Solar Savings
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 San Diego Keep reading if you're looking for reasons to go solar in San Diego. Our article is here to help you learn how to start saving money. If you're lucky enough to live in San Diego, CA, then you know that it's one of the sunniest and most beautiful places in the country. From lush Balboa Park to the stunning Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, you're never far from an outdoor excursion. Have you ever thought about harnessing that gorgeous sunshine and using it to power your home or business? If you've been thinking about making the switch to solar power, now could be a perfect time. With a pleasant climate and more than 3,000 annual hours of sunshine, it makes sense to go solar in San Diego. Today, we're taking a closer look at why this is the case and how you can get started today. How Does Solar Power Work? Before we dive into the many aspects that make this city ideal for solar power, let's take a step back. How does this form of renewable energy work in the first place? Put simply, a solar panel system converts sunlight into electricity. Inside each panel is an array of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which contain electrons. When the California sun beats down on each panel, those electrons loosen and create an electric current. When the current flows out of the panel, it's known as direct current (DC) energy. A piece of equipment called an inverter converts the DC energy into the alternating current (AC) energy that your local electrical grid uses. Overall, this is an exceptionally clean, renewable, effective form of energy. If you're a San Diego resident looking to save money on your monthly utility costs and do your part to help the environment, switching to solar is a smart move. Let's take a closer look at a few reasons why. San Diego Is Super Sunny As mentioned, there are thousands of sunny hours in San Diego every year! In fact, one study found that the city sees an average of more than 265 bright days annually. This is a significant amount, especially compared to the national average of just 205 sunny days. For residents, this means more than just plenty of time spent outdoors. It also means that your solar panel system will be put to great use. As the sun hits your system, you can generate an impressive amount of solar power! Alternatively, think about how much money you'd spend in HVAC costs trying to cool your home down when it gets that hot! While solar panel systems can technically work in primarily cloudy climates, they don't always operate at peak capacity, especially when there's little to no sun peeking through the clouds. In San Diego, those darker periods do occur, but they're far less frequent. Solar Saves Money Another reason to look into solar panels if you live in or near San Diego? Making this switch can save you a substantial amount of money! In December 2022, local news outlets, including NBC 7, began reporting on the higher energy rates that San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E) was set to impose in San Diego County in 2023. By January of this year, the average homeowner's utility bill was expected to rise by nearly $30 per month. Stories like this one reveal it was closer to hundreds of dollars in some cases, even as SDG&E made $915 million in GAAP earnings in 2022, up from $91 million in 2021. Why Are Prices Up? In their defense, SDG&E has attempted to explain away the spike, blaming everything from cold weather to the low capacity of gas storage facilities. The most feasible explanation attributes the price to the rising cost per unit of natural gas, which is known as a therm. In January 2022, one therm cost the company only $2.36. One year later, it rose to $5.11. Natural gas is considered a fossil fuel, along with coal and oil. If you use any of these forms of energy to power your home or business, you're reliant on the going market price. Suppliers are required to pay this price to purchase the fuel on behalf of their customers. If the market price goes up, suppliers raise their own rates. In turn, your costs go up. You don't have to worry about that when you rely on solar power instead. If you can eliminate or simply reduce your reliance on the local utility grid, you'll notice the difference in your monthly utility bill. In addition, if you wind up producing more energy than your property needs, you can even send that energy back to SDG&E through a process called Net Metering, which could save you even more money. Here's a quick look at how it works. Net Metering In San Diego, grid-connected solar energy system owners who generate an excessive amount of solar energy can feed it back to the grid. For every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you contribute, you get a credit on your utility bill for almost the full retail value of that kWh. The difference in payment is only a few cents, usually reserved to pay for environmental benefit programs that all SDG&E customers pay. You can use this credit to access the grid during periods when your solar panel system isn't making enough power to meet the demands of your property. It's a smart and easy way to maximize the return on your solar investment. Solar Supports the Environment Finally, another reason to go solar in San Diego is that it's simply better for the environment! When you aren't burning fossil fuels, you aren't releasing dangerous greenhouse gases into the air. This helps slow the pace of climate change, which benefits everything from wildlife habitats to our direct and indirect water supplies. One property can make a significant difference, protecting the humans and wildlife that rely on the city's ecosystem for daily sustenance. Are You Ready to Go Solar in San Diego? Now that you know a little more about why it's smart to embrace solar in San Diego, are you ready to learn how? At Semper Solaris, we're here to make the process easier than ever before. As a trusted, veteran-owned solar company, we can help you save even more on solar today. From initial design to final installation and support, we're there every step of the way. Book an appointment today and let's get started!
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.
Elk Grove is a quiet, friendly suburban town in Sacramento County. With young professionals and their families living in this highly rated town, Elk Grove is considered one of the best places to live in California. Elk Grove is committed to the environment and renewable energy. They protect endangered species and habitats and is the home of the Stone Lakes wildlife refuge. This attention to preserving the environment and conservation makes it a healthy and safe place to raise a family. More and more Sacramento County homeowners are switching to solar power as the alternative energy of choice. Semper Solaris is the best Solar Company in Elk Grove. We are standing by to help Elk Grove homeowners take advantage of our many financing options and financial incentives available to offset the cost of installing solar. Solar Power to the Rescue in Elk Grove Those of us who are environmentally conscious, and want to live in a clean environment, have traditionally been stuck with having to compromise. Our electricity runs off fossil fuels; our air conditioning uses toxic chemicals; our cars run on petroleum. There has, until now, been little choice in how we get our electricity or drive our vehicles and a host of other ways we are on the receiving end of toxicity of modern inventions. Solar power technology has been around for decades, before now, it was not widely available to homeowners. It was expensive and cumbersome and not easy to use. When the laws changed that allowed for solar systems to be tied to the grid, net metering it opened the door for the growth of rooftop solar. Solar and Net Metering Solar panel installations in Elk Grove, like in the rest of California, have the advantage of using net metering, which connects to your solar panels and works in tandem with the utility grid. This process allows us to reduce our carbon footprint while still using electricity from the grid when we need it. But we can nevertheless reduce our carbon footprint by using less power from the grid, which relies on fossil fuel. How does net metering help me use Solar Power in Elk Grove? Net metering is a means to connect your solar panels to the electric grid. Your panels produce power while the sun shines, and this power is used for electricity in your home. Unused power goes to the grid, and you get that amount credited back to you, so you don’t lose excess energy. You can use that power to run the electricity at night. So you save money, but you are charged the higher rates during peak hours. So basically, you get discounted after hours because of the credits you have accrued. Power on the Roof in Elk Grove As homeowners are installing solar panels in Elk Grove and all over Sacramento County, it is creating a blueprint for the future of renewable energy. Solar power is more efficient when there is lots of sunshine. And on the roof is where that sun shines day after day. California is moving away from fossil fuels, and with solar power, roof by roof, it will have an effect on the environment for the air, the water, and the earth. Semper Solaris is the best solar company in Elk Grove for your energy needs. We are committed to the environment, and we stand ready to help you with financing and financial incentives so you can make the switch to renewable energy. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your property for going solar in Elk Grove.
Solar Panels For the Right Reasons With the cost of solar installations getting lower and lower, homeowners are making the smart move of going solar. Take advantage of the low prices, rebates, and incentives, and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. This move towards renewable energy is good for consumers, good for the economy, and good for the environment and the air you breathe. Solar Saves You Money Going solar will save you money, and you can reduce and even eliminate your electric bill. Your solar system connects to the grid and unused power from your solar system is fed back into the grid giving you credits while saving your generated electricity for the times your solar is not producing energy. Using solar power gives you a hedge against rising prices. And by producing your electricity and monitoring your usage, your energy bill will be more predictable and protect you from fluctuating energy prices. If you have a PPA, then your electric bill is the same from month to month all year long. Solar As an Investment Whether you choose to buy or lease your solar system, you will reap the benefits of lower electric bills and save money. By purchasing your system, the incentives and rebates will offset the upfront costs giving you a return on your investment. In a few years, when your system is paid off, you will reap the benefits even more with tax deductions for depreciation. And with the cost of electricity rising each year, a reduction in the cost of electricity can match or outperform traditional investment instruments. Solar Increases Property Value Investing in a solar system will increase the resell value of your home, and in most cases, the sale of the house will more than cover the total cost of installing the system. Adding a solar system is considered an upgrade like other home renovations. According to the Department of Energy, home buyers are willing to pay a premium and homes with solar tend to sell faster if they are energy efficient. Going Solar Helps the Economy Solar is among the fastest growing industries in both installation and manufacturing as more and more Americans are getting on board with Solar Power. Innovation spurs economic growth, and Solar is at the forefront of bringing new ideas and new jobs to the U.S. economy. Solar Advances Energy Independence Solar power helps promote energy independence which protects from price fluctuations and dependence on foreign fuel sources – because sunlight is free. Solar Helps the Environment And most of all, Solar power helps protect the air by reducing the need to burn fossil fuels, the leading cause of pollution. Solar produces no pollution and has a positive effect on reducing greenhouse gases. They say that the elimination of carbon emissions from a residential solar power system is like planting around 100 trees per year. So why not plant a few trees and have the satisfaction of knowing you are participating in the future of renewable energy while enjoying the financial benefits? Semper Solaris offers the best in Solar products and installation. We have various solar financing options available from buying to leasing and guarantee our work with a 25-year warranty. If you are contemplating installing a solar power system in your home or business, we have the experience, credentials, and expertise to make going solar an easy option. Call Semper Solaris for an appointment today and let us help you go solar. How does Solar Energy Work? The sun rises and shines down on your solar panels. Sunlight is made up of photons, tiny bursts of energy which emanate from the sun and hit the photovoltaic panels (solar panels). Photovoltaic is the process of chemical conversion of light to electrical power. And so, begins the progression of collecting the sunlight and converting it into electricity for your home.It produces clean energy, has no moving parts and needs no fossil fuels for power. Solar Panels Solar panels are comprised of a system of various parts that work together to collect and transform the sun’s energy into electricity. Many smaller units or photovoltaic cells are linked together with metal frames and wiring connecting throughout the panels. The panels have a mounting system and are arranged at the best angle facing the sun to convert the power generated into Direct Current (DC). The total cells per solar panel and the number of panels in a solar system is directly related to how much energy is created. Solar Cells Semiconductor material like silicon forms the small photovoltaic cells or modules. Although there are several types of semiconductor materials, silicon is the most common type used in making solar panels. These are busily at work allowing particles of light (photons) to pass through the material causing the electrons to break free to begin the process of creating an electrical current. Each cell needs to create an electrical field to generate a current. Each cell has both a positive and negative layer and works like a battery. The electrical field forces the electrical current out of the cell, or semiconductor, into the metal contacts and wiring that connects the cells and the panels. The current flows into the inverter where it converts the Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC) which is the current that runs throughout your home. Solar Inverters A solar inverter takes the DC from the solar panels and transforms it into AC. The inverter operates much like the Central Processing Unit, the brains, of a computer. It not only inverts DC to AC, but the inverter also provide grounding protection, monitors the system, voltage, and current on the circuits, monitors the production of energy and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) which is the maximum available power. There are central inverters that optimize the entire solar system, and Micro-inverters which monitor each panel. Inverters are tied into your home and usually to the grid through a meter. The process of collecting and converting sunlight to electricity goes on throughout the day until nightfall, when the panels stop generating energy. The energy that was not used by the home during the day is funneled back into the grid, and that power is credited back to you. In the evening, the network begins to deliver the unused credits in the form of electrical power back to the home to run the lights and television and other devices used at night. Semper Solaris knows how solar works, we know how to find the best and most cost-effective options available with the highest quality products and installation. We have various options for panels, for inverters, and should you want to be energy independent, we provide solar backup systems to store your unused energy for later use—saving even more money on your utilities. Call us for an evaluation of your property and let us help you go solar. Choose the Right Solar Financing Options With the cost of solar going down, now is the time to cash in on low prices, incentives, and rebates which are available from the Federal and State and City governments. These incentives paired with a solar loan are an attractive investment for homeowners and homeowners are cashing in. The upfront costs of solar, should you choose to buy, will be eased by the tremendous savings, tax deductions, and added value to your home. And if you decide to lease there is no upfront cost, a PPA is the way to lower your utility costs and regulate your monthly electric bill —saving money from the get-go. You will benefit not only financially, but your community and the environment will reap the rewards. Solar Loans A solar loan is a good option for those wanting to purchase their system. Solar loans are comparable to other home improvement loans but focused on energy efficiency projects. hey are offered at banks or solar panel manufacturers. And, you can take advantage of the Tax Credits and available deductions as well as the incentives and rebates. Things to Consider: Savings on your monthly bill compared to loan payment Incentives and Rebates from Federal, State, and City Tax deductions for investment in Solar Subsidized loans Secured and unsecured loans Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Loans Finance your solar energy installation with a PACE program. A PACE loan is available to homeowners through an authorized PACE provider. PACE financing is attached to your property and paid through the annual property tax bill. The tax rate determines the interest rate, and if you sell your home before you pay off the loan, the balance transfers to the buyer. Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO Program) The HERO program is a residential Property Assessed Clean Energy PACE program offered by Renovate America, a home renovation lender. HERO financing is for home improvements and solar and energy efficiency residential projects. Fannie Mae Homestyle Energy Loan With a Fannie Mae Homestyle Energy loan, you can finance your solar installation. They offer affordable and flexible options to homeowners for energy efficiency and disaster preparedness improvements. What is the difference between a solar lease and a PPA? Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) PPAs offer all the benefits of using a solar panel system without having the upfront cost of purchasing it. The PPA provider installs solar panels on your property, and you pay them a below market rate for the electricity for a set term, usually 20 years. The provider owns, maintains the system, an in return, receives the rebates, incentives and Tax Credits for the installation. Things to Consider: Rent or own your home? The upfront cost of solar installation Financial burden from a solar loan Savings from the lower cost of electricity Reduced Carbon Footprint Whether you lease or buy your solar system, it is a smart idea to reduce your home’s energy expenses while reducing your carbon footprint. Semper Solaris offers a variety of financing options. You will enjoy the benefits of low-cost financing for your system and reap the rewards of going solar. Call us for an evaluation of your property and to discuss all the financing options available and go solar. How to Choose the Right Solar Company So, you have decided to join the trend of going solar. What next? Investing in Solar is an important decision and a long-term investment. The most critical step in making this big decision is to find the right solar company. Your installer should be experienced and have a good reputation for top quality work and the very best solar panels available. Going solar is a complicated process, and there are many things to consider when choosing a solar provider: Evaluation of Your Property Design and Layout of the Solar System Permits and Inspections The Right Solar Financing Options Many situations can arise during the process of installing a solar system. Your installer must be very thorough in assessing your home’s readiness for solar. For instance, if your roof is too weak for the system, your roof could collapse under the weight of the panels. The company you choose should be expert in Roof Installation and construction. You can Google to find solar companies in California and see which companies are a good fit. You should have a list of more than one company and get quotes from each one. Reputation & Reviews Check companies in your state local areas and make your list based on the reputation of the companies: Reviews on Yelp, Facebook, Google Business, and Better Business Bureau Angie’s List and other online sources SolarReviews.com News articles Recommendations from satisfied customers Credentials & Expertise It is essential to know the experience of a company, and whether they have the proper certifications and licenses. You should be able to find these out on their website. Things to Ask Your Solar Company: How long have they been in business? Do they handle all the permits and paperwork for city and state require? Can they provide examples of previous installations with testimonials? Do they have a business license for their state and jurisdiction? Do they have liability insurance? Proper Solar Company Certifications: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABC) General contracting, electrician and home improvement licenses Quality Products & Solar Installations: What options and types of solar panels do they offer? Do they use the latest solar technology? Do they use the best installation equipment such as solar mounting brackets and reinforcement? Do they offer Product and installation warranties? Do they offer multiple solar financing options? The top companies offer a variety of the most popular and reliable solar panels and equipment using the latest technology. They offer warranties on products and their expert installation. they only use the sturdiest brackets and reinforcement systems available. Attentive and Helpful Service The relationship between you and your solar company should be built on trust. They should accurately represent costs as well as projected savings on electricity and have a track record of happy customers. Look for companies that have a reputation for exemplary customer service. Semper Solaris’ core values like trust, loyalty and high-quality service. We will steer you through the process answering all your questions and addressing all the problems that arise promptly. We do have a track record of happy customers. Call us today to schedule an evaluation of your home. There has never been a better time to go solar! Play the Safe Bet: Always Choose American Made Solar Panels If you are thinking about going solar and want to begin the process, how do you choose the best solar panels when you finally decide to go solar? There are numerous available options for solar panels on the market today, and the choices seem daunting. But you can narrow down your options and choose the most efficient, reliable panels made. An excellent place to start is by looking at the most popular and reliable brands used by the top Solar installers. Solar panels are made in manufacturing plants all over the world. China is leading the way in sheer volume of manufactured panels. But the unfair competition from China and their illegal practices has resulted in a tariff on Chinese solar panels, paving the way for North American Solar manufacturers to once again dominate the market here in America. The most reputable Solar Companies use American made solar panels which have proven to be the most reliable and efficient, and are the superior option in quality, price, and economics. Quality & Economy American manufacturers adhere to the highest standards of quality and offer top-quality panels to their customers. Semper Solaris chooses premium panels for both quality and economy. Benefits America Solar is the fastest growing energy source, and there are huge benefits from American solar-panel manufacturing. Since the tariff on foreign-made panels has taken effect, American Solar manufacturing is reestablishing their standing in the field of solar technology. Jobs in the solar manufacturing sector are on the rise as well as transportation, engineering and goes so far as to affect education, taxes and other government policies including clean energy practices. The move towards a renewable energy economy will allow for energy independence as we break free from the price controls of the utility companies. American-Made Solar Panels America is the pioneer of solar energy. Solar panels manufactured in America benefit from American innovation. They provide more choices, not only in quality and price but promote a renewable energy economy as we move away from fossil fuels. Why Buy American Made Solar Panels? Reliability—proven track record Highest efficiency = greater customer satisfaction Highest environmental and safety standards Warranties – Semper Solaris offers a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty Accountability – Manufacturers that stand behind their products Customer Service – fast replacement in the case of defective panels At Semper Solaris, we use the very best products made in America and choose leaders in the manufacture of solar panels that comply with our standards. We are leading the way in promoting solar products made in America. You can count on our top-notch service and the highest quality products made in America. Understand the Solar Installation Process If you are considering going solar it is essential to understand the process from beginning to end. There are many aspects to the process, and you need an installer has experience in every facet, so the project does not get bogged down. You will first decide upon a reputable provider that meets your needs, and they will do an initial inspection of your site. They will take measurements and discuss the options with you, including how much you will save on your utility bill, the available rebates, incentives, and financing options. Site Assessment After the initial signing of your solar contract lease or loan, you will begin the first phase of your installation which is the assessment by an engineer or technician to evaluate your home for the installation. This visit is more in-depth than the initial evaluation to begin the process. Evaluation The condition of your roof’s structure to make sure it will support the panels Your electrical panel for compatibility with the solar system The system design for compatibility with your home. Evaluate the sunlight and shade for placement of the panels on your roof. Calculate how much sunlight your system will be able to capture Paperwork & Documents Your installer will handle most of the paperwork and the permitting of your solar power and will only have you sign on the dotted line. There is much work to be done, and the paperwork lays the groundwork so that all the bases are covered before the installation process begins. Building permits from City State and Federal Solar incentives Local solar programs Clean Energy Financing programs like PACE Solar System Equipment After the paperwork and permits, it is time to choose the equipment and design the solar system for your home. Your Solar provider will help you select the best equipment and components for your situation. But it is a good idea to have something in mind before you discuss final plans. Once the equipment is on order, the date of installation will be scheduled according to your installers availability. Permits approved (30 to 60 days) Approve system design Choose and Order equipment Solar panels Inverters Supporting hardware and wiring Installation of Solar Components The permits have approval. The equipment arrives. And now it is time to install your solar. It will take around two or three days to complete depending on the design and preparation of the roof. Solar Panels Electrical panel Electrical wiring. Racking to support panels Connect inverter to panels Final Approval & Connecting to the Grid Once your inverter is installed, and the DC is converted to AC it is time to connect to the electric grid. The city planning and electric company will come to inspect your solar installation: Make sure the system meets all regulations. The system is installed correctly Has proper connection points Check that electrical systems are working properly Once these have approval, it is time to be connected to the grid and with a flip of a switch—you are now generating clean, renewable energy and the savings begin. Understand the Solar Permitting Process After you have signed your contract for your solar with your provider and done the necessary paperwork including financing and all applicable incentives and rebates, you will have an initial inspection of your site followed by site assessment. Any significant structural changes to your home require permission from your local government planning office. The permitting is critical to ensure your installer is meeting all applicable building codes. If they don’t, then you must start all over again. Permits Your installer will file the various applications for permits. Permitting involves the city and county governments, and it is dependent on how fast they approve. Some cities are stricter than others. Your installer should be experienced in this process and will take it from here handling the applications for permits and follow through to final approval. You will only need to sign the paperwork. Building Codes The permitting process for solar involves several parts of the Californian Building Code Title 24: Building Code Residential Code Electrical Code Mechanical Code Plumbing Code Energy Code Fire Code As you can see, there are many rules and regulations involved in the permitting process. It can get very complicated and sometimes drag the process out. The good news is, In California, the Solar Permitting Efficiency Act (Assembly Bill 2188), passed in 2014, made it a requirement that all local governments adopt ordinances that expedite the permitting process for small residential solar systems. Other states have also implemented expedited permitting processes for Solar Systems. Your experienced installer will know how to advance the process so that they can install your rooftop solar within the earliest possible timeframe. Application Review The local permitting agency must review permit applications to ensure compliance with state and local requirements. Structural safety Electrical safety Planning and Zoning Fire Safety After you have gone through the necessary permitting approval of your system design and it meets all the required building codes, it is time to order the equipment and set a date for installation. The installation will take a few days. And once the installation is complete, you have one more hurdle in the permit approval process. Final Inspection & Approval The city government inspector will check the installation to be sure the wiring was done correctly and that the mounting is attached, and the system meets all electrical and roof and building codes. Following that, your electric company will do a final inspection. It will take approximately two weeks to a month for final approval before your system is given the green light to connect to the electric grid. The system will be connected, and it is time to flip the switch. Your solar system connects to the grid, and your solar panels will begin generating power and saving you money. Semper Solaris technicians are knowledgeable and proficient in installing solar from the initial site inspection through the final approval of your system going live. We handle all the paperwork and permits and are there with you every step of the way. Call us today for a free evaluation and consultation. We will help you on the road to going solar. Monitoring Your System: How to Keep Track of Your Energy Production If you plan to install a rooftop solar system in your home, you already know you will save money. But how do you see the amount of power your panels are generating or how much money you are saving? Photovoltaic cells in the solar panels transform sunlight into energy and energy into direct current (DC). The inverter is connected to your homes electrical system and converts DC to AC for use in your home. You can increase the productivity of your solar panels by monitoring your system to achieve peak solar power efficiency. You can take advantage of products and services to get the most benefit out of your system. Net Metering Most solar systems connect to the grid through Net metering or net energy metering. A net meter replaces your regular electric meter on your house and is connected to the power from your solar system and the grid. Net metering monitors your solar power generation and usage and keeps track of energy that is routed back into the network grid and stored there. What you don’t use is credited back to you to be used when your panels are not producing electricity, like at night or on very cloudy days. It is possible to build up enough extra credits during the summer months so that you can use them in the winter. If you generate enough electricity from your panels, you can eliminate your electric bill. Web Monitoring Solar monitoring software for your system works through the solar inverter to monitor your solar system’s performance in real time. Your solar system will come with built-in software for this purpose. It will track the energy generated and energy use. It will help you optimize energy usage and detect problems in your system. It is essential to monitor your system, so you are sure it is operating at optimal levels. The information gathered by the software is sent to your installer through a cloud-based system with a website where you can view your system statistics. Web monitoring works with computers, mobile apps, and smart home devices. You can access the data from your mobile devices without connecting to your Wi-Fi. Spot problems in real time and minimize your system’s downtime See your day to day, monthly, and yearly savings See the benefits of upgrading to more efficient appliances and fixtures Adjust your power usage to match the production of your panels and eliminate your utility bill Run appliances during your optimum solar generation. Tweak your power usage by identifying appliances using the most power Program appliances like your refrigerator to use energy when the rates are lower Semper Solaris’s solar panels are installed with a state-of-the-art monitoring system which allows you to keep track of your solar energy production. Our monitoring support specialist will help you access your system through your home computer, a mobile app, or device. You can log on any time to view your system’s performance. There is no better time to go solar, call us today for an evaluation of your home and join the solar revolution. Maximize Your Investment: Why Using a Contractor for both Your Solar and Your Roof is a Smart Idea Now is time to go solar. The cost-benefit concerning savings on electricity is enough to justify the expense of installing a solar system on your roof. Add to that the value it adds to your homes resale value. The government incentives and tax rebates alone are enough to bring the price in range for homeowners. In a few years, the system will be paid off while you continue to profit from the reduced power bills. Solar & Roofing The most important consideration when installing solar on your roof concerning durability and the life of your solar system is the condition of the roof. It is essential to have your roof assessed for the ability to handle the weight of the solar panels. But maybe it would be better to maximize your investment and start fresh with a new roof combined with your new solar panels. Unless your roof is relatively new, it is likely your roof will need repairs or will degrade faster than your solar panels. Why not consider starting with a new roof and a new solar system and maximize your investment? If you replace your roof when you install solar panels, you will save money by avoiding the expense of removing and reinstalling your solar panels should you need to replace your roof in the future. Roof Installation vs. Replacement If you do have problems with your roof needing repair or replacement, there are labor costs involved in taking the panels off and putting them back on. If your hardware also must be removed, the cost will be a few thousand dollars higher than just the Roof Installation and panel removal. If you combine a new roof with a new solar installation, it is unlikely you will need to replace your roof for life of your panels. Panels last from 30 to 35 years and are much more durable than roofing material, and they will protect your roof from degradation. A solar power installation will save you thousands upon thousands of dollars throughout the life of the system. So, the added cost of reroofing is well worth it in the long run and is better than taking a chance that there will be problems with your roof later. The Right Solar Company Few solar companies offer roofing services. Choosing a solar company that is also an expert in the repair and construction of roofs, is a very safe bet. At Semper Solaris, we have built our reputation on the construction of roofs along with our solar installations. We offer warranties on roofing and solar as well as great discounts when you install a new roof along with your solar panels. If you need roof replacement anyway, consider installing solar along with the new roof. It is a wise investment to make, and the financial benefit is enormous for both savings and value added to your home. If you already plan on installing solar on your rooftop, consider starting with a clean slate by also installing a brand-new roof. Call us today, and we can evaluate your home for a new roof and solar system. Capitalize on Your Solar Investment – Battery Storage and How You Can Make Money with Solar If you have or are contemplating installing a solar system on your rooftop, why not capitalize on your investment? Maximize your savings with solar battery storage. You can profit from your solar installation from savings on your electricity. A penny saved is a penny earned. And battery storage can give you that extra penny or two. Profit from Solar With the cost of electricity rising, investing in solar makes sense. And you can create a profit scheme from using solar energy. Generating your power is a hedge against the rising and fluctuating energy costs. You can capitalize on the savings on utility bills and solar rebates and incentives, as well as the increased value of your home. The lowered cost of electricity through net metering is essentially selling excess power generated from solar, back to the grid. It comes back to you as credits in the form of electricity when your solar is not producing electricity. By selling your power back to the network, you are receiving credits toward your electric bill as good as cash. Maximize Profit with Backup Battery Adding a backup battery to your solar system will enable you to store extra power for your use, get a financial return, or be prepared for emergencies when the grid goes down. If your electric company charges high demand rates, or you have Time of Use (TOU) rate structures with high peak and off-peak rates, you can use your stored power to control costs. Electricity rates are lower during the daytime, and solar panels are producing the most energy. You can save energy in your batteries for use during high demand or peak hours and avoid the higher rates during that time. Or, you can use the power from your battery during off-peak hours and generate surplus energy to sell back to the grid during on-peak hours. You will save money and create an income by adjusting to changing rates. Some companies, like LADWP, have tiered rates designed to push your rate higher according to how much power used during your billing period. Depending on your power usage, and for heavy use days, you could feasibly use enough of your solar power to give you a deficit which would force you into a higher tier. With battery storage, you can monitor your energy and save your solar power to the battery to use on high use days or for overages and avoid all or most of the extra cost of higher tiered rates. Make a Move Towards Energy Independence If you are considering a solar system but have not yet made a move to go solar, Semper Solaris can help you make your decision with accurate and helpful guidance from our representative. Whether you have a system already or are planning to, Semper Solaris can install an Enphase Encharge Battery or Tesla Powerwall backup battery so that you have surplus power when you need it. You can use the extra energy to generate a profit from your solar power system or go off the grid. Call us today and let us help you maximize your solar investment for a financial return and move towards energy independence. Protect Your Solar System Solar panels are made of tempered glass and are designed to tolerate extreme temperatures, weather, and other outside factors. They are tested to handle falling debris, hail storms, and very high winds. But many other factors can cause damage to your solar system, and you have no further to look than your backyard. It is essential to safeguard your investment to avoid damage, loss of efficiency, and even theft. If you have installed Solar Panels on your roof, you will be saving a lot of money on your power bill. And although solar panels are reliable requiring little support, you can preserve and protect the life of your solar panels through regular inspection, maintenance, and cleaning. Solar Maintenance It is good to get a regular comprehensive examination of your panel system to see that it is performing at its optimal efficiency and that it is safe, with no issues to the electrical system and components. Inspection is especially critical if your solar system is a few years old. Comprehensive maintenance for your system should include: Inspecting the electrical system wiring and components Inspection of the roof for degradation Review of monitoring equipment Racks and mounting Checking for faulty wiring Replacing cracked or broken panels Thorough cleaning of panels Solar Cleaning Clear debris, such as leaves, or dirt (use garden hose) Schedule a cleaning with your solar panel provider OR Install a solar cleaning system Keep trees and foliage trimmed So panels are not shaded from the sun and to keep falling branches from damaging your panels Conserve Solar Power Monitor your system and know when your panels are the most productive. Adjust your power usage to when your system is generating the most electricity Use smart plugs or power strips to turn off appliances not being used Use timers on your devices and run the most power-hungry appliances during your optimum solar generation. Led lights 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs Motion sensor lights will cut down on unnecessary lighting in some areas Weatherize your home Store power – Semper Solaris can install an Enphase Encharge Battery or Tesla Powerwall backup battery for surplus power. Protect Solar Panels Alarm System Serial numbers for your home insurance Fence your property Use locks Pest Guards to keep rodents from nesting in your wires, roof, and panels At Semper Solaris, we are committed to top-notch solar energy installation, maintenance, and service to our customers. We offer a full system diagnostic with an inspection, tune-up and maintenance services for your solar system. If your system is older or you have any issues with your solar system, Semper Solaris is a company you can trust. Our solar experts can diagnose and fix any solar system problems you may have from the panels to the electrical system to the roof. If there is a problem—we can fix it–give us a call. Understand the Value Solar Panels Add to Your Home If you are contemplating or have decided to go solar and have a solar system installed on your rooftop, you will save money on electricity. And the benefits are not only financial you will reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the efforts to move away from carbon-based fuels and towards renewable energy. But how does adding solar to your rooftop affect your bottom line over time? Solar Panels Increase Property Value The research is in, and study after study confirms that purchasing a solar power system for your rooftop will increase the value of your home. And the total cost of the system is offset by the rise in the home’s resale value even before taking into consideration the incentives and tax rebates. Purchasing Your Solar System Adding a solar system is considered an upgrade like any other home renovation only the return is much higher for solar than for a kitchen or bathroom. According to the Department of Energy, home buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with solar and homes tend to sell as much as 20 percent faster than homes without. And beyond that, the reduction in energy costs continue to produce excellent returns on the investment, saving thousands of dollars for many more years. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory Study shows that property value goes up about 20 dollars for each $1 in savings from a rooftop solar installation. Buyers are paying more to enjoy savings on their utility bills, which makes a mortgage payment more affordable. According to the Lawrence Berkeley Lab’s study, the rise in property value is approximately four dollars per watt on average. A 5 kW system or 5,000 Watts will fetch around 20,000 in increased resell value. So one kilowatt (kW) equals 1,000 watts times 4 giving a $4,000 increase in resell value. Here is the calculation for a 3.1 kW system: 3.1 kW system – 3.1 X 1,000 = 3,100 watts X 4 = $12,400 increase in resale value. Smaller systems increase the value of even more per watt than larger systems. Homebuyers consider any size solar installation to be an asset. According to studies, this is called the “green cachet” effect where homebuyers are willing to pay more to have solar.< Solar is beneficial for homeowners and homebuyers alike. It is clear that going solar is a smart investment that gives you a hedge against rising energy costs, and in most cases, outperforms traditional investment mediums. By purchasing your system, incentives and rebates will reduce the upfront costs significantly and give you a return on your investment. But how does Leasing affect this return and the resale value of your home? Solar Lease (PPA) In a Power Purchase agreement, PPA, the homeowner does not own the panels and does not make payments on the solar system. Instead, the PPA company installs, owns, and maintains the panels. You are either charged a set rate for the electricity produced or pay only for the energy used, and the company gets the benefits of rebates, incentives, and tax breaks. Solar leases can last up to 20 to 25 years. If you are leasing your solar system, the process of selling gets a bit complicated. For sure you are buying the system in the long run, but if you sell before your lease is up, how does that affect the resell value and purchase of the house? If you sell your home and have a PPA, there are two routes you can take. If the buyer will take over the lease and enjoy the benefits of the PPA, it can still be attractive because the buyer will save a lot of money on electric bills. If however, you wish to take the solar with you or the buyers do not want to assume the lease, what happens? It will likely require that you pay off the contract at a pro-rated amount and pay the cost of having the panels removed from the roof, repair the roof for the new buyers, and have the panels installed on your new home if that is an option. Installing Solar Panels? There are no reliable studies on how leasing solar affects the value of your home. In the future, that will be a consideration for reviews, but there is no data on it now. Either way, you and the buyer will benefit from lowered energy costs. So if you are wanting to install solar panels, but plan to sell your home in the future, you should find out all the terms for this process and make it part of the contract before you sign. Of course, with solar panel prices getting lower and lower all the time it is becoming more affordable. And with the addition of incentives, rebates, and tax breaks, purchasing is the better option to make sure you get the most value from your solar power system. There are many solar financing options, and we can help you find the right fit whether purchasing or leasing.
There is nothing like a beautiful, sunny day in Santa Monica. While there may be a lot of them, we still never grow tired of the consistent sunshine! One of the main reasons? It means we can help our customers continue to harvest the power of the sun for their benefit! With how expensive the electricity bills can be in this community, there is no doubt going solar is a serious attraction. As the fastest-growing solar contractor in Santa Monica, Semper Solaris is ready to help you make your community greener and take maximum advantage of solar savings. While going solar may feel like a big, complicated decision, we like to take the confusion out of the equation. Our goal is to make the solar process and investment as simple as possible for our customers to understand and determine whether it's right for their circumstances. We’ll walk you through each and every step to ensure you are comfortable with it! Learn about our current offers or find out how you can go solar by calling our experts today! Perks of Installing Solar Panels Having solar panels installed on your home can be extremely beneficial. There are countless benefits you’ll reap from this investment -- that includes everything from creating a more eco-friendly home to extra cash back in your pocket every month. Take a look at the wide range of solar benefits below! Real Savings on Long Term Expenses Looking for a way to reduce your energy bills? Having solar panels installed will greatly cut down on your monthly electricity costs. Electric company rates are predicted to have a steady increase throughout the next years, and being dependent on volatile rates and unable to dimish your electric use can be extremely damaging to your personal finances. Renewable energy allows you to break that cycle — to take charge of your energy source, to monitor your energy production, to understand how much you’re using and producing and to adjust your habits accordingly. On top of that, you’re no longer paying for that electricity: what you produce is yours, and whatever is leftover, you sell back to the electric company. No Waiting Period for Savings If you are on the fence about the upfront investment, solar purchase power agreements and leasing options allow you to get more affordable green energy through solar panels right away. You can enjoy all the benefits of solar with a simple “pay-as-you-go” model to take the financial burden off your shoulders and enjoy more immediate savings. A third-party company will actually own the system, but you’ll be able to buy the more affordable solar energy, saving you money month to month. Reasonable Payback Timeline & Cost For those who do want to buy their own solar panel system, the option can be very affordable and reasonable. With all the incentives, rebates, and savings, the payback period is often much quicker than homeowners even realize. This means all their savings on electricity goes right back into their pockets! Boost to Home Value As a prospective homebuyer, seeing that a house has a solar panel system in place can be very appealing. They can step into a smart home that will offer lower electricity bills, ultimately making it a much more attractive purchase. In fact, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that homes with solar panels were able to sell not only 17% faster, but for 20% more than comparable homes without panels installed. Numerous Incentives Available The most attractive incentive is no doubt the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which allows you to deduct a percentage of the total cost of your solar panel system (including equipment and solar installation expenses). That automatically takes out a huge chunk of the solar panel system cost! This credit is set to expire soon, however, so make sure you take advantage of it while still available. California is also determined to expand its reputation as a “green” and energy-conscious state, offerings rebates and incentives alongside the Federal Solar Tax Credit and local rebates for Santa Monica residents. Proven Performance & Savings Though they are constantly exposed to the elements, solar panels are designed to be sturdy and long-lasting. Typical solar panel manufacturers stand by their products with extensive warranties, often around 20 to 25 years. These performance guarantees give homeowners peace of mind that their panels are designed to perform exceptionally well for decades to come. And that’s just guaranteed performance, as solar panels are able to last much longer! Protects Environment & Keeps Local Community Green Santa Monica is a beautiful area to live in. Protecting that natural beauty is important, and going solar is one of the ways you can help promote a more sustainable future. It may seem small, but every house and every neighborhood can make a big difference for Southern California in the long run. Renewable energy options like solar panels cut back on air and water pollution that traditional fossil fuels emit. Not only is renewable energy good for the environment, but it's also great for public health, reducing air pollution and protecting precious water supplies. Provides More Energy Independence Electricity costs are currently volatile, with some uncertainty about future expenses to homeowners. That means going solar is more valuable than ever before. Having solar panels allows you to take control back over your electricity costs from utility companies. Even with net metering and time-of-use rates, having solar energy gives you much more peace of mind with your primary electricity use coming from your solar panels or solar credit from your panels. With the always-improving solar battery storage technology, you can further increase your energy independence and decrease reliance on the grid! Why Wait When You Can Start Saving Right Away? Helping the local Santa Monica community doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. Going solar can be a great way to help support the environment and your wallet at the same time! The incentives and tax credits still available for homeowners in California make it an ideal time to invest in solar panels. If you are interested in learning more about how installing solar panels in Santa Monica can help you save, add value to your home, and benefit your community, reach out to our team. We can walk you through each and every step of the process and help you select the right panels and system size for your home needs and budget. Semper Solaris is always just a quick call away. Get expert solar guidance today!
Going solar is a major step towards a more sustainable energy source and monthly utility savings. For many homeowners, adding solar panels to their property provides major savings and improves the value of their home. With net metering, you are also able to get credits per kWh of electricity your solar panels produce. These credits go directly towards your energy bill, cutting back on your costs. So what happens when your solar panels go above and beyond, producing and sending even more electricity to the grid than your entire household uses any given month? While it would be ideal if selling energy to your own utility company was possible, that currently isn’t an option available here in California. However, the average household solar panel system doesn’t typically generate enough unused electricity to actually create a profit from selling that extra energy to their companies. While energy-consciousness or smaller households may be able to cover all utility expenses with their solar panel systems, most consumers are aiming more realistically to majorly cut down their monthly costs rather than eliminate them (you would need a very large system for this). Capitalizing on Your Solar Investment According to statistics, the average American family has to fork out more than $1,430 a year for their electricity expenses alone. On top of that, the cost of electricity has risen by 2.2% per year across the nation. With the threat of continual spikes in energy prices and the burden of more harmful energy resources on our planet, investing in solar probably seems like a very attractive option. Even though you won’t necessarily be able to earn extra money from your solar panels, you can make your investment worthwhile by capitalizing on all the savings and solar rebates available to you. Some of the ways you can save big on solar: 30% federal tax credit Zero dollars down until 2020 Various local incentives Cutting back on monthly utility expenses Increased home value> The Investment Tax Credit is obviously the most appealing solar credit to homeowners. You are able to claim 30% of the home solar panel system price through a tax credit. Even if you don’t have enough tax credit to claim the whole credit for one year, you can roll it over into the next year. Find Out How You Can Save With Solar With the cost of electricity continuing to rise, now is the time to start thinking seriously about how creating a solar profit. For an average household and solar panel system size in California (6-kilowatt system), homeowners meeting above 90% of their energy needs can expect to save around $13,000 over the first 6 years and around $29,420 by the 20-year mark. p>Though savings can vary based on energy demands, electricity rate fluctuation, and various other factors, the savings available through going solar are very real. Interested in learning more? Our Los Angeles solar installers would love to give you more information.
HOW TO GET MORE FROM YOUR SOLAR POWER If you have a rooftop solar installation or are considering a solar system in your Temecula home, you are already aware of the money you will save on utility bills. The more the sun shines on your solar panels, the more electricity they generate, and you can improve the effectiveness of your system and using the best practices for optimum solar energy efficiency. Your solar installer will help you choose the best location for your panels for the best value. Here Are Some Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Solar Power System ENERGY USAGE Find out when your solar panels are the most productive. There are smart apps that will monitor your solar energy panels by showing how much power the panels generate, how much power you use, and how much goes back to the grid. Then you will know when your system is the most productive. Adjust your power usage. Find out which devices or appliances in your home use the most power and use them when your solar system is generating the most. You can also program appliances to run during those times with smart apps. Coordinate your Time of Use rates with your Solar System’s optimum output to run your most expensive appliances like washer and dryer during the times of lowest rates. Stagger your consumption. Using many appliances and devices at the same time could lead to using more power than your system is generating causing you to use more expensive energy from your utility provider. Use smart plugs or power strips for standby electrical devices so they can be off instead of pulling electricity when not in use. TV’s, DVD players, and other devices on standby can add to your monthly consumption unnecessarily. With a smart plug, you can keep your DVR plugged in while the other devices are off until you intend to use them. Use timers on your appliances and run during your optimum solar generation. Led lights only use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last a lot longer. Motion sensor lights in hallways and on your porch will cut down on unnecessary lighting. Energy Star appliances use nearly 40 percent less energy. PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT Weatherize your home. Don’t lose what your panels generate through leaky windows or doors. Keep your panels clean by clearing debris, such as leaves or branches or dirt to avoid a reduction in energy yield. You can schedule a cleaning with your solar panel provider or consider installing a cleaning system Keep trees and foliage trimmed, so they aren’t blocking or shading your panels from the sun and ensure falling branches do not damage your panels. Store power for your home to make up for when your panels are not generating enough energy. Semper Solaris can install an Enphase Encharge Battery or Tesla Powerwall backup battery for surplus power. The combination of solar panels with a backup battery can meet nearly 90 percent of your energy needs when you need more. Get a 25-year warranty with Semper Solaris solar power installations. Temecula homeowners are joining the solar revolution. If you have not installed solar in your home, prices are lower than they ever have been with rebates and tax incentives. Call Semper Solaris for an evaluation of your home and take advantage of lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprint. We can help join your neighbors and go solar.
If you have noticed solar panels showing up on private homes a lot lately, you've likely wondered if the cost of solar panels in California is worth the significant investment they represent. While it's true that the cost of solar panels can be quite high, the truth is the potential savings they can net you on your monthly electric bill make them worth the initial investment. In fact, when you compare the amount of money you can save on an annual basis and compare that amount to the cost of solar panels, California homeowners may find themselves pleasantly surprised. The easiest way to factor the value of going solar is determining how much you pay for your current electricity from a local grid on a monthly basis compared to how much you can get paid for the electricity produced from PV after those initial costs are deducted over the course of the system’s lifetime. This total is the amount that should matter to homeowners when they consider whether or not solar can save them money. Caught up in this big picture approach is the idea of solar grid parity. What exactly is Solar Grid Parity and how does it affect me? So what exactly is solar parity and how does it affect the decision to go solar? It is the point at which the amount of money needed to produce power from solar panels is either equal to or less than the cost of paying for electricity from the grid. The sooner we get to solar parity across the country, the cheaper it will continue to get. Essentially, the more people recognize the benefits of solar and choose to invest in this renewable energy source, the sooner it will become adopted across America, making energy cleaner and more affordable for homeowners. How does this work? When solar companies can buy in bulk to meet the growing consumer demand for solar panels, they can lower the cost of solar panels. California homeowners, for example, may find they get better prices on materials. This impact also boosts investment in transmissions lines and helps to cut solar costs, which means it can meet the rising cost of electricity sooner, resulting in parity, or equality, until solar eventually becomes even cheaper. How Close Is the U.S. to Solar Parity? What is the timeline for solar parity in America? That answer depends on a number of factors, with each state facing different challenges, from limited sun exposure to transmission line investment costs. The country has set a target of boosting renewable energy usage to 20 percent by 2040, which would likely result in solar parity nationwide. While we have some ground to cover as a country, California is leading the way as one of the 20 states at grid parity. Weighing the Cost of Solar Panels: California Homeowners Should Be Going Solar Now The point of parity on the grid has already been reached in California, which means installing solar panels is now more affordable than the average electricity bill homeowners have to pay off every month. Solar isn’t just an option for investing in the future of affordable energy; it can start saving homeowners money right now. The average homeowner will cut back on costs between 20 and 40 percent – especially when the individual chooses to partner with a company like Semper Solaris. With zero down and zero out of pocket, solar energy has never been more affordable and realistic for homeowners. Factors that make going solar affordable to homeowners now include the following: You receive a 30 percent federal tax credit. Net metering can result in money back from electricity companies. California has already reached grid parity. Great savings exist in Semper Solaris’ online specials. Some properties may go months without having a bill. The interest is tax deductible. Low income and low FICO scores can still finance through PACE. What Is PACE Financing? The PACE Financing program is a great option that makes setting up solar energy easier for homeowners, ultimately pushing us closer to solar grid parity. Short for Property Assessed Clean Energy, PACE is a financing option designed to help homeowners save money when investing in cleaner energy while adding more value to their property. PACE covers 100 percent of the solar installation cost and can be paid back over the course of 20 to 30 years, with an assessment added to the property tax bill. Homeowners start saving from day one! The Senate bill on PACE (SB-242) will add more consumer protections for residential PACE programs in California, providing even more peace of mind to homeowners wanting to invest in energy upgrades that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible to them. With California at solar grid parity, switching to solar is the smart investment for homeowners who want to instantly save on their energy bill and be a force for renewable energy!
PG&E RATES RISE TO AN ALL TIME HIGH! If PG&E is your electric company, your rates are increasing! PG&E serves huge sections of California, including most of Northern California and Central California, as well as coastal cities like San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. If you live in any of these areas, you may be experiencing some of the highest rates in PG&E’s history! Starting March 2017, PG&E is adding a high usage surcharge. Do you have family members living at home during the day? Do you run your TV for most of the day or night? Or do you use an electric vehicle? All of these could put you at risk for the high usage fee! This means that those who have especially large families or many appliances, or those who just forget to turn off the lights, may be paying especially high rates. For families who may run the heater in the cold months, or who live in hotter environments and have to run the air conditioner most days, this could mean huge increases in the cost of electricity. Not only that, but PG&E is totally changing the tier system. Did your energy use ever get into Tier 3 or Tier 4? These tiers will no longer exist! Now, it’s just Tier 1, Tier 2, and the high usage fee. If you use more energy than average, you could be at risk for this extremely high rate. Right now, Tier 3 energy usage is 40 cents per kilowatt-hour, one of the highest in the country. The high usage fee is likely to be even higher than this. Tier 2 is at 24 cents per kilowatt-hour, but these will likely increase once Tier 2 and Tier 3 are combined. PG&E has also added minimum charges and fees! Electricity rates are only going up, which means there’s never a better time to go solar than now. Going solar means that you can start saving today. Solar customers can dramatically reduce or even completely eliminate their electricity bill. Why keep paying rates that only go up and up, when you can install solar panels and start saving? Some customers even receive payments from the electric company for all of their electric company! Don’t just sit back and take the ever-increasing prices—start taking ownership of your rates. Don't put it off - Go Solar and Roofing American Style with Semper Solaris, your local and veteran-owned SunPower Elite Dealer We pride ourselves on our military roots and values, and our team is known for their personal responsibility, reliable word, and faithfulness. We hire as many veterans as we can, and offer special discounts for military personnel, first responders, and their families. We also have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for our customer service. Semper is also the only solar and roofing contractor still offering you the equivalent of the California state rebate, up to $3,000. Go solar with Semper. Zero down and no payments until 2018 on approved credit. Why keep paying outrageous electricity bills? Go solar now to get the best rates!
