Renewable Energy | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC
In Carmel Valley, we are informed and concerned about the world beyond our own backyards. We are conservation conscious and engaged in finding answers for the world’s problems through technology, whether from global warming or world hunger, disease, and poverty. From lowering electric bills to saving the planet, solar power leads the way in solving critical issues we face in our homes, communities, and across the globe. Cost-effective, perpetually available, and technologically viable, the awesome power of the sun is providing answers to difficult problems that once seemed impossible. Semper Solaris is committed to a safe and sustainable world through renewable energy. We are a solar company on the forefront of promoting residential and commercial solar installations. We believe Solar Power holds the potential for a better world for all. We are the best solar company for Carmel Valley solar solutions for the rooftop and beyond. Saving the planet We all know about greenhouse gases, carbon footprint, and moving towards a clean environment with renewable energy. At Semper Solaris, we understand the effect of fossil fuels on the environment and are committed to protecting it. Solar power is the leading alternative to fossil fuels and the most efficient way to achieve the goals of a sustainable world whether it is solar power in Carmel Valley or remote countries across the globe. Air Pollution Solar Power can reduce and eliminate the release of dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous causing greenhouse gases and hazardous air. Toxic Water The most significant percentage of toxic water pollution comes from coal-fired power plants. The use of solar power will go a long way toward reducing toxic waterways. Hazardous Waste Toxic waste is dumped into landfills, abandoned mines, and poisonous pools. The waste from fossil fuel byproducts fossil has dangerous levels of metal toxicity. Solar power is clean energy and does not produce hazardous waste. Ocean Acidification Fossil Fuel emissions released into the air and absorbed into the ocean has altered the chemistry of the sea, making it more and more acidic. Acidification is causing a mutation of the ecosystem and threatens not only the fish and wildlife but erodes the attributes of the ocean by which shellfish, coral reefs and necessary organisms for sea life thrive. Solar power is on the pioneering forefront of the conservation of the air and sea. Protecting the environment protects you and your family from diseases caused by pollution and other environmental issues. Solar power is clean and plentiful, and rooftop solar in homes and the city is the wave of the future. Semper Solaris is the most knowledgeable and experienced at solar installation in Carmel Valley. Solar technology and electricity The need for electricity worldwide is increasing as more innovative technologies are added to the mix of things powered by electricity. Energy driven appliances and even medical devices have become necessary for sustenance and quality of life in our modern world. Solar power is cost-effective, and the sunlight is free, making it the most economical way to bring more electricity to communities across the globe. Refrigeration Air Conditioning Communication Electric Powered Transportation Innovation and Invention Medical Equipment Global Poverty Solar power provides access to the electrical power needed to fuel the modern necessities of life that we enjoy in America. The poor of the world spend exponentially more on electricity that comes from inefficient sources like fossil fuel plants and poorly constructed and maintained transmission lines. Solar is a key component in fighting poverty worldwide. Global Water Scarcity Throughout the world, there are places with a shortage of drinking water due to pollution and mismanagement and even drought. Whether from natural or human origins, the lack of safe water and demand for water resources has increased faster than population growth in some countries of the world. Solar power is a means for solving the global water crisis by providing renewable energy that reduces water pollution and, unlike fossil fuels, does not use water to generate power. In fact, Solar Technology may be the answer to the global water crisis as scientific advances emerge from innovation and discovery. Solar power helping the homeless Here at home, we know too well that there is a severe homelessness problem. Basics like food, shelter, water, and power are not readily available to the homeless who face the hazards of living day to day without those necessities of life enjoyed by most of us locally and globally. Solar power is here again on the front-lines producing answers. Solar energy is being deployed globally to help the homeless live safer and providing some of the essential tools for survival. More importantly, solar power is a means of transitioning out of homelessness. Solar Innovations help the homeless: An all-girl engineering team from the San Fernando valley creates a solar-powered tent for the homeless. Solar Suitcases provide lighting and charging stations so people can contact necessary services or look for jobs. Homeless encampments provide tiny homes using solar power. Solar-powered pods are complete with kitchens and bathrooms Outdoor solar-powered showers in London. And the list of solar solutions goes on as we move towards a world that offers simple, technology-based answers to complex issues. The feasibility of solving major world problems or protecting the environment through solar power in the world and solar power in Carmel Valley is both economically and technologically attainable. Semper Solaris supports helping the world achieve sustainability and those living in poverty live better lives. Clean air and water are essential to health and wellbeing. Clean, cheap, and readily available, solar power is the future of a sustainable, equitable world. We are experts in the field and are the best solar company in Carmel Valley. Call us today! If you don’t yet have a solar system installed, now is the time to join the future of renewable energy and help solve big world problems, starting with your home. Click here to learn more about solar in Carmel Valley.
Fossil fuels have long been discovered to be not only harmful for the environment and public health, but also finite. This makes them much less sustainable, more unpredictable, and more expensive than renewable energy sources like wind, water, and solar. For the average homeowner, the most accessible way to be a part of the sustainable energy movement is the investment in a solar energy system. How Solar Panels Can Be Utilized in Your Community Having solar panels in Encinitas can be very beneficial for homeowners, especially considering the extensive amount of the sun the area receives coupled with high electricity costs (37.63% higher than the national average). If you are wondering how you can make solar panels work for your home. What Makes Going Solar So Appealing? As a renewable energy source, there are many benefits that fossil fuels simply can’t offer. While there are also some disadvantages to consider, we believe the long-term benefits of renewable energy far outweigh more traditional energy sources. At the end of the day, we need to move towards what is more sustainable for the future of our planets -- and, of course, our wallets! Protects the Environment & Public Health With the dominant use of fossil fuels over the years, there is no doubt that water and air pollution and other damages have plagued the globe. While renewable energy sources do generate some greenhouse gases and pollutants in the process of converting the energy, it is very miniscule in comparison to the damage fossil fuels can do. Solar and other renewable sources can greatly reduce our carbon footprint as well as health issues such as respiratory and cardiac problems that stem from fossil fuel pollutants. More Savings Over Time Renewable energy sources offer great savings, providing more accessible resources that can significantly reduce expenses with long term use. Depending on the size of the system you invest in, the amount of electricity you use, and the amount of sunshine your area gets, you could be looking at even more savings. On top of the savings to your electricity bills, as a homeowner you get the benefit of added value to your property. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels not only sell for a higher price, but also sell quicker than comparable homes without solar panels. Renewable Energy Requires Minimal Maintenance Compared to generators designed to use fossil fuel sources, renewable energy systems will typically require much less maintenance. Why? Renewable energy systems are designed simply to thrive in the elements and experience much less wear and tear. Solar panels, for example, have fewer parts and are not dependent on a flammable or dangerous fuel source that could cause damage to the system trying to utilize it. Further, solar panels are designed to last decades. While warranties typically extend up to 25 to 30 years, some solar panels could perform efficiently for as long as 80+ years depending on the rate of degradation. Cuts Back on Foreign Energy Reliance Your solar panels allow you to produce energy directly in Encinitas, making it a local energy producer compared to many fossil fuel systems that rely on foreign energy resources. Other renewable energy resources also produce from their local area, cutting back dependence on imported energy sources. The less dependent the U.S. is on foreign energy providers, the more protected our economy remains, especially if we are producing the energy ourselves through sustainable methods. Things to Consider Before Embracing Sustainable Energy So what are some disadvantages homeowners interested in getting behind solar need to think through? There are more upfront costs associated with getting your system up and running compared to simply plugging into the grid. Also, if you don’t live in a very sunny area, there can be intermittency (and you also have to consider that your panels can’t obtain energy from the sun during the nighttime). While solar storage is becoming more available, not every homeowner wants to be completely independent from the grid -- you will, however, gain much more control of your electricity bills in the face of rising electricity costs and often get credits for any energy produced during the daytime that you didn’t use, which can be credited towards electricity you use from the grid after the sun goes down. So all that said, yes, there are some drawbacks that traditional energy sources don’t have, but solar technology only continues to improve and become more affordable, shrinking the drawbacks even more. Join the Renewable Energy Movement Today With numerous state incentives, rebates, and tax credits available to homeowners looking to invest in renewable energy, solar installation in Encinitas is easier and more affordable than ever before. Transitioning to solar energy can not only help you save money in the long run, but also helps protect our environment, public health, and add value to your home. All of these factors make switching to sustainable solar energy extremely beneficial. Whether you are looking to be completely independent from the grid and rising electricity costs or just want to help supplement your current electricity bills by using the maximum solar power when possible, our solar contractors are ready to find the right option for you. We have years of collective experience, believe in hiring vets to provide exceptional service and support, and offer a range of solar panels for our customers’ specific needs. We’ll walk you through the process to ensure you understand all the benefits of solar panels’ sustainable energy and help you determine if this is the right time for you to install a system on your home. Still have questions? Semper Solaris can provide the answers. Learn more about Solar in Encinitas!
While fossil fuels are the main source of electricity in the U.S., they are very costly -- both in the financial cost to harvest these fuel sources and the negative impact they are having on our environment. There is no denying that solar will be cheaper in the long run (technically the sun’s energy is free!) and helpful for the environment. While solar panel systems still cost money to develop in order to convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity, it is growing more and more affordable as technology develops. Further, fossil fuels are arguably becoming more and more scarce, as there are limited resources available on our earth. On the other hand, the sun’s power is extremely consistent and unending. By switching over more and more applications to solar energy, we can help reduce our dependence on harmful and waning fossil fuels and protect the long-term health of our environment. Types of Energy Sources Fossil fuels are made up of once living organisms that have taken centuries to break down and transform into their current state. They primarily include carbon and hydrogen bonds. The most common fossil fuels include: CoalNatural GasOil Renewable energy are sources of energy that come from naturally replenishing sources and cleaner processes than modern fossil fuels. The most common types of renewable energy include: Solar PowerWind PowerHydroelectric PowerGeothermal PowerBiomass Power Benefits of Renewable Energy When it comes to solar and other renewable energy sources, there are many benefits. In addition to improving the health of communities, renewable energy greatly impacts the health of the environment. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar provides a source of clean and renewable power, reducing the carbon footprint across California, the U.S., and the entire globe. Fossil fuel burning results in greenhouse gas emissions, pollution of our air, pollution of our water, wildlife and land damage, and other environmental problems. According to a study done by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine, renewable energy options produce much lower greenhouse gas emissions “per unit of electricity produced” compared to how much coal and natural gas plants will produce. However, some renewable energy options like biomass and geothermal can be just as harmful as fossil fuels, which is why more research must be done on these alternative options. Solar and wind power still lead the way in the most clean and growingly affordable renewable sources. In regards to solar, the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that by switching to solar power, an average-sized home in Connecticut (which uses about 8,756 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year) could greatly reduce emissions. Essentially, it was the equivalent to planting 155 new trees -- every year. That is just one small example of what switching to solar and other alternative options could do for our environment. The Bay Area is leading the way in ushering in renewable energy. Interested in learning more about your solar options? Contact Semper Solaris’ today.
While current solar technology is still fairly new, the power of the sun is no modern revelation. The sun is the most powerful and consistent source of energy available to humans. The first solar device to produce a notable amount of electricity was created in 1954 at Bell Labs. Just several years later, the technology was being used in a few select projects, but would soon explode in interested by the 1970s due to current energy concerns. Unfortunately, the high price of PV production prevented more large-scale use of solar technology. Thanks to significant research and developments, modern solar technology is becoming more and more affordable for average homeowners and businesses across the globe. What You Need to Know About Photovoltaic Technology So what does modern solar technology look like today? Photovoltaic, or PV, devices harness sunlight and turn it into electricity. The key? The materials used to make solar arrays or panels are natural semiconductors. When the electrons in them are struck by photons (energy of the sun), they are freed up from their atomic bonds, allowing them to travel through an electrical circuit to provide useable electricity. This can then be used to power electronic devices or sent to a local electricity grid. Essentially, the uses of solar energy can reach beyond just a single home and stretch out to an entire community, even if some of the homes in that area don’t have solar panels. From homes to commercial businesses, solar panels can power both personal devices and large-scale facilities. Common Types of PVs Crystalline silicon (c-Si) - Accounting for about 90% of the globe’s PVs, c-Si is extremely popular due to it's durability and efficiency. Other variations include monocrystalline, polycrystalline and string ribbon PVs. Thin-film PV - Though less efficient than traditional c-Si arrays, these panels are more affordable to produce, thus creating a fast-growing market for cheaper priced solar panel systems. Concentrating PV - These panels are typically seen in vast desert areas, utilizing lenses and mirrors to reflect the power of the sun in a more concentrated manner onto highly efficient cells.Multi-junction / tandem cells - These specialized solar cells are typically reserved for specific projects that require lightweight material and extremely efficient production, making them a prime choice for satellites and military uses. Where PV Technology Is Going While having a solar panel system installed on a home seemed like a great luxury a decade ago, the dropping cost of PV has made solar more and more accessible to homeowners across the U.S. The industry has seen a great demand for more sustainable and renewable energy options, driving up manufacturing and pushing for improved technology and more efficient materials. Though the U.S. is the fourth largest market for PV installations, it is still behind other smaller countries that aren’t as dependent on fossil fuels. The more the U.S. and other major countries adopt this technology, the more it is likely to develop. Questions? Reach out to our Orange County solar company for helpful answers.
PPA vs. Lease: What’s Right for Solar? When it comes to getting a solar panel system installed on your roof, there are many decisions to be made – including tough financial decisions. For some homeowners, the ability to finance a system may not be possible. This is where solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) come into play. These are two options available to homeowners who are looking to save on their electricity bills by switching to solar without carrying the full financial burden of financing or paying off their own solar system. Under both a solar lease and solar PPA, the homeowner themselves will not own the actual solar energy installation placed onto their roof. Instead, a PPA or lease company has true ownership over the system. While very similar, PPAs and leases have some very distinct differences between them. Selecting the right one for your project is important! Breaking Down Your Solar Options Solar leases – Under this type of agreement, a homeowner doesn’t own any of the equipment installed on their roof or connected to their home. They will still have the same interaction with their utility company in terms of buying and selling electricity (i.e. net metering), just as someone who actually owned their solar panels would. A homeowner can expect to pay monthly rent throughout the terms of the agreement, which can range from around 20 to 25 years. Solar PPAs – Under this type of agreement, the homeowner doesn’t own the equipment or even make any leasing payments. Instead, the PPA company comes in and installs their solar panel system on the house and actually sells the homeowner the electricity produced by the panels for a negotiated rate. With a PPA, the homeowner can either opt to pay for only the electricity they actually end up using or a fixed monthly amount, depending on the agreement details. Similarly to a lease, the agreements tend to run up to 25 years. The specifics of the agreements can vary based on homeowner preference. For example, a contractor may offer zero down, free installation, a down payment, prepaid leases, varying kW sizes, and other factors. Make the Best Solar Choice for Your Needs So what’s the better option, a solar lease or PPA? At the end of the day, it comes down to what makes the most sense for your particular situation. You may prefer to not have a lease payment and be able to negotiate on the pricing of your electricity with a PPA or like the flexibility of leasing panels while buying / selling the electricity produced by it. The last option available to homeowners is financing or paying cash. For those that are able to, this is the most financially beneficial, as the homeowner will typically be able to pay offer the system in 12 or less years. Still, both solar leases and PPA agreement are viable options for those that want to benefit from the perks of solar without all the upfront costs. Still interested in learning more about your different solar payment options in San Diego? Semper Solaris is here to provide insight. Schedule your free energy analysis now!
EMERGING SOLAR TECHNOLOGY The future of Solar energy is promising as solar becomes more efficient, bringing with it innovation and the latest trends in solar technology. New chip technology, micro-inverters, and improvements to solar tech products are promising better and more efficient solar ideas. And looking to the future, groundbreaking technologies for building materials are on the horizon. Fresh new designs make rooftop solar more attractive. Bifacial solar panels Also called double-sided panels, bifacial solar panels capture sunlight through both sides. They produce more energy than standard panels offering more savings on the cost of energy. All glass solar panels Glass panels have a sleek design that is more attractive and durable than regular silicon cell panels. These can are used in creative ways such as being built into skylights. They also are less prone to degradation and offer fire resistance as well. Frameless solar panels If you don’t like the unattractive solar frames in rooftop panels, frameless solar sections use a unique mounting that looks more lustrous and matches the system for a modernized appearance. Clear solar panels Clear solar panels are frameless and visually appealing. They are enclosed in glass. They use the same technology as standard panels, but the cells are inserted between to glass casings instead of opaque backing Solar skin New technology brings designs for a custom look to match your roof to your solar panel system with smart grids that are smaller than traditional panels. A few companies are pioneering this Solar Shingles These designer solar roof panels are set apart from other panel innovations. You can go solar without even noticing it on the roof. Tesla’s tiles are more durable than roof materials and will blend in with the style of your home. They are made with many styles of glass including textured and smooth glass and are one of the next great trends in solar. Solar windows Look for this amazing technology that makes sense. Solar windows generate electricity as the sun comes shining through the special hi-tech coating embedded in the glass. There is a vision beyond the solar products you can acquire for your home or business or gadgets and inventions that we use in our lives. Pioneering research is paving the way for newer and better ways to reduce and eliminate the carbon footprint and offer a quality of life that is environmentally safe and maintainable. Hornets And Grasshoppers As we move forward in meeting the world's energy needs and addressing sustainability and climate control, scientists are looking to nature for answers. It is apparent that we will need more and more electricity. We are accustomed to relying on electricity for the things we use each day—like turning on the air conditioner. And as the temperatures rise in the cities—that is not about to change. Architect and Biologist Doris Kim Sung has looked to human anatomy for answers in the functioning of human skin and creating materials that work the same way. She has designed what is called a “Thermal Bimetal Skin” which can be used in architecture to regulate temperatures much in the way our skin functions to control the temperature in the body. It uses no electricity at all and can help control the temperatures in buildings to cut down on power used for heating and cooling systems. She is also looking to the respiratory system of grasshoppers for ideas on ventilation in buildings. Scientists have found that some hornets use sunlight to produce electricity inside their exoskeletons. In an experiment, a solution was extracted then placed in a solar cell conductor, when exposed to light, the pigment in the solution generated electricity. Extracting energy from plants, animals and insects and biogenic solar cells made from living bacteria are in the sphere of scientific discovery. Electrical capability from solar and other renewable sources is outdoing those from fossil fuels. Solar energy is one of the least expensive energy choices. Saving money and advances in solar technology leading to more options for the homeowner, make it an attractive option for homeowners in Escondido where sunshine is abundant. From wearables to solar-powered cars. Solar tech is on the move. And Semper Solaris is a leader in providing the best solar products and installation. Call us today to begin taking advantage of the future of renewable energy—and go solar.
HOW TO GET MORE FROM YOUR SOLAR POWER If you have a rooftop solar installation or are considering a solar system in your Temecula home, you are already aware of the money you will save on utility bills. The more the sun shines on your solar panels, the more electricity they generate, and you can improve the effectiveness of your system and using the best practices for optimum solar energy efficiency. Your solar installer will help you choose the best location for your panels for the best value. Here Are Some Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Solar Power System ENERGY USAGE Find out when your solar panels are the most productive. There are smart apps that will monitor your solar energy panels by showing how much power the panels generate, how much power you use, and how much goes back to the grid. Then you will know when your system is the most productive. Adjust your power usage. Find out which devices or appliances in your home use the most power and use them when your solar system is generating the most. You can also program appliances to run during those times with smart apps. Coordinate your Time of Use rates with your Solar System’s optimum output to run your most expensive appliances like washer and dryer during the times of lowest rates. Stagger your consumption. Using many appliances and devices at the same time could lead to using more power than your system is generating causing you to use more expensive energy from your utility provider. Use smart plugs or power strips for standby electrical devices so they can be off instead of pulling electricity when not in use. TV’s, DVD players, and other devices on standby can add to your monthly consumption unnecessarily. With a smart plug, you can keep your DVR plugged in while the other devices are off until you intend to use them. Use timers on your appliances and run during your optimum solar generation. Led lights only use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last a lot longer. Motion sensor lights in hallways and on your porch will cut down on unnecessary lighting. Energy Star appliances use nearly 40 percent less energy. PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT Weatherize your home. Don’t lose what your panels generate through leaky windows or doors. Keep your panels clean by clearing debris, such as leaves or branches or dirt to avoid a reduction in energy yield. You can schedule a cleaning with your solar panel provider or consider installing a cleaning system Keep trees and foliage trimmed, so they aren’t blocking or shading your panels from the sun and ensure falling branches do not damage your panels. Store power for your home to make up for when your panels are not generating enough energy. Semper Solaris can install an Enphase Encharge Battery or Tesla Powerwall backup battery for surplus power. The combination of solar panels with a backup battery can meet nearly 90 percent of your energy needs when you need more. Get a 25-year warranty with Semper Solaris solar power installations. Temecula homeowners are joining the solar revolution. If you have not installed solar in your home, prices are lower than they ever have been with rebates and tax incentives. Call Semper Solaris for an evaluation of your home and take advantage of lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprint. We can help join your neighbors and go solar.
Under California’s new energy storage mandates, SDG&E is required to create solar battery storage facilities for a total of 331 megawatts. So far, SDG&E has been granted approval for 5 facilities, which will cover about 83.5 megawatts, while currently a 30-megawatt battery storage center is already in function. The locations for the facilities include Escondido, Poway, San Diego, Fallbrook, and San Juan Capistrano. Why are California policymakers pushing for solar energy storage? Currently, renewable energy faces challenges with intermittency—or consistency due to limited hours of sunlight or a lack of wind. While overall reliable, there is some issue with slumps in power. On the other hands, sometimes there is an overproduction of renewable energy without enough immediate demand to use up the energy created, which has forced California Independent System Operator to face the decision of sending this unused power to other states—or even curtail the production. The solution? Create battery storage facilities to store the power rather than give it away or shut it off. This allows cities to capitalize on more production during peak times and rely on reserves during the lulls in energy production. Ultimately, the goal of battery storage facilities is to help reduce California’s (and other states taking this approach) dependency on natural gas, which still holds a major grip on the state’s electric generation. Are Battery Facilities the Right Answer? While policymakers are onboard for battery storage facilities, promoting projects across Southern California, not all people share this viewpoint. Some skeptics believe that current energy storage technologies are too expensive an investment. This mindset doesn’t take into consideration the current challenges of overproduction during peak hours (and loss of that overproduction due to lack of storage or usage), as well as issues with over-demand during lulls in solar production. Though the cost may be several cents higher, the reality is that over time, prices can be driven down with better technology and efficiency. In addition, there are other benefits to consider when it comes to renewable energy storage. What makes battery storages facilities beneficial: Enable the local grid to be more resilient Improves reliability and accessibility of renewable energy Provides a safety net or resource to be drawn upon in emergencies Allows cities to take full advantage of solar and wind production Investing in technologies now could mean a brighter, better future Altogether, these benefits point to the reason California policymakers are pushing for storage facilities and calling upon utility companies like SDG&E to pick of the mantle in this area of renewable energy. Energy Storage Technology Helps Fill in the Gaps While there is still some debate about the cost-benefits of solar battery storage, the reality is that the technology is still new and continually improving. The more the use of solar battery spreads, the more the technology will become more affordable and accessible. That means with more and more residents in San Diego going solar, the state will be able to better capitalize on solar energy production. Where previously California would have to funnel energy out to other states during excess times, the battery facilities will now allow more of that energy production to be kept in the state and used for dips. The battery facilities will ideally continue to become more affordable over time, becoming a practical way to store up the “harvest” of solar power during the sunniest of days so that homes can draw upon these reserves when needed. Essentially, solar battery facilities help fill the gaps in energy needs and demands so that renewable energy sources can be used more widespread.
There is no denying that electrical costs in San Diego and nearly all of Southern California are on the rise. As the state continues to move towards renewable energy resources like solar, the cost for grid-tied, traditional electricity continues to rise. San Diego residents are going to see clear spikes in their electric bills over the next few years. In fact, you’ve probably already noticed some serious increases with San Diego Gas & Electric. SDGE has even requested another round of major rate increases that would go into place in 2019. The increases would total up to 28% by 2022, which means major cost increases for San Diego residents. It is pretty clear that having solar panels installed is now more crucial than ever for residents who don’t want to see such major spikes in their energy bills. Our Semper Solaris in San Diego is happy to help local homeowners understand their options when it comes to going solar. Take Advantage of Cost-Saving Opportunities While solar provides savings by cutting back on electrical expenses, there are also other cost-saving opportunities that can make going solar even more affordable and attractive to homeowners. Semper Solaris is extremely familiar with installer solar panel systems in San Diego. We’ve helped countless customers take advantage of lowering their SDGE bills and know the process inside and out. So how can you tell if it will be worth the investment for your home? The biggest factor is ensuring the cost of installation is covered and exceeded by the production of your solar panels. That means some factors like panel type and size, roof size and adjustments needed, weather, functionality over a 25-year period, and financing choices all come into play. If you payback your solar panels in an average of 5 to 6 years, you could be looking at significant savings over the lifespan of solar panels. Find Out How Much You Can Save with Solar At Semper Solaris, we make it our mission to help our customers truly maximize their savings on solar. That means we will go over your options when it comes to selecting the right solar panel type, battery storage options, and potential rebates and offers that may apply to you. We want to make sure that going solar is worthwhile for you. Interested in finding out just how much you could save on your electric bills by having solar panels installed? We are here to provide the answers. Connect with Semper Solaris today to learn more.
As one of the leaders of solar power usage, San Diego has added another piece of renewable energy infrastructure to the city. The San Diego Padres’ Petco Park began installation of a new 336,520-watt solar power system in January of this year and wrapped up the project by March, ahead of Opening Day for the team. This is just another example of the Padres commitment to leading the league in energy sustainability. The new solar polar system is now considered the biggest system in the Major League Baseball. Exactly how big was the project? To put it in perspective, more than 715 high-efficiency solar modules were used, each generating up to 470-watts of energy. It is projected to generate 330 kilowatts of solar power, which is sufficient to cover the energy needs of the whole front office for the Padres. In the next 25 years, the system is estimated to produce more than 12 million kilowatt hours, resulting in millions of dollars in savings throughout its years of usage. For San Diego, this is a great achievement in promoting energy sustainability. Petco Park is considered one of the top sporting venues in the city, making a serious statement about their dedication to promoting cleaner energy and capitalizing on the real savings offered by solar power. San Diego Leads the Way in Solar Power As the eighth largest city in the U.S., San Diego is poised to make a serious impact when it comes to renewable energy. The current population sits just around 1.4 million, with nearly 490,220 households - many of which are considering adding solar panels to their properties. The goal of the city to become more sustainable should come as no surprise after Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s words: “San Diego continues to lead the way on climate action as we march toward our ultimate goal of 100 percent renewable energy.” He hopes that Petco Park’s commitment to this vision will help spur other major business and homeowners to take similar action. The Mayor and all of San Diego are looking towards a future goal of cutting greenhouse gases in half by the year 2035. He also aims to have the city run on 100 percent renewable energy by this time. Though his goals are ambitious, it’s a vision that is resonating with more and more San Diego residents, especially considering the rising cost and impact of traditional electricity production. Join the Clean Energy Movement The great news about the solar movement? It doesn’t just benefit the environment and make San Diego’s energy consumption more sustainable -- it also makes it more affordable and can even put money back in the pocket of homeowners thanks to Net Metering laws. What more incentive do you need to join the clean energy movement? Going solar in San Diego can help you protect your beautiful city and your long-term savings all in one. Ready to join the movement? Start by learning how much going solar can save you. Give Semper Solaris a call today.
While there are plenty of energy options available to consumers, solar energy is emerging as one of the most effective. Energy harnessed from the sun’s rays is unique in that it is essentially “clean,” providing homeowners, schools, businesses, and all types of facilities with a renewable source of energy. California is one of the leaders in solar power production. In fact, it is leading the nation in number of projects installed, currently sitting at 842,977. California Legislature has even proposed that all of the state’s electricity resources come from renewable energy by 2045. What does this mean for homeowners considering their energy options? As solar power continues to become a priority for California, the incentive to switch to solar grows more and more. Fossil Fuels vs. Solar Energy So what about the old, still heavily used energy source, fossil fuel? Most commonly, fossil fuels refer to natural gas, coal, and oil. Collectively, these fossil fuels have accounted for a majority of the earth’s energy usage. Drilling for these natural resources can be costly and damaging to the earth’s surface, water sources, and more. Not only that, but we are coming dangerously close to depleting many of our main sources of fuels. That means either investing a significant amount of time and money mining for additional resources or finding a new source of energy. At the end of the day, no matter how useful we’ve found fossil fuels in the past, society cannot ignore the fact that fossil fuels create serious pollution. Fossil fuels are not renewable and take much longer to form vs. the rate we are using them. What exactly does the pollution problem look like? Around 21.3 billion tons of CO2 every year, which is considered to be a global warming contributor by scientists. Solar Changes the Energy Game Solar power is changing the game though. By converting sunlight into electricity through solar panel systems, people all over California (and the country) have access to a much cleaner source of energy. But how do we get the equipment to harvest the sun’s power? It is true that solar panels are manufactured using some fossil fuels at this point, however, it is a very minimal amount compared to utilizing fossil fuels for all electricity needs. As PV panel prices continue to drop and more innovation drives the way solar panels are manufactured, the process will get much cleaner. Not only that, but the financial advantages of switching to primarily renewable energy (both wind and solar) significantly outweigh the expense of harvesting and using fossil fuels in the long-run. In comparison with other renewable energy sources, solar power is the most accessible for homeowners. Panels can affordably be installed based on a family’s budget, home size, and overall electricity needs. This means a clean earth has never been more accessible and affordable to our modern world. So why wait? Find out how you can make the switch to solar today. Contact Semper Solaris to learn more about our team and our solar options.
You may have heard some buzz about how solar panels cuts costs on energy bills or that they’re eco-friendly. But chances are, this is pretty much all you know about them - and that’s 100% okay. But it’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting into when it comes to making the switch to solar energy. What Are Interesting Facts About Solar Energy? Here are 10 interesting facts about solar energy: 1. The first solar panel cell was invented in 1941 In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect—that is, the ability to create an electric current from the sun’s rays. Shortly after, Russell Ohl invented the first solar panel cell in 1941 and the first commercial panel was put out by Bell Laboratories in 1954. Today, solar panel history is still being paved, as Semper Solaris continues to install industry-leading solar panels every day. 2. One hour of sunlight equals one year’s worth of energy for the entire earth Solar power starts with solar energy, which is energy produced by the sun. When the sunbeams, its energy can be stored in solar panels. These solar panels transform energy into power in two different ways – photovoltaic, which is power used for electricity, and solar thermal, which is power used for heating. The energy from the sun is the most abundant energy source available on Earth. With just one hour of direct sunlight, you could collect enough energy to generate a year’s worth of power for the entire Earth. There’s a lot of electrical juice from the sun! All you need is a cord (aka, solar panels) that’ll transform the energy from point A (the sun) to point B (electricity that can be used by your home) to power up all your home energy requirements. Everything that you need to know about solar: Solar for Beginners! 3. California is the biggest proponent of solar energy in the United States As of 2022, California’s solar power usage topped all other states, clocking in 39,729 megawatts of solar energy use. The state has enough solar energy systems installed to power 10.7 million homes. Other states that follow just behind California in solar energy production and usage include North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada and New Jersey. But, as the popularity of solar power grows with increasingly affordable access, you can expect to see more states jump on board, expanding the overall market. 4. Solar panels can produce power without direct sunlight You read that right! The sun is the most abundant source of energy for solar panels to absorb and convert into power, but it doesn’t need to be direct sunlight. Solar panels can capture different parts of the sun’s light spectrum. So, if the sun’s not directly beaming on the panels - or it happens to be a cloudy day - it doesn’t mean the hues reflected from the sky aren’t being captured and utilized by the solar panel cells to produce power. 5. A solar-powered home can reduce CO2 emissions by 100 tons within 30 years Solar power translates to clean energy production and you can reduce your carbon footprint significantly by installing a home solar power system. In other words, it’s not emitting the same pollution other energy sources typically do. The average U.S. household using a solar power system would reduce emissions by approximately eight pounds of sulfur dioxide, five pounds of nitrogen oxide and more than 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide each month. 6. Investing in solar energy can pay for itself When you switch to a solar energy system, try not to take the initial price of installation at face value, because the overall amount you save in investing in solar power is actually where the value lies. After you’ve had your solar panels installed, you will no longer have to pay a heating or electric bill and, after time, the amount you save on the electricity bill (which averages $1,300 per household annually), will pay off your initial investment of installing a solar energy system. Additionally, those who buy solar panels could be eligible for a 30% tax break and some states even allow solar power owners to sell their excess solar energy – putting more money back into your pockets. They are even relatively low maintenance and getting a check-up is affordable. 7. Solar power can fuel airplanes Solar energy goes beyond simply using solar power for home electricity purposes. It can also be utilized in vehicles. From cars to trains, and now even airplanes, more and more people are traveling using solely solar energy. This application of solar power outside homes and office buildings is just a start to the unlimited potential solar technology has in changing our everyday lives for the better. 8. Installing solar can be a community effort Solar energy is expanding from just individual systems for each home to community solar systems. The concept of shared solar fits well in the ever-growing sharing economy that has risen in popularity over the past decade. Instead of homeowners installing their own solar panels, solar systems are being installed for entire communities to use to power their homes. So, why not talk to your neighbors and see who else wants to go solar on your block? 9. Solar panels produce approximately 10 kilowatts of energy per square foot Kilowatts hours (kWh) are used to measure solar-powered electricity and most solar panels have approximately 225-watt capacities, with the ability to generate 20-watts per square foot. To put that in perspective (and human speak for those, not in the energy industry), the average home needs about 30 solar panels to meet its own energy usage requirements. 10. The number of U.S. solar power installations is 23 times higher than eight years ago Solar power continues to grow in popularity in the United States, which is currently the third-largest solar market in the world. With the price of solar energy systems getting lower, it is becoming a really appealing energy choice for Americans. There is a lot more to those solar panels than you may have known. After finding out about history about them, a bit of science behind the technology, solar energy’s current position in the market and its ability to grow, why not get on board with solar panels for your own home? The chances of using solar energy as a major power source are still growing and Semper Solaris can help you become a part of the solar movement.
