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Semper Solaris | Solar Power Category - Semper Solaris

Solar Power

Reasons to Go Solar in Inland Empire Going solar brings a lot of benefits, like saving money. Keep reading if you want to know several great reasons to go solar in the Inland Empire. Have your electricity bills skyrocketed in recent months? You're not alone; people all over the United States are paying increased energy prices. In 2022, inflation for energy bills was 14.3 percent on average.  That's more than double the inflation rate of other prices. With the cost of energy rising, going solar in Inland Empire is looking more and more appealing.  Not only will going solar save you money, but it also benefits the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. If that's not enough to convince you, we've compiled a list of even more compelling reasons why going solar in the Inland Empire is the smart choice for homeowners and businesses. Keep reading, and let us show you all the amazing benefits of making the switch to solar power in Inland Empire! Solar Power is Clean and Renewable Solar power is an excellent source of renewable energy. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, and the more sunlight they are exposed to, the more electricity they produce. In addition, solar power is a clean source of energy that doesn’t produce harmful emissions. This is important because emissions from traditional sources of energy like coal and natural gas are a leading cause of air pollution and climate change. By switching to solar power, Inland Empire residents can help reduce air pollution and slow down climate change. Solar Power is Cost-Effective, and You Can Make Money Selling Energy Back Are you tired of your energy bills going up every year, even as you try to conserve energy? In 2022, SDG&E reported $915 billion in GAAP earnings. This increase came from natural gas prices rising and low pipeline capacity.  However, on the consumer side of things, people were struggling to pay bills that had, in some cases, doubled.   With solar power, you’ll no longer have to worry about rising energy costs. Solar panels will generate electricity for your home or business, and you’ll be able to sell any excess electricity back to the grid. In some cases, you may even be eligible for government rebates or tax credits. The initial cost of installing solar panels may seem high, but it’s important to remember that solar power is an investment that will pay for itself over time. Solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years or more, and they require very little maintenance. Once they’re installed, you can enjoy years of worry-free, low-cost electricity. Solar Power Increases Property Value It's no secret that solar power is good for the environment. But did you know that it can also increase the value of your property? That's right – installing a solar system on your home or business can actually make it more valuable in the eyes of potential buyers. There are a few reasons for this. First, solar power is becoming increasingly popular, and more and more people are looking for homes with solar systems already installed. Second, solar power can save you money on your energy bills, making your property more affordable to operate. And third, solar power increases the resale value of your home or business by adding to its energy efficiency. Solar Power is Reliable Solar power is a reliable source of energy because it is not affected by the weather. Solar panels can produce electricity even on cloudy days. In addition, solar panels have a long lifespan and require little maintenance. California 2023 Solar Tax Credit Solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill, and the California Solar Tax Credit makes them even more affordable. The credit is available for both residential and commercial solar installations, and it covers up to 30% of the cost of the system. There is no maximum credit limit, so you can get a large tax deduction if you install a very large system.  Keep Your Lights On When the Grid Is Down In an effort to become more self-sufficient, many people are looking for ways to keep their lights on when the grid is down. Solar power is a great option for those who want to be prepared for power outages.  Solar panels can provide power even when the grid is down. As long as there is sunlight, your solar panels will continue to produce electricity. How to Go Solar in Inland Empire Going solar is a big decision. It’s an investment in your home and your future. But it’s also an investment in the environment. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and sustainable. And it’s becoming more affordable all the time. If you’re thinking about going solar, Inland Empire is a great place to do it. The area gets a lot of sun, which means your solar panels will be able to produce a lot of energy. And there are plenty of incentives and rebates available to help offset the cost of going solar. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about going solar in Inland Empire: Determine if your home is suitable for solar panels. Consider the cost of installation and maintenance. Evaluate available incentives and rebates. Get quotes from several different companies before making a decision. Go Solar in Inland Empire Ultimately, going solar in Inland Empire is an investment in your future. Not only do you reduce your energy costs and help preserve the environment, but you also can expect to increase the value of your home and make a positive impact on society. Are you ready to join the growing number of people who are switching to solar power? Book an appointment today and start down the path toward energy independence!  

Reasons to Go Solar in the Bay Area Keep reading if you're in the Bay area and haven't gone solar. Here are several reasons you want to go solar in the Bay area. There were 6 gigawatts (GW) of residential solar installation last year in the United States. That is 40 growth over 2021. Total installed solar capacity now tops 140 GW and is showing no signs of slowing. The explosion of residential solar has much to do with the many advantages it affords. If you are considering solar in the Bay Area, there are many incentives to do so. These include the potential for massive long-term savings on your utility bills. Below are the main reasons you should go solar. Keep reading to find out why solar power may be the right choice for your home. Offset Electricity Costs The average American household spends more than $3,000 a year on energy costs. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, we can only expect those numbers to increase as energy prices continue to rise. Solar energy can substantially offset these costs in the short and long term. How much depends on several variables, including your local energy rates and the efficiency of your solar panel system. Historically, the amount of roof area exposed to the sun had a lot to do with how viable solar was for any given home. That is less so the case today. Of course, your home needs some access to sunlight. But, due to innovations in solar panel technology, almost every home today has the potential to leverage solar power, if it has the right equipment. A reputable solar installation company will be able to recommend solar panels that fit your energy needs and budget. Tax Incentives The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30 percent of the total solar installation costs on residential properties from your federal taxes. So, if you install a $12,000 system, you are eligible for a $3,600 tax break. Besides increasing the tax credit percentage, the Inflation Reduction Act also made it so that the cost of solar battery storage qualifies for tax credits as well. California no longer has a state solar tax credit, but there are other financial incentives you should consider. Solar installation significantly increases your home’s value. That’s good news, but Californians understand full well that this translates to much higher property taxes. Fortunately, the state has an Active Solar Energy System Exclusion that applies to all rooftop systems installed before the end of 2024. This provision ensures that the installation does not impact property valuations, so adding solar to your roof will not increase your property taxes. Finally, California operates a Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. It allows homeowners to finance the entire cost of their solar installation and pay for it through increased assessments in their annual property tax bills. This can be advantageous for anyone reluctant to install solar panels due to upfront costs. More Reliable Energy Electrical outages are a big reason people are considering residential solar throughout California. Solar panel systems allow your home to remain operational even with the grid is down. This can be a huge convenience for anyone, but especially those who rely on electricity for medical equipment or in-home transportation devices. Note that you need battery storage capacity for this to be the case. Solar energy batteries have come a long way in terms of capacity and affordability. They also have other benefits besides energy reliability though. They make your system more versatile, even with grid power on, by allowing you to use more of the energy you produce year-round. Low Maintenance Costs Another reason to consider solar energy for your home is that quality systems require minimal upkeep. Quality solar panels are built to last and perform for 25 to 30 years or more. They are easy to keep clean and are much more durable than panels made just a decade ago. Net Metering Benefits Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows owners of solar panel systems to sell the electricity they are not using back onto the grid. Utilities can offer these incentives on their own, but they are most often the result of regulatory mandates. California’s net metering program applies to anyone who is a customer of the state's three main utilities. California’s current net metering policy, NEM 2.0, will expire this year and be replaced by NEM 3.0. Under this new tariff, customers will receive about 75 percent less per kilowatt of electricity that utilities buy back. The good news is that there is still some time to leverage the benefits of NEM 2.0 and lock in those buyback rates for the next 20 years. You must act fast though––you must apply to the Utilities Commission by April 14, 2023, to be grandfathered into NEM 2.0. Environmental Impact A final reason to consider installing solar in the Bay Area is the positive environmental impacts it will have. Solar energy has played an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing our reliance on fossil fuels as a primary electricity source. Beyond combatting global warming, solar energy eliminates the need for mining and drilling for fossil fuels. This helps improve air quality and reduces water use from electricity production. The Next Steps to Getting Solar in the Bay Area Now that you know the reasons to go solar in the Bay Area, you can determine if it is the right choice for your home. It is important to weigh all the options, but there are significant advantages to not waiting too long to begin saving on your energy bills and leveraging the other benefits of solar. At Semper Solaris, we bring the discipline and dedication we gained in the military to our solar projects. We offer solar installation (including battery storage) in most areas of the state. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule installation.

It’s no secret that residents across the United States have been dealing with outrageous record rate increases for years now. 2023 has brought even more massive rate increases. SAN DIEGO: San Diego Gas & Electric said customers can expect their energy bill to more than double this month. (source: fox5sandiego.com) LOS ANGELES: One Santa Monica household’s notice, reviewed by The Los Angeles Times, showed the customer’s old rate was $1,030 per year. The new rate? Also $1,030 per year, the letter said. But then a second letter from Edison arrived in the mail at the end of July. The new rate, the customer was told, would actually be $1,723 per year — a 67% increase that works out to nearly $60 a month. The first mailing had showed “an inaccurate rate analysis,” the new letter explained. (source: latimes.com) SACRAMENTO: Pacific Gas and Electric is proposing a 22 percent rate hike from 2023 to 2026. (source: cbsnews.com) BAY AREA: Over the last three years, PG&E monthly bills for combined services have risen about 39%, or an average of 13% a year. (source: siliconvalley.com) ORANGE COUNTY: That’s why electricity costs in the Inland Empire are up 15.5% over 12 months — and sadly that’s the second-best report in a year with a 24% peak. And that followed last year’s 17.5% jump. L.A.-O.C. power is up by only 10.4% — off the year’s 19.7% high and last year’s 12.5% increase. This is no regional outlier. U.S. consumers’ electricity costs are up 15.8% — more than triple last year’s 4.3% rise. (source: ocregister.com) • The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering whether to allow Pacific Gas & Electric to increase utility rates by 18% in 2023, in addition to the 9% rate increase that was already implemented in 2022. (source: cpuc.ca.gov) APS gave regulators a few options. If they want to eliminate the balance due for fuel, they can raise bills an average of $19 a month for residential customers for a year. That hit would total about $29 a month for customers on a demand rate plan. (source: azcentral.com) • In Arizona, the Arizona Public Service (APS) has requested a rate hike of about 13.6% by December 2023. (source: azcentral.com) “I am worried people are going to be shocked,” said John Ballenger, vice president at Texas retail electric provider Champion Energy. “Realizing this is 50 or 60 or 70% higher than what they had paid before; I’m just not sure it’s real to people yet. If it’s not, it will be very, very soon when the bills hit this summer.” (source: texastribune.com) • In Texas, homeowners also saw a massive surge to their electricity, with an increase over 50% to their rates at home in mid 2022. (source: texastribune.org) Because of a merger with the former Gulf Power, FPL has two sets of rates. Its petition said customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month in areas traditionally served by FPL would pay $130.23 in 2023, up from $120.67 this year. In the Northwest Florida areas formerly served by Gulf Power, customers would pay $160.43 in 2023, up from $155.61 in 2022. (source: cbsnews.com) • In Florida, TECO (Tampa Electric Co) announced that the typical residential customer’s monthly energy bill will increase by about 11 percent in 2023. (source: tampaelectric.com) With record rate increases, there aren’t many options to avoid the strain on homeowners’ wallets this year. One solution that is becoming increasingly popular and more affordable is getting a solar installation. Purchasing solar panels is a huge investment, but it will help you save on energy bills with solar. In case you’re not familiar with how solar energy works, it’s a form of renewable energy that is generated by capturing the sun’s energy and turning it into electricity. Solar panels, are made up of photovoltaic cells, are installed on rooftops or other areas to capture the sun’s energy. This energy is then converted into electricity, which can be used to power your home or business. That means, by getting a solar panel installation, you can start to offset or even eliminate your high electricity bills. Residents can also choose to get battery storage backups to bank additional energy from their solar panels. By gathering electricity produced from solar panels and storing it with a battery storage system, people all over the country can power their homes without sunlight and stay prepared for power outages, grid failures, and future rate hikes. Once you decide to install a solar energy system, what does the process look like? Different States and Counties have different requirements, however, it typically looks a lot like this:   SITE ASSESSMENT: A solar panel installation expert will visit your home to assess the suitability of your site for solar panels. They’ll take into account things like the size of your roof, the orientation of your roof, your electric energy needs, the amount of sunlight that your home receives, etc.   DESIGN AND PLANNING: Once the site assessment is complete, Semper Solaris will work with you to design a solar panel system that meets your needs. This may involve customizing the size and layout of the panels to fit your specific needs.   INSTALLATION: After obtaining the necessary approvals, Semper Solaris will promptly schedule and commence the installation process. This typically involves mounting the panels on your roof or another area of your home, and connecting them to your electrical system.   ACTIVATION: After the installation, your solar panel system will be enabled, enabling you to save on energy bills with solar energy. More questions? Feel free to give us a call or click HERE to schedule your appointment.

Solar Panel Installation Companies Santa Ana Solar Costs Skyrocketing in Santa Ana Santa Ana is a lovely city that enjoys some of the most excellent weather in California. So, if you plan on going Solar, Semper Solaris is the company to turn to for help. They have over a decade of experience as the nation's largest household solar and energy storage business. And they strive to make you feel less stressed amid power outages and growing energy expenses. Identify the best Semper Solaris solar plan in Santa Ana, California, based on your budget and energy demands. Keep reading to know more! What Are the Advantages of Going With The Best Solar Companies In Santa Ana? It's no secret that California is a pioneer in environmental preservation. Because of the advantages of solar energy, every house in the area is investing in it. The sufficient sunlight that California has been blessed with offers a clean energy alternative for many of its citizens. Residents in Santa Ana and other Californian locales may wonder whether solar power is worthwhile because of the cloudy weather. But clouds aren't something to be concerned about! Further, even though it is gloomy, solar panels may still produce electricity from the sun's radiation. Think About It for A Second. Using solar energy makes it possible for homeowners to reduce their electricity bills. Then again, who doesn't dream of the day when they don’t have to worry about the local electric company? Hence, it's just easier to go solar right now. Investing in solar has never been more valuable, and living secluded has never been simpler. As a result, contact your local Santa Ana Semper Solaris office for more information. Why Go Solar in Santa Ana? Santa Ana residents are lucky that they enjoy pleasant weather throughout the year! With over 12 months of direct sunlight each year, Santa Ana's sunshine is a proven money-saving for those who want to go solar. The Santa Ana region may have chilly winter and boiling summer, which most homeowners choose to moderate by turning on their AC's or heater. You can save money by installing a solar energy system if you constantly utilize a heater or an air conditioner. Consequently, the quantity of solar power produced may exceed the amount of energy used by your house. In this case, you may store the extra energy for later use. With our professionals' knowledge of Santa Ana solar rules and permits, you won't have to worry about a thing when you leave your project in Semper Solaris' capable hands.

So, how can you tell if your Air Conditioner needs a repair? Or maybe yet, a replacement. Its April and you are ramping up the use of your trusty AC, however, you are noticing something about it that is needing your attention. You may have come to realize that over the years your AC has already been through several repairs and remarkably, it's still going. The thing is, you might already need to replace it. Here are 5 common signs that you may have to get yourself a new air conditioner: 1. It No longer Cools the Room the Way it Should One of the most telling signs of an AC that is past its prime is that after several repairs, it just is no longer consistent when cooling your room. When you first turn it on, it just blows warm air, and then it takes more than a few minutes to come up with cool air. Even then, it is not as cool as it used to be. For some, it might just be a case of blockage in the duct or maybe a thermostat that needs to be replaced. But if it is something that is regularly occurring then it might be time to replace your AC. 2. It’s Making Some Strange Noises that Doesn't Go Away with Use Grinding, loud squeaking, rattling, and sometimes a little bit of sporadic banging from wherever inside your unit could be signs that wear and tear has already had its way with your AC. A normal operating AC of considerable quality would barely make noise when it runs. But if your unit is getting too loud and is unusually troublesome because of the racket, and, you just had it repaired the previous month. It might do you good to have it replaced eventually. 3. Strange Smells Coming from Your AC An AC that works well should be able to blow cold, crisp, and odorless air from its vent. However, if you smell something strange like a burning or a musty, moldy smell that doesn't go away, it's about time to check your local dealer for a new unit. In fact, something burning could even be an emergency as it needs to be checked immediately. 4. Moisture Build Up One of the conveniences of having an air conditioner is its ability to control humidity, if not eliminate it. This is so that you can enjoy a cool and dry environment where you don't feel sweaty or clammy. An air conditioner that is no longer working properly starts to accumulate moisture right on the unit itself. It sometimes drips out in drops of water, or you might see the front panel "perspiring". Worst case scenario, your unit is already leaking water right inside your room. Fogging windows and moisture in the ducts and vents are also signs of your evaporator coil that is no longer working properly. Mold and mildew can result from these situations and could cause health problems later on. 5. Your HVAC System is Already Old and Needs to Replaced All appliances have their own life expectancy as to when they are able to deliver optimal service right before they expire. In the case of your HVAC system, it should be useful inside of 10 years or more. Naturally, if your air conditioner is already more than 10 years old, even with proper maintenance it will definitely show some signs of aging that could be a combination of any of the first 4 signs discussed above. Anyhow, an older air conditioner even though it may seem okay may already be outdated or obsolete unless it has a lifetime warranty. You could be running higher bills in terms of energy consumption, more than how much you will be paying for a brand new, more energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly unit. The use of Freon (refrigerant) in older ACs has already been phased out, due to its effects on the ozone layer. It was replaced by R-410A (in newer models) which doesn't damage the ozone layer. An air conditioner that still uses freon is already subject to replacement. That goes for older units 10 years and above. The Benefits of Replacing Your Air Conditioner Better Performance No more problems with humidity and irregular cooling patterns. A new unit will deliver consistent cooling power which will keep you comfortable for as long as need it. Savings from Repair Costs If you find yourself paying more in repair costs that are accumulated versus purchasing a new AC, it would make a lot of economic sense to replace it instead. Better Energy Efficiency Newer models mean better technology which then translates to energy savings, all the way to money savings.

Solar panels have been the future of energy for a long time now. They aren't for everyone but they can do a lot of good in the long term. If you're someone who has disposable income and wants to save more on energy as time goes on. Going solar will do a lot of good for you. This also means as time goes on these solar panels are going to go cheaper. Here are 5 reasons why you should switch to solar energy. - Save money on your energy Using solar energy is going to free up the energy costs of making sure that other people have energy. Not only is this good for your community, but you will see yourself saving more and more on your bills because the energy you are using is natural. There is a lot of talk about the kind of energy that we should be using, but it feels like solar energy could be the best in California. Other kinds of energy are getting more expensive. If we get our energy from the sun, that means companies and countries don't have to fight and debate over the energy we should use, saving you money. - California has consistent, warm weather year around While solar energy is good, it's really only optimal in environments where there is a lot of sunshine. Even 93 million miles away, in a snowy town, there will still be solar energy, but it's not optimal at all. In California, there is no real worry about a power outage in the summer with solar panels. California has consistently been sunny and warm meaning that residents will get power as well as their electricity bills going down. For the people who want solar panels for financial reasons, the weather is going to make it a good choice. - Properties with solar panels are seen as more valuable Real Estate seems like it's at an all-time high in California. Living in the state can be expensive, but living in a property with solar panels is going to make paying the monthly bills a lot more attractive to tenants. It's also more valuable because not every person is going to have solar panels in their apartment complex. For people who want to stay indoors during the summer, they will receive massive benefits. If you're a real estate agent, this could potentially make the property more attractive to others. - Renewable energy in the long term As time goes on, there are going to be fewer and fewer fossil fuels for countries to take advantage of. This isn't a problem for our generation, but it could potentially be worrisome for the next generation. Even if they can have enough fossil fuels to last their lifetime, it's going to be a lot more expensive than the money that we paid for those energies. Using solar panels is going to make energy more affordable as time goes on. It's definitely an investment to use them now, but the benefit for the rest of society is definitely there - The government promotes it through policy If you're someone with capital or wealth in California, you definitely dread tax season. However, what you can to get some educations is use solar panels. The government wants to incentivize people to use these panels, so they can get tax breaks if they use them on their private property or business. You get this on top of the benefit for the money you save on your electricity bills. Perhaps, you won't notice these kinds of tax breaks immediately, but as you achieve more and more, you going to pay more attention to these benefits. Conclusion Solar panels aren't for everyone in America, but if you are going to get them, California is a great state for that. The sun is constantly out meaning, you will never have to go weeks without large sources of power. It can easily save you thousands of dollars on energy every year which is only getting more expensive. If you're a real estate agent, solar panels are a great way to attract new customers. And if you're a business, it can get you tax breaks in the state that has some of the highest taxes.

Originally published September 13th, 2018. Updated on January 6th, 2021. Over the past decade, homeowners interested in solar power for their home enjoyed a sunny surprise. A combination of strong renewable energy incentives on the federal and local level, as well as improving technology and growing manufacturing efficiencies has led to a continual drop in the cost of solar. In fact, if you purchase solar panels today you may pay up to 60% less than your neighbors who purchased the same sized solar power system ten years ago! With this information in mind, it might seem like a smart move to wait to purchase solar panels until the price drops even further. Unfortunately, some big political changes are creating a lot of volatility in the market, which may steadily bump up the price of solar panels. Now could actually be the very best time to purchase solar panels before prices continue to climb. Let’s look at some of the big changes that are happening in the solar world and how future changes could affect the price of solar power for your home even more! The United States Announces Solar Tariffs One of the Trump Administration’s favorite weapons is the tariff, which acts as a tax on imports of materials and goods from other countries. The Administration has been serious about instituting protectionist trade policies. Over the past year, President Trump has announced tariffs on over $200 billion in goods, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, washing machines, flat screen televisions, medical devices, and even airplane parts. One of the very first tariffs the president announced was a 30% tariff on all solar imports into the United States, which includes solar cells and solar modules. Semper Solaris offers you the freedom to choose American-made solar panels. This tariff has already had a major impact on the solar industry. According to Popular Science, roughly 80% of solar installations in the United States use imported solar panels, mostly from Malaysia, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. When the price increases on these panels, solar manufacturers and installers tend to pass these costs onto consumers. Solar customers are already starting to feel the pain of this tariff. According to an investigation by Reuters, U.S. companies have canceled or frozen roughly $2.5 billion in large solar installation projects. What do the solar tariffs mean for you as a homeowner? While larger solar utilities will feel the brunt of the solar tariffs, individual homeowners won’t be left unscathed. Analysts are already predicting that the tariffs will lead to a shortage of solar panels, which will hike prices. A Bloomberg New Energy report predicted that solar utilities could see a 10% increase in the cost of solar, while homeowners may face a 3% cost increase for residential solar projects. Here at Semper Solaris, we strive to use American-made solar parts. While American-made solar equipment won’t be directly affected by the tariffs, our costs could also go up as other installers switch to American-made equipment. As competition for American-made solar panels goes up, so will prices! The Solar Investment Tax Credit Is Slated to End in 2022 Over the past decade, the solar sector has grown an average of 68% each year. One of the biggest drivers of this explosive growth was the creation of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2006. The ITC allows homeowners and commercial businesses to deduct 26% of the total cost of their solar installation from their taxes. This deduction can even be rolled over to the next year if the deduction is greater than your total tax bill. In essence, the ITC is a 26% discount on the cost of solar. That often results in thousands of dollars of savings for individual homeowners who invest in solar. The ITC is a powerful incentive, which makes solar much more affordable for individual homeowners as well as commercial interests that invest millions to create massive solar farms. In many ways, the ITC has been instrumental in speeding up the transition in the United States from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. However, all good things much eventually come to an end. The ITC was created to help make solar more competitive as it got established in the United States. It was originally slated to expire in 2007, but the program has been working so well that Congress has extended the expiration date several times. The ITC began diminishing in 2020. In 2019, the tax deduction remained at 30%, but if you were to invest in solar power for your home in 2020, the deduction was lower to 26% and then to 22% in 2021. In 2022, the ITC will expire completely for homeowners. Homeowners should prepare for the worst and assume that the ITC will not be extended past 2022. Local Renewable Energy Incentives Are Going Away The federal government isn’t the only one who wants to help make solar more affordable. All across the country and especially in California, local cities and municipalities have poured money into programs that provide tax incentives and rebates to homeowners who go solar. However, there is a limit to how much these local entities can payout. In many instances, once the initial investment is used up, it’s gone for good. This is exactly what happened for customers of three major California utility customers – Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Through the California Solar Initiative, each of these utilities was given a fund which they used to provide rebates for commercial and residential solar customers. Solar became so popular in the Golden State, that all three utilities used up their funds, putting an end to the rebates. Fortunately, not all local rebates programs have given up the ghost. Customers of the state’s largest utility, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) still has an active incentive program, which provides a rebate of $0.25 per watt for new solar projects. Rebates may also still be available for residents of Glendale, Pasadena, and San Francisco. However, there’s no telling how long these programs will continue.   Local rebates and other solar incentives can save homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars off the cost of their solar projects, but they are disappearing fast. If you are fortunate to qualify for a local program, there’s no time to lose. Start searching for local California solar installers in your area right away so you can take advantage of these incentives before they are gone. Otherwise, you’ll be paying even more for solar power for your home when the local government could have picked up the tab! Don’t Try to Time the Market to Get Solar Power for Your Home Many financial gurus like to tell their followers, “never try to time the stock market.” You may wait so long for the perfect conditions to either buy or sell stocks that you’ll miss valuable growth opportunities and end up financially worse off than if you’d just invested steadily each month. The stock market is incredibly difficult to predict, and even expert mutual fund managers rarely outperform the indexes. The solar market isn’t much clearer. While the price of solar panels has steadily dropped over the last decade, that trend may not last much longer. With the Trump Administration’s hefty solar tariffs coming on top of the expiration of helpful federal and local solar incentives, the price of solar panels is likely to rise in the near future. Will prices continue to go up, or will they drop back down as solar technology and manufacturing efficiencies improve? What happens if a future administration eliminates the solar tariff or Congress decides to extend the ITC? All of these things are impossible to predict, which means trying to wait for the perfect time to purchase solar panels may be as futile as trying to predict the stock market. That’s why now is the perfect time to invest in solar. While we can’t tell you for sure that solar prices will continue to rise, but we can tell you with absolute accuracy that you will begin saving money the moment your solar system comes online. The sooner you invest in solar panels for your home, the sooner you’ll begin saving on your monthly utility bill and the faster your solar panels will pay for themselves! There’s no reason to wait. If you invest in solar this year or in 2019, you can still take advantage of the valuable ITC. Contact Semper Solaris today. We have local offices throughout California, and we would be glad to help you qualify for any available local solar rebates or tax incentives. Request a free, no-pressure energy analysis of your home right now!       

  If you are a sleep apnea patient and use CPAP therapy, you should be ready for emergencies where there would have no regular power available. To meet such eventualities, you should invest in solar panels and battery storage. For the past few weeks, California is witnessing regular rotational blackouts. Even in the past, California has witnessed a serious power crisis between 2000-01. Sleep apnea patients who are taking CPAP therapy may find themselves completely helpless if caught in a blackout in the night time. This is very much a real possibility now as peak power demand in the city is outstripping supply. How Do Solar Panels Help People with Sleep Apnea Using CPAP Therapy? You can buy a high watt solar panel system for charging your CPAP battery.  You just need to spread the solar panels facing directly the sun and connect it to the CPAP battery. In about 8 to 10 hours, the solar panel would fully charge the battery. The solar panel is very easy to operate. All you need to do is spread it facing the sun. It will draw energy from the sun and charge your CPAP battery. Solar panels are able to draw energy from the sun even on cloudy days when the sun may not be seen prominently. Benefits If there is a power outage and you are not able to charge your battery, solar panels will charge your CPAP device and you can have a good night's sleep. You may also need the solar panel to charge your CPAP device during your outdoor adventure. Easy To Use Solar Panels? The solar panels capable of recharging your CPAP device are lightweight and powerful. They can charge your CPAP battery in 8 to 10 hours. The process to recharge the CPAP battery is very easy. You just need to connect the solar panels to your battery and let the panel sit facing the sun. Most solar panels are made using green technology and are carbon-footprint friendly so you will be helping the environment in the process. Solar Panels and Sleep Apnea Is there a link between solar power and sleep apnea? Yes, if you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and use CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure therapy), solar power can be a topic of interest for you. CPAP is a device that comes in the form of a mask that sleep apnea has to wear during his sleep. The mask has a CPAP component that supplies air at high pressure near the patient's nose during his sleep. This ensures there is enough air at high pressure in the face region including the nose and the throat that the patient does not have to struggle to breathe the air in. There is a continuous supply of air at high pressure for the patient to be able to breathe comfortably. How Is CPAP Related to Solar Power? CPAP is powered by a rechargeable battery. For this device to continuously work for the entire duration when the patient is sleeping, it needs its battery with adequate charging. In normal circumstances, the battery can be charged through power outlets in the day for use at night. You may need solar power to charge the CPAP battery. This is a possibility when there is a power outage or when you are on a hike and sleeping outdoors. What is Sleep Apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious problem that prevents a person from having a sound sleep. The problem is caused due to the weakening of the breathing muscles that mostly lie in the throat region. If the person is suffering from this problem for a long time, the lack of a good night's sleep can lead to many problems, especially related to the health of the heart. While a milder version of OSA can be treated and managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle, the more serious form of the condition needs medical interventions. Of all the treatments available, CPAP is considered to be most effective as it improves air circulation right in the face, near the nose, and the throat. It helps the patient's breathing system as air at a higher pressure makes its way through the nose and the mouth down to the throat and lungs without breathing muscles having to make any serious effort. CPAP manages to keep the patient breathing. It's a delicate balance between the patient's need for air and the CPAP working on its battery. If the battery gets discharged with no option to recharge it, the patient may suffer a difficult time trying to sleep. But if the patient has battery storage, he can recharge his CPAP device easily and manage to tide over the crisis. Solar Panels and Battery Storage Solar power is a source of clean energy as it provides non-grid energy. From average homes to municipal bodies, everyone is aware of the advantages of solar panel installations. They are also using it wherever it is possible. Except for the installation cost, it provides you electricity at much lower costs compared to no solar panels. Over time, it pays for itself and recoups the installation cost in about 5 to 7 years. There are good reasons for the greater adoption of solar power technology by more people and households. An important upgrade in the overall solar power technology is battery storage. This device allows you to store power generated by your solar energy system and use it when you need it. In normal circumstances, your solar panels generate electricity and store in the batteries attached to the system. Once the batteries are fully charged and your solar panel is still producing electricity, you can store the additional electricity in battery storage. You can use the battery storage when the normal batteries attached to your solar panels are completely discharged. You can also sell additional electricity to the grid and earn some money or credit. Using battery storage is an excellent way to tap the maximum amount of energy from your solar installation. Final thoughts Sleep apnea is a respiratory disease in which the person stops breathing for a brief period during his sleep. One of the treatments for this condition is the use of CPAP masks. To keep the CPAP working even during California blackouts or during outdoor hiking, you should use solar panels + battery storage in case of emergencies.

The sun is an all-natural alternative energy source that produces radiation you can turn into electrical and heat energy. This form of renewable energy offers plenty of benefits to those who exploit it. Harnessing the sun's rays can lower your electrical bills and cost of living, especially if you live in a major city like San Jose. The city is usually associated with wealth and is considered a modern metropolitan area. San Jose is believed to have one of the most highly-priced housing markets in the globe. San Jose has a tropical Mediterranean climate that offers more than 300 days of sunlight per year that is ideal for harnessing solar energy on a residential or commercial scale. A standard solar installation should come with solar panels, a DC-AC inverter, and a UPS battery storage. The average electricity charge rate in San Jose is considered to be 31% higher than the Country's average charge rate. Investing in San Jose solar panels and battery storage can ensure you have a constant electricity supply, especially during grid blackouts. You don't necessarily have to depend on the electricity; you can reduce costs and enjoy electricity during blackouts by buying a solar panel installation in San Jose. Advantages of Investing In San Jose Solar Panels: Apart from reducing electricity costs, procuring a Solar panel and battery storage unit can offer you the following benefits: You can use solar energy virtually anywhere Solar rays can be harnessed virtually anywhere across the world as long as the sun is shining. All you need is a solar panel to capture the sun's energy and a battery storage unit to store the electrical power. If you live in remote areas in San Jose, buying a solar harnessing solution may be best for you. If your premises are off the grid, solar energy can be a cheap yet effective electricity source. It is more environmentally friendly The normal electricity people use at homes is usually generated by burning fossil fuels, conducting nuclear reactions, and, to a lesser extent, harnessing hydroelectric and wind power. The sun offers the best alternative energy that has the least negative effect on the natural environment. Solar energy doesn't release any harmful fumes and doesn't affect water negatively. Moreover, solar energy is silent; even if you live in urban residential places, you will generate and store energy without polluting the environment in any way. You get a free federal tax credit and additional incentives for using solar energy When you buy solar panels and San Jose battery storages, you will receive a tax credit. Now is the time to buy while incentives are available at a high rate. Buying a solar panel installation in San Jose can also provide you with cash rebates from the California Solar initiative. Make sure to double check the incentives available before moving forward on your purchase. Solar Energy creates opportunities and jobs Every solar energy consumer requires a qualified solar panel installer, and the increase in demand for renewable energy is creating numerous opportunities in the job sector. Buying a solar installation in the San Jose area will assist in generating income for local companies. The Straight Forward Process of Acquiring Solar Panel Installation in San Jose First of all, consider if you are eligible for low-income solar services that offer a wide range of reimbursements and incentives. Also, identify whether your roof requires repair before the installation. It’s usually smarter to hire the best roofing company in San Jose than doing repairs yourself. It would be best if you also identified additional ways of making your home/ premises more energy effective as you buy a solar panel solution. Procuring energy-saving lights together with solar energy can greatly reduce electrical costs. As mentioned earlier, having a solar harnessing installation can offer you many benefits. Here is a step by step guide on how to acquire a San Jose Solar panel. Start by identifying your premises' solar capability Depending on the residential or commercial premises, there are various potentials you can exploit with solar energy. Nowadays, you can use digital tools such as the Google project Sunroof software that use a real-life professional to suggest suitable solar solutions for your premises. Find a suitable contractor to install the solar harnessing system It is important to hire a competent licensed contractor to ensure your solar installation is done effectively and lasts longer without the need for maintenance. Solar panel installers in California must have a permit from the Contractors State License Board. Clients can confirm whether a firm is legit by crosschecking its license number on the Contractors State License Board official web page. Weigh your payment options There are numerous firms out there offering solar services. If you have the cash up front, consider solar installation firms with the best offers and those that come with additional features. If you don't have the money, other financing options include leasing and hire purchase options. Review and understand all the relevant paperwork Understanding your solar installation contract's terms and conditions can help you comprehend important aspects of your San Jose battery storage and solar panel. Such aspects include Warranty covers, total costs, and a checklist of the installed equipment. Ensure the contractor applies for the necessary San Jose permit Before you can install a solar harnessing system, you need to get a permit from the city of San Jose. This permit can be obtained through an online application. The process will schedule a premises inspection, after which you can plan for the installation of a San Jose solar system. Schedule the solar panel installation Once all requirements are met, you can plan for a residential or commercial installation. After the process, you can enjoy solar energy and the advantages that come with it. Conclusion Investing in solar panel installation solutions in San Jose can reduce energy costs, among other benefits. The process of acquiring a solar energy solution is quite straightforward, especially if you know and fulfill the set requirements. To learn more or to book an appointment, contact us today via our appointment booking form.

You have done the research. California is an great place to install solar panels. Is it right for you as a homeowner? The information provided here will help you to know about the value of solar power in California. It will also help you make a well-informed decision about installing solar panels on your home. Let's review all of the reasons why you should consider going solar in the great state of California. Solar Power in California: What You Need to Know Solar energy is not a new concept in our beautiful state. In fact, California is the number one solar state, and has been for quite some time. Hundreds of thousands of people have been employed across California to install solar panels on residential and commercial buildings. The solar panel installation industry has continuously gained popularity over the past few years. Solar panels that were installed across California in that time have been able to produce over 15,000-megawatts of energy. Over 3.75 million homes use solar energy to power their homes. Usage of solar energy can be made easy with NEM The use of solar power by the owners of solar homes in California can be measured easily by using a unique billing system known as NEM or Net Energy Metering. When a home solar system produces more energy than the consumption of its owners, then NEM can help in crediting the retail value of the surplus energy supplied back to the grid. Homeowners can use these credits on the days when they are not able to produce power due to lack of daylight. However, the policy of Net Metering used in California cannot be used in all cases because some of the solar panel installation services in this state have made it easier for the homeowners to use NEM. They ensure that all clients can use the advantages of this policy by handling the documentation required for this purpose. Installation of solar panels in California So, if you have decided to install solar panels on your home in California, after going through all of your research, get in touch with Semper Solaris to get your project started. Join the California solar community today!