There are numerous variables that play into what makes a good solar design. The way a panel is not only installed but designed can greatly impact the productivity of the solar array and the efficiency of the entire solar panel system. That is why it is important to have an experienced solar designer working with you throughout the installation process.

The challenge is that homeowners can sometimes have strong preferences about how they want their solar panel system to look with their home design. While they may prefer the panels to be placed a certain way on their roof or layed out according to their vision, a designer can help them not only get the best possible appearance, but also production.

Factors Designers Consider

So much goes into the actual design of a PV system layout. Designers think through every and factor that can impact a home’s solar energy system. Though your neighbors may look out the window and think the installation process is just a simple step of placing the panels on the roof, the where and how are complicated steps you’ll want to consider with your designer.

The main things a solar system designer will calculate and think through:

An experienced solar designer will take into consideration everything from your past utility bills to the direction of the sun to the type of inverter and arrays you need to maximize your solar investment. Having a designer to the heavy lifting for you means you don’t have to worry about missing any details that could impact solar efficiency for your entire system. With an investment this big, it is crucial that you have your system setup to be as productive as possible to put more savings in your pocket and value back into your home.  

Get an Experienced Designer on the Job

You don’t want just any solar team to install your panels and system — you want a qualified Inland Empire solar company that uses great products and knows how to come up with a strong solar design. At Semper Solaris, our designers have upwards of 10 years of collective experience and have tackled around 10,000 jobs and counting. We have the knowledge of what makes a truly good and efficient solar system. Our designers ensure our customers have systems setup to produce the best results and benefits their home.

By listening to our designers, you can be confident that your new solar panel installation will not only produce but be as cost-effective as possible!

Time for a roof replacement? If your roof has seen better days and you’re tired of placing buckets under leaky spots, getting a new roof can be an exciting process. It’s also a process that can involve numerous steps and obstacles, which is why you want to make sure your project is handled by the best roofing contractor in the Bay Area.

Semper Solaris is a qualified and dedicated contractor that handles all types of roof repairs and replacements, from San Francisco and San Jose to Sacramento City. Our team handles everything from the tear-off to the clean-up, and the thousand steps in between to ensure your repairs or roof replacement are done correctly. After all, your roof is the shield of your home, making it a very important project to be tackled.

Steps in the Roofing Installation / Repair Process

While not every roofing project will look the same, there are some common steps you can expect to take along the way.

  1. Finding a Qualified Contractor

Before any work can be done, you need to find the right roofing company to actually handle the job. Every homeowner wants the best for their home, which is why they should do their due diligence and research before settling on a roofing contractor, comparing company values, customer reviews, past project completions, and experience and credentials. You also want to confirm the contractor you are interested in is licensed and insured before starting any work.

  1. Getting an Estimate

Depending on whether you just need some roofing repairs or a complete new installation, the price could vary. The size of your roof, style, and the extent of your roof’s damage could all impact the final estimate. Another factor that will play a part in the cost of your roof project is the materials involved. Asphalt roofing, on average, tends to be more affordable, though it may need more regular repairs or replacement of shingles. In comparison, a slate or wood shake roof will likely cost more to repair but provides more lasting durability over the course of time. If you are completely replacing your roof, you’ll want to keep these factors in mind, as well as any upgrades you’d like to add to your home down the road.

  1. Securing a Permit

Now that there is a contractor in place with an estimate you approve of, the final step before any real work can begin is securing the building permit. Speak with your contractor about this responsibility, as some contractors will handle the process for you while others may leave it up to the homeowner to tackle this step. A permit is crucial in order to pass the final code inspection for your roof once the work is fully done.

  1. Preparing for the Unexpected

As with any construction project, it is important to prepare for the unexpected. For example, in a roof repair project there may be significant more damage uncovered throughout the process or a slow down due to weather. Whatever the case, it is important to plan ahead of these types of problems and ensure you have a contingency plan, such as a small budget for additional expenses or costs. While not every project is guaranteed to run into problems, it is better to safely plan ahead!

  1. Skill Work Completed on Roof

For the homeowner, this is the easy part. Your contractor is in full swing, getting all the skill roofing work done while you sit back and wait for the final results. On average, a roof replacement can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. A project can range based on the size of the home, types of materials being used, craftsmanship involved, and unexpected issues and weather. The good news? The contractor you hire should have a team of top-notch roofing experts who’ve handled countless projects before.

  1. Debris Clean Up

The roof may be down and looking pristine, but the work isn’t quite finished until the final clean up has been tackled. From shingle pieces to stray nails to underlayment, any good contractor will make sure the entire property is looking spick and span and not a single piece of material is left behind. Once this process is done, you can finally sit back and enjoy your new roof.

More Questions? Call Our Roofing Experts Today!

Getting the ball rolling on a major roof installation project can sometimes be intimidating. That’s why Semper Solaris is here to answer any questions you may have! Whether you want to make sure you have the right material selected or are meeting the specifications to add solar panels down the road, our Bay Area roof installers have the insight you need.

Get connected with our roofing team today.

California is one of the leaders in renewable energy resources. While the rest of the country is following suit, not every state or city is as passionate about solar and other renewable energy sources. This means that not every homeowner across the country would necessarily add property value by installing solar panels on their home.

The good news? The Bay Area is one of the most popular areas for solar panels. Whether you live in Sacramento City or San Francisco, having solar panels could be a great investment if you are looking to add value to your home.

How Going Solar Can Benefit Your Property Value

Sure, you’ve heard that adding solar panels can be a great boost for a home, but does it really add any property value? According to a study done by Berkeley Lab, potential homeowners have been showing a willingness to pay a higher price tag (floating around $15,000 or more depending on the size of the system) for a house with an adequate solar panel system.

While buying a solar system is a big investment, the savings on utilities, reduced carbon footprint, and added monetary value to a home make it an attractive upgrade. Just like a remodeling kitchen or backyard addition, solar panels are seen by potential home buyers as a distinguishing factor on the market. In fact, in a past study, homes in California that had energy efficient features, such as solar arrays, were actually found to sell faster than those that were not as efficient.

Some factors can impact the solar value added to your Bay Area home:

It is important to note that just leasing a solar panel system will likely not add value to your home at all. On top of that, it can be difficult to transfer the lease to a potential buyer, so make sure to consider your financial situation and options when it comes to your solar investment.

Deciding if Solar Panels Are Right for Your Home

If you are simply looking for a way to add value to your property for a quick sell, solar panels won’t necessarily be the simplest or even most beneficial option. However, if you are planning to invest in solar panels so that you can reap the benefits of saving on your utility expenses and have your panels paid off or significantly covered, going solar could bring a nice boost to your property value. Down the road, if you decided to sell your home, you could expect to benefit from having solar panels already installed.

Still have questions about the value solar can bring to your home? Semper Solaris is here to provide more insight. Give our experts a call today to learn more.

As utility prices continue to fluctuate, solar electricity is slowly becoming the new norm in California. Homeowners throughout the Bay Area are jumping at the opportunity to add solar panels to their home in order to save on monthly electrical expenses. Choosing the right company to do the job can be tricky though. How do you find the best solar company in the Bay Area? What about the right company for your project?

While there are plenty of solar companies claiming to be the best out there, the “best” company doesn’t just mean the cheapest, fastest, or the one with the newest equipment. Far from that, the best companies often look beyond the flashy promotions and latest and most popular products to offer simplicity and technical skill to their customers. When it comes down to it, having a solar panel installer that is reliably recommended or approved by an electrician is one of the most validating factors. Having other certifications and qualifications to back up their work is also extremely important.

At the end of the day, you are going to have numerous solar contractors to select from. So what makes one contractor rise above the rest?

Backing Up Your Solar Investment with Credibility

When it comes to adding a solar panel system to your home, you aren’t just investing in the panels, electrical wiring, and converter — you are investing in the trustworthiness of your solar contractor. Having an installer that has been already certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is probably one of the most reassuring qualifications out there. Why? The NABCEP is a highly respected certification organization in the renewable energy field. Having a certification from them means a contractor knows what they are doing and can back up their promises with actual experience and results.

Here are just a few of the qualifications that make Semper Solaris stand out:

While we are proud of our certifications and professional recommendations, we don’t rest on these accolades. Our team takes our customers’ solar investment seriously, going above and beyond to ensure the work is done properly.

Put Your Trust in the Solar Experts

Semper Solaris doesn’t just talk the talk — we back up our promises with highly skilled solar experts, top-quality solar panel equipment, thousands of glowing customer reviews, and unmatched work ethic our customers can count on. We are electrician and expert-recommended, giving our customers 100% peace of mind when they call on our Bay Area solar company.  

When you go with us, you get a 5-star solar installation experience. From top solar manufacturers to the best quality solar panel mounts and racks, we think of it all. Contact us today to get more information!

Have questions about solar? You’re not alone! Even though solar has been around for a long time, many homeowners want to know more before they decide if going solar is the right choice for their property. Your curiosity may begin with “How do solar panels work?” and end with money matters. Getting to know PV panels is smart — goodness knows there are a lot of rumors about solar that aren’t true (no, your lights won’t go out after dark if you’re running on solar!).

 

We’ve assembled some of the most commonly asked questions about residential solar panels and answered them in one convenient place. From understanding how solar power works to knowing what happens to solar panels in weather, you’ll be smarter than ever about translating the sun into green energy once you’re done with these FAQs. Let’s get started.

1. How Do Solar Panels Work?

The short answer is that solar panels (officially comprised of photovoltaic — or PV — cells) absorb sunlight and translate it into electricity. The longer answer is that the silicon in PV panels, which is intentionally doped with boron to increase its conductivity, knocks electrons free from the sunlight that hits the panels. This creates an electrical current. Your panels convert the sunlight into direct current (DC) energy.

 

Since most appliances in your home use alternating current (AC) power,  your solar panels are connected to an inverter. The inverter changes the solar energy from DC to AC. From there, the energy is ready to be sent to your outlets and used in your home.

2. How are Solar Panels Affected by Clouds and Rain?

One of the biggest myths about solar power is that it won’t be effective when it’s cloudy. Homeowners who live in areas with a lot of sea fog, for instance, may be worried that getting solar power isn’t worth it. The reality is that solar panels can still capture sunlight even when it’s cloudy outside. In fact, panels can often produce up to 25% of their typical output even when clouds are present. When it’s raining, your solar panels may produce about 10% of their regular output. During weather events, your solar panels can draw upon their storage of saved energy so your home can stay off the grid until the sun comes out again.

3. Do Solar Panels Overheat?

You want your solar panels in direct sunlight. But how much sun is too much sun? Some panels do operate with less efficiency in super hot temperatures. Solar panels are tested for efficiency at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and they’re most efficient around that temperature. Panels will lose a certain amount of efficiency for every degree above 77 (this is called the temperature coefficient figure).

 

If you’re living in the desert, you may want to select panels with a better temperature coefficient. Thin-film panels, which are started to gain steam, are also known to work quite efficiently in hot temperatures. It’s important to note that your panels will still work when they get hot, they may just take longer to generate the same amount of electricity as they do on cooler days. They will draw on stored energy to make up the difference.

4. How Many Solar Panels Does a Home Need?

Now, on to brass tacks. How many solar panels will you need to successfully make the switch from grid power to self-sustaining solar power? There are a lot of factors that contribute to the answer, including the efficiency of the panels you choose and how much power you use every month. For a home that uses 5kW of power each month, you will require on average about 20 panels. You’ll need 300 square feet of roof space, ideally facing south.

5. Can Solar Panels Be Recycled?

If you’re entertaining the thought of going solar you probably care about the environment, and you’re asking yourself how you can recycle the panels when you’re done with them. The good news is that solar panels often last up to 30 years, so you won’t have to change them out often. If you inherit a home with outdated panels and want to upgrade them, however, the rules of recycling may be pertinent to you. The EU has a more organized system for recycling solar panels than the United States, but the US is started to get on board.

 

Many of the components of solar panels, including glass and wiring, can easily be recycled. Groups like SEIA and some individual manufacturers are allowing customers to turn in old panels for repurposing or recycling.

6. Are Solar Panels Expensive to Maintain?

No, solar panels are not expensive to maintain. Regular cleanings represent the majority of your responsibility; depending on where you live and the type of panels you have, you may only need to clean the panels annually. It’s best to consult a professional when you need your panels cleaned and schedule the cleaning for a day that is partly cloudy whenever possible. Aside from cleaning, you won’t need to attend to your panels unless you notice something wrong. Many solar panels have a warranty of 25 years for parts and materials, so you can also count on free replacement components in many cases.

7. Can Hail or Snow Damage My Solar Panels?

Solar panels are specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. In fact, they are tested to make sure they can survive through one-inch hail falling at a rate of 50 miles per hour. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was itself faced with a hail storm, and of the thousands of solar panels on the organization’s campus, only one was broken in the end. When it comes to snow, the main problem is that snow coverage impedes panel efficiency. Many homeowners can simply wait for the snow to melt because the angle at which the panels are installed encourages the melted snow to naturally run downward. You can also hire a professional to come and clear the snow.

8. How Much Money Will I Save with Solar?

The amount of money you save with solar may vary, but if you buy efficient panels and live in Southern California you are apt to save up to $40,000 over the course of your time in your home. You can use Google’s helpful Project Sunroof to estimate how much money solar panels can save you. The tool uses your address and current electric bill to provide you with an estimate.

9. Can I Take My Solar Panels When I Move?

Technically your solar panels are your property and you could take them with you to a new property. But you may not want to consider it when you factor in the increase in your home’s value. In California, a solar panel system that generates about 5kW could improve the worth of a home by tens of thousands. You’re typically better off to leave your solar panels in place, sell your home, and install a different system at your new address.

10. What is Net Metering?

Many city grids, including SDGE, have a program in place to buy your excess energy. Most homes with solar will create more energy than they need, so you may as well be paid for it! Net metering is a system by which homeowners who generate solar energy and remain connected to the grid will send their extra energy to the grid. Your utility company will pay you for this electricity and use it to offset the load for your neighbors. Anything beyond your personal “net” use is used to power your community.

 

Solar power has the potential to make your household energy independent, reduce your carbon footprint, and help your community. When we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, we create new jobs and help protect the California landscape we all love so much. Solar energy is also helping local veterans get back to work after they complete their service. Contact Semper Solaris today to learn more about how to install solar panels on your home. We’ll give you a reasonable bid and talk to you about any other questions you may have about solar use.

Living in San Diego means plenty of sunshine and year-round great weather. It also means going solar could be a great way to save on your electric bills. In fact, California comes in second rankings-wise in regards to the savings gained from residential solar panel systems. Further, San Diego is among the top 5 cities in California that are taking advantage of solar power.

 

If you are thinking about installing solar panels on your home, you’ve probably got one major question on your mind – who should you hire to get the job done? The key is to find a local company that doesn’t just complete the job, but does the best possible job while providing you peace of mind along the way. So what should you look for in a San Diego solar company?

Your Guide to Selecting a Solar Company

We’ve outlined some of the top things you should consider when trying to select a solar company in San Diego. Review the guide below to help inform your decision!

  1. Quality of Materials

One of the most important deciding factors of selecting the right solar company comes down to the quality of materials, equipment, and modules they use. This can impact the overall performance and success of a home’s solar panels. At Semper Solaris, we are proud to use trusted and time-tested brands like Panasonic. We make sure our customers are informed of the best possible solar panel for their specific need and goals.

  1. Level of Service

Not all solar companies provide the same level of service. While a company may utilize top-tier equipment, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be treated with respect and care along the way. Quality service and customer satisfaction is something we take very seriously. As a veteran owned and operated solar company in San Diego, we are committed to being reliable, trustworthy providers of solar services. We take pride in our work ethic and our customers’ trust in our work. Our installers know that the customer always comes first. Simply put, once a marine, always a marine. That means we approach every job with a focused, driven, and “mission” mindset. We make sure we complete that mission with the utmost skill, quality of care, and excellence — and we also communicate clearly to you along the way so you are never left in the dark on your options or service provided. We are also backed by decades of collective solar panel installation experience, giving our customers confidence in our service.

  1. Affordability of Installation

While solar power systems can pay for themselves in as little as 5 years (the average is 6.8 years for residential systems) for California residents, solar panel owners still have to consider the upfront cost of installation while taking all tax credits and incentives into consideration. That’s why our company aims to keep costs low and affordable for our customers, offering discounts for referrals and 0% down and zero payments until 2020. This helps our customers make the decision to go solar without the pressure of all the upfront cost. Essentially, they can start saving right away. We work hands-on with our San Diego customers to maximize their savings and help them take advantage of every rebate and credit available to them. With hundreds of solar panel installations completed in the area, we know how to optimize solar projects connected to the SDGE electrical grid.

Make the Right Solar Decision Today

We get it. Finding the right solar company in San Diego can seem overwhelming and intimidating with so many options to choose from. That is why we aim to set ourselves apart by our commitment to customer satisfaction and outstanding installation work.

There is a reason we are ranked #2 for installers in San Diego with a 4.94 rating out of 260+ reviews. We know what our customers want and we strive to exceed their expectations with excellent service and support at every turn.

Ready to make your solar decision? Call our San Diego solar company today or fill out a form online to get started!

Solar energy has become the leading source of renewable energy in the last couple of years. The scientific community acknowledges that the benefits of solar power heavily outweigh the drawbacks. However, the unfamiliar public is quick to point out the flaws of using this energy source and a lot of their arguments are tied to several myths that have been spreading like wildfire, especially across the internet forums. Experts from leading solar companies in Inland Empire have stepped up to discuss and debunk these myths once and for all.

Cloudy Weather Renders Solar Panels Useless

This one is a huge concern for Inland Empire locals during the May Gray and June Gloom, but the truth is that solar panels work in countries with a climate much more prone to cloudy weather. For example, Germany is one of the leaders in solar generation per capita despite the fact that their skies are often filled with thick clouds. The truth is that any sunlight that finds its way through the clouds to the solar panel is converted into electricity. While it is true that the clouds can lower their efficiency, solar panels will still convert any available sunlight into power.

Solar Panels Can Damage Your Roof

If the solar panels are handled and installed properly, you don’t have to fear any damage to your roof. On the contrary, solar panels often prolong the life of your roof. If you hire a professional company to install the panels, you don’t have to fear as they are ready for any complications and are familiar with all sorts of techniques to prevent causing damage to the roof and risk potential leaks.

Solar Energy is not Sufficient to Power Your Home

This is probably the myth that is the furthest from the truth. Using solar energy can save you a huge amount of money you would pay to cover the electricity bill each month. You will see a return on investment as soon as you install and activate the panels. Furthermore, the government offers a number of incentives that save the homeowners around 30% of the purchase and you can benefit from a number of local utilities willing to pay for any excess solar power your home produces.

 

Solar Panels Require Regular Maintenance

As the panels have no moving parts the maintenance they require is minimal. The panels are strong and you will only have to clean them once or twice a year so that they are at their maximum efficiency. If any heavy pieces of debris damage your panels you will have to replace them, but otherwise, maintaining the panels is rarely a problem.

Thinking of Going Solar in Inland Empire?

Now that you’ve realized that going solar has more pros than cons, you might want to consider installing solar panels in your home. There is no better place to turn to than Semper Solaris, your trusted Inland Empire solar company. For all your questions or a quote, reach us 24/7. Start saving today and switch to solar!

Receive an instant text quote in seconds and see how much you can save on our highest efficiency solar panels.

You’re about to notice more solar panels in California! In early May 2018, the California Energy Commission (CEC) ruled 5-0 to require all home builders to install solar panels beginning in 2020. With few exceptions, the ruling means that both single-family homes and multi-unit properties will soon come equipped with solar panels, reducing their carbon footprint. The move has been largely lauded by environmentalists, but what does the addition of solar equipment mean for the cost of homes in California?

With home prices already on the rise, the solar panel mandate has some people concerned that home ownership will grow even further out of reach for the middle class. The good news is that while solar panels in California will cost you up front, they also save the homeowner money in the long run. Costs associated with solar panels will also be built into the home’s sale price (and therefore spread out over the entire mortgage), which will help alleviate the burden to home buyers. Read on to find out more about the mandate and how it could impact the housing market in California.

Ins and Outs of the New Mandate for Solar Panels in California

California has set a goal to have half of its energy come from renewable resources by 2030. Similarly, the state has a mandate to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by that same deadline. The newly adopted CEC standards were implemented largely to help the state meet its goal. In its official statement, the CEC says the new energy mandate will reduce energy use in new homes by more than 50%. Importantly, the mandate doesn’t just focus on solar use; the new building code has four parts. The CEC ruling affects:

The solar panel mandate portion of the new CEC standards is perhaps the most innovative and forward-thinking part of the building code. As solar businesses crop up around the country, California remains the leader in the industry, providing more than 80,000 jobs. Notably, the mandate does offer some room for exceptions. While the vast majority of new buildings must add solar panels, the following exceptions exist:

How Will the Solar Panel Mandate Affect Home Prices?

Home with Solar Panels

Currently, about 15% of the newly built homes in California include a solar panel installation. With more than 100,000 units being added each year, we’re seeing a five-figure increase in solar-equipped homes every 12 months. But are these homes automatically more valuable? At least one San Francisco real estate agent claims that the month before this new mandate was announced, homes in the Bay Area with solar panels sold for slightly less than those without them. Of course, a one-month review of sales doesn’t reveal long-term trends. Plus, when all new-build properties have solar panels the market for solar panel homes may stabilize.

Adding panels to new buildings actually has the potential to lower the costs involved with solar installations. In fact, the price of installation is estimated to be about half of what it costs to retrofit existing properties with new solar panels. Simply put, it’s more efficient to install panels at the same time the structure is built than it is to include them in new plans years down the line. Installing up front means electricians are already on site, and there isn’t a need to shimmy through attics or deal with uncooperative roofing — the entire project will be constructed with solar panels in mind.

Despite the more efficient installation, the costs of solar panels will be passed along to the home buyer. What will ubiquitous solar panels in California do to the average mortgage payment? That depends largely on when you buy the home.  

Price Implications for First Owners

The official stance of the CEC is that adding solar panels to new properties will add a cost of $8,000 to $12,000 per home. Over the course of a 30-year mortgage, that amounts to about $40 more per month. In addition to the original increase in home prices, homeowners are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of panels.

On the positive side, solar panels make homes more energy independent. For their real estate investment, owners of new buildings can be largely free of natural gas reliance and will realize huge savings on utilities over the life of their time in the home.

Costs for Future Owners

As solar panels become the norm on all condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, there will soon be a second-round of owners for these properties. And future buyers can determine, to some extent, what price the market will bear for a home will solar panels. As far as absorbing the cost of installation, while future owners may see some increase in listing prices, they are only responsible for the upkeep of the panels. In buildings with an HOA, the association will likely be responsible for the panels and handle the maintenance using community dues.

Offsetting the Costs of Adding Solar

Buyers who purchase a home after 2020 and see an increase in listing price can set about offsetting their $40/month increase immediately. In fact, most estimates point to the price of the solar panels being more than recouped over the life of a mortgage. Homeowners can expect to earn back all of their investment times two: energy savings of $80 per month are anticipated between lighting, cooling, and heating cost reductions.

On top of saving thanks to energy efficiency, homes with solar panels carry the potential for selling energy back to the grid. While solar panels are mandated for new homes, existing homes will still be operating using the old energy grid. Not only is selling your excess solar-generated energy back to the public grid totally legal, in the U.S. the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) says that utility companies must purchase this type of energy. Here are a few things to know about selling your solar back to the grid to make money:

Given how much you can offset the original cost of a solar panel, the impact to home prices may end up being an advantage to home buyers in the long run. If you factor in energy savings and excess energy sales, you may not have to worry about the increase in your mortgage payment — you could even see a net gain as a result of the panels.

Answering the question about how the new solar panel mandate will affect home prices in California is not an easy one. The estimate from the CEC is just that — an estimate — and some communities are likely to see solar-equipped homes as more appealing than others. Yet, one thing is pretty clear: renewable energy is the way of the future and installing solar panels on homes is just the beginning. Homeowners can pay the price for solar now, or face an increase in monthly utilities in perpetuity.  

Has all this talk about solar panels made you curious about whether you should get in on the renewable energy trend? Contact Semper Solaris for your free energy analysis today! No pressure or hard sells — we’ll just go over the pros and cons of solar together and give you some friendly advice.

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.

Defining Solar Grid Parity

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:

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 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.

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San Diego Solar Company Semper Solaris & Partners Serve Two Local Veterans with Energy Independence

In partnership with local veteran support charities, California’s fastest growing licensed solar and roofing contractor, Semper Solaris, is celebrating Independence Day by giving back to veterans in need. On Tuesday, July 3rd, Semper Solaris will be visiting the home of veteran Carl Schaffrina revealing a brand new roof and solar panel system in conjunction with former Marine sniper Povas Miknaitis’ reveal of his complete solar panel system. These two projects combined provide donations of over $75,000 worth of services and equipment. Semper Solaris, a member of INC 5000’s Vet 50, is owned by former Marine Captain Kelly Shawhan and his business partner, John Almond. Giving back to veterans is part of the make-up within this company; they have made a commitment to hire as many former military as possible while fostering the ideals of the Marine Corps in their work.

Currently, Carl Schaffrina’s roof is in serious need of repair, water leaks have been proving physically and mentally demanding for the family. Semper Solaris, in partnership with the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, is providing a complete new roof installation expected to last for more than 25 years. The goal of the Roofing Deployment Project is to show gratitude and honor veterans. All the partners have worked together on this project to see that this deserving veteran is provided with a quality roof over his head for many years to come. In addition, Semper Solaris has partnered with Panasonic of North America and SolarEdge to design a state-of-the-art solar system. Panasonic is donating all the solar panels provided to Carl and his wife, Jodi. SolarEdge has generously donated the DV-AC inverter hardware to complete the system. This project is being coordinated with San Diego Habitat For Humanity’s Veteran Project.

Former Marine sniper Povas Miknaitis, is being given the opportunity to Declare his Independence from the electric company this year. Semper Solaris, in cooperation with SolarWorld, and SolarEdge, will be installing a complete solar panel system to his home in San Diego. This new system will help reduce electricity costs and improve home value. Lower electricity bills and energy independence are especially valuable for disabled veterans on fixed incomes, one fewer bill means greater financial freedom. The Miknaitis project is being coordinated with San Diego’s Warrior Foundation Freedom Station where Miknaitis was a beneficiary and is now a volunteer working with other wounded veterans.

On July 3rd, both projects will be completed and unveiled to the public. Press and guests are welcome to join the families and crew to celebrate these veterans and watch as the final solar panels are installed. There will be two unveiling celebrations, one at each residence. The first will be at 10:00 A.M., and the second at 1:00 P.M. Location specifics for each project are available in the Semper Solaris Living Electronic Press Kit. . All partners involved look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July and the United States of America, by honoring those who have made the independence and freedoms of the U.S. possible.

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