Semper Solaris Blog
Planning to buy a new air conditioner for your home? Read this before making an informed decision! We love when our clients know why we choose and customize each homes air conditioning unit based upon their needs and size of their home. Purchasing an air conditioner unit is a great investment. You need to keep in mind certain factors such as the type of AC unit, your home requirements, comfort level, price, etc. while buying it. If you don't pay attention to these factors, you may end up spending your hard-earned money on the wrong product. That's why it is very important to understand the whole process before making a purchase. To help you with it, we are sharing 7 questions you should ask yourself when buying a new AC unit for your home. What Should Be The Size Of The Air Conditioner? Once you hire Semper Solaris, our experienced air conditioning crew will carry out Manual J load calculation. It is an HVAC industry standard method of calculating the size of the AC unit you need by considering certain factors such as the size of your home, orientation, layout, number of windows, size of windows, shade around your home etc. After determining these factors, our expert air conditioning technicians will provide you with the required AC size for your home. At Semper Solaris, we don't simply replace the old AC with the new one with the same capacity. What Is The Efficiency Level Of A New AC Unit? If you're living with an old air conditioner, you must have already known that its efficiency degrades over time. Although new systems are maintained regularly, they can't keep up their efficiency for a longer time. So, a good idea is to invest in a good-quality and energy-efficient Air Conditioner. Always look for an Energy Star Label of the product you're purchasing. This signifies that the AC meets the minimum energy requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). What New Technology Should I Go For? Apart from the efficiency of the system, you should also look for the latest technology. Nowadays, a majority of ACs come with new technologies that make your air conditioning experience comfortable and also save money. When you buy an AC unit, look for the features like variable speed motors. This feature is very helpful in saving power and your electricity bills. What Is The Timeline For Installation? If you're buying an air conditioner to replace a broken or malfunctioning unit, you'll need to get a new system as soon as possible. This is extreme if it's a hot scorching summer. Most of the time, air conditioner installation is a time consuming process. It can easily take more than a day to install the system as it involves plumbing, electrical and ductwork coordination. Naturally, if the system is larger, it will require more time to install and may require several days to complete the process. At Semper Solaris, we provide you with the exact installation time for a new system or an air conditioner replacement. Who Will Perform The Installation? Installing an air conditioner is not something you can do on your own. It requires well-trained and certified professionals. All the air conditioning technicians at Semper Solaris are NATE-certified, which means they have passed the professionals tests and have a good amount of practical experience in the industry. Should I Purchase Additional Air Quality Components? The good news is, many technologically advanced air conditioning systems are able to perform several jobs all at once. They not only keep your home cool but also improves the air quality and regulates the humidity level. However, if your home is prone to airborne pollutants and leaks, you can add an indoor air quality component for improving the air quality. At Semper Solaris, we offer a wide range of ACs with new technologies. Not only that, we offer a broad range of air quality components such as air cleaners, dehumidifiers, UV lamps and ventilators. What Is The Estimated Cost For An AC Installation? We understand that you want to know what you're investing in and how much you're going to spend. Cost is one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to purchasing equipment. But the cost of installing an AC unit varies depending on certain factors like the size of your system, home cooling requirements, additional air quality components, other accessories etc. When you work with our air conditioning company, our expert technicians will provide you a reliable installation estimate so that you can plan further.
Are you aware that scientists have spent thousands of years trying to understand the promising solar energy and its application? Yes, understanding the 'how' of harnessing the Sun's power and meaningful use has been an uphill task that has ignited various scientists' interest in developing a concrete solution. Below is a timeline of multiple achievements and milestones covering various human efforts to extract and use solar energy. How is solar energy extracted from sun rays? Through the use of Photovoltaic devices. These are a particular type of metal that, when exposed to sunlight, use the photovoltaic effect to produce electricity. It is estimated that the knowledge about this photovoltaic effect has existed for roughly two centuries, and for this reason, our history about the solar cells begins here. How was solar energy initially used? Theoretically, it is believed that humans began to use solar energy by 7th century B.C. History reviews that humans were using sunlight to ignite the fire using magnifying glass materials. 700 BC- The use of a magnifying lens to put on Sunlit Fires' Heat Ray'. Do you know by the 7th century B.C humans could make fire using a magnifying glass to concentrate sunlight? For instance, around. 214-212 B.C. historians hypnotize that Archimedes' a great Greek inventor, was able to apply solar energy by creating heat rays using multiple mirrors to concentrate sunlight. It is believed that he destroyed several ships by concentrating sunlight on those ships belonging to Greek enemies especially during the Siege of Syracuse. Although this Archimedes' invention's validity is not apparent, various experiments have shown that it could be possible but more unlikely to have been executed. Romans are also known to use mirrors to harness the solar power and using it as light torches during their religious ceremonies. The use of "burning mirrors" became prevalent among Roman, Greeks, and later to the Chinese civilization. When was the first invention of the solar panels? 1767- The invention of the first solar oven A solar oven, often known as the solar cooker, uses the heat created by concentrating sunlight to heat drinks or food. Solar cookers are in use to date and are cheaper and efficient compared to the previous models. They are the most popular heating solutions, especially world parts, with limited access to electricity. The device relies only on sunlight to function, and this means no fuel or electrical power is need for it to work. The first solar oven was invented in 1767 by Horace De Saussure, a renowned Swiss Physicist. By the time of invention, nobody could have thought that this invention could be among the most helpful innovations for the next two centuries by helping people prepare their lunch and dinner without using firewood. 1839 - The Photovoltaic Effect Discovery by Edmund Becquerel. One of the most critical years in the history of solar panels was 1839 when Edmund Becquerel, a 19-year-old French physicist, discovered that there is a voltage difference when specific material is exposed to sunlight created. With his little knowledge about the photovoltaic effect, Edmund Becquerel dint understands that his discovery would form the basis of solar power in use in modern today. In 1873, Willoughby Smith, a staunch English engineer, coined Photoconductivity in Selenium, especially in its solid-state, which was another significant discovery that led to a great milestone in the solar energy industry. 1876 - Invention of Electricity from Light. While advancing the Smiths discovery three years earlier, an English professor, together with his best student, Richard Evans Day, observed a flow of electrical current when specific material was exposed to sunlight. Two electrodes attached to a selenium plate were used to make the tiny electrical current after exposing those plates to the light. 1883 - the making of the first Design of a functional Photovoltaic Cell. The credit goes to Charles Fritts, an American inventor who was the first person to design a successive solar cell plan. His 19th-century simple Photovoltaic Cell design was based on selenium wafers. 1905- The Photoelectric Effect and Albert Einstein work. Although most people aren't aware of Albert Einstein's photoelectrical effect paperwork, he is famous for his outstanding scientific milestone in the human race. He is the first person to formulate the photon theory of light, an idea that explains how light can dislodge 'remove or liberate' an electron from a metal surface. Sixteen years later, in 1921, after submitting his photon theory of light paper, he received the Nobel Prize to discover a tremendous scientific breakthrough. 1918 - The discovery of a Single-Crystal Silicon. The credit goes to a Polish scientist, Jan Czochralski, for figuring out a technique in which to grow single-crystal silicon. His discovery lay the foundation for the creation of solar cells using silicon metal. 1954 - The actual invention of Photovoltaic The credit goes to three scientists, namely, Gerald Pearson, a member of Bell Labs, David Chapin, and Calvin Fuller. Their work led to the creation of the world's first solar cell (photovoltaic cell). In simple terms, these men came up with a device that could convert sunlight into electricity. Many maintain that their silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell invention symbolizes the real PV technology invention. The first device could consistently power a considerable electrical device for more than two hours a day. However, the first silicon photovoltaic cell could only operate at 4% efficiency, below a quarter of modern solar cells capacity. They later advanced its performance (conversions efficiently), increasing it from 4% to 11%. Today, these solar panels are so advanced that they are used to light big houses and run machines due to their improved efficiency. Other significant achievements in the history of solar panels. The use of solar panels to power outer space devices. The use of solar technology in outer space is one of the most recent solar energy industry achievements. The outer space solar panels were used to run satellites. A good example is solar panels power Explorer III, Vanguard II, and Sputnik-3 satellites in 1958. Others include creating the first solar residence in 1973 by a team of scientists at the University of Delaware, Improving solar conversion efficiency from 8% to 14% by Hoffman Electronics amid 1957 and 1960. By 2016, the conversion efficiency had reached 34.5% efficiency and innovation from The University of South Wales.
The fall season is about to arrive, and residents at California are eager to enjoy the wonderful weather it has to offer. You might be ready to plan parties with friends and some outdoor picnic events with family. Without any doubt, fall is a special season of the year, which allows us to create several mesmerizing memories with near and dear ones. With the arrival of this season, you should also be prepared for the winter, which is just a few steps away. Experts say that the fall season is the best time to evaluate the home HVAC system, and you will find enough time to decide whether to upgrade it or not. Why should you check the performance of your HVAC system now? Unfortunately, many people do not realize that fall is the best time to test and upgrade the HVAC system. As a result, they experience huge discomfort in the winter season ahead due to sudden system failure. You need proper arrangements to keep your home heated inside in the winter season in California. Hence, fall is the best time to analyze its performance as well as to replace the faulty parts. Here we have listed a few important reasons on why you should pay more attention to your HVAC system now: It is the slower season for HVAC experts: Due to moderate weather conditions, the HVAC system sellers and repair experts receive lesser emergency calls during this season. It means they have more time to entertain your requests and to plan the upgrade if required. In this season, you can explore several replacement options with full convenience and fix the appointment at your preferred time slot. It is the season of moderate temperatures: Those who replace their HVAC system in the fall season at California are more likely to enjoy moderate temperatures during installation. If you wait for longer, you may have to experience extreme cold or high temperatures during replacement in peak winter or summer season. It may be difficult to live without an HVAC system in other seasons, but fall is the best time to stay relaxed and happy even when the HVAC system is under repair and replacement. Enjoy energy efficiency new year: When HVAC systems become outdated and old, they find it hard to keep your home cozy and comfortable. In simple terms, the aged HVAC system can consume more energy, and you will naturally get more financial burden in terms of monthly utility bills. Replacing your old HVAC system in the fall season may help you stay prepared for the extreme cold in the winter. You can run the upgraded system with higher energy efficiency and save more on the electricity bills. If you are ready to upgrade or replace your air conditioning or heater system, it is good to check out the latest models online. You can book an appointment with experts at Semper Solaris, California’s top HVAC and air conditioning company. We can guide you better to pick the most energy-efficient, cost-effective, and high-performance model to serve your needs.
The sun is an all-natural alternative energy source that produces radiation you can turn into electrical and heat energy. This form of renewable energy offers plenty of benefits to those who exploit it. Harnessing the sun's rays can lower your electrical bills and cost of living, especially if you live in a major city like San Jose. The city is usually associated with wealth and is considered a modern metropolitan area. San Jose is believed to have one of the most highly-priced housing markets in the globe. San Jose has a tropical Mediterranean climate that offers more than 300 days of sunlight per year that is ideal for harnessing solar energy on a residential or commercial scale. A standard solar installation should come with solar panels, a DC-AC inverter, and a UPS battery storage. The average electricity charge rate in San Jose is considered to be 31% higher than the Country's average charge rate. Investing in San Jose solar panels and battery storage can ensure you have a constant electricity supply, especially during grid blackouts. You don't necessarily have to depend on the electricity; you can reduce costs and enjoy electricity during blackouts by buying a solar panel installation in San Jose. Advantages of Investing In San Jose Solar Panels: Apart from reducing electricity costs, procuring a Solar panel and battery storage unit can offer you the following benefits: You can use solar energy virtually anywhere Solar rays can be harnessed virtually anywhere across the world as long as the sun is shining. All you need is a solar panel to capture the sun's energy and a battery storage unit to store the electrical power. If you live in remote areas in San Jose, buying a solar harnessing solution may be best for you. If your premises are off the grid, solar energy can be a cheap yet effective electricity source. It is more environmentally friendly The normal electricity people use at homes is usually generated by burning fossil fuels, conducting nuclear reactions, and, to a lesser extent, harnessing hydroelectric and wind power. The sun offers the best alternative energy that has the least negative effect on the natural environment. Solar energy doesn't release any harmful fumes and doesn't affect water negatively. Moreover, solar energy is silent; even if you live in urban residential places, you will generate and store energy without polluting the environment in any way. You get a free federal tax credit and additional incentives for using solar energy When you buy solar panels and San Jose battery storages, you will receive a tax credit. Now is the time to buy while incentives are available at a high rate. Buying a solar panel installation in San Jose can also provide you with cash rebates from the California Solar initiative. Make sure to double check the incentives available before moving forward on your purchase. Solar Energy creates opportunities and jobs Every solar energy consumer requires a qualified solar panel installer, and the increase in demand for renewable energy is creating numerous opportunities in the job sector. Buying a solar installation in the San Jose area will assist in generating income for local companies. The Straight Forward Process of Acquiring Solar Panel Installation in San Jose First of all, consider if you are eligible for low-income solar services that offer a wide range of reimbursements and incentives. Also, identify whether your roof requires repair before the installation. It’s usually smarter to hire the best roofing company in San Jose than doing repairs yourself. It would be best if you also identified additional ways of making your home/ premises more energy effective as you buy a solar panel solution. Procuring energy-saving lights together with solar energy can greatly reduce electrical costs. As mentioned earlier, having a solar harnessing installation can offer you many benefits. Here is a step by step guide on how to acquire a San Jose Solar panel. Start by identifying your premises' solar capability Depending on the residential or commercial premises, there are various potentials you can exploit with solar energy. Nowadays, you can use digital tools such as the Google project Sunroof software that use a real-life professional to suggest suitable solar solutions for your premises. Find a suitable contractor to install the solar harnessing system It is important to hire a competent licensed contractor to ensure your solar installation is done effectively and lasts longer without the need for maintenance. Solar panel installers in California must have a permit from the Contractors State License Board. Clients can confirm whether a firm is legit by crosschecking its license number on the Contractors State License Board official web page. Weigh your payment options There are numerous firms out there offering solar services. If you have the cash up front, consider solar installation firms with the best offers and those that come with additional features. If you don't have the money, other financing options include leasing and hire purchase options. Review and understand all the relevant paperwork Understanding your solar installation contract's terms and conditions can help you comprehend important aspects of your San Jose battery storage and solar panel. Such aspects include Warranty covers, total costs, and a checklist of the installed equipment. Ensure the contractor applies for the necessary San Jose permit Before you can install a solar harnessing system, you need to get a permit from the city of San Jose. This permit can be obtained through an online application. The process will schedule a premises inspection, after which you can plan for the installation of a San Jose solar system. Schedule the solar panel installation Once all requirements are met, you can plan for a residential or commercial installation. After the process, you can enjoy solar energy and the advantages that come with it. Conclusion Investing in solar panel installation solutions in San Jose can reduce energy costs, among other benefits. The process of acquiring a solar energy solution is quite straightforward, especially if you know and fulfill the set requirements. To learn more or to book an appointment, contact us today via our appointment booking form.
Solar rooftop installations are a booming business. And Chula Vista residents are taking advantage of available tax incentives and rebates to install solar systems and save money on electricity. But solar rooftop panels for lower bills are only one aspect of the potential of residential solar power. You can extend the usefulness of your solar installation in resourceful ways from backup systems to heating your pool. Adding extra panels to your solar installation will enhance the potential of your solar system now while making space for future innovations in solar technology. Smart ways to use your solar energy. Adding extra panels in various ways to your system will make room for innovative new apps and gadgets that will increase your need for electricity. More is less in terms of added value and money saved now and in the future. Why not add extra panels to expand the potential of your solar power system? It may cost a little more upfront but be cheaper than adding them later. It will not only increase the value of your home, with rebates and incentives available now; it is good to strike while the iron is hot. Take a look at these creative ideas for using the energy that you get from your solar panels: Backup Systems The addition of a backup battery to your solar system will enable you to store extra power for your home when your panels are not generating enough electricity and avoid pulling more from your utility company at a higher cost. Or, be prepared for emergencies when the grid goes down. Have Semper Solaris install an Enphase Encharge Battery or Tesla Powerwall backup battery to ensure you have the surplus power when you need it and move you towards energy independence. Smart Home Installation of solar allows you to take advantage of many products and services that will help you get the full benefit of your Solar installation. Apps that monitor your solar power usage and keep track of power routed back into the grid Tweak your power usage by identifying which devices or appliances in your home use the most power. Program appliances like your refrigerator to use energy when the rates are lower. Access the appliances and services in your home even if you are miles away. Solar Water Heater A solar water heater uses the power of the sun to heat the water in your home. It is another good reason to extend the capabilities of your solar system from the beginning. The extra panels could pay for themselves just by reducing the cost of hot water. Solar Pool Heating There are over 300 houses with pools for sale in Chula Vista, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. That is a lot of electricity, and it is expensive. If you have a pool, the addition of solar panels for your pool is a bonus to your solar installation. A solar pool heating and filtering system will allow you to heat your pool and spa and enjoy it year-round without breaking the bank. Car Power Whether you have an electric powered car now or plan to have one in the future, having an EV charging station is something that you might consider when installing solar panels. Adding extra panels will leave room to expand and accommodate the future of automotive energy. Another move towards energy independence. Solar Porch Ever thought about using solar panels as the roof of your covered patio? This extension of your system will provide shade and filtered light while generating power. Be sure to have the foundation of the patio inspected to make sure it can hold the panels, then enjoy your summer barbecue outdoors. Impress your guests. Solar Window Awnings On those upstairs windows, you know the ones that endure the beating rays of the sun, especially in the late afternoon? Why not install solar panel awnings as an extension of your system that will provide shade on those windows while generating power and reducing the need for the air conditioning? Solar Carport Solar Carports are an easy way to add more panels to your rooftop installation. If you have an RV or boat, you can extend the carport at an angle to shade the area-- a fun way to add recreational space to your home right next to your EV station. Solar Skylight Add some eye candy to your home by having solar panels integrated into your roof to double as skylights. They will enhance the look of your home while generating clean energy and reducing the need for added light during the day. The Future of Solar More innovative ways to extend and use this fantastic energy resource are on the horizon as technology gives way to bigger and better ideas. Going solar isn’t just about saving money or reducing your carbon footprint. It is also about seizing the future of technology and energy independence. The added value of having extra capabilities in your system goes a long way towards that end. Semper Solaris is on the frontier, leading the way when it comes to residential solar power. Call us today - (888) 210-3366 - and begin the journey into the future of solar on the rooftop and beyond.
You have done the research. California is an great place to install solar panels. Is it right for you as a homeowner? The information provided here will help you to know about the value of solar power in California. It will also help you make a well-informed decision about installing solar panels on your home. Let's review all of the reasons why you should consider going solar in the great state of California. Solar Power in California: What You Need to Know Solar energy is not a new concept in our beautiful state. In fact, California is the number one solar state, and has been for quite some time. Hundreds of thousands of people have been employed across California to install solar panels on residential and commercial buildings. The solar panel installation industry has continuously gained popularity over the past few years. Solar panels that were installed across California in that time have been able to produce over 15,000-megawatts of energy. Over 3.75 million homes use solar energy to power their homes. Usage of solar energy can be made easy with NEM The use of solar power by the owners of solar homes in California can be measured easily by using a unique billing system known as NEM or Net Energy Metering. When a home solar system produces more energy than the consumption of its owners, then NEM can help in crediting the retail value of the surplus energy supplied back to the grid. Homeowners can use these credits on the days when they are not able to produce power due to lack of daylight. However, the policy of Net Metering used in California cannot be used in all cases because some of the solar panel installation services in this state have made it easier for the homeowners to use NEM. They ensure that all clients can use the advantages of this policy by handling the documentation required for this purpose. Installation of solar panels in California So, if you have decided to install solar panels on your home in California, after going through all of your research, get in touch with Semper Solaris to get your project started. Join the California solar community today!
Solar panels have many advantages, and saving money is definitely one of them. Using solar energy in place of grid electricity can save money on the monthly electricity bills. Though solar panel installation is quite an investment, the overall benefit offsets the one-time high investment. If you plan to stay in the same house for long enough, you can quickly recoup the investment on solar power panels in a few years. Moreover, with battery storage, you can save the extra electricity generated by your solar panels and use it in place of regular grid power. Semper Solaris is a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer, so you can be sure that you will have a top-of-the-line battery installed! Now, most utilities allow consumers to sell solar power to them. Either way, you can save money through the power generated by the solar panels installed on your property. Solar power also saves you money when the electricity goes off for a more extended period, such as during a storm or forest fire. The solar energy not only supplies power to your house and allows it to function without any significant disruption. It also does so for no extra cost. If you use a generator, it will consume fuel, cost you and cause noise and pollution while the solar power will provide you power without any extra cost. Clean energy A primary reason why solar power is popular is that it is clean and renewable energy. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not generate pollution. Its mechanism allows it to tap solar energy without creating any pollution at all. So, when you are using a water heater, illuminating your house or running the appliances on solar energy, you know the power has a completely clean source. Another important aspect of solar energy is that it comes from a renewable source of energy. Unlike coal, petrol, or gas, solar power is not going to get depleted with time or overconsumption. Adding solar power to the sources of power that we use can ensure energy security. Considering the pollution that fossil fuel generates and the entire spectrum of problems that pollution causes, solar power is a lot more beneficial and cost-effective. Solar installation Why some people think solar panels may not be saving money for its consumers is because of the significant investment that it entails at the time of solar installation. Setting up a solar power system is somewhat cost-intensive. You have to invest in solar panels and possibly batteries depending on your preference. But once the investments are made, you can reliably tap into solar energy and save on the electricity bills. Except for minor repairs from time to time, changing the batteries is the only recurring cost associated with solar energy. The Final Answer Although installing a solar energy system at your property may look like an expensive proposition, the long-term savings that you make on the monthly electricity bills far outweigh the one-time investment. More importantly, in the case of solar energy, you are using a clean source of energy that’s not adding to the pollution.
Owning a house that runs entirely on solar power is most definitely a possibility! With the help of solar panels and solar batteries, making your home a solar-powered property has never been cheaper. The cost of installing a solar energy system has dropped drastically in the past 20 years because of the fast improvements in technology. Even though it may be cheaper than ever, there are still a few necessities to make this dream of running your home on solar power alone, a reality. First, you will need to understand how much energy you use on average per month. This will allow you and your contractor to know how much energy your panels may need to generate to keep your home powered throughout the month. When considering the amount of energy generated by your panels, it is also smart to understand that some months may be better than others for generating power. This is where solar batteries can play a crucial role. When the sun doesn’t shine as bright or as long as usual, it is good to utilize your solar batteries. Solar batteries allow users to store excess energy gained on those long sunny days to be used later. This is key because if you have no energy stored, you will be required to use energy from the grid to power your home. Secondly, the climate you reside in also plays a crucial role in making this dream a reality. If you live in a cold, cloudy place, it may be more challenging to run your home entirely on solar. For example, while living in the Pacific Northwest during the winter months, you may go weeks without seeing direct sunlight. Although, if you live in the southwestern states like California or Arizona, you may go weeks without having an overcast day! These differences in climate play a critical factor in the ability to jump on the solar bandwagon and cut ties with the energy company. Third, the surrounding trees and houses located near your home. These can hinder the amount of energy that your solar panels can generate throughout the day. If you have a huge tree blocking your panels for a third of the day, this can drastically change the amount of energy stored. Make it Possible Don’t let any of these three factors scare you away because running your home on solar alone has never been easier. With the help of solar estimators and countless numbers of installations in your general area, solar contractors understand the ins and outs of what may be needed to allow you to make this leap to solar energy. The key to this possibility is the number of panels and solar batteries installed on your home. The critical part is the use of solar batteries; without a battery, no excess energy can be stored to use later. Semper Solaris is a Tesla Powerwall certified installer, and with powerful batteries such as Tesla Powerwall out on the market, this possibility is closer than you think.
To determine how many solar panels you need to run a home, you first must understand how much energy you use during the average week. You can find out by looking into the energy bills that you receive monthly and calculate the average energy usage per day. There are also other ways to determine your energy usage. For example, if you use 50 light bulbs for one hour, which are all 20 watts, this will consume 1 kilowatt-hour of energy. Expand this math to all your appliances and devices, and you will be able to calculate how much energy you use on average. After understanding the average usage per week, your contractor can help you choose the best possible solution for your home by determining the surface area of your roof and how many panels can fit on your roof. But there are a few other factors that are impossible to take into consideration, such as overcast weather and outliers in your energy usage. An average solar panel array of 400 square feet can produce anywhere from 300 to 850-kilowatt hours of energy per month. Depending on your energy usage, 400 square feet of panels may be enough, but it is best to consult your solar contractor. For example, a home in New York will generate less energy throughout the day than a home located in California because of the weather conditions and power of the sun. An array of 40 panels, on average, produces around 14,000 kWh of energy, so depending on your energy usage and location of your home, you may need to increase the number of panels. There are even a few websites that allow you to calculate the number of solar panels that may be required to be fitted to your home. All you will need is your average monthly energy usage and what percent of energy from the grid you would like to offset with solar. There are also a few other key factors to weigh, such as the surrounding trees and angle of your roof. These may seem non-essential to some, but these can put a significant dent in the amount of light consumed by your panels. Just an hour or two of shade during the brightest times of the day can put a considerable dent in the number of kilowatt-hours generated. Another is the climate you reside in. All these instances mentioned may cause you to need a broader array of panels to generate enough power for your home. One of the last things to consider is the efficiency of the solar cells inside the panels. Some panels are much more efficient than others. When determining which panels to invest in, it is best to take this into consideration. Your solar contractor will be able to calculate the average amount of energy that can be generated from your solar panel array, along with the average consumption. These estimations are never exact because of changes in your usage and differences in the weather.
The first thought you may have is, ‘Well, my roof is big enough, I’m good to go.’ Sadly, that train of thought is a recipe for disaster. So, what other things should be considered beforehand? How much energy do you currently consume? Do you have proper insulation - as in, are your heating and cooling systems efficient? Have you installed high-efficiency lighting (LED/CFL) where you can? Do you set your thermostat to average temperatures, like 72F? All these questions need to be asked and answered as well as other factors, such as which way your roof predominantly faces, its size, and how many average days of sunshine your area has. Those above all affect how many panels you need. [embed]https://youtu.be/x57pqrLdIog[/embed] YOUR SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL ow that you have ensured your home is as energy efficient as possible, you need to decide your home’s solar energy potential. Several websiteswill help you map your home’s potential. For the most efficient use of a solar system, your roof should face the south. However, there are other caveats to consider that will affect the efficiency of your system. What is the area of your roof? Does your HOA, landlord, or county ordinance allow for the installation of solar panels? How many average days of sunshine are there in your area? There is a common misconception for homes in an area with frequent severe and/or cloudy weather that solar energy is unavailable. The truth is, solar energy is most definitely available - but more panels may be needed - or an energy storage system such as a battery storage unit that will store solar power via a rechargeable battery system. This system will automatically turn itself on if there is not enough active solar energy available. WHY NOT FACE THE ROOF IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SUN? When I first started learning about solar, I automatically assumed the best direction for a roof to face for solar was west, to gather all the high energy rays from noon until dark. However, westerly facing solar roofs provide one major issue - they do not receive near enough energy in the morning hours. The solution? Southerly facing solar panels. A roof with high exposure to the south will provide the most considerable amount of time with solar absorption on any given *sunny* day. A little trivia: In the southern hemisphere, this is opposite - solar panels go on the north-facing roof. As with anything, there can be exceptions to the rule. Depending on your reasoning for solar, in rare cases, it may benefit you to have your panels face west. For instance, if trying to avoid peak use charges on grid power, a western exposure may help you more than southern exposure, as your home and panels will be receiving the maximum kilowatt-hour (kWh) during these times (late afternoon - dark). No matter what, the best thing to do is to hire a professional roofing company to handle the installation. WRAPPING UP If you are considering solar energy for your home, be sure to bring in a professional to assess your home and discuss with you your needs. Make sure your HOA and county ordinance allows for the installation of solar panels on your roof - before your consultant arrives. Also, it is best for all named title parties to be present during the consultation. Now that you’ve had your consultation sit back, relax, and enjoy paying pennies on the dollar in comparison to what you once paid for electricity.
HOW LONG DO SOLAR PANELS LAST? You’re interested in solar power for your home or office; now what? First things first: solar panels, like any product, do indeed degrade over time. This means there will be a reduction in energy efficiency from year-to-year. The good news is that the enhancements in solar technology over the last decade have provided a much better product. What does that mean for you, the consumer? It means the latest solar panels decline at a rate of about .5% per year. In layman’s terms, if your brand new solar panels are operating at 100% efficiency upon installation, then they will perform at 99.5% efficiency after one year of use, and 90.0% efficiency after 20 years. A vast majority of the solar power industry provides a warranty of excellent length for their product - most often between 25 and 30 years. Investing thousands of dollars will always be a reasonable cause for concern. Still, the solar power industry wants to bring its customers the greatest peace of mind possible, and they do this by backing their products. While your solar panel warranty may expire after 25 years, chances are excellent, your solar panels will still be very efficient for many years to come. SOLAR PANEL ENERGY PAYBACK TIME (EPBT) Like millions of us in the world today, energy and resource conservation has become a huge talking point. Naturally, we want our beautiful planet, with its limited resources, to last as long as possible, so many generations from now, there will still be resources aplenty. The solar power industry has come up with a measurement standard, known as Energy Payback Time, or EPBT, due to the concerns on climate change, reduction in waste product, energy consumption, and things of the ilk. What is EPBT? A concern of solar energy for many consumers is the potential for environmental damage during the manufacturing of the panels themselves. In other words, are you damaging the environment more than you’re going to help it? Absolutely not. So how long does it take to recuperate the energy spent to produce the panels by your usage of the clean, renewable, sustainable energy our closest star provides? Surprisingly, newer, high-efficiency solar panels pay back their ‘debt’ in only six months. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SEVERE WEATHER ON MY PANELS? After investing thousands of dollars into your solar panels, one of your most significant concerns may be the effect severe weather will have on your system. Believe it or not, the United States Government actually has a hand in industry standards that are set for solar panel durability via the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). Over the years, SETO has developed a series of tests that provide consumer confidence in solar energy investments. In 2017, there was a significant hailstorm in Denver, Colorado, that produced hail THREE inches in diameter at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The Denver NREL has 3,000 solar modules, and after the hailstorm, only one panel had been damaged! PEACE OF MIND Rest easy, you have peace of mind. Your panels will survive severe weather, you are helping the environment by using renewable energy, and you have a warranty that may outlast the mortgage on your home. Solar power is the way of the future. Jump on board!
Solar panels are an excellent investment for most homeowners, but understandably so you want to know if there are any “hidden costs” when you install your panels. One of the most common questions is if installing solar panels will cause your property taxes to increase due to the increase in your home’s value. The good news is that the answer is no! While adding solar panels to your home does indeed increase the value of your home, you will not be hit in the wallet come tax time. California offers an exemption. Currently, there are only two ways your property is reassessed by the county. The first is if you sell/buy a new home, your home will be assessed and your property taxes will most likely increase, and the second is if you do a major renovation that requires you to apply for permits. While you do need to apply for permits to install a solar panel system, and as a result, your property value will go up. Still, you will not pay any additional property tax when you install new solar panels until the home is sold. According to Solar Energy Industries Association, an average solar panel system can add around $15,000 more in value to your home. In turn, depending on your property tax rate, this could add several hundred dollars to your yearly property tax bill. So you can count that as significant savings when you install your solar system. You may need to find out if there is an additional form to fill out to qualify for the tax break. Contact your local tax office to find out. It is usually a simple form that needs to be filled out and submitted to qualify for the break. The bill (Senate Bill 871) allows for this exemption in place until the year 2025, so if you are considering installing solar, now is the time to do it so you can get a break on your property taxes. If you want to read more details on the bill, you can check it out here. If you are considering solar panels, give one of our customer service representatives a call at Semper Solaris, and we can get the ball rolling on a solar panel system for you! We can go over a cost analysis and evaluate your roof and how much sun your home receives and discuss options with you. What about sales tax? Is there an exemption for that? While some states offer one, unfortunately, California does not have an exemption for sales tax on a solar panel system, so you will have to pay that tax. Does California State offer a tax credit on my yearly tax return? California used to offer a tax break on the purchase of solar panels, but it does not any longer. That went away in 2005. The only tax credit available is the Federal Tax Credit, which currently gives a 26% tax credit.
Solar panels are a significant investment, but you may be wondering… What about when it’s dark? Do my panels still work? Well, the easy answer is no. Solar panels are made from a photovoltaic material that needs sunlight to produce energy, so when it is dark, the panels do not produce power. However, that doesn’t mean you will be left out in the dark! Your solar panels go into standby mode, and you draw power from the grid instead. Here are a few ways you can still keep your home up and running during the evening hours Net metering: This term means that during the day while your panels are producing excess power, that extra is sent back to the grid, and you earn credits. At night, you can draw those credits back to use instead of paying for power from the grid. You will have to check with your local power company to see if net metering is available in your area, or give Semper Solaris a call. Some power companies are phasing out net metering, or they charge a higher rate for you to use those credits. What if my company doesn’t have net metering or if I use all of my credits up? In the evening, when your panels go into standby mode, you will draw power from the grid-like you usually would. You will receive a bill for your usage just like you do now, but it will be a smaller bill than usual because your panels provided your home with electricity during the day. Battery Backup System: Investing in batteries is a great way to store your own power, so you do not have to rely on net metering or the grid at all. When your panels are producing more energy than you can use during the day, the excess is channeled to a bank of batteries. At night, your system will switch to battery power, and you can use your stored solar energy to keep your home up and running free from the grid! You can also rely on your batteries during blackouts or other types of power outages. What about cloudy or rainy days? Well, luckily, your panels still produce some power even when there is no direct sunlight. In fact, sometimes your panels provide more energy during cloudy days because the sunlight reflects on the clouds, which can produce more power than the sun alone. Generally, on a cloudy or rainy day, though, your panels will provide 10-25% of what they usually would, so you may have to rely on the grid for power unless you have a battery backup system. Give us a call if you would like to learn more about installing a battery backup system with your solar panels. We can evaluate your current panels to see if we can add batteries, or if you do not have solar and want to install both at the same time, we can help!
Solar energy is a great way to provide your home with clean energy, but the initial cost of installing a solar system can seem like a considerable investment. You may be wondering if solar is a wise investment for you. Read on for some valuable information you can use to see if solar is the right choice for you! How much do you pay for your electricity? The best indicator to see if an investment in solar is worth it is to look at your monthly bill. Rates in most California cities are pretty high, and most of us like to run our air conditioners because our summers are hot and long. There are some great online calculators that you can use, such as Project Sunroof on Google or Energy Sage. Both can help you determine if a solar system is a good investment for you or if it's worth going solar in California. If your monthly bill is higher than average, an investment in solar may be a good idea for you, since you would end up seeing a return more quickly than homeowners with a smaller bill. If you are already thrifty with your electricity, solar is still a good idea! You won’t see your system “pay for itself” as quickly. What about the federal tax credit? Well, you’re in luck! While the federal tax credit percentage is decreasing, you can still benefit from it. It currently sits at 26%, so that is quite a savings on your tax return. The great thing about this credit is that if you can’t use the full credit the first year, the rest rolls over to your next year’s tax return, so you don’t lose it. Remember that this rebate only goes to you if you buy your panels. Leasing a solar system gives your tax credit back to the leasing company. You can read more detail about it here: Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics. The savings of the federal tax rebate, on the other hand, can help to install solar panels a worthwhile investment. What about long term savings? Well, there are other ways in which your solar panels “pay” you back! The average home with solar gains a 4.1% return in value when the house is sold. In fact, nowhere: Here's How Much Adding Solar Panels Will Boost Your Home's Value in the nation saw a decline in the worth of a home due to solar panels. Depending on how you pay for your panels, you will get a more significant return on your investment. If you can pay cash, the savings are immediate, and over time it adds up to thousands more in your pocket. If you finance your panels, it takes a bit longer to see the savings. Leasing your panels gives you a smaller return since you don’t own the equipment. You still save on your monthly electric bill, but there is no return on your investment when you sell your home. Get multiple quotes, and don’t always assume that a huge company will be cheaper. Many times a local company like Semper Solaris will give you a better deal, and you are supporting a family-owned business. If you would like to learn more, give us a call, and we can set up an appointment to evaluate your home.
Step By Step Guide To Installing Solar Panels Are you getting serious about going solar? If so, you may be wondering about a few things. How does installing solar panels work? Who installs solar panels? How long does it take? What are the pros and cons? It is helpful to understand the solar installation process so you can check all the boxes on your new adventure into solar energy for your home. 1. Find the Right Solar Company Once you have decided that you do want to switch to solar, the first thing you need to do is find the right solar installer. There are so many of us out there it may seem overwhelming. Get started on the right footing by finding a local solar company with an excellent reputation. Strong reputation in the solar industry History of excellent customer satisfaction and reviews Experience in every aspect of solar installation All business and trade licenses for contracting, electrical, and home improvement North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Certification (NABC) Semper Solaris is the right company with years of experience in the installation of solar panels. We have a solid reputation in the solar industry built on trust and excellent customer satisfaction. 2. Initial Site Evaluation and Signing of Contract Once you have chosen a solar company, a representative will come out and do the initial inspection of your home. They will evaluate the property and take measurements and discuss the options with you. They will show you how much you will save and offer rebates, incentives, and solar financing opportunities so you can make a firm decision whether to invest in solar panels. Once you are satisfied that you have the right solar company, you will sign a contract, and the installation process will begin. 3. In-depth Site Assessment The site assessment is a more comprehensive evaluation of your home for your solar system. An engineer or technician from your solar company will come out and assess various aspects of your home for solar installation Will your roof support the panels? What is the direction of the roof? Where is the best exposure to sunlight? Is the electrical box is compatible with the system? Is a roof or ground-mounted system better for your property? Semper Solaris is the best solar contractor for answers to those questions. We have answered them hundreds of times, and we will get you up and running with solar in no time. 4. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork Your solar company will handle most of the paperwork and apply for permits with the city. You will need to complete building permits, rebates, incentives, and financing arrangements before work can begin on your solar panel system. The permitting process will take from 30 to 90 days. Your installer should be experienced with your city’s procedures and will handle the permits through to final approval. The local permitting agency will review the permit applications for compliance with state and local requirements for safety. Structural safety Electrical safety Planning and Zoning Fire Safety Once your project receives the permitting approval of your system design, your installer will order the equipment and set a date for beginning the installation. The installation will take a few days. Once your solar contractor has installed all the panels and the wiring, he will install the inverter, so the DC is converted to AC. 5. The Final Steps in Going Solar Now it is time to connect to the electrical grid. In this last phase, the city planning and utility company will come to inspect your solar installation Does the system meet all regulations? Is the system installed correctly? Are the connections attached correctly? Are the electrical systems working properly 6. Final Approval And now the moment you have been waiting for! With a flip of the switch, your solar power is buzzing on the roof. Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a fantastic innovation of modern technology—you have harnessed the sun— you have taken a step towards energy independence –you have reduced your carbon footprint—it is all savings from here on out. Semper Solaris is the best solar company to flip the switch on your new solar panels. From the planning to the permitting to final approval, we will be there every step of the way to see that your solar power system is the best it can be.
