Semper Solaris Blog
In the summer of 2023, the average electricity bill is expected to rise five to eight percent compared to 2022. Rising costs play a significant role in the decision for many consumers to switch to solar. However, what about when you need to use energy from the power grid? Understanding time of use rates and how they work will help. What Is a Time of Use Rate? Time-of-use (TOU) rates are a type of billing system used by some utility companies to charge different prices for electricity based on the time of day. This means that during certain peak hours, when demand is high, you'll pay more for your electricity than you would during off-peak hours. How Does the Electricity Company Track What Time of Day You're Using Energy? Understanding how your electricity company tracks your energy usage throughout the day is crucial if you want to maximize your energy savings with TOU rates. Many companies use smart meters to track your energy usage. How Do TOU Rates Work? Time-of-use (TOU) rates are a pricing system offered by utility companies to encourage consumers to shift their energy consumption during peak and off-peak hours. The TOU rate structure divides the day into different periods based on customer usage patterns, typically three: on-peak, mid-peak, and off-peak. By taking advantage of lower rates during off-peak and super off-peak periods, you can avoid higher weekday rates when energy resources are in demand. What Are Peak Hours? Peak hours are the time of day when electricity demand is at the highest. With TOU programs you’ll pay the highest rate during peak hours. These hours are generally during the late afternoon and early evening when more people are at home and consuming electricity. What Are Mid-Peak Hours? When looking at pricing periods, mid-peak hours fall between peak demand and off-peak demand. During this time of day electricity rates are lower than during peak hours, but still higher than off-peak hours. What Are Off-Peak Hours? On the opposite side of things we have off-peak hours. This is the time of day it is cheapest to use electricity. Generally, off-peak hours fall during the night when most people are asleep and not actively using electricity. What Is the Cheapest Time of Day to Use Electricity? If you're wondering what the cheapest time of day to use electricity is, it depends on where you live and what your utility's peak hours are. However, in general, the cheapest time of day to use electricity is usually between 9 PM and 7 AM. So consider shifting some of your energy usage to these off-peak times to save even more money with TOU rates. Time of Use Rates and the Changing Seasons It's also important to keep in mind that time of use rates change with the season. During the summer months, when air conditioning units are running more frequently and for longer periods of time, peak hours may be adjusted accordingly. The best way to stay informed about changes in TOU rates is toregularly check with your energy provider or utility company and adjust your usage habits accordingly. More Control Over Your Electricity Costs One of the primary benefits of time-of-use (TOU) rates is that they provide consumers with more control over their electricity costs. With TOU rates, electricity prices vary based on the time of day and season, which means you can save money by shifting your usage to off-peak hours when rates are lower. Reduce Strain on the Power Grid Another advantage of TOU rates is that they help reduce strain on the electrical grid during peak hours. By encouraging people to use energy during off-peak periods, utilities can avoid building expensive new power plants or transmission lines to meet demand during peak times. Higher Energy Costs During Peak Demand One major drawback is the potential for higher electricity bills during peak hours. This means that if you consume a lot of energy during peak times, such as in the evening when everyone is using their appliances and electronics, your bill could skyrocket compared to what it would be under a flat rate plan. Confusing Pricing Structures Another issue is the complexity of TOU rates. Consumers need to understand when and how usage charges change throughout the day and adjust their habits accordingly in order to see any real savings. This can be difficult for some people who are used to simply paying a flat rate each month. Time of Use Rates and Solar Power Time-of-use (TOU) rates can have a significant impact on the economics of solar power. Because TOU rates vary based on the time of day, homeowners with solar panels may be able to take advantage of higher electricity prices during peak hours with net metering by selling excess energy back to the grid. Net Metering and Time of Use Rates With time-of-use rates in place, it’s important to pay attention to how much energy is being produced and consumed during peak hours versus off-peak hours. If too much energy is being generated and sent back to the grid during off-peak hours but not enough is available during peak hours when rates are highest, homeowners may end up paying more for their electricity, even with solar panels installed. Avoiding Peak Demand Charges With Solar Power A great way to decrease your exposure to peak pricing on time-of-use rates is to invest in solar, and even more so to invest in solar-plus-storage. If you generate and store enough energy during off-peak periods using your solar panels and an energy storage system, you can use that stored energy during peak periods instead of buying it from the grid at a higher price. Are TOU Rate Plans Right for You? The answer depends on your energy usage habits and lifestyle. If you tend to use most of your electricity during off-peak hours, then TOU rates could potentially save you money. However, if your energy usage is mainly during peak hours, then TOU rates may end up costing you more. It's important to evaluate your current energy consumption patterns before making a decision about switching to TOU rates. Time of use rates can help you save money and know how to use solar panels for optimalenergy efficiency. However, before you switch to time-based billing, you should understandall the factors. Don’t let electricity prices break the bank, start saving money by going solar with Semper Solaris. Sources https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inflation-electricity-bills-higher-summer-2023/https://news.energysage.com/understanding-time-of-use-rates/.. https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/yes-you-can-actually-save-money-by-using-electricity-at-these-specific-times-of-day/ .https://www.utilitydive.com/news/an-emerging-push-for-time-of-use-rates-sparks-new-debates-about-customer-an/545009/. https://www.energy.gov/femp/demand-response-and-time-variable-pricing-programs.https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/what-are-time-of-use-rates-and-when-is-electricity-cheapest.https://www.chooseenergy.com/news/article/time-use-pricing-fair-experts-weigh/.https://www.sce.com/residential/rates/Time-Of-Use-Residential-Rate-Plans.
Reasons to Go Solar in Inland Empire Going solar brings a lot of benefits, like saving money. Keep reading if you want to know several great reasons to go solar in the Inland Empire. Have your electricity bills skyrocketed in recent months? You're not alone; people all over the United States are paying increased energy prices. In 2022, inflation for energy bills was 14.3 percent on average. That's more than double the inflation rate of other prices. With the cost of energy rising, going solar in Inland Empire is looking more and more appealing. Not only will going solar save you money, but it also benefits the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. If that's not enough to convince you, we've compiled a list of even more compelling reasons why going solar in the Inland Empire is the smart choice for homeowners and businesses. Keep reading, and let us show you all the amazing benefits of making the switch to solar power in Inland Empire! Solar Power is Clean and Renewable Solar power is an excellent source of renewable energy. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, and the more sunlight they are exposed to, the more electricity they produce. In addition, solar power is a clean source of energy that doesn’t produce harmful emissions. This is important because emissions from traditional sources of energy like coal and natural gas are a leading cause of air pollution and climate change. By switching to solar power, Inland Empire residents can help reduce air pollution and slow down climate change. Solar Power is Cost-Effective, and You Can Make Money Selling Energy Back Are you tired of your energy bills going up every year, even as you try to conserve energy? In 2022, SDG&E reported $915 billion in GAAP earnings. This increase came from natural gas prices rising and low pipeline capacity. However, on the consumer side of things, people were struggling to pay bills that had, in some cases, doubled. With solar power, you’ll no longer have to worry about rising energy costs. Solar panels will generate electricity for your home or business, and you’ll be able to sell any excess electricity back to the grid. In some cases, you may even be eligible for government rebates or tax credits. The initial cost of installing solar panels may seem high, but it’s important to remember that solar power is an investment that will pay for itself over time. Solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years or more, and they require very little maintenance. Once they’re installed, you can enjoy years of worry-free, low-cost electricity. Solar Power Increases Property Value It's no secret that solar power is good for the environment. But did you know that it can also increase the value of your property? That's right – installing a solar system on your home or business can actually make it more valuable in the eyes of potential buyers. There are a few reasons for this. First, solar power is becoming increasingly popular, and more and more people are looking for homes with solar systems already installed. Second, solar power can save you money on your energy bills, making your property more affordable to operate. And third, solar power increases the resale value of your home or business by adding to its energy efficiency. Solar Power is Reliable Solar power is a reliable source of energy because it is not affected by the weather. Solar panels can produce electricity even on cloudy days. In addition, solar panels have a long lifespan and require little maintenance. California 2023 Solar Tax Credit Solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill, and the California Solar Tax Credit makes them even more affordable. The credit is available for both residential and commercial solar installations, and it covers up to 30% of the cost of the system. There is no maximum credit limit, so you can get a large tax deduction if you install a very large system. Keep Your Lights On When the Grid Is Down In an effort to become more self-sufficient, many people are looking for ways to keep their lights on when the grid is down. Solar power is a great option for those who want to be prepared for power outages. Solar panels can provide power even when the grid is down. As long as there is sunlight, your solar panels will continue to produce electricity. How to Go Solar in Inland Empire Going solar is a big decision. It’s an investment in your home and your future. But it’s also an investment in the environment. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and sustainable. And it’s becoming more affordable all the time. If you’re thinking about going solar, Inland Empire is a great place to do it. The area gets a lot of sun, which means your solar panels will be able to produce a lot of energy. And there are plenty of incentives and rebates available to help offset the cost of going solar. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about going solar in Inland Empire: Determine if your home is suitable for solar panels. Consider the cost of installation and maintenance. Evaluate available incentives and rebates. Get quotes from several different companies before making a decision. Go Solar in Inland Empire Ultimately, going solar in Inland Empire is an investment in your future. Not only do you reduce your energy costs and help preserve the environment, but you also can expect to increase the value of your home and make a positive impact on society. Are you ready to join the growing number of people who are switching to solar power? Book an appointment today and start down the path toward energy independence!
Reasons to Go Solar in the Bay Area Keep reading if you're in the Bay area and haven't gone solar. Here are several reasons you want to go solar in the Bay area. There were 6 gigawatts (GW) of residential solar installation last year in the United States. That is 40 growth over 2021. Total installed solar capacity now tops 140 GW and is showing no signs of slowing. The explosion of residential solar has much to do with the many advantages it affords. If you are considering solar in the Bay Area, there are many incentives to do so. These include the potential for massive long-term savings on your utility bills. Below are the main reasons you should go solar. Keep reading to find out why solar power may be the right choice for your home. Offset Electricity Costs The average American household spends more than $3,000 a year on energy costs. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, we can only expect those numbers to increase as energy prices continue to rise. Solar energy can substantially offset these costs in the short and long term. How much depends on several variables, including your local energy rates and the efficiency of your solar panel system. Historically, the amount of roof area exposed to the sun had a lot to do with how viable solar was for any given home. That is less so the case today. Of course, your home needs some access to sunlight. But, due to innovations in solar panel technology, almost every home today has the potential to leverage solar power, if it has the right equipment. A reputable solar installation company will be able to recommend solar panels that fit your energy needs and budget. Tax Incentives The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30 percent of the total solar installation costs on residential properties from your federal taxes. So, if you install a $12,000 system, you are eligible for a $3,600 tax break. Besides increasing the tax credit percentage, the Inflation Reduction Act also made it so that the cost of solar battery storage qualifies for tax credits as well. California no longer has a state solar tax credit, but there are other financial incentives you should consider. Solar installation significantly increases your home’s value. That’s good news, but Californians understand full well that this translates to much higher property taxes. Fortunately, the state has an Active Solar Energy System Exclusion that applies to all rooftop systems installed before the end of 2024. This provision ensures that the installation does not impact property valuations, so adding solar to your roof will not increase your property taxes. Finally, California operates a Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. It allows homeowners to finance the entire cost of their solar installation and pay for it through increased assessments in their annual property tax bills. This can be advantageous for anyone reluctant to install solar panels due to upfront costs. More Reliable Energy Electrical outages are a big reason people are considering residential solar throughout California. Solar panel systems allow your home to remain operational even with the grid is down. This can be a huge convenience for anyone, but especially those who rely on electricity for medical equipment or in-home transportation devices. Note that you need battery storage capacity for this to be the case. Solar energy batteries have come a long way in terms of capacity and affordability. They also have other benefits besides energy reliability though. They make your system more versatile, even with grid power on, by allowing you to use more of the energy you produce year-round. Low Maintenance Costs Another reason to consider solar energy for your home is that quality systems require minimal upkeep. Quality solar panels are built to last and perform for 25 to 30 years or more. They are easy to keep clean and are much more durable than panels made just a decade ago. Net Metering Benefits Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows owners of solar panel systems to sell the electricity they are not using back onto the grid. Utilities can offer these incentives on their own, but they are most often the result of regulatory mandates. California’s net metering program applies to anyone who is a customer of the state's three main utilities. California’s current net metering policy, NEM 2.0, will expire this year and be replaced by NEM 3.0. Under this new tariff, customers will receive about 75 percent less per kilowatt of electricity that utilities buy back. The good news is that there is still some time to leverage the benefits of NEM 2.0 and lock in those buyback rates for the next 20 years. You must act fast though––you must apply to the Utilities Commission by April 14, 2023, to be grandfathered into NEM 2.0. Environmental Impact A final reason to consider installing solar in the Bay Area is the positive environmental impacts it will have. Solar energy has played an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing our reliance on fossil fuels as a primary electricity source. Beyond combatting global warming, solar energy eliminates the need for mining and drilling for fossil fuels. This helps improve air quality and reduces water use from electricity production. The Next Steps to Getting Solar in the Bay Area Now that you know the reasons to go solar in the Bay Area, you can determine if it is the right choice for your home. It is important to weigh all the options, but there are significant advantages to not waiting too long to begin saving on your energy bills and leveraging the other benefits of solar. At Semper Solaris, we bring the discipline and dedication we gained in the military to our solar projects. We offer solar installation (including battery storage) in most areas of the state. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule installation.
Reasons to Go Solar in Los Angeles If you're looking for reasons to go solar in Los Angeles, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn what you need to know to get started. It might be home to some of the biggest names in movies, music, and television, but there's another reason why everyone wears shades around Los Angeles. This is one of the brightest and sunniest cities in California! Known just as much for its outdoor activities as its cinematic masterpieces, the City of Angels is home to stunning beaches, parks, and botanical gardens that encourage you to soak up the sun. What if your home or business could do the same? When you install solar panels on your property, it can. There are many reasons to go solar in Los Angeles, and cost savings are at the top. Today, we're exploring why this city is a great place to tap into solar energy and how we can help you get started. The Basics of Solar Energy If you're thinking about a solar installation in Los Angeles, it's important to know how these systems work. Put simply, inside each solar panel are photovoltaic (PV) cells. When sunlight hits these cells, it loosens up the electrons inside of them. These electrons create a current that moves out of the panel and into your home. At first, it's released as direct current (DC) power, but a piece of gear called an inverter turns the DC power into alternating current (AC) power that your home can use. The process might sound straightforward enough, but many people are still hesitant to embrace solar power. Let's take look at a few reasons why it's smart to take the leap, and why L.A. is a great location to do so. Los Angeles Has a Warm, Bright Climate If you're looking for a perfectly moderate, sunny climate, you can't go wrong with Los Angeles. The average annual temperature hovers between 48 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and rarely climbs higher than 93 degrees. Though it can get rainy and chilly in the winter, there are tons of bright, clear days to enjoy. Even when you need to add an extra layer, you can still count on the sun to shine through the clouds. In fact, one report estimates that Los Angeles enjoys around 284 sunny days per year, compared to the national average of 205. As you might imagine, this makes it a great city for solar installation! You can rest assured that your solar panels will get plenty of access to direct sunlight, allowing them to store up energy for those days when it's a little darker. You Can Save on Energy Costs When you make the switch to solar, one of the most significant changes you'll notice is a dip in your monthly utility bill. If you currently heat, cool, and power your home with traditional fossil fuels, then you know that these prices have steadily increased over the past few months. Increasingly, news outlets are reporting on the fact that ratepayers are struggling to keep up with rising energy costs, despite the fact that providers like San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) continue to see year-over-year profit increases. According to this story, the company pocketed a staggering $915 million in GAAP earnings in 2022, up from just $96 million in 2021. What's behind the spike? According to SDG&E, it's multi-fold, with issues ranging from unseasonably cold weather to low pipeline capacity. It also released a report explaining that the price of natural gas has gone up, increasing from $2.55 per unit in December 2022 to $5.11 per unit in January 2023. When you hire a solar installation company to install a solar panel system at your location, you can reduce or eliminate your reliance on fossil fuels. Not only is this a better move for the environment, but it also means you're not at the mercy of your local utility provider. You can better manage your household budget and don't have to worry about your energy costs changing arbitrarily every month. Plus, if your system generates more power than you need, you can even earn money. This is accomplished through a process called net metering. Here's a quick breakdown of how it works. Net Metering in Los Angeles The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has operated its own solar program since 1999. If you connect your solar system to the city-wide energy grid, you can take advantage of their net metering incentives. How does it work? When your solar panel system creates excess power, your meter will run backward, and you'll receive a credit on your utility bill. If your system doesn't generate enough power at any point in the future, you can use the power grid to supply your electricity, and the credit will lower the cost. You Can Help the Environment In November 2022, California released the world's first plan to achieve net zero carbon pollution. By 2045, the state hopes to achieve many goals in its climate plan. This includes cutting air pollution by 71% and slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 85%. As a resident of Los Angeles, you can do your part to help turn these goals into a reality. By reducing your reliance on traditional fossil fuels, you'll help emit fewer greenhouse gases into the environment. These gases, including carbon dioxide, trap a portion of the Earth's outgoing energy, slowly warming up our planet. This can exacerbate the speed of climate change, leading to issues that range from elevated sea levels to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods. One property might not seem like much, but the effects can make an important difference. It's Time to Go Solar in Los Angeles Los Angeles has made strides toward embracing a more sustainable, renewable future. However, there is still much ground to cover. If more residential and commercial property owners make the switch to solar power, the change could be monumental. This sunny city was practically made for solar, with its bright days and mild climate. When you take advantage of this natural source of energy, you can reduce your reliance on the grid, lower your utility bills, and help the environment. Ready to go solar in Los Angeles? Book an appointment with us today!
Reasons to Go Solar in San Diego Keep reading if you're looking for reasons to go solar in San Diego. Our article is here to help you learn how to start saving money. If you're lucky enough to live in San Diego, CA, then you know that it's one of the sunniest and most beautiful places in the country. From lush Balboa Park to the stunning Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, you're never far from an outdoor excursion. Have you ever thought about harnessing that gorgeous sunshine and using it to power your home or business? If you've been thinking about making the switch to solar power, now could be a perfect time. With a pleasant climate and more than 3,000 annual hours of sunshine, it makes sense to go solar in San Diego. Today, we're taking a closer look at why this is the case and how you can get started today. How Does Solar Power Work? Before we dive into the many aspects that make this city ideal for solar power, let's take a step back. How does this form of renewable energy work in the first place? Put simply, a solar panel system converts sunlight into electricity. Inside each panel is an array of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which contain electrons. When the California sun beats down on each panel, those electrons loosen and create an electric current. When the current flows out of the panel, it's known as direct current (DC) energy. A piece of equipment called an inverter converts the DC energy into the alternating current (AC) energy that your local electrical grid uses. Overall, this is an exceptionally clean, renewable, effective form of energy. If you're a San Diego resident looking to save money on your monthly utility costs and do your part to help the environment, switching to solar is a smart move. Let's take a closer look at a few reasons why. San Diego Is Super Sunny As mentioned, there are thousands of sunny hours in San Diego every year! In fact, one study found that the city sees an average of more than 265 bright days annually. This is a significant amount, especially compared to the national average of just 205 sunny days. For residents, this means more than just plenty of time spent outdoors. It also means that your solar panel system will be put to great use. As the sun hits your system, you can generate an impressive amount of solar power! Alternatively, think about how much money you'd spend in HVAC costs trying to cool your home down when it gets that hot! While solar panel systems can technically work in primarily cloudy climates, they don't always operate at peak capacity, especially when there's little to no sun peeking through the clouds. In San Diego, those darker periods do occur, but they're far less frequent. Solar Saves Money Another reason to look into solar panels if you live in or near San Diego? Making this switch can save you a substantial amount of money! In December 2022, local news outlets, including NBC 7, began reporting on the higher energy rates that San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E) was set to impose in San Diego County in 2023. By January of this year, the average homeowner's utility bill was expected to rise by nearly $30 per month. Stories like this one reveal it was closer to hundreds of dollars in some cases, even as SDG&E made $915 million in GAAP earnings in 2022, up from $91 million in 2021. Why Are Prices Up? In their defense, SDG&E has attempted to explain away the spike, blaming everything from cold weather to the low capacity of gas storage facilities. The most feasible explanation attributes the price to the rising cost per unit of natural gas, which is known as a therm. In January 2022, one therm cost the company only $2.36. One year later, it rose to $5.11. Natural gas is considered a fossil fuel, along with coal and oil. If you use any of these forms of energy to power your home or business, you're reliant on the going market price. Suppliers are required to pay this price to purchase the fuel on behalf of their customers. If the market price goes up, suppliers raise their own rates. In turn, your costs go up. You don't have to worry about that when you rely on solar power instead. If you can eliminate or simply reduce your reliance on the local utility grid, you'll notice the difference in your monthly utility bill. In addition, if you wind up producing more energy than your property needs, you can even send that energy back to SDG&E through a process called Net Metering, which could save you even more money. Here's a quick look at how it works. Net Metering In San Diego, grid-connected solar energy system owners who generate an excessive amount of solar energy can feed it back to the grid. For every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you contribute, you get a credit on your utility bill for almost the full retail value of that kWh. The difference in payment is only a few cents, usually reserved to pay for environmental benefit programs that all SDG&E customers pay. You can use this credit to access the grid during periods when your solar panel system isn't making enough power to meet the demands of your property. It's a smart and easy way to maximize the return on your solar investment. Solar Supports the Environment Finally, another reason to go solar in San Diego is that it's simply better for the environment! When you aren't burning fossil fuels, you aren't releasing dangerous greenhouse gases into the air. This helps slow the pace of climate change, which benefits everything from wildlife habitats to our direct and indirect water supplies. One property can make a significant difference, protecting the humans and wildlife that rely on the city's ecosystem for daily sustenance. Are You Ready to Go Solar in San Diego? Now that you know a little more about why it's smart to embrace solar in San Diego, are you ready to learn how? At Semper Solaris, we're here to make the process easier than ever before. As a trusted, veteran-owned solar company, we can help you save even more on solar today. From initial design to final installation and support, we're there every step of the way. Book an appointment today and let's get started!
Find out what you can do to combat rising utility rates at the bottom of this article. Customers are furious after San Diego Gas & Electric Company is once again requesting to hike utility prices. Just recently, SDG&E was part of a record rate increase where they stated their customers can expect their energy bills to more than double. What type of rate hike is SDG&E asking for? San Diego Gas & Electric Company general rate case calls for huge revenue increases that if approved will begin in 2024 and run through 2027. The utility provider is asking regulators to approve new revenue of about $3.6 billion over a four-year period. Here is a breakdown of the four-year period: 2024: $449 million increase (17.6%) 2025: $315 million increase (10.5%) 2026: $306 million increase (9.2%) 2027: $279 million increase (7.7%) “I can’t afford to live without shaking in the cold,” said a resident of Carlsbad. “I can’t afford this.” What does this potential utility increase mean? This means that if this rate hike is approved by CPUC beginning next year (2024) an average electric customer's bill could jump about $108 a year and a gas customer would see a potential increase of $115 a year. That means that the 900 thousand customers who have both gas and electric services will have to shell out an extra $223 dollars. How do SDG&E customers feel about rate increases? On March 06, 2023 California regulators received heavy feedback from SDG&E customers that were upset with the utility company request to increase revenue during their general rate case. The truth is, San Diego residents feel powerless about the utility rate increases. Each year, SDG&E customers face growing rate increases that add financial burden and stress. Struggling families already face challenges paying bills, and upcoming increases could impact their monthly budget significantly. The company's lack of transparency and communication about their reasons for continuously increasing utility prices is frustrating residents. Many customers feel that these rate increases are unjustified and that the company (SDG&E) should do more to control their spend and costs instead of passing their costs to their customers. Furthermore, customers feel that they have no choice but to accept the rate increases, which leads to heavy dissatisfaction and a want to search for more affordable and reliable energy sources. San Diego residents have taken to twitter to express their concerns. $500 + for me. It’s just me and my girl, been outta town almost every weekend this year. Both work full time jobs. It’s insane — T.J. McKay (@CoachTJMcKay) March 7, 2023 I still cannot believe @SDGE has the audacity to propose this. Read the room. https://t.co/T1TLtVLvNr — Allie (@allieejayy) March 8, 2023 I simply cannot believe how much rates for both electricity and gas have increased in the last year. — Steve Linthicum (@slinthicum) January 4, 2023 What can San Diego Homeowners do to combat rising utility rates? As a San Diego Resident, it is important to voice your concerns and stay informed. Here is a link to the Public Forum on SDG&E's Rate Request where you can find more information and call in to provide your perspective and input. To fight high electricity rates in San Diego, homeowners can install a quality solar system that reduces or eliminates bills. If you are someone who does not like to depend on your electricity provider and would like to gain electric independence, then you must get solar energy paired with solar battery storage. Would you like to learn more about solar? Click here to schedule a free consultation today.
It’s no secret that residents across the United States have been dealing with outrageous record rate increases for years now. 2023 has brought even more massive rate increases. SAN DIEGO: San Diego Gas & Electric said customers can expect their energy bill to more than double this month. (source: fox5sandiego.com) LOS ANGELES: One Santa Monica household’s notice, reviewed by The Los Angeles Times, showed the customer’s old rate was $1,030 per year. The new rate? Also $1,030 per year, the letter said. But then a second letter from Edison arrived in the mail at the end of July. The new rate, the customer was told, would actually be $1,723 per year — a 67% increase that works out to nearly $60 a month. The first mailing had showed “an inaccurate rate analysis,” the new letter explained. (source: latimes.com) SACRAMENTO: Pacific Gas and Electric is proposing a 22 percent rate hike from 2023 to 2026. (source: cbsnews.com) BAY AREA: Over the last three years, PG&E monthly bills for combined services have risen about 39%, or an average of 13% a year. (source: siliconvalley.com) ORANGE COUNTY: That’s why electricity costs in the Inland Empire are up 15.5% over 12 months — and sadly that’s the second-best report in a year with a 24% peak. And that followed last year’s 17.5% jump. L.A.-O.C. power is up by only 10.4% — off the year’s 19.7% high and last year’s 12.5% increase. This is no regional outlier. U.S. consumers’ electricity costs are up 15.8% — more than triple last year’s 4.3% rise. (source: ocregister.com) • The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering whether to allow Pacific Gas & Electric to increase utility rates by 18% in 2023, in addition to the 9% rate increase that was already implemented in 2022. (source: cpuc.ca.gov) APS gave regulators a few options. If they want to eliminate the balance due for fuel, they can raise bills an average of $19 a month for residential customers for a year. That hit would total about $29 a month for customers on a demand rate plan. (source: azcentral.com) • In Arizona, the Arizona Public Service (APS) has requested a rate hike of about 13.6% by December 2023. (source: azcentral.com) “I am worried people are going to be shocked,” said John Ballenger, vice president at Texas retail electric provider Champion Energy. “Realizing this is 50 or 60 or 70% higher than what they had paid before; I’m just not sure it’s real to people yet. If it’s not, it will be very, very soon when the bills hit this summer.” (source: texastribune.com) • In Texas, homeowners also saw a massive surge to their electricity, with an increase over 50% to their rates at home in mid 2022. (source: texastribune.org) Because of a merger with the former Gulf Power, FPL has two sets of rates. Its petition said customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month in areas traditionally served by FPL would pay $130.23 in 2023, up from $120.67 this year. In the Northwest Florida areas formerly served by Gulf Power, customers would pay $160.43 in 2023, up from $155.61 in 2022. (source: cbsnews.com) • In Florida, TECO (Tampa Electric Co) announced that the typical residential customer’s monthly energy bill will increase by about 11 percent in 2023. (source: tampaelectric.com) With record rate increases, there aren’t many options to avoid the strain on homeowners’ wallets this year. One solution that is becoming increasingly popular and more affordable is getting a solar installation. Purchasing solar panels is a huge investment, but it will help you save on energy bills with solar. In case you’re not familiar with how solar energy works, it’s a form of renewable energy that is generated by capturing the sun’s energy and turning it into electricity. Solar panels, are made up of photovoltaic cells, are installed on rooftops or other areas to capture the sun’s energy. This energy is then converted into electricity, which can be used to power your home or business. That means, by getting a solar panel installation, you can start to offset or even eliminate your high electricity bills. Residents can also choose to get battery storage backups to bank additional energy from their solar panels. By gathering electricity produced from solar panels and storing it with a battery storage system, people all over the country can power their homes without sunlight and stay prepared for power outages, grid failures, and future rate hikes. Once you decide to install a solar energy system, what does the process look like? Different States and Counties have different requirements, however, it typically looks a lot like this: SITE ASSESSMENT: A solar panel installation expert will visit your home to assess the suitability of your site for solar panels. They’ll take into account things like the size of your roof, the orientation of your roof, your electric energy needs, the amount of sunlight that your home receives, etc. DESIGN AND PLANNING: Once the site assessment is complete, Semper Solaris will work with you to design a solar panel system that meets your needs. This may involve customizing the size and layout of the panels to fit your specific needs. INSTALLATION: After obtaining the necessary approvals, Semper Solaris will promptly schedule and commence the installation process. This typically involves mounting the panels on your roof or another area of your home, and connecting them to your electrical system. ACTIVATION: After the installation, your solar panel system will be enabled, enabling you to save on energy bills with solar energy. More questions? Feel free to give us a call or click HERE to schedule your appointment.
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Does Going Solar Make Sense In Manteca? Solar power is one of the most efficient and cleanest sources of energy available today. There are many factors to consider when deciding if solar power is the right investment for your home. In Manteca, California, Going Solar often makes sense because of the high cost of traditional utility power, the abundance of sunlight, and state and federal incentives. Solar Panel Installation Companies Manteca California Solar power is one of the most popular forms of energy available today. Beginning with Solar panel installation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill. Solar power is also a renewable resource, meaning it can never be used up or depleted. Solar Panel Installation Process Manteca Residents Just remember, Solar panel installation is a simple process that can be completed in a few hours. First, the panels are mounted on the roof of your home. Next, the electrical wiring is connected to the Solar system. Last, the electrical wiring is connected to the main electrical grid. Solar power is then generated when the sun shines on the Solar panels. In conclusion, solar power can save you money in a few different ways. First, you will no longer have to pay for electricity from the utility company. It is also free once the initial investment has been made. Second, you may be eligible for state and federal incentives. These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of Solar panel installation. Solar Manteca California Solar power is a great investment for homeowners in Manteca, California. The high cost of traditional utility power, the abundance of sunlight, and state and federal incentives make Going Solar a smart financial decision. Semper Solaris can save you money on your electric bill, and may even make you eligible for rebates and tax credits. With Solar panel installation from the best Solar company Semper Solaris, you can start saving money and doing your part to protect the environment.
