieving goals for sustainable energy, promoting local business and protecting the local environment and infrastructure are all part of the commitment to citizens and tourists alike. The city can generate its electricity and reduce monthly bills and operating expense Earn credits to apply towards future bills Reinvest the savings to other items in the city budget More solar panels installed can support the local clean energy efforts Increase clean energy employment using local contractors Protects from power grid disruption with battery backup The lowest negative impact on the environment than other energy sources Does not generate noise pollution Does not create waste Does not produce greenhouse gases Does not pollute the water Promotes energy independence Residential Solar Homeowners in Carlsbad are following suit with the commitment of their city to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. With investment in solar, you can reap the financial rewards as well as join in making Carlsbad a model town for residents and tourists alike. An example of a city on the cutting edge of conservation, renewable energy, and overall clean environment is a worthy goal. Solar benefits you in many ways, and with rising energy costs, you can save big and get a return on your investment in solar. It is a win-win for the city and homeowners alike. Save money by reducing and even eliminating your power bill Hedge your future against rising energy prices Offset installation costs with incentives and rebates Access energy upgrade financing Benefit from tax deductions for depreciation Increase the value of your home. Your investment in solar will save significantly on your energy bill now and in the future as technology makes strides towards even more efficiency. You can help the environment and support your cities commitment to clean energy, conservation, and enjoyment of your town. Semper Solaris is on the frontlines of renewable energy technology and innovation. We use only the very best equipment available, and our technicians are experienced in the installation of all types of solar systems, and that list is growing. We can provide you with expertise in choosing your solar system, its design, and aesthetics with the many options for Solar installations in Carlsbad.
Living in Pacific beach, our ocean is a vital resource for not only the beautiful beaches, but the sea life, plants, and birds that all contribute to an ecosystem that encompasses life along the boardwalk. People stroll the city streets enjoying the enchanting ocean view and urban feel. This is the backdrop of one of the best places to live in California. With the ocean being so much a part of the ambiance and the attraction for visitors and residents alike, what does the future hold for the sea and the wildlife? How do greenhouse gases affect our oceans? What part does solar power play in protecting the ecosystem of the sea? Semper Solaris understands the effect of fossil fuels on the environment, and we are committed to protecting it. Acidification of the Ocean Fossil fuels used for generating electricity release carbon dioxide and make up the greater part of greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the air. The sea is vast, and we have been protected from the effects and have not noticed the changes in the ocean from carbon emissions altering the chemistry of our oceans by lowering the PH and making the sea more acidic. Over time, this acidic state has taken such a toll that it has affected many characteristics of the ocean environment as it has been slowly absorbing the emissions into every facet of life deep in the sea. Shellfish are losing the ability to generate shells including lobsters and mussels Organisms necessary to the balance of the systems are growing at a slower rate Oysters are in danger of extinction The coral reefs that play such a big part of protecting the islands and coast and are the raw material of tourist industries are being eroded at huge losses to coastal ecosystems Solar and the Sea As we move towards implementing more renewable energy sources, solar is advancing innovative technologies from powering ships and boats to solar powered means of cleaning the ocean, offshore solar energy, solar-powered boats. Solar Panels in Pacific Beach are a necessary addition to the means of protecting air and sea. Only one home installing a solar energy system can have a huge impact on the environment; it’s like planting 100 trees. Protecting the ocean through conservation and ensuring clean air is a concern for not only Pacific Beach, but for the California coast. Solar power is leading the charge towards the reduction of carbon emissions. By investing in solar, you are helping to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Solar power creates no pollution or waste, has a positive impact on the environment, and is cost-effective. Pacific Beach and Solar Pacific Beach residents are informed about conservation and are committed to sustainability in their community and their ecosystem for residents, businesses, and guests of the city. We are making strides in promoting a safe and clean environment. This is foundational to this thriving community. As millions of people are moving to solar-powered homes, Pacific Beach homes and businesses are installing rooftop solar and joining the movement towards a green city, free of pollution. Development is moving on Pacific Beach, and with California's mandate for solar on all new buildings and homes, it is pointing to a sustainable city and an ocean that is being protected. With prices dropping and the benefits of solar installations in both the city and on residential rooftops, makes this an excellent time to join the efforts towards sustainability and reduction in carbon emissions. At Semper Solaris, our technicians believe in using the utmost care in preserving the environment and the atmosphere of Pacific Beach. We are on the frontlines of renewable energy and solar innovation. We use only the very best equipment available, and our technicians are experienced in the installation of all types of solar systems. We can provide you with our years of expertise in choosing your solar system, its design, and aesthetics with the many options for Solar installations. Call Semper Solaris solar contractors today and take the first step of going solar in Pacific Beach.
Solar power is generated from the sun, the most powerful force in our galaxy. Sunlight is collected on rooftops by Solar panels. The solar panel is made up of many photovoltaic cells joined together to form a system of collecting sunlight, transforming it into energy, and distributing the energy to a building’s electrical system. Simple right? Benefits of Solar Solar power is cheap, useful, and the benefits economically and environmentally are clear. Control over your utility costs Hedging against rising energy costs Increase in the value of your home Achieving Energy Independence Benefits to Local Economy Reduction of greenhouse gases These are all ways that we know solar power benefits both the homeowner and the businessman. But how about investing in the future of scientific discovery, innovation, and invention? Investing in Solar power promotes a creative and dynamic explosion of the new and ends the old, antiquated system of generating electricity not only in homes and your community but the world at large. Technology and Electrical Power We take for granted the invention of the telephone, television and the washing machine which are commonplace or were until the digital age. Suddenly it seems we have smartphones, smart Tv’s and smart just about everything including smart homes. All these inventions have one thing in common that we often overlook. They all run on electricity. With the move away from fossil fuels and even the electric grid itself, we have gone from The Flintstones to The Jetsons and beyond. Will solar power someday launch rockets into space? Communication is as fast as the speed of light. We are becoming an interconnected world powered by electricity from continent to continent. Add to that electric cars as a viable alternative for millions of vehicles, one thing is sure; Our world will demand more, not less, electricity to power the future and that future has arrived. Investment in Solar Power Investing in solar now will prepare your home for the invasion of technology-driven appliances and devices and innovations we have not yet seen. And the good news is that this can all be done without harming the earth or creating greenhouse gases. The future is bright for renewable energy, and solar power is the pioneering force lighting the way. With the price of solar dropping annually, the incentives and rebates and financial benefits of solar power are an attractive investment. But if you use your imagination, you are buying into much more than lower bills and lowering your carbon footprint, you are on the road to a sustainable world with clean air and water, with less noise and complicated machinery blasting away everywhere you go. Solar in Woodland Hills Going solar is easy these days. California is ahead of the pack and Woodland Hills, being a conservation-conscious city, with lots of sunshine, green space, and beautiful parks and scenery is a great place to jump aboard and join the residential solar boom that is happening on rooftops in this eco-friendly town and across the globe. Semper Solaris is the go-to solar contractor for installing solar on your rooftop in Woodland Hills. We are experts with years of experience serving this city and the surrounding areas. We can make the installation of solar easy for you and help you with incentives, rebates, and solar loans to make installing solar an affordable option along with the many benefits you will enjoy by going solar. If it is good for the planet, it is good for you.
You’ve probably seen plenty of advertisements on how going solar can save the planet and put money back in your pocket. You may be wondering if this is all just fluff or if there is any truth to the claims. The truth is that it depends. Just like getting a new roof can be a valuable investment, if you don’t get the right type of roof for the elements or have it installed poorly, the investment could come back to haunt you. Solar installation can be very similar. If you want to add significant value to your home, you need to understand what your solar needs are and what installation options are available to you. You need to find the right solar company who can install quality panels and the correct system size. Huntington Beach is a beautiful area that offers a great perk to homeowners -- lots of sunshine. While having great weather is always a plus, this comes as a serious perk for those considering solar panel installation. Southern California is simply a prime location for solar panels, especially considering the high electricity expenses and general cost of living. With volatile electricity rates, investing in solar can provide stability and sustainability for both homeowners and the environment. So how do you determine the value of adding solar panels in Huntington Beach? We explore the potential value and benefits below. How Solar Panels Can Add Real Value to Your Home Several studies, including one done by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, have confirmed that having solar panels installed on a home in California can add value to your property. But how much value do they add? It seems the average number was around a 3% to 4% increase in property value, with homebuyers being consistently willing to pay the higher cost for homes with solar panels. The study found that this ranged around $15,000 for homes with average-sized systems in place. Before you expect to be able to add that number to your home price tag when selling, however, it is important to think through the additional factors that could impact the added value. Generally speaking, the following details may factor into the overall price bump from solar panels: Brand and quality of PV panel installed (trusted name, higher grade, etc.)Amount of peak sun exposure the panels get on a daily basisSize of the entire solar panel system (as well as any solar battery storage like Tesla Powerwall)The size of your solar panel system in comparison to the electricity needs of the householdIf the system is owned or being leased from a third party Of course, the starting value of a house as well as current market prices will also impact how much more value solar panels will provide. You can further increase the actual net value for yourself by ensuring you take advantage of all incentives, rebates, and tax credits available to you at the time as well. By reducing your upfront cost, you ensure that you enjoy the full added value of solar panels on your home. Can Solar Panels Help Your Home Sell Faster? From kitchen remodels to bathroom upgrades, there are certain projects you invest in with the hope that it will make your home more valuable and marketable. Having value added to your home can be great news, but how does that help you if you can’t sell your home? Thankfully, solar panels can be one of those property investments that does both. The Department of Energy found that there was evidence that homes in California that had solar panel energy systems installed (and were owned by the homeowner) were selling faster than comparable homes on the market that weren’t as energy efficient. This means that solar panels don’t just add great value to your home, but can actually make it more marketable and easier for you to sell in the long run. Not Looking to Sell Your House? Here’s How You Can Still Save. So you want to add value to your home but aren’t planning on selling anytime soon -- solar is still a great option. Why? Unlike a bathroom or kitchen remodel, solar panels don’t go out of style. The renewable energy trend is here to stay for decades to come. That means you can have peace of mind adding solar panels to your home, even if you aren’t planning on selling until further down the road. Solar panels typically come with performance warranties ranging from 20 to 30 years. That’s a long time for a sustainable energy system to be powering your home. More than that, some solar panels could last around 80 to 100 years, performing at solid efficiency despite expected degradation -- even after decades of use and exposure to the elements! Having high-quality panels installed by a trusted solar contractor can also help ensure the lifespan of your solar panels is worth the investment. Though maintenance and upkeep is not usually a concern when it comes to solar modules, having the right company install your panels ensures that if any bumps do occur down the road, someone will be there to make it right and assist you so that you don’t have to deal with any inconveniences! Find Out the Value Solar Can Add to Your Home Going solar is an investment -- one that can be very smart based on the value and marketability it can add to your home. That doesn’t even include the benefits you get to enjoy on a monthly basis with reduced electricity bills and a minimal carbon footprint. If you are interested in finding out more about the value that solar can add to your property, feel free to reach out to our solar experts here at Semper Solaris. We’ve helped thousands of customers save money by installing the right solar panel system for their properties. Our goal is to make the process as simple as possible, getting straight to the point so you can understand how much you’ll save and how much anticipated value you could add to your home. From assessing your roof to determining the number of panels your household would require, we help you think through every detail so you can make an informed decision and start saving today! Let Semper Solaris help you add value to your home. Get more information about going solar today!
Living in Corona, you know that there is plenty of sunshine to capitalize on. You may be wondering if it's worth it to invest in solar panels for your home. With numerous expenses and budgets to think through, it can feel like a tough decision to make. Semper Solaris is here to lay out all your options and help you understand what's to gain out of going solar! While the promises of savings and added property value sound nice, is there really evidence to back it up? We are here to provide the insight you are looking for! Top Reasons to Consider Solar Panels Experience Real Solar Savings Having solar panels in Corona can result in significant savings. You are looking at much more affordable electric bills, added property value, and long term savings. With electricity prices going up, the projected savings could spike even more for the homeowner with a solid solar panel system set up already! Paired with the more affordable cost of solar panels and extensive local rebates, incentives, and tax credits available, solar offers real savings to homeowners in Corona. Enjoy More Energy Independence Electricity rates are projected to fluctuate more and more over the next few years. That’s why going solar has become such an attractive option to homeowners throughout California. Why stay dependent on the grid when you can ensure your rates stay relatively the same with solar panels? Specially with time-of-use rates and other things that could cause your electricity bills to fluctuate, with solar panels you are looking at more stability and control -- especially with growing solar storage options become more available to homeowners. Add Value to Your Property Studies have found that having a solar energy system added to a home can add significant value. For example, homebuyers are reportedly more willing to pay a price tag of around $15,000 higher for homes with an average solar panel system installed. Other evidence from the study even shows that solar panel homes are selling faster than homes without these renewable energy systems. Who wouldn’t love to have their home sell quicker and for more money than other comparable homes on the market? When it comes to determining if solar panels will add real value to your property, the proof is definitely there! Numerous Financing Options to Fit Your Budget Solar panels have never been more accessible to consumers, with numerous financing and leasing options available. While leasing may seem like a viable option for those who want to be more budget-friendly, the savings may not be as great as they would be if a system was financing for purchase. Either way, you can still save with solar, it just comes down to how much you want to save. If you choose to go with a solar lease or power purchase agreement, you won’t have to put any money down, however, you are more so just enjoying a more affordable electricity bill, so the savings are smaller. Once you’ve thought through your budget and what you want to spend on solar upfront, you can discuss the best solar financing options with our team at Semper Solaris. We help you understand how to maximize your savings from solar without busting your budget! Sunny Corona Offers Optimal Sunshine to Harvest Living in Corona, you know that the weather doesn’t get much better than this. There is plenty of sunshine, with average high temperatures hitting just below that perfect 80°F mark. Southern California is notorious for its beautiful sunny weather, with most areas averaging well over 200 sunny days year-round. That means your solar panels will get plenty of use during the average clear day in Corona, making your solar installation well worth it. Extensive Lifespan & Warranties to Guarantee Performance At the end of the day, anything home improvement should be something you can expect to last a long time. You wouldn’t spend all that time and money remodeling your kitchen if you thought you’d have to do it all again in just five years. Purchasing new windows or insulation is done with the assumption that you won’t be faced with the same upgrades again just a few years down the road. That is something that solar panels offer as well -- peace of mind about the long-term benefits of your investment. So how long can you expect your solar panels to last? The average warranty on solar panels can range from 20 to 25 years (some reaching up to 30 years), meaning you can trust that your panels are guaranteed to perform for a long time. These panels are designed to endure the elements for decades -- often performing efficiently with minimal degradation after 30 to 40 years. Solar Isn’t a Trend -- It's Here to Stay Just a few years ago it seemed crazy to think that solar power would gain any ground on fossil fuel sources. Now, solar panels are becoming more and more affordable and accessible to homeowners. It is pretty evident that solar isn’t just a quick trend or fad that will go away -- it's a renewable energy solution that is here to stay. If you want to enjoy all the benefits and flexibility of having a solar panel system installed on your roof, don’t wait another day. The windows are closing on some tax credits and other incentives that make going solar all the more affordable for Corona residents. If you are ready to talk to a solar contractor in Corona, Semper Solaris is here to help. Contact us today to find out if going solar is right for you!
When you live in Southern California, there is certainly a lot of hype and buzz surrounding solar energy. But is there really that much benefit for homeowners who install solar panels in Laguna Beach? Are they really going to save on electricity and put money back in their pockets every month? The fact is that solar panels have proven to be much more than just a way to reduce electricity bills. They offer homeowners numerous benefits, especially those living in sunny Laguna Beach. Aside from the way more affordable electric bills, solar panels can provide added home value, reduced carbon footprint, more freedom from the grid (and rising electricity expenses), less impact on pollution and public health, and more. Why Rising Electricity Costs in California Make Solar More Attractive You may be asking, “Do I really need to save on my electricity bills?” Even if you don’t think your bill is that high or you feel like the cost of installing solar panels isn’t worth the tradeoff, the price of electricity isn’t set in stone -- in fact, it's far from that. With the cost of electricity in Laguna Beach reaching nearly 16 cents per kWh in recent years, local residents already pay over 4% greater than average in California. While those numbers may seem high, they are anticipated to only continue to creep higher over the next few years. That means there will be no relief from the fluctuating and likely extremely expensive electricity costs for Southern California homeowners tied to the grid. That’s why solar has become more attractive in recent years. Laguna Beach residents can gain more grid independence in the face of uncertain electricity costs with affordable solar installation. Breaking Down the Savings from Solar You can better determine some of the savings you’ll get from installing solar panels by looking at the following questions below. While every situation and specific home may vary, answering these questions will give you a better idea of what to expect in solar savings! Do You Live in an Area With Lots of Sunshine? This one should be pretty easy to answer. With the average temperatures in Laguna Beach ranging from mid-60’s in the “winter” months and perfect 80's in the summer, there is plenty of sunshine and clear skies to enjoy throughout the year. Even with some cooler, cloudy or rainy days during the winter, the area still gets an extensive amount of sunny weather, making it an ideal place for homeowners to utilize solar panels. It can also be important to think through how much general sun exposure your roof gets. Are there a lot of trees around your roof? Does your home face the sun or do you get a lot of shade throughout the day? What type of roof do you have and how does it get exposed to the sun? All of these details can impact whether or not you’ll get the right amount of sun to make solar panels profitable. How Much Electricity Does Your Household Use? When it comes to determining if solar panels will be worth the investment, you need to think through the size of your house, how many people live with you, how often people are home using electricity during the day and during peak hours, and so on. While it may be tough to calculate all of those things, you can obviously get a clear idea of how much electricity you are using by simply looking at your utility bills. For example, the average household in San Diego used around 5,599 kWh of energy over the course of the year in 2017. Residents in Fresno reached up to 8,073 kWh while San Francisco was the lowest at 3,790 kWh. Even with conscientious homeowners in Southern California striving to reduce energy usage (below the national average per capita), the cost can be the same -- if not more -- due to higher electricity costs. This is why sustainable energy resources like solar panels continue to gain popularity in California and beyond. What Solar Financing Options Are Available? As the market continues to develop and grow, more and more solar financing options have become available to homeowners. If you are considering solar, you need to think through whether you want to purchase your solar energy system with cash outright, opt for a 0-down payment plan, or even opt for a solar lease or loan through a solar power purchase agreement. Depending on which financing option you go with, your savings with solar will vary. At the end of the day, buying the system outright means you’ll enjoy the most savings as you’ll get more affordable energy bills right away that start paying back the cost of the system itself. No matter which option you choose though, you’ll still be saving potentially thousands of dollars over the years. With so many options out there, it can seem overwhelming to determine what makes the most sense for your budget. That’s where our solar contractors step in. We discuss your budget, household electricity needs, and desired system size to better understand what you are looking for and what the right financing option is for your situation. Our solar experts take the time to walk through each option with you to ensure you feel confident about your decision. How You Can Enjoy Affordable, Sustainable Electricity From household electricity usage to roof sun exposure to financing decisions, there are numerous factors that can impact whether or not solar panel savings will be worthwhile for you. Another way to enjoy a more affordable solar panel system is capitalizing on the federal, state, and local rebates, incentives, and tax credits that may be available. While companies Laguna Beach or California, in general, may offer some great incentives, by far the most helpful is the federal solar investment tax credit, which allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the total system cost from their taxes. There is a limited window on this credit, however, so make sure to keep this in consideration if you want to optimize your savings on solar panel installation. Interested in talking to Semper Solaris about saving on your electricity bills? Learn more about Solar in Laguna Beach!