Semper Solaris Blog
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.
The investment tax credit (ITC), also known as the federal tax credit, has encouraged homeowners to purchase and use renewable power like solar. The initiative aims to reduce footprints caused by fossil fuels. According to statistics, burning oil, natural gas, or coal, to use in electricity and heat account for about 75% of the greenhouse gas emission. Greenhouse gas emission contributes to rising global temperatures and the sea level. In turn, this affects climate change. It is no wonder that the US government saw it best to continue with the Solar Investment Tax Credit up to 2022. With the initiative, an average Semper Solaris client will save an estimated $6000**or more when choosing to install solar panels. The cost of solar connection is dropping across the state, making this a suitable time for you to make use of the stem. History of Solar Investment Credit The ITC was founded in 2005 as- the energy policy renewable act of 2005. It was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The initiative was set such that it will expire in 2007. After it was established, the ITC becomes successful in supporting the US transition to renewable energy. Most homeowners took advantage of the Investment Credit to ensure that they have installed the system. Due to the positive effect it had, Congress has extended its expiration various times. The initial reduction was 30%, and it leased through 2019. Donald Trump made the most recent change in December 2020. He extended the ITC at 26%, which was to take effect for the next two years. The goal of extending the solar act over the years is to encourage homeowners to have secure, affordable, and reliable energy. The initiative aims to address the challenges that are found in the US. For that reason, the government has included a tax initiative for the residential properties that are using solar energy. However, when filing for the federal tax credit, you need to understand what it is and what it entails. Your solar PV system installation date was between January 2006 to December 2021. The PV system should be located in your primary residence, or secondary residence, an offsite community solar project. If you are also using electricity, then the electricity used should not exceed the solar system. The solar panels should be owned and not leased. You should be the owner of the home. You need to pay enough taxes to the government so that you can qualify to get 26% of the credit. Keep in mind you will be getting credit and not a rebate. The system you are using should be new or used for the first time. How Does The Tax Credit Work? If you fit the description above, then you will be liable for the solar investment tax credit. In case you find that you do not have enough liability to claim the complete credit in one year, you can choose to roll it over to future years. Keep in mind that you can make a claim as long as the tax credits practical. Keep in mind if you have signed a lease with the solar installer, the system does not belong to you, and if that is the case, you are not legible for the tax credit. For you to receive your credit, you need to complete the IRS form 5685. When filling the taxes, add your information on renewable energy information to your typical 1040 form. Most of the software will have an option where you can file the claim. In case you are using a tax expert ensure you have informed them about the solar energy you are using. In case you pay the same amount as you get for your tax credit, you can pay off the tax debt with the credit you receive. You can also choose to get the remainder after you have withheld the refund. Why You Should Install the Solar Panel In 2021 The ITC has been extended various times over the past years. Although it is an important initiative, at one time it will come to a stop. If so, you need to take advantage of the ITC while it is still active. Going from what has happened in the past, even if the extension is made in the future, it might mean getting a lower tax credit.
Homeowners in California are accustomed to frequent power outages that cause blackouts. What's more irritating is the fact that blackouts tend to remain for a few hours to up to several days. Therefore, homeowners are now looking for portable generators so that they can keep the important appliances running. When it comes to unexpected power outages, people have two options: a backup generator or solar battery storage. However, these days, people are no longer looking for traditional ways. And, there's a good argument that favors adding up a battery backup power in your home. Let's break down the differences so that you can make the right decision. The need for an alternative power source: The main cause of buying a backup power source for your home in almost every part of California is quite understandable. According to the concerned authorities in California, public safety and wildfire aren't likely to perish in the next decade. Hence, power outages tend to be a natural phenomenon in this area. Because of these reasons, the state can encounter power outages for a prolonged time. As such, plenty of electricity consumers both at businesses and homes are going to suffer. In the Southernmost part of the State, the frequent arrival of hurricane style winds has led to more severe consequences about power outages. Even the Northernmost part of California isn't spared. The people in the area experience frequent blackouts during the winter months. Strong winds along with ice storms make the trees to trip over. That way, the trees take down the power lines along with them. All these outcomes compel people to have a backup power solution at their homes or businesses. Hence, a backup generator or solar battery storage can keep the electrical appliances up and running during the blackouts. The traditional way of drawing power from portable generators seem to be absurd in recent years. However, solo solar panels can't provide you the necessary power during the outage. Solar battery backup vs backup generator: As aforementioned, people in California are more accustomed to buying a backup generator for their specific needs. However, things are changing for good. Homeowners tend to opt for a backup generator power source because of two reasons. First, the upfront cost of installing backup generators is pretty much less compared to the other sources for providing backup power. Second, generators are available without problems and they are quite easy to set up as well. In the past, it was an easy affair to get the generator and install it at your home. What's more interesting is that people can find these kinds of power sources at nearby home improvement stores. Some generator models don't even need an expert to install. Despite many advantages, backup generators have many flaws. The first and the most important one of all is that you need to make sure fossil fuels are easy to access. It means fuel should be available during a prolonged electric outage. However, it is seen that arrangement of fuel during this critical period is hard sometimes. That's because people aren't prepared for an outage all the time. Next comes the most important part that people expect, which is noise and compatibility. There is no question that backup generators are big. Also, they make loud, harsh noise while operating. Because of the noise, people find it hard to run the device every day. Now, that means you get benefits from these generators only when there is a major blackout in the area. Finally, the burning of fossil fuels on these generators causes air pollution. Batteries used for energy storage, on the other hand, cost you more upfront. Also, they need a qualified technician to install the same. Apart from these things, batteries solve all the aforementioned issues that are found in traditional backup generators. There are benefits of using battery backup power. First, when batteries are connected with solar panels, they retain the energy. The sun powers the solar panels and the battery refills every day as long as the sun is shining bright. Second, batteries operate without any kind of noise, unlike the backup generators. That way, it favors the people. Finally, there is no emission relating to the utilization of solar battery storage. They operate on a renewable and clean power source, the sun. Energy storage vs backup generators: Verdict Evaluating all the things, it is quite clear that solar battery storage might be the best choice for both your home and office. If you are thinking about making the right decision after comparing both these power sources, energy storage is the best option. Backup generators are indeed quite inexpensive and they can fulfill your power needs. But the benefits of installing battery storage power outweighs them. When you pair them with solar panels, you can save a lot of money on your utility bills. On top of that, battery storage is easy to clean and provides quiet power. Now, these are some of the features you can't expect from an ordinary backup generator. If you are living in California, you are aware of the benefits of getting backup power installed in your living space. Generators have been a popular choice for homeowners for a prolonged time. However, there has been a rise in the population of people who are adopting cleaner, newer battery storage options like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase Encharge Battery. Battery backup provides similar backup power to the conventional generators. But, they don't need fuel to run. All they need is solar panels that capture the sunlight. Battery storage is a cost-effective and eco-friendly method that you can't derive from a traditional generator to draw power. While upfront costs of batteries might be higher, lifelong savings outweighs the upfront payment incurred. Contact Semper Solaris for energy storage solutions all year long: Still, wondering about what might be the better option for your backup power? Don't fret, Semper Solaris can answer your questions. We are a *Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer*. Get an elaborate idea about what solar battery storage is and what they can provide you with. Choose the right solution for your backup power with the best battery storage solutions in California. Now, you can keep the lights on during a power outage.
Technology for storing energy has been around for decades. However, a battery storage unit for solar systems is quite new in the market. Solar batteries can provide economic benefits to homeowners in various ways. Solar power has become more accessible and affordable in the US unlike before. Innovations are helping to solve problems for the consumers that are also impacting the environment. If you have solar panels or are thinking about installing them on your home, it is time that you start thinking about installing battery storage units such as the Tesla Powerwall. There are lots of benefits to it. Continue reading the post to know why you need battery storage with your solar panels. What is a battery storage unit? A battery energy storing unit systems are a set of rechargeable batteries. They store energy from your solar panels. And, provide the energy to meet the requirements both at home or business. Because these units are built with modern technologies, they can store a massive amount of energy produced by sunlight. Battery storage units are capable of providing enough power to your home or office off-grid. Also, they provide backup power when there is an emergency caused by blackouts. Apart from the initial cost of purchasing the unit, they are cost-effective for a longer time. How does the battery storage unit work? Solar battery systems work by storing the excess energy from your solar panels. They can monitor your home electricity usage. The battery system automatically transfers the excess energy to the battery unit instead of sending them to the grid. The battery storage unit distributes the energy when there is a demand in your house. The storage units work by converting the direct current energy produced by the solar panels and stores it as an alternate current for later use. If the battery unit has a higher capacity, it can retain energy more energy from the panels. Solar battery systems work in the following ways. Charging - During the daytime, the battery storage unit gets charged by the energy generated by the solar panels. Optimization - The intuitive software programs installed on the battery storage units make use of algorithms. As such, it coordinates with the solar production, utility structures, usage history, and weather patterns needed to optimize the stored energy. Discharging - The stored energy is discharged from the storing units when there is s need to use. Thus, it helps to eliminate costs when there is demand. Why do you need a battery storage unit? If you install a solar battery system with your solar panels, you can store the excess energy from the sunlight rather than sending it to the power grid. When the panels create more electricity apart from what is needed, the excessive energy helps the battery unit to charge. Energy goes back to the grid after the battery unit is completely charged. And, energy from the grid is drawn when the energy in the storage unit depletes. A battery storage unit is very necessary for some parts of the US where there are heavy blackouts because of certain reasons. Also, you can save a lot on utility bills when you bring home a battery unit. How does a battery energy storage unit save you money? When you install a solar system to power your house without a storage unit, the excess electricity your panels produce goes to the power grid. Solar panels make most of the energy during the daytime when the sun soars higher. However, people need more electricity during the evening hours. But with the battery system installed, you can store the excess energy produced during the daytime is stored on the battery unit. You can use electricity in the evening when the energy costs are higher. The battery stores the energy for you to use it at appropriate hours. That way, it helps you a lot by saving on the utility bills. What is the average lifespan of a solar battery unit? On average, it is seen that a solar battery's life can stay for about 5 to 15 years. Proper maintenance of the electrical equipment can have a drastic effect on longevity. It can even increase the life of the battery energy storage unit. Temperature can have a major impact on solar batteries. So, try to protect it from high temperatures and adverse climatic conditions. Different kinds of solar batteries: Batteries that are used for residential purposes are made with either lead-acid or lithium-ion. Between these two variants, lithium-ion batteries are the best option for your solar panels. However, the other kind of battery is more affordable. Lead-acid battery type - These battery types have a short life along with a low DoD (depth of discharge) compared to other kinds of batteries. Also, they are one of the inexpensive options you can have on the market. If you want to get rid of the power grid and need to install a separate energy system for storage, lead-acid batteries can be your best choice. Lithium-ion battery type - These kinds of batteries are more compact and lighter compared to the lead-acid battery units. They have a longer lifespan n comparison to the lead-acid battery types. Also, they have a higher depth of discharge. But lithium-ion batteries are quite expensive than their counterparts. What is the depth of discharge? DOD or depth of discharge means the battery percentage that gets discharged to the total capacity of the batteries. Take Tesla Powerwall as an example. If you have a unit that holds about 13.5 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity and the discharge is about 13 kWh, the depth of discharge is 96% approximately. When you frequently charge and discharge a battery, the lifespan gets shortened. Many manufacturers specify a recommended DOD for smooth performance. Tesla Powerwall energy storage unit: Tesla Powerwall integrates with your solar panels to store excessive electricity produced during the daytime. It makes the energy available to you when you need it most. This battery unit is weatherproof and requires no maintenance. That's because it is an automated system. Powerwall detects power outages effectively, disconnects from the grid, and becomes the main energy source for your home. All your electric appliances run without interruption. For more information on the Tesla Powerwall and how battery storage can help you, feel free to contact Semper Solaris today.
Fresno County is known as the king of agriculture. The city produces billions of dollars in a variety of crops including tomatoes, oranges, almonds, and grapes. The area ranks number one in the nation when it comes to agriculture. It gets 270+ sunny days each year, and that makes it one of the best places for installing a solar panel system. At present, Fresno has the third-highest number of homes with solar panels. It is the fifth-largest city in the state that has stated embracing solar installation to reduce the energy cost and minimize the carbon footprint on the environment. Also, solar panels can reduce the dependency factors and enable homes to deal with emergencies. Why Should You Go Solar in Fresno? Summer causes a lot of difficulties for people in Fresno. The triple-digit outdoor temperature and increasing monthly bills for indoors make life difficult for many. The residents use more electricity than the national average throughout the year. If you want to minimize you electricity bill, contacting a Fresno solar company to install a solar panel on your roof is a must. After doing so, you will have pay much less for the energy. You can also protect yourself from the increasing electric bills that California is known for. Even if a solar panel offers a lot of benefits, many homeowners still do not consider this option due to the upfront cost. However, you can afford a solar system in the current condition. There are many ways to minimize installation costs. Once you install a solar panel, you can use sunlight to power your home and its many appliances. The kilowatt that your solar system generates is one less kilowatt that you purchase from SCE. You are going to save money every month. At the same time, you are going to contribute to the environment. Let's cover some information in more details. Lower Electricity Bills Installing Tesla Powerwall and solar panel system can enable you to meet the energy needs of your home. It will cut the costs of your utility bills. In Fresno, most households end up paying more than thirty-two percent higher electricity bills than other states. With a solar panel system, you can reduce energy consumption. Currently, thousands of residents are converting to a renewable and affordable energy source, solar panels to find the best alternative for the energy. Incentives & Tax Credits As stated above, you can minimize the installation cost significantly with incentives and tax credits. Many states offer local rebates. In addition to local rebates, you will receive twenty-six percent in federal tax credits. The residents of Fresno might be eligible for SASH. The Single-family Affordable Solar Homes Program of state has been extended to 2021. It offers upfront rebates to all those who cannot afford to install a solar panel. It can be best for low-income homeowners. NEM Program You can also get rebates from the Net Energy Metering program of the state. It works as a driving force to help Fresno residents to install solar panels on their roofs. In 2019 only, 23,300 residents were part of this program. The program will allow homeowners to credit towards their energy bills. Federal Tax Credit The federal tax credit is twenty-six percent of the installation cost. The amount will be deducted from the federal taxes of homeowners. They can claim the credit over many years when the amount is less than their tax credit. However, all cannot be benefited by federal taxes. The federal tax credit can be helpful for all those who pay federal income taxes. If you are paying federal income tax and want to install a solar system, you will have to consider it now. The federal tax credit will be less from 2022 end. It will be twenty-two percent instead of twenty-six percent. So, go solar now in Fresno to get the maximum benefits. Battery Storage A solar panel system will not only reduce your energy cost, but it can also be effective to deal with emergencies. It can power up your home during unpredictable blackouts such as extreme weather conditions. Some natural adversities can cause blackouts for days to millions of people. With a solar system, you can live a normal life and use all your electric devices. Here battery storage comes in. A solar system will not only power up your home during the day hours when the sun is present, but it can also save energy for future use. Solar panels can store the energy in the battery, and you can use it during nights and blackouts. You can get clean energy for eight to twelve years with quality battery storage. The added benefit is that you are not going to pay the TOU rates if you use battery storage for your solar system. How Much Will You Save? The answer will depend on a few factors. The key consideration is the exposure of sunlight to your solar panel. Your solar panel needs to receive ample sunlight to meet the energy needs of your home. When the sunlight will not be adequate, you might not expect the desired benefits. Another factor is the usage of electricity for your home. When some homeowners use more electricity to power their devices, others can manage with less. In brief, the higher power usage will ensure more savings on the energy cost. The average electricity usage in California is around 547 kWh. But you might be spending more if you are using more electric devices. The usage is more in Fresno compared to other parts of California. If you want to know how much exactly you can save by installing a solar panel, you can consider talking to an experienced Fresno solar company. They use a solar panel saving calculator to help the residents of Fresno to know how much exactly they can save on energy bills with a solar system. The calculator can help you to know the number of solar panels you will need for your home.
Originally published May 23rd 2018. Updated January 7th 2021. Good timing is an underappreciated skill that can yield big rewards. Find that perfect seasonal sweet spot, and you can beat the crowds at your favorite vacation destination and save big on hotels and tours. Get to the party right on time, and you can avoid the uncomfortable small talk with the hosts before the other guests arrive. Good timing is everything, so what’s the best time for your solar panel installation in Los Angeles? Is there an ideal time to get solar panels in the lifecycle of your roof? How about the best time to reap as many tax rebates as possible? Or is there an “off-season” for solar that leads to special treatment and big deals? We want to help you and your solar panels in Los Angeles make the perfect entrance. Here’s everything you need to know about when to get your solar panels. The Newer the Roof, the Better Speaking of time, your roof has a finite amount of it. The lifespan of a roof can extend between 20 and 50 years depending on its composition. The majority of roofs in Los Angeles are made of asphalt shingles. While this type of roof is cost-effective, it only offers about 20 years of life. Most forms of tile, another common Southern California roof choice, give you a much longer life of 50 years. Solar panels can last an estimated 25 to 40 years and possibly even longer! (The most current crystalline silicon models of solar panels are still so new, that we aren’t quite sure how long they can really last.) Therefore, if your roof only has about five years left in it, it doesn’t really make sense to install solar panels when you’ll need to take the whole system down again in a few years. Instead, the best time to invest in solar panels in Los Angeles is when your roof is new or has a decade or more of life left. (Is your roof getting close to retirement? Don’t fret! Now might be the perfect time to invest in replacing your roof so that you can get solar panels in the future. A new roof adds value to your home and can make it more energy efficient! At Semper Solaris, we also offer roof repairs and replacements.) Time Your Tax Relief Currently, homeowners in Los Angeles can deduct 26% of the cost of their solar panels on their taxes. This Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the biggest renewable energy financial incentive currently available. It saved the average homeowner $5,000 on their solar panel system in 2017. In order to get the tax credit, you just need to install solar panels within the calendar year. The tax credit was originally enacted in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act and set to expire at the end of 2007. The federal government extended the ITC, but the clock is running out. Afterwards, the tax credit shrinks each year. Homeowners should not expect the tax credits to be extended again. As the solar market continues to mature and as the government looks for more ways to trim the budget, all signs point to the ITC finally phasing out for good. That means the time to save on solar is right now! The Season for Solar Is there an ideal season to go solar? Angelenos may assume that spring or summer is the best time to put up solar panels. After all, the long summer days mean more sunshine, which translates to more energy production for the year. The truth might surprise you. Winter in Los Angeles is actually the best season for solar. Here’s why: The Slow Season During the winter months, homeowners are often caught up in the holidays and don’t have the extra time, attention, or funds for on solar panels. So use this to your advantage! Solar installation companies usually have fewer jobs on the books during this time of year, which means that they can give you more personalized attention and service. It can also mean a shorter turnaround time on your solar panel installation in Los Angeles, and sometimes special offers and discounts. Easier Installation Your solar installation team will also appreciate your choice to wait until winter for your solar panels. Los Angeles heats up in the summer, with temperatures reaching around 85 degrees toward the end of August. As you can imagine, working all day on a hot roof that absorbs that heat can be pretty uncomfortable for installation teams. On the other hand, winters in Los Angeles are notably mild, which is why we all love living here. Aside from the occasional rain shower, our installation team loves working in the cooler temperatures. Solar Panels Still Work Some homeowners worry that installing solar panels in winter will mean less energy generation. The sun still shines in winter, so your solar panels will work beautifully when they come online. Winter does offer fewer hours of sunlight than summer, so the total amount of energy your panels generate may be less than it would be on the longest day of the year, but the difference is less than you imagine. That’s because of something called the temperature coefficient. Without getting too deep into the weeds, the temperature coefficient describes how well solar panels perform under less-than-ideal circumstances. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that solar panels actually operate better in cooler temperatures. Once the temperature gets hotter than 77 degrees, the efficiency of the solar panels begins to drop. So, even though winter offers fewer hours of sunlight than summer, the cooler temperatures mean that your panels will operate at peak efficiency during light hours. There Really Is No Bad Time to Install Solar Panels in Los Angeles While you may still be wondering about the best time for your solar panel installation, the truth is that the best time to get solar panels is… whatever time is right for you! That may sound a little squishy, but what we mean is that you shouldn’t try to rush your solar panels to get a special tax incentive or hit the solar panel off-season if you aren’t ready. Instead, make sure you have the time, focus, and funds to dedicate to your solar installation so you don’t run into problems or stress yourself out in the process. At Semper Solaris, we will be here when you are ready. We can help you repair or replace your roof to prepare for a solar panel installation in Los Angeles and then perform the installation. We might be a little biased, but we think it’s always a perfect time to invest in renewable solar energy. Contact us to schedule a free energy analysis for your Los Angeles home.
Originally published May 12th, 2019. Updated January 7th, 2021. Currently, solar power ranks high among the fastest-growing markets in the whole world. Thanks to the very high temperatures of the Inland Empire, solar systems are being installed by homeowners at a staggering rate. If you also have at one point considered installing solar panels, you most likely have researched solar panel installation in Inland Empire. However, solar energy installation is a significant investment; thus, you need to distinguish between its real pros and cons just to be sure that you made the right decision. To help you make the best decision, we have put together this guide of the pros and cons of solar in the Inland Empire. Advantages of Solar Energy Little to zero cost of generation For most people in the Inland Empire, the most significant reason for installing solar is that once they are done with the initial cost of installation, the energy is ultimately free. In fact, the only question that you will have in mind is whether the payback period on your initial capital investment will be better compared to the returns you would have got from other investments. Drastically and even totally eliminates energy bills Every single year, home energy costs tend to rise significantly, and the worst part is that there is not much anyone can do about it. Thankfully, by considering solar financing options in the Inland Empire, you can drastically reduce or even entirely eliminate your energy bills. By installing solar in the Inland Empire, you will put a lock in your energy costs for the next 25 years. Environmentally Friendly Although there may be some light emissions during installation and production stage of solar power, they are relatively minimal if you were to compare them with those of generating other energy sources. Widely available geographically Even though there may be those areas that are better suited for solar power compared to others, it still remains an energy option that is still viable in almost all areas. Inland Empire being one of the sunniest parts of California, it even comes out as a perfect area for investing in solar energy. Community Solar helps overcome various installation issues Due to several problems such as insufficient space, there are a few homes that remain unfit for solar energy in the Inland Empire. However, with the introduction of "shared solar," these types of homes can now access solar power by subscribing to "community solar gardens." Apart from helping you generate solar energy without needing to have solar panels installed on your roof, the initial costs are also extremely inexpensive. Low cost of maintenance One of the best things about solar energy is that it comes with the lowest maintenance costs. This is possible because solar energy systems have fewer moving parts, which results in fewer instances of break down. In most cases, all you may need to do is replace your inverter, which you may do only once over the life of your solar system. It is only when you have off-grid systems which generally come with batteries that you may require routine maintenance. You get financial support from the government or state The US Senate in 2020 went ahead to pass an extension to the already 26 percent Renewable Tax Credits. This led to an extension of the tax credit for an additional eight years. Furthermore, there are also rebates that are available in several jurisdictions at the county level, state level, or even utility company level. When you take all the residential solar in the Inland Empire government incentives into account, investing in solar energy also seems a more appealing idea. It improves your home's value According to several studies conducted by the real estate market, those homes that are equipped with a solar power system tend to sell much faster compared to non-solar homes. This is enough evidence to show that equipping your home with solar power significantly increases its value. You become energy independent When you totally depend on your utility company for power, you can go for many hours without electricity in case the grid does go down. However, if you have solar power installed, you will still be able to generate electricity even during emergencies. Disadvantages of Solar Energy Although installing solar power may seem a perfect energy solution up to this point, just like any other thing, it will still come with some cons. Now, let's look at six cons that you should keep in mind before you finally consider going solar: It's quite expensive to get started The initial cost of installing solar energy is the main barrier for most homes in the Inland Empire going the solar way. This is because you will be practically paying upfront for not less than 25 years of uninterrupted energy production. There is no transparency in the solar industry Just like in any other market in the world, there are a couple of good players and many bad ones in the solar industry. While there may be a few excellent installers in the Inland Empire, most of them are just out there to make a profit. At Semper Solaris, we make sure you are given all the options to make the best decision for your home. On top of that, we are there for every step of your solar installation journey. From the first appointment to the permits to turning on your system, we will be there every step of the way. Buying batteries will cost you first, but save you later While most solar systems don't require battery systems like Tesla Powerwall, they will become a must-have if you decide to go with the off the grid option. This means that you will have independent power in case there is an unexpected power outage. Furthermore, these batteries will store any surplus energy produced by your system, which you can sell back to the utility company for more money in your pocket. Requires large space When it comes to determining the amount of power that can be derived from a specific area, we look at power density, which refers to watts per square meter. Generally, solar radiation's global mean power density is about 170 W per m², which is quite high compared to electricity. This means that you will need some substantial amount of space to expertly install enough solar panels to fully power your entire home. It's hard to move house One of the significant shortcomings of solar energy is that it can be quite costly trying to move it when you finally decide to move your home. This can be a disadvantage to the much younger homeowners who may be planning to move in the coming years. But if you decided to keep it on that home, it will bring up the value of the house. Solar panels don't fit all roof types Since most solar systems are installed on roofs, certain roofing materials like cedar tiles can be quite tricky for installers to work on. Additionally, some homes also feature rooftop additions such as roof decks which can also be a hindrance to the installation process. It even becomes worse when your roofs are covered in shades which prevent direct sunlight from reaching them. At Semper Solaris, we have years of experience in many different rooftops. Conclusion Overall, solar energy will help you reduce your overall energy bills, reduce your carbon emissions, and improve your property value. On the other hand, solar power wouldn't be a smart investment if you move a lot, plus the initial costs can be high. Regardless of these, most homeowners believe that the pros of installing a solar system still outweigh the cons as it gives you a peace of mind knowing you won't have to worry about the rising energy bills for over 25 years. If you decide to install solar power in your home, just remember to contact Semper Solaris and speak with one of your representatives.
Originally Published March 29th, 2019. Updated January 6th, 2021. In Southern California, Rancho San Diego is known for it's sunny, comfortable climate and overall year-round good weather. It’s one of those places that is just made for taking advantage of solar energy. While it's never “too late” to install solar panels in Rancho San Diego in our books, there are some things that are a little time sensitive to keep in mind. For instance, if you are looking to maximize your savings on a solar panel system, there are some incentives, credits and rebates that will be expiring soon or in the near future. That’s why we recommend jumping on the solar bandwagon sooner than later! Don’t Miss Out On Major Savings You can always save when switching to solar -- especially with the rising popularity and development of solar technology driving the cost for production down -- but why not save even more by taking advantage of incentives as well? Here are some of the timelines to be aware of:
Originally published September 13th, 2018. Updated on January 6th, 2021. Over the past decade, homeowners interested in solar power for their home enjoyed a sunny surprise. A combination of strong renewable energy incentives on the federal and local level, as well as improving technology and growing manufacturing efficiencies has led to a continual drop in the cost of solar. In fact, if you purchase solar panels today you may pay up to 60% less than your neighbors who purchased the same sized solar power system ten years ago! With this information in mind, it might seem like a smart move to wait to purchase solar panels until the price drops even further. Unfortunately, some big political changes are creating a lot of volatility in the market, which may steadily bump up the price of solar panels. Now could actually be the very best time to purchase solar panels before prices continue to climb. Let’s look at some of the big changes that are happening in the solar world and how future changes could affect the price of solar power for your home even more! The United States Announces Solar Tariffs One of the Trump Administration’s favorite weapons is the tariff, which acts as a tax on imports of materials and goods from other countries. The Administration has been serious about instituting protectionist trade policies. Over the past year, President Trump has announced tariffs on over $200 billion in goods, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, washing machines, flat screen televisions, medical devices, and even airplane parts. One of the very first tariffs the president announced was a 30% tariff on all solar imports into the United States, which includes solar cells and solar modules. Semper Solaris offers you the freedom to choose American-made solar panels. This tariff has already had a major impact on the solar industry. According to Popular Science, roughly 80% of solar installations in the United States use imported solar panels, mostly from Malaysia, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. When the price increases on these panels, solar manufacturers and installers tend to pass these costs onto consumers. Solar customers are already starting to feel the pain of this tariff. According to an investigation by Reuters, U.S. companies have canceled or frozen roughly $2.5 billion in large solar installation projects. What do the solar tariffs mean for you as a homeowner? While larger solar utilities will feel the brunt of the solar tariffs, individual homeowners won’t be left unscathed. Analysts are already predicting that the tariffs will lead to a shortage of solar panels, which will hike prices. A Bloomberg New Energy report predicted that solar utilities could see a 10% increase in the cost of solar, while homeowners may face a 3% cost increase for residential solar projects. Here at Semper Solaris, we strive to use American-made solar parts. While American-made solar equipment won’t be directly affected by the tariffs, our costs could also go up as other installers switch to American-made equipment. As competition for American-made solar panels goes up, so will prices! The Solar Investment Tax Credit Is Slated to End in 2022 Over the past decade, the solar sector has grown an average of 68% each year. One of the biggest drivers of this explosive growth was the creation of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2006. The ITC allows homeowners and commercial businesses to deduct 26% of the total cost of their solar installation from their taxes. This deduction can even be rolled over to the next year if the deduction is greater than your total tax bill. In essence, the ITC is a 26% discount on the cost of solar. That often results in thousands of dollars of savings for individual homeowners who invest in solar. The ITC is a powerful incentive, which makes solar much more affordable for individual homeowners as well as commercial interests that invest millions to create massive solar farms. In many ways, the ITC has been instrumental in speeding up the transition in the United States from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. However, all good things much eventually come to an end. The ITC was created to help make solar more competitive as it got established in the United States. It was originally slated to expire in 2007, but the program has been working so well that Congress has extended the expiration date several times. The ITC began diminishing in 2020. In 2019, the tax deduction remained at 30%, but if you were to invest in solar power for your home in 2020, the deduction was lower to 26% and then to 22% in 2021. In 2022, the ITC will expire completely for homeowners. Homeowners should prepare for the worst and assume that the ITC will not be extended past 2022. Local Renewable Energy Incentives Are Going Away The federal government isn’t the only one who wants to help make solar more affordable. All across the country and especially in California, local cities and municipalities have poured money into programs that provide tax incentives and rebates to homeowners who go solar. However, there is a limit to how much these local entities can payout. In many instances, once the initial investment is used up, it’s gone for good. This is exactly what happened for customers of three major California utility customers – Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Through the California Solar Initiative, each of these utilities was given a fund which they used to provide rebates for commercial and residential solar customers. Solar became so popular in the Golden State, that all three utilities used up their funds, putting an end to the rebates. Fortunately, not all local rebates programs have given up the ghost. Customers of the state’s largest utility, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) still has an active incentive program, which provides a rebate of $0.25 per watt for new solar projects. Rebates may also still be available for residents of Glendale, Pasadena, and San Francisco. However, there’s no telling how long these programs will continue. Local rebates and other solar incentives can save homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars off the cost of their solar projects, but they are disappearing fast. If you are fortunate to qualify for a local program, there’s no time to lose. Start searching for local California solar installers in your area right away so you can take advantage of these incentives before they are gone. Otherwise, you’ll be paying even more for solar power for your home when the local government could have picked up the tab! Don’t Try to Time the Market to Get Solar Power for Your Home Many financial gurus like to tell their followers, “never try to time the stock market.” You may wait so long for the perfect conditions to either buy or sell stocks that you’ll miss valuable growth opportunities and end up financially worse off than if you’d just invested steadily each month. The stock market is incredibly difficult to predict, and even expert mutual fund managers rarely outperform the indexes. The solar market isn’t much clearer. While the price of solar panels has steadily dropped over the last decade, that trend may not last much longer. With the Trump Administration’s hefty solar tariffs coming on top of the expiration of helpful federal and local solar incentives, the price of solar panels is likely to rise in the near future. Will prices continue to go up, or will they drop back down as solar technology and manufacturing efficiencies improve? What happens if a future administration eliminates the solar tariff or Congress decides to extend the ITC? All of these things are impossible to predict, which means trying to wait for the perfect time to purchase solar panels may be as futile as trying to predict the stock market. That’s why now is the perfect time to invest in solar. While we can’t tell you for sure that solar prices will continue to rise, but we can tell you with absolute accuracy that you will begin saving money the moment your solar system comes online. The sooner you invest in solar panels for your home, the sooner you’ll begin saving on your monthly utility bill and the faster your solar panels will pay for themselves! There’s no reason to wait. If you invest in solar this year or in 2019, you can still take advantage of the valuable ITC. Contact Semper Solaris today. We have local offices throughout California, and we would be glad to help you qualify for any available local solar rebates or tax incentives. 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