Solar Installation San Diego | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC
Few home improvements make the impact that you will get when you decide to go solar. The Department of Energy says that installing solar panels is one of the most important ways that residents can affect climate change while also improving their homes. There are also several other benefits that you can experience, and even better, several professionals that now specialize in these systems. So, how much do solar panels cost? These tips will help you when you're searching for the best solar companies in San Diego and need to handle some preliminary research. Understanding the Cost of Solar Panel Installation The best way to explore the cost of solar panels is by getting several price quotes. Talk to a handful of different solar installation pros so that you have an idea of what the market in San Diego offers. Finding the help of a local solar panel professional gives you the chance to find a good deal on your panels. The cost of solar panels will depend on the brand, quality, size, and the amount of labor involved. You should also consider the fact that the government offers tax credits, which you can take advantage of. This can also offer a sizable discount so you save some money on the installation. Why Solar Is Impactful Now that you know the factors that affect the cost of your panels, make sure you also know why these panels are worth every penny. For one, a solar power system helps you update your home so that you build equity in it and keep it more modern. It's also an incredible investment in sustainability so that your home and lifestyle are more green-friendly. Ask your professional about the energy efficiency ratings of the panels that you're getting ready to purchase. You'll also appreciate that installing solar panels can help you save money. They'll help you cut out the high cost of your electrical bill since you're switching from municipal power. Solar panels make it so that your home isn't reliant on the energy grid. Saving money in this way can help you become more financially savvy and responsible as a whole. Hiring Quality Solar Panel Work You have an obligation to find the best solar companies in San Diego. This lets you know that the work will be done correctly and with the highest level of craftsmanship. A solar contractor in San Diego will help you shop for the best panels and accessories, and will also make sure that the work is aesthetically pleasing. If needed they'll also help you shop for the best solar battery San Diego has to offer, and can sell you a warranty that protects the total package. Do Business With the Best Solar Companies in San Diego The tips above are excellent when you need to do business with the best solar companies in San Diego. Take the time and effort to shop around for these panels to do what's best for your home. Semper Solaris is happy to help you from there. If you need help with your solar installation, schedule an appointment with our team of professionals.
California continues to lead the nation in generating solar power, with more than 20% of the state's electricity being solar-generated. Installing solar panels in your home is a no-brainer if you want to help the environment and save money while you do so. In the past, the price tag alone was enough to scare homeowners away from solar energy, but prices have halved in the past 10 years alone. To maximize solar energy, you need the best possible solar installer. Today, we will tell you which solar companies in San Diego you can trust to give you the best solar panels. If you're new to solar, buying panels can be overwhelming, so keep reading and let us help you find the right ones for your home. What Does a Solar Installer Do? When you hire a solar installer, they'll help you understand all aspects of purchasing and installing solar panels. You'll consult with them about your current energy usage, as well as your budget; then they'll present you with a range of solar panel options to choose from. After you've chosen your panels, your installer will perform a home inspection and create an installation plan. Soon your panels will be up and running and you'll be experiencing all of the amazing benefits of solar energy. What to Look for Rooftop Solar in San Diego You know why you need a solar installer, so how do you find a good one? The thing you want to look for in your solar installer is experience and reputation. Check online ratings and reviews to see what former customers have to say, keeping an eye out for any red flags. If you see anything about poor installation or faulty products, stay away. A good solar installer will be able to answer any questions you have about panels and the installation process. They should have a proven track record of successful installations and a deep knowledge of tax rebates and other solar incentives. You should never be left wanting information about solar installation. Best Solar Companies in San Diego There are plenty of great solar installers in San Diego. If you want reliable and affordable solar installation, Semper Solaris is your best bet. As a top-rated solar installer in San Diego, Semper Solaris is veteran owned and maintains an A-rating on BBB. Our goal is always to help you save big on solar while helping you generate enough energy to power your home and all your needs. Solar in San Diego is a Call Away Now that you know how to find the best solar San Diego has to offer, you can start saving money and helping the planet. If you need more information before deciding to go solar, contact Semper Solaris today. We work with the best solar panel manufacturers in the world to provide our customers with the best products and installations in California. When it comes to solar, it pays to get the best.
Does Going Solar Make Sense In San Diego? The San Diego region is blessed with an abundance of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar power. Solar panels installed in San Diego can generate enough electricity to power a home or business, and the region's climate means that panels will typically experience little wear and tear. Reasons To Go Solar San Diego If you're considering solar power for your home or business, San Diego is a great place to do it. Solar power is generated by converting sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are made up of many solar cells, and when sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose. These loose electrons flow through the material to create an electric current. This current can then be harnessed and used to power homes and businesses. Solar power is a renewable, clean, and efficient source of energy, making it a smart choice for San Diego residents. With an average of 260 sunny days per year, San Diego has the potential to generate a significant amount of solar power. Solar panels require little maintenance and have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective investment. Making the switch to solar power can help reduce your carbon footprint and support the move towards a more sustainable future. Solar Panel Installations San Diego Overall, solar power is a great choice for San Diego residents. With plenty of sun and little wear and tear on the panels, solar power can save you money in the long run. Plus, it's good for the environment!
Our Semper Cares Initiative was a huge success! On July 3rd, we completed two goodwill projects and unveiled them to the public. Welcomed guests and the local press assembled to join the families and crew to celebrate these veterans and watch as the final solar panels were installed. The two unveiling celebrations radiated honor, pride, and patriotism for this country and for those who fought to defend it. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovQs-BQMjkM[/embed] In partnership with Habitat for Humanity San Diego, we helped two veterans celebrate their Independence Day by unveiling a new roof and solar power system. Veteran Carl Schaffrina’s roof was in serious need of replacement. Water leaks were proving physically and mentally demanding for the family. Semper Solaris teamed up with the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project to provide a complete new roof installation expected to last for more than 25 years. Former Marine sniper Povas Miknaitis, was given the opportunity to declare his independence from electric companies. Semper Solaris, in cooperation with SolarWorld, and SolarEdge, installed a complete solar panel system to his home in San Diego. This new system will help reduce electricity costs and improve his home's value. Lowering Mr. Miknaitis' electricity bills and helping him become more energy independent is especially valuable, since most veterans are on fixed incomes - one fewer bill means greater financial freedom. The Miknaitis project was coordinated with San Diego’s Warrior Foundation Freedom Station where Miknaitis was a beneficiary and is now a volunteer working with other wounded veterans. We are proud of the men and women of our Semper Solaris team, our partners, and the veterans of this great nation. Stay tuned for future Semper Cares initiatives as we continue to help veterans in any way we can. At Semper Solaris, we take pride in our veterans, our veteran origins, and our veteran employees and their stories. As always, thank you for your service.
We have been providing solar power installations to San Diego, our backyard, for over 15 years. Solar energy is the most cost-effective and efficient energy source for your home, and we are on the frontlines of solar power, and all it has to offer. Semper Solaris is the premier solar company in San Diego Solar power gives you control over your monthly utility bill and rising energy costs. It can save you lots of money and increase the value of your home. And solar power helps the environment by lowering your carbon footprint. But solar is only one part of a host of environmental issues in San Diego. Pollution is a problem, and Semper Solaris is at the forefront of finding solutions beginning with homes. Air Quality in San Diego According to an article in the San Diego Tribune, San Diego is one of the most polluted cities in the U.S. If breathing outdoor air is a hazard to your health in San Diego, how can we mitigate the effects of pollution? What are the steps we can take to protect ourselves from poor quality outdoor air? We can check the Air Now website and stay indoors during particularly high pollution. But what about the air quality inside our homes? Did you know that indoor air pollution affects you even more than outdoor air pollution? We all want to clean up the environment and breathe clean air, enjoy clean water, and eliminate toxicity in the environment overall. And while solar power is the number one renewable energy in the world and holds the promise of clean energy, indoor air pollution is a serious health issue worldwide. Heating and air conditioning in San Diego is the key to better indoor air quality and protecting your health from the effects of air pollutants. Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Do you or anyone in your family have allergies or respiratory problems? Poor air quality can contribute to your health problems and even cause them. Respiratory ailments and allergies from biological pollutants, including spores, mites, bacteria, and mold, as well as chemical pollution from common household contaminants. These contaminants reside in the home, infiltrate the air you breathe and are the cause of many serious health problems, including asthma in children. Technological advances in HVAC have enhanced the usefulness and efficiency of Heating and Air Conditioning. New energy-efficient systems not only heat and cool your indoor air, but they also filter and clean it and help attain an indoor air quality that is comfortable, protected, and efficient. Semper Solaris is proud to offer the best of both worlds with heating and air conditioning services in San Diego, along with our expert solar power installations for the highest efficiency HVAC systems. Solar and HVAC Solar power makes it much more affordable to run your HVAC around the clock while keeping your home comfortable. You can take advantage of the many modern advancements that not only save on electricity but improve the air quality with a variety of filters, air cleaners, and other addons available. New, upgraded HVAC can benefit your air quality and your health. Semper Solaris offers heating and air conditioning installation in San Diego. We can customize your HVAC for the air quality, safety, and comfort best suited for your family. With the combination of energy-efficient HVAC and solar power, you can't lose.
From hybrid cars to recycling, it has become easier and cheaper to curb the harm caused by our over-dependence on fossil fuels. Depending mostly on fuels such as oil and coal has left us reliant on a fuel source that will run out and has contaminated our air. We all want to breathe in cleaner air. It is time we consider an alternative energy source that is renewable, sustainable, and mild to the environment—we need to go solar. Get the best solar installation in Vista. Why solar in Vista? The sun serves as a clean energy source that is also sustainable. It can give us direct light and heat, generate power, and provide heating and cooling. The sun’s energy extends to creating winds that can be used to power plants and produce biofuels. You don’t need to have a fat bank account or a solar farm to benefit from solar power. Solar panels make it affordable and straightforward to use solar energy in Vista, no matter your budget. How does solar help the city of Vista? Save money on electricity bills Solar energy can cut down on the electricity bills in Vista and make funds available for other more important issues. Saving money is among the best benefits of making use of solar energy. Solar panels reduce the total amount of money homeowners in Vista will spend on their power bills. It is estimated that an average user of solar power can reduce up to 50 percent of monthly power costs. Utility companies offer programs that can purchase the extra energy produced from solar panels in Vista, potentially lowering the monthly energy bills and at times, paying some homeowners. Saves the environment Unlike using fossils that can contaminate the environment through their byproducts, solar energy doesn’t give any emission. Instead, the energy they produce will lower the number of discharges in Vista, helping reduce the damage caused by acid rain, smog, climate change, and water contamination. The power produced by solar panels will always be available as long as there is sunshine, which is estimated to last for about 5 billion years. Create employment The solar industry in Vista is proven to create jobs. The number of solar workers has continued to grow in the past few years, with a majority of them working in solar installation jobs that cannot be easily outsourced. Also, the workers get paid competitive salaries. Solar is beneficial to low-income earners Most of the income of low-income earners usually ends up in the hands of electricity companies. It is estimated that low-income earners spend 10 percent of their finances on energy bills. This number is four times more than average earners. By making use of power with a low cost such as solar electricity, such households can experience some stability. For better survival Most cities are experiencing more threats from natural disasters and are taking measures to prepare for them. During harsh weather events, solar power can help prevent general power outages, and provide electricity for vital facilities and help in recovery efforts. To have solar power installed in your property, make use of the best solar company in Vista such as Semper Solaris. Formed on the military value of duty, loyalty, respect, honor, integrity, selfless service, and personal courage, this company is a reliable solar panel installation in Vista.
Statistics gathered in recent times suggest that California has performed consistently well when it comes to producing solar energy. One Californian city that has played a significant role in making this possible is surely San Diego. Being one of the largest cities of the state, San Diego has a pretty highly installed solar capacity. This has, however, been possible primarily due to the fantastic sunlight the city gets almost all through the year. Other factors that have contributed significantly include the pro-solar policies of the local government, encouraging solar incentives, etc. However, for making the best use of all these favorable factors, you will have to work with the best solar company in San Diego. About the cost of solar panels in San Diego The cost of solar panel installation in this city tends to range between $13,200 and $17,900. To be more precise, for every watt, the installation process will make you spend around $2.70 to $ 3.60. There are a common and extremely critical question property owners looking for solar panel installation in San Diego ask: How much time will they have to wait for recovering the initial investment through electricity savings? There’s even a technical term awarded to this query; it’s solar payback period. In San Diego and its surrounding areas, the solar payback period is pretty low. You will need to wait just around half a decade for recovering your initial investment. How to pay for the installation? Solar shoppers in this part of the United States are required to take another significant decision. They need to decide how they will pay for the entire process. As the solar panel installation procedure requires a pretty hefty investment, many struggle to arrange the lump sum. The good news is that companies offering the best solar installation in San Diego also allow property owners to opt for solar loans and solar leases. However, if you have enough money for making a cash purchase, go for it as it will end up offering you the maximum profit. A few things you must know Efficiency and power output showcased by the solar panel installed is are not the only factors deciding how much energy the panel will be able to generate. Your solar panel would make an impressive amount of power only if enough sunlight hits it regularly. Being one of the sunniest cities in the US, San Diego scores impressively in this department. Solar panels installed in this city keep generating more energy every year compared to similar systems installed in most other parts of the country (for instance, the Northeast). Experts talk about some more factors that play a significant role in increasing the efficiency of these panels. These include panel orientation, panel angle, and shading. The company installing a solar panel at your place should consider all these factors when planning the installation. Are you planning to install a solar panel in your apartment? If yes, make sure you are getting it done a reputable solar panel installation company in San Diego.
Water is a valuable resource, without which all living things on this planet will cease to exist. About 70 percent of the surface of the earth is made of water, and our bodies are made up of 60 percent water. Additionally, water can be found in the soil, the air, and every living thing. Yet, there is a severe scarcity of clean drinking water in many regions. The world today functions on a partnership between the production of water and energy. Sources of conventional energy make use of large amounts of water to generate electricity, and it takes lots of energy to produce drinkable water. A shortage of water can result in a crisis in the energy industry. But the good news is that solar energy helps to significantly reduce the amount of water required to produce energy, and also helps to save money for water districts. The business of conventional power generation is a thirsty one. Power industries solely depend on oil, gas, coal, and nuclear power to make use of over 40 percent of water taken for human consumption in the US. This makes them the biggest consumers of water. But this significant water usage in San Diego County doesn’t end there. Power plants making use of fossils need water supply to control pollution, and power producers directly use water to extract, produce, refine, and transport fuel. Nuclear plants and coal make use of about 25 to 60 gallons of water to make just one KW hour of power. For energy generation, these power plants return their water to nature – although it is always accompanied by pollution. But what will happen if there is a shortage of water for these plants to use? Solar Energy does not depend on water A more earth-friendly way to produce electricity will be to make use of solar energy. With the advancement of solar power technology, there will be no more need to depend on fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, kerosene, diesel, and so on. Burning fossils result in problems for the city of San Diego County such as wide-spread pollution, global warming, and respiratory diseases. By making use of solar energy, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint and help conserve water. Solar Panels Hiring the best solar company in San Diego County to install solar panels can be beneficial for you because solar panels are practically free of pollution. Also, the energy the sun generates can be converted into electricity without making use of water. The only time you’ll need water is once in a few months when you want to clean the solar panels. The amount of water you’ll use to clean the solar panels can be negligible compared to the amount used to extract, refine, and transport fossils. In addition to this, you’ll not need to wash your solar panels during the rainy season; nature will take care of it for you. Semper Solaris is a pioneering solar company that has been creating waves all around the world. They can take care of any solar panel installation in San Diego County without much stress. This company pride themselves in taking the time to help clients understand how solar works and how to select the right solar system.
While we like to think to harness the power of the sun to benefit mankind is a new technology, this is not true! If you are interested in some fun facts and myths surrounding solar energy from the best solar company in La Mesa, read on! You may be surprised by what you learn! The San Diego area is one of the world leaders in solar home use, so you can be proud to have solar panels powering your home! We love to help our customers become free from the grid and with solar panel installation in La Mesa, you can eliminate your electric bill completely! Read on to learn some interesting stuff about solar! Fun Facts about Solar Energy 1. There is enough solar power available to go 8,000 times total the world's power usage! We just can't harness it all. Even the best solar installation in La Mesa can't harness it all-YET! (but we are working on it!) 2. The Greeks and Romans first harnessed the power of the sun! They used passive solar designs to provide heat and light in their homes! 3. In the 1960s solar power was used as a power source onboard spacecraft! Vanguard 1 was the first satellite powered by solar cells, and it is still in orbit-it has traveled more than 6 billion miles! 4. More energy hits the earth in one hour than we can use in one year. 5. Solar power is the environmentally friendly-in fact it produces no water or air pollution and emits no greenhouse gases. 6. There is no noise pollution for your neighbors to hear when you use your solar panels. So if you don't have solar yet, look up a reputable solar company in La Mesa, like Semper Solaris, to come out and give you an estimate! 7. When panels are installed on existing structures, the environmental impact is minimal. 8. Once installed, there is no maintenance required, except cleaning your panels a couple of times a year. 9. The Mojave Desert here in California houses the largest solar power plant in the world. It is about 1,000 acres! 10. Solar energy has been used for more than 2700 years and is only getting better and more efficient! Myths about Solar Energy 1. Solar is Free Well, that is not entirely true. You can finance panels for zero down and the government rebates to help subsidize your panels. 2. Solar is for the wealthy only Nope! While that may have been the case about 20 years ago, solar is very affordable for most Americans. We will evaluate your needs and help you find a system to fit your budget! 3. My panels won't work on cloudy or rainy days Guess what?? Your panels will still produce energy even during inclement weather! They can also be more efficient during those chilly, sunny winter days! 4. I read that solar panels can damage my roof Again, not true! Any qualified solar panel installer knows how to make sure your roof can support solar panels. They also see the area where the panels are mounted to your ceiling is sealed to prevent leaks. Call us, the best solar roofing company in La Mesa for a free quote. 5. I don't own my home/I live in a condo or apartment, so I can't have solar. There are many community solar programs that exist. Please do not hesitate to research or ask us if your community offers programs for you so you can benefit from solar energy too! We hope this little bit of knowledge helped you feel better about solar energy and its future potential!
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!
Take a stroll around any neighborhood in San Diego, and you’ll see that plenty of rooftops are sporting a slick array of solar panels. We San Diegans love to take advantage of all that beautiful sunshine pouring down on us. Keep your eyes open, though, and you might see solar installations in San Diego in places you wouldn’t imagine. That’s because solar panels can be used in all sorts of different ways to provide clean, renewable energy for lots of different purposes. Can solar panels help you explore Southern California’s hidden beauty, keep your boating trip more serene, help you grow gorgeous blooms, and even power the Padres to the playoffs? Well, solar panels can’t perform miracles, but they sure can provide power in a lot of useful and creative ways. So, let your brain take a step outside the box and let’s explore six creative places you may have never thought to look for solar panels in San Diego. Solar Panels on your RV Recreational vehicle ownership is on the rise as more Americans answer the call to explore the far corners of our country. According to a study commissioned by the RV Industry Association, around 10 million households owned RVs as of 2011. These owners include retirees who set out to explore the country as well as families who appreciate camping in style. p>Many RV owners are drawn to San Diego’s gorgeous weather and the many areas of natural beauty that Southern California has to offer, including Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park. RV parks and campgrounds provide electric hookups, but what about RV owners who hanker to “dry camp” or “boondock” in places without an electric hookup? Relying on your battery can be risky, especially for long periods of camping, and generators are noisy and dirty. More and more RV owners are turning to solar panels to help them get to San Diego’s secret treasures and keep their phones charged and fridges running while they enjoy the splendor of nature. Boat-mounted Solar Systems Enjoying the ocean isn’t just a perk of living in San Diego, it’s practically part of our DNA. Just stroll around our beach communities, and you’ll find plenty of harbors hosting every variety of boat you can imagine. Recently, we published a fascinating article that looked at the growing trend of installing solar panels on boats. Many boat owners appreciate that solar panels allow them to charge their gadgets and keep their important appliances running – no one wants to sip warm beer while watching the sunset over the Pacific – without having to power up their boat’s engine. This allows them to enjoy their floating palace without a noisy engine interrupting all that sunbathing Zen every few hours. Our article also highlighted the story of a few ambitious captains that are using solar panels to actually power their boats. Jim Greer was able to complete the 7,200-mile Great Loop in his 48-foot Tri Hull called Ra using only a solar installation on his ship. The Parking Lot Parking lots take up a lot of space. According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, pavement can make up as much as 50% of a city’s total surface area, and parking lots represent about 40% of that amount. Considering that the city of San Diego is 372.4 square miles, parking lots could represent over 70 square miles of space in the city by the calculation of the Lawrence Berkeley study. That’s a lot of space just absorbing sunshine! Fortunately, a solar installation in San Diego can put all of that sunshine to good use through solar canopies over parking lots. Solar canopies are special structures that provide shade to cars while also hosting large solar installations. These panels can be used to power a nearby building or even to provide power ports for electric vehicles. Solar canopies have already proven to be a success in San Diego. In 2010, the San Dieguito Union High School District (SHUHSD) installed solar canopies at La Costa Canyon High School and Canyon Crest Academy. Together, the structures produced 2,000 kilowatts of power. At the six-year mark, the project is estimated to have already saved the school district over $4.4 million dollars, with an estimated total savings of $10.5 million over 15 years. As if those savings weren’t enough, the school district is earning even more by selling Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) generated by the systems. Solar canopies take advantage of space that was already allocated as parking lots and offer a double bonus of solar energy generation plus wonderful shade. Not only do solar canopies save drivers from the pain of getting into oven-like cars after a day in the sun, but cooler cars means less fuel used for air conditioning. Lighting and Cooling Greenhouses Living in San Diego means learning to find the beauty in our desert landscape, including in the drought-tolerant plants that do best in our water-restricted environment. But that doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in growing tasty vegetables and blooming flowers in our greenhouses. The problem is that greenhouses are very good at absorbing lots of heat. Most are made of clear glass or plastic, which allows in lots of heat during our long, warm days. Many greenhouse plants can’t tolerate the high heat during San Diego’s long, summer days, which means greenhouse owners may need to crank up energy-hogging air conditioning units and even feed their plants lots of extra water to keep them healthy. This can add a lot of expenses in a state where both water and electricity are expensive resources. Solar panels in San Diego offer residents a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to power their greenhouses. Solar panels can provide the energy for lighting and cooling the greenhouse. Wine and Beer In San Diego, we are serious about our wine and our craft beer. Our sunny city routinely ranks in the top ten craft brewery destinations in the country, and no weekend would be complete without trying a flight at the new brewery that just opened up down the road. The only forgivable excuse for not giving that new IPA a try is if you’ve decided to head to Temecula to do some wine tasting instead. Let Napa and Sonoma brag all they want, but we San Diegans love trying all the charming wineries in Temecula and even checking out the burgeoning wine scene in Ramona. Given how solar stoked we are, it shouldn’t be a surprise that our wineries and breweries are getting into the sun action. In 2014, the Robert Renzoni Winery in Temecula became one of the first wineries in Southern California to add solar panels to its facility. Many wineries in Northern California are leading the way, using solar power to lower their carbon footprint, but we’re sure more wineries in the fast-growing SoCal region will be embracing solar soon. When it comes to craft breweries, San Diego can boast about being a solar leader. One of the first breweries in the country to adopt solar was Stone Brewing. All the way back in 2008, Stone Brewing added a 312-kilowatt system to its Escondido facility. At the time, this single solar installation in San Diego accounted for 12% of the solar energy systems in the entire state of California. The system continues to offset roughly 30% of Stone’s on-site usage and has already paid for itself. The San Diego Padres The Chargers may have packed their bags and left for Los Angeles, but we still have one professional sports team left. In San Diego, we love cheering for our Padres even if they end up breaking our hearts every season. Hope springs eternal! So does sunshine. The Padres may not be the best team in Major League Baseball… or even in the National League West Division, but they are first place in our hearts and in one other respect as well. Just in time for the start of this year’s season, the Padres unveiled a brand new 336,520-watt solar system mounted on the park’s roof and overhanging its canopy. This system comprises 716 solar modules, each with the capacity to produce 470 watts. Altogether, this system will provide enough energy to power the entire Padres front office. It also makes Petco Park the number one solar baseball stadium in the world. Take that, Dodgers! San Diego’s mayor, Kevin Faulconer attended the press conference to announce the solar installation and said, “Petco Park will serve as a model for the rest of Major League Baseball and as an example for other San Diego businesses to follow.” Faulconer also explained how this project will help our city reach its ambitious goal of using 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. (Petco Park isn’t the only sports stadium powered by solar panels. Check out how solar energy is lighting up the sports world.) Solar Installation Is Everywhere in San Diego Rooftops, carports, greenhouses, wineries, breweries, boats, RVs, stadiums… you’ll find solar panels everywhere in San Diego! If you want to get in on all this solar action and help our city meet its goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2035, then contact Semper Solaris. We are a veteran-owned company headquartered in San Diego. We’d love to help you save big on your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint. Contact us today to schedule a no-pressure energy analysis to see if you would be a good candidate for solar power.
So you want to take advantage of all the gorgeous sunshine San Diego receives throughout the year to lower your energy bills and shrink your environmental footprint. Awesome! It’s time to start thinking about solar panels for your home, but what exactly does solar installation entail? You definitely don’t want to feel like you’re fumbling in the dark as you start this solar journey, so we’ve created this handy checklist to light your way. Our solar checklist lays out each step in the process, so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish. Step 1 – Make Sure Your Roof Will Hold Up Before you can put solar panels on your roof, you need to make sure your roof can handle the extra load. Materials Some roof materials are not conducive to solar panels, including slate and wooden roofs. Fortunately, here in San Diego, a majority of roofs are made with clay and Spanish tile, which are great for solar installation. Ownership If you live in a condo or townhome, your roof is probably owned by your homeowners’ association (HOA), and your CC&Rs likely do not allow you to make any modifications. In this situation, you can always lobby your HOA to invest in solar panels on behalf of all homeowners. Roof Size A small roof offers less area for solar panel placement. This may require you to invest in more efficient solar panels, which are smaller but also more expensive. Location Ideally, solar panels should face true south to receive the most direct sunlight. However, solar panels can still operate well (though less efficiently) on east- and west-facing roofs. Age Most solar panel systems can last an estimated 25 – 40 years. If your roof is on its last legs, it’s probably smarter to deal with that issue first! (Did you know we also repair and replace roofs in San Diego?) Shade The amount of shade your roof receives during the day can affect the efficiency of solar panels. If a big tree looms over your house or a taller neighboring house casts shade, your panels won’t work as well. Even if your roof isn’t ideal for solar panels, all is not lost. Old roofs can be replaced, or you can consider a ground mounted solar panel system. Step 2 – Determine How Much Energy You Use If order for a San Diego solar installation company to provide you with an estimate on your solar system, you need to determine the size of the system you want. To do this, you’ll need to work backwards and figure out the average amount of energy you need the system to generate each month. This may seem tricky, but it’s actually simple. You should be able to log onto the website of your electrical provider and download your statements for the last year. Each statement will list how much energy you used that month in kilowatt hours (kWh). Add up your energy usage from the last 12 months and divide by 12. This will give you your average monthly usage. You’ll want your solar system to generate this amount of energy for you each month so your solar panels can cover all your energy needs. Note: If you plan on increasing your energy usage in the future, such as by purchasing an electric car, make sure to take this into consideration when determining the size of your solar system. Step 3 – Select Your Financing Do you want to own solar panels for your home, or does ownership not matter as long as you don’t have to write a big check? You have a variety of financing options. You can purchase your panels outright, either with cash or through a loan. Most solar companies also offer solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). With solar leases and PPAs, the solar company owns the panels and charges you a set fee for your energy usage that is usually less than what you would pay the utility company. The upside of this arrangement is that you don’t have to pay a dime for your panels! Step 4 – Choose Your Solar Installation Vendor San Diegans have a lot of choice when it comes to solar installation companies. That’s a good thing! The best place to start your search is to ask your family, neighbors, and friends who have already invested in solar panels about the company they used. Another smart move is to check a company’s reviews on the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, and Yelp, so you can read what past clients experienced with them. Finally, we encourage you to work with a local company. Hiring local keeps your money in the community and supports local jobs and local families. Plus, local companies are invested in the community. They live and work here, so it’s in their best interest to do a great job for their neighbors. You should always get at least a few different quotes so you can compare and make the best decision for your project goals and budget. Price will, of course, be a factor in your decision, but don’t just choose the lowest-priced vendor. Make sure the company you pick has great reviews and a history of service in your community. Step 5 – Choose Your Solar Panels Your chosen solar vendor will probably have a few preferred solar panel brands that they recommend to you. Listen carefully to their recommendations, but know that you can choose a different brand. Premium brand solar panels tend to offer higher efficiency, better design, and a longer warranty, but you’ll also pay a premium price. Solar Reviews is a great resource for learning more about the dozens of available solar panel brands. They also host reviews from homeowners. Step 6 – Sit Back and Relax Once you’ve chosen your San Diego solar panel installation company, your financing plan, and your solar panel brand, it’s time for you to step back and let the solar company take the baton. Now it’s their job to: Order the panels and other equipment Pull all the necessary permits Install the mounting, panels, and inverter Receive permission to hook your panels into the local electrical grid Check the system and turn everything on A good solar company will walk you through each of these steps so that you understand exactly what’s happening and when. After the installation is complete and your solar panels are online, you’ll be able to check your meter to follow your energy usage. Most solar companies also offer monitoring software that lets you see how much energy your panels produced each day, so you can watch them work! We hope this solar installation checklist was helpful. If you live in California and have additional questions about solar panels for your home, let us know! We’d be happy to perform an onsite evaluation to determine if your home would be a good candidate for solar panels. We are proud to live and work here in San Diego and to employ veterans and San Diego residents.
