Inland Empire | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC
Eastvale is a new city in respect to the surrounding areas, breaking off from the cities of Corona, Norco, Chino, and Ontario. The city of Eastvale is still tied to Corona and Norco by zip code but ever since 2010 they are now free to chart their own future! But don’t let this fool you, the history of the Eastvale runs deep. The area is known for being seized by the Mexican government and colonized by wealthy politicians in the mid-1800s. In the modern era, Eastvale is known for being one of the cities in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Running alongside the interstate 15 freeway, the city resides in the Riverside County, a county heavily known for receiving large amounts of sunlight each year! A HUGE REASON TO INVEST IN SOLAR! Solar panels can harness the sun's energy and power your home! The average California homeowner can pay off the cost of investing in solar in about 8 years. In just the first month after install, homeowners will see a decrease in their energy bill costs. Some homeowners will even notice that fantastic low-cost energy bill! 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. But Eastvale is NOT one of these cities! Southern California is a solar infrastructure hotspot and shows no signs of slowing down. Especially with California’s focus on renewable energy, home buyers seem to have solar panels at the top of their list! You probably have heard that solar panels can be great for a long term investment for a homeowner looking to make improvements. This is a fact! Solar panels really do add property value! Most people new to the market are willing to pay more for a successful, working, solar panel system. An average medium-sized home with a small 3.1-kilowatt solar system can add an average of $18,324 to the value of the house. And these numbers only increase as you increase the size of the solar panel energy system. While we understand that buying a new solar system is a huge investment for anyone, the reduced carbon footprint, the savings on utilities, and the added value to your home, make it an attractive upgrade. Just like someone in Eastvale would redo their backyard, like put in a pool or a new lawn. Or how someone would get new kitchen cabinets, solar panels are seen by new home buyers as a huge distinguishing factor between one house and another. Especially with government policies slowly changing towards 100% green, renewable energy, there is no reason to not be ahead of the curve. Put yourself in front of the competition and get noticed with your new solar panel energy system! Put Value in Your Home There are a few factors that put more value on your Eastvale Home: The efficiency of your PV panels The production and quality of your PV panels The size of your solar panels compared to the size of your home The efficiency of your home! Sometimes a new solar panel system pairs well with a new roof! Whether you own the solar energy system But you must remember that if you are looking for a quick way to improve the value of your home, solar may not be your answer. Solar is a long term investment that tends to be paid off for about 10 years. If you are planning on selling your home, make sure to take into account the total cost of installing your solar panels! A lot of the time, the original homeowner gets stuck with the lasting bill, even if they no longer live there. Homeowners in Eastvale are following suit with the commitment of their city to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. With investment in solar, you can reap the financial rewards as well as join in making Eastvale a model town for residents and tourists alike. An example of a city on the cutting edge of conservation, renewable energy, and an overall clean environment is a worthy goal. Why Make the Switch There are quite a few other factors or benefits that people consider when switching to solar. Offset the future of rising energy prices Saving money on a month power bill Tax deductions for going green Last but not least, SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT! When it comes to finally make the switch to solar, it is best to stay local when choosing the right company for your needs. Large companies that cover vast amounts of land don’t usually understand the ins and outs that come with a successful installation in the Eastvale area. There are a lot of local factors that need to be assessed, from local regulations to permitting, local companies tend to understand better! Local companies better understand the steps needed to take to follow the proper solar permitting and building codes. Whether you are a first-time solar customer or looking to replace an old system, our experts at Semper Solaris have all the answers you may need.
Solar energy is one of the largest growing industries in the world and is slowly becoming a go-to investment for homeowners. There are many reasons that solar power is growing in popularity, but most of all is the ability to break free from the electric grid. A great investment for: Reducing your emission of fossil fuels For a long term investment as a homeowner Solar energy increases the value of your home while also saving your wallet on monthly power bills. Chino Hills is one of the most diverse communities in San Bernardino County, composed of people of all ethnic and economic backgrounds. One of the many reasons that people love calling Chino Hills home. Another reason is that of the beautiful weather and beautiful surrounding areas. From The Chino Hills State Park to the nearby San Bernardino State Park, there are many things to do while enjoying the outdoor scenery! The area of Chino Hills averages a whopping 288 days of sunshine each year, almost 100 days more than the national average. Many people have already switched to solar because of the significant impact on the environment, as well as saving homeowners hundreds of dollars a year on their power bill! In the past, solar energy seemed to be a dream…and a few years ago it became a reality! At first, only the wealthy could really afford it for their businesses or homes. Today solar panel installation in Chino Hills seems to be available everywhere! Even though it appears to be widely used today, it still only amounts to about 1% of the total energy used per year. Don’t let that fool you. Solar power is still the fastest-growing source of green energy. Solar is the answer! With fossil fuels becoming more and more scarce, we have begun seeing solar power becoming more popular. You probably have noticed more homes in your area have started their green energy journey. Why haven’t you called your solar contractor in Chino Hills? It is predicted that solar energy will become the most used source of electricity by 2050. With governments around the world adopting policies to inhibit the use of solar over fossil fuels, it has never been easier or more cost-effective to switch to solar. Semper Solaris, a solar company in Chino Hills, make it easy to change by giving you all the information you may need as a homeowner. From permitting to solar financing options in Chino Hills, we will break down the process step by step. So, you feel comfortable going forward with your decision to go solar. In Chino Hills, it is estimated that investing in solar can decrease your monthly cost of power from around $150 per month to $7 once you make the switch to solar. The residents of Chino Hills are fortunate to have sunny weather pretty much year-round. Even on those overcast days, your solar panels are still active and can produce power. Remember that one day of bad weather won’t truly affect your lifetime of savings! Separate yourself from those greedy energy companies and invest in solar now. If you are looking for solar panel installation in Chino Hills, look no further than Semper Solaris. Solar Around the World Remote areas around the world are slowly adapting their ways to use solar energy instead of utilizing the average electricity generated by the use of fossil fuels. This allows these areas from their dependence on oil to power their towns. A lot of these areas need trucks to bring barrels’ in, increasing the price of an already expensive commodity. Europe, China, and the United States lead the way with investing in their solar energy infrastructures. Of all countries, Germany leads the way with the use of solar power in 2016, using 104 GW of solar energy. But China and the United States result in terms of growth per year, with increasing the use of solar by over 50% in the past year. Saving the Planet One of the tops discussed reasons for increasing our use of solar, is the affect fossil fuels has on our environment. Burning Fossil Fuels are known to be one of the leading causes of the decreasing ozone layer. Dangerous greenhouse gases are created when combusting fossil fuels like oil and coal. The greenhouse gases heat the temperature of the atmosphere, which many people believe to be the leading cause of global warming. Global warming is believed to be the cause of all of these crazy storms that have become more and more frequent during our lifetime. From prolonged droughts to crazy mega-hurricanes, the storms have been getting stronger and are occurring later in regular storm seasons than usual. Most people believe it’s better to remain safe than sorry! Hence the massive increase in solar installations around the world! People are trying to offset the damages done from years of burning fossil fuels. California Renewable Portfolio Standards California has recently increased its standards for the production of energy. Utility companies must increase their production of renewable energy from clean sources, such as solar, wind, or geothermal. To meet this standard, utility companies must create their own or purchase electricity from customers. This is where you, the customer, come in! As a homeowner in California, you can sell your excess solar energy back to the utility companies for cash in your pocket! Did you ever think that the power company could be paying you? Well, that day is now! Chino Hills residents have many reasons to switch to solar and to get the best solar installation in Chino Hills. Net Metering As mentioned earlier, net metering is when you can produce more energy than your home or business needs. Allowing you to sell the energy back to the utility companies and make money! This is a unique situation that not all solar owners are permitted to utilize. California is one of the few states that allows users to sell excess energy back, which gives an even better incentive to invest.
In 2015, the program for solar in Riverside, California was developed. It makes it possible for owners of properties in Riverside to install solar without spending money, and at the same time, receive incentives in the form of cash amounting to $2,000. The County of Riverside is an excellent location to make use of free energy that the sun provides every day. The program has been created to increase the rise of renewable energy throughout the location and to reward owners of properties that declare energy independence. The solar program in Riverside is structured in three phases, and as each goal is reached, incentives will be paid. Since the program is presently in the first phase, any resident that signs up will get a payment of about $2,000. Phase 1: To generate 250,000 watts in about 50 homes ($2,000) Phase 2: Is made up of 500,000 watts for 100 homes ($1,500) Phase 3: A payment of $0.20 per watt for all remaining participants Importance of the solar program at Riverside Make use of solar energy without paying any money upfront Not required to have a credit score Get rid of your electricity bill and pay less than you’re currently paying for electricity Get a cash-back incentive of $2,000 Receive a federal tax credit of 30 percent if you purchase the system It has flexible financing options For those who make us of PACE to finance, they don’t need a credit score Even though the program has expired, other incentives are still available such as the extension of the federal tax credit. In 2019, the average cost of installing solar panels for residential homes in Riverside is $3.63 per watt, lower than the natural average of $6 per watt. Installing solar energy in Riverside Learn the process Before beginning the process, you need to understand your new monthly energy requirements, then you can consider the amount of power you’ll need with solar. Contact the best solar company in Riverside, Semper Solaris, for further advice. What is your energy efficiency? By being aware of your energy usage, you can reduce your electricity bill. At Semper Solaris, we can provide you with an overview of the energy usage of your house over time. Know the basics of solar For solar panel installation in Riverside, you need to learn about the entire process. You should know how it works, how much it’ll cost, the future of solar energy, basic laws regarding solar, and the advantages. Buying options Semper Solaris offers the best solar installation services in Riverside. It was founded by a veteran of the Marine Corps. This company prides itself on taking the time to assist clients in understanding how solar electricity works and how to select the perfect system. After you’ve made the decision to make use of solar energy, you will want to understand monitoring, metering, and general maintenance. All these will be part of your decision-making process. By monitoring the production of solar energy, you’ll be sure that you’re getting the expected value.
Rancho Cucamonga has become a solar energy hub. All the credit goes to the new incentive program and ample sunshine that support the power needs of Rancho Cucamonga residents. Now they are increasingly adopting solar energy to power up their home. If you are interested in solar energy and want to install solar panels, here is how you can go solar in Rancho Cucamonga. Going Solar in Rancho Cucamonga The California solar incentives offer generous rebates for a solar system. While combing with federal solar rebates, the installation will be around fifty to sixty percent less. The incentives will help you to get the best solar installation Rancho Cucamonga without spending much upfront. Some companies also offer $0 upfront cost. Therefore, it is essential to research different companies to know which one can provide you with a cost-effective solution. When it comes to the average cost for solar panel installation in Rancho Cucamonga, you will have to spend $3.63 per watt for residential solar panels. The average system size is 6 kilowatts. So, you might need to $18, 150 to install a solar system. This is the average cost. However, you will have to spend much less if you consider other rebates. Solar Incentives California is considered the best for the solar panel installation in Rancho Cucamonga. The incredible solar rebates and incentives and the availability of abundant solar energy motivate many to go with solar. Also, many companies are coming up with different programs and hassle-free installations to make it even cheaper and more accessible for the people of the Rancho Cucamonga. Also, both the Southern California and Rancho Cucamonga offer a solid net metering plan for solar customers. This net metering plan demands the customers’ utility to credit one for one with each KWh exported to the grid and then credit the customer for the excess after wiping out the cloudy day or night time power bill. This plan is better since it does not demand solar customers to switch to time of use billing. Also, there is a system payback projection time. It will help customers to get full cost recovery within a period of five to seven years and followed by twenty and more years to get free power. In the case of confusion, you can use the Solar Panel Calculator. It will help you to know the following: How many solar panels are required to cover the power bill Your house is suitable for a solar panel or not The available incentives and your eligibility The cost of the solar panel installation You are eligible for zero upfront cost or not The payback period and the return on your investment How Long It Takes for Installation Solar panel installation will take one to two days. However, you will have to hire professionals to get a hassle-free and flawless installation. Once you set up your mind for the installation, it is better to consult experts to know more about the available options.
Parts of California have moderate temperatures all year round and are blessed with a cool evening breeze. Many homes don’t even own air conditioning units. That’s not the case for Ontario, however. Average summer temperatures for Ontario California are consistently in the upper 80’s and 90's, making a living without an air conditioner not really living at all. As utility and electric rates continue to rise in California, your HVAC system can seem more like a curse than a blessing when you look at your monthly bill. If this is you, we might just have a solution: solar energy. Huge Savings One of the most significant incentives for solar energy is the financial advantage it offers. By literally converting sunlight to supply your own electricity, you can cut your monthly utility bill drastically. Your panels will even hit a point in which they have paid for themselves, and as energy rates increase, your savings grow. In fact, the average 20-year savings for California residents with solar is over $31,000! Grid Independence Along with the reduction in electricity costs, you also get to enjoy an amount of independence from the grid and electric companies. You have your own solar power plant on your roof, so you only need electricity from the grid during evenings and nights when the sun no longer shines. Even more so, by investing in a solar battery like Tesla Powerwall, you have the option to be grid-free and cut ties with electric companies completely. Disaster Preparedness Being independent – even just semi-independent – from the grid can allow you to be prepared whenever disaster may hit. Grid blackouts, storms, and fires have nothing on your solar electricity. Nothing will be able to turn out the lights in your Ontario solar-energized home! Clean and Renewable Energy Not only do solar panels affect your wallet, but they also have a significant impact on the planet and reduce your carbon footprint. Burning fossil fuels to produce energy releases greenhouse gasses and toxic pollutants into the air and community. Solar power is generated directly from the light of the sun and is naturally converted to energy by your panels. Solar panels don’t emit any greenhouse gasses or pollution, making them a clean energy option. Also, where fossil fuels are limited and scattered across the earth, solar energy is as abundant and renewable as the sunshine. We can never harness the full power of the sun, making it a limitless source for all of us to use! Jobs Solar energy also creates jobs for people in our local communities. If fact, solar energy is one of the highest job providers in America. According to the National Solar Jobs Census of 2018, the United States has 242,343 solar workers, and solar had added nearly 150,000 jobs since the first census in 2010. Semper Solaris Of course, for your solar experience to be just the way you want, you need the best solar company in Ontario. At Semper Solaris, we strive to give you personal, honest, and excellent service. From the moment you call our office, to your solar panel installation in Ontario, we are here to make your solar project as smooth as possible. Our team of experienced technicians and contractors understand Ontario and the various regulations and steps that need to be taken to give you the best solar panel installation in Ontario. We want you to receive full advantage of all the benefits solar power offers. As one solar company in Ontario, we take each solar installation as a platform to showcase values, so our service and craftsmanship stand out and rise above. If you’re ready to switch to clean energy, contact Semper Solaris today!
Have you been considering solar for your home, but you don’t know if it will be a good option for you? Are you wondering if your home receives the “right” kind of sun to produce enough solar power? Wait! There’s the right kind of sun? New technology has made it more affordable for most Americans to install solar. If you are looking for some reliable information from the best solar company in Chino, we can help! We all know that Chino has some of the best weather in the Nation! With an average of 285 sunny days, we certainly get enough sunlight. But with a little research, you may have seen the term “Peak Sun Hours.” What is that? “Peak Sun” is the sun that hits your home that will actually have enough strength to produce enough power from your solar panels to run your home. In technical terms, a peak sun hour is what equals 1,000 watts per square meter or about 10.5 feet of peak sun in an hour. Sure, solar panels will almost always produce some power, even on cloudy days. But during rainy or overcast days, your panels only run at 25-40%. Luckily in Chino, we do not experience many of those days, so you can expect a pretty good return from your panels! How does panel placement affect my Peak Sun Hours? Solar panel installation in Chino is critical to make sure your panels get as much peak sun as possible. You want to make sure your panels are facing South, so they receive as much sun as possible, and they should be free from shade from nearby buildings or trees. One of our solar professionals will discuss the best placement with you. What are Chino’s peak sun hours? Luckily, Chino has an excellent peak sun hours. Cities located in the Southwest and closer to the equator receive more peak sun than other parts of the world. Additionally, homes that have a good south-facing roof received better peak hours than homes that do not. You only need about 4 hours a day of peak sun to produce solar power. The average high for us in the Chino area is well over 6 hours a day, while the lowest it typically dips is just under 6 hours (5.87)! That means that your home should be in a position to use solar panels to provide environmentally friendly solar power almost year-round! At Semper Solaris, the best solar installation in Chino, we will make sure your panels receive as much of that peak sun as possible. Our expert team of designers will find the perfect spot way before we install any panels on your home. That way we know that you will get as much energy from your panels as possible. If you are looking for the best solar roofing company in Chino, give us a call! We will evaluate your current roof, the position of your home, and we will provide you with an honest appraisal for your specific needs.
Powering the Future with Solar The power of the Sun, so simple, so practical, so readily available. Solar power is the go-to energy source worldwide. Why? Because sunshine is free and the process to convert sunshine is much like the process of photosynthesis, simple. Plants make energy out of sunlight, and so does solar technology. Semper Solaris is the best solar company in Chino Hills for the installation of solar power on your rooftop. We are proud to be at the forefront of promoting this fantastic technology that benefits humankind in so many ways. It is an excellent time to consider solar power as your source of energy for now and for the future of renewable energy. Cost of Solar: A Real Steal The cost of producing solar power in terms of economy and ecology compared to fossil fuels is the best deal on the planet. Solar energy creates no waste, unlike traditional power plants. Solar causes no pollution, unlike conventional power plants. Solar power is a simple process and transportable, unlike traditional power plants. Here’s the rundown: Solar Power reduces Air Pollution. Solar As a power source reduces water pollution. Solar power produces no waste unlike fossil fuel by-products Protecting the environment protects your health and your wealth The list could go on. The point is, Solar Power makes sense for you and me and everyone else. Solar power is free and plentiful, and solar panel installation in Chino Hills is the wave of the future. Solar Technology for Tomorrow As the need for electricity grows with advances in technology and innovation, what’s in store for tomorrow are more sophisticated smart homes, devices, and innovative technologies that run on electrical power. Transportation using electricity with EV charging stations at home and on street corners will be the new normal. The city of the future will rely on solar power as the primary source of energy. Worldwide Demand for Energy Beyond our own homes, the demand for electricity is increasing worldwide with needs for everything from refrigeration and air conditioning to medical equipment. Electricity is a necessity that won’t be met in the same old way at home or abroad. A city built on renewable energy can detach from traditional utilities and power plants and deliver energy through what is called a Microgrid. Solar power is the most economical way to bring more electricity to communities across the globe. Moreover, it will lead to energy independence, higher efficiency, and even more versatile capabilities. The Future of Solar Power is Bright Semper Solaris is on the frontlines of renewable energy and the solar revolution. We understand the effect of fossil fuels on the environment. Solar power provides more electricity for powering more things without a negative environmental impact. We use the very best equipment available and made in America products. Our technicians are experienced and can provide you with the best solar panel installation in Chino Hills. Call Semper Solaris today and let’s power the future with Solar.
ROOFTOPS OR SOLAR FARMS? Participating in the Future of Renewable Energy Solar power is on the rise and is fast becoming a mainstream energy alternative for homes, businesses, and public places. With lower costs and due to innovative and efficient designs, more people are getting on board as the price tag on solar installations is falling, becoming an opportunity for consumers and businesses to cash in. In Riverside County, UC Riverside has installed over 9,000 panels in a solar farm that will produce enough power for nearly 1,000 homes each year. Homeowners from nearby cities like Murietta are joining in the trend with rooftop solar installations. Murietta is among the towns that enjoy the lowest prices ever for rooftop solar installations. ACCESS TO SOLAR ENERGY Consumers are taking advantage of the benefits of solar energy through government incentives and tax credits for homes and businesses. Rooftop solar and solar farms provide a choice to consumers whether to install solar panels on their roofs or rely on solar farms to reduce their carbon footprint and save money. UP ON THE ROOF Photovoltaic panels made from silicon use the sun directly to generate power. These photovoltaic panels, installed on rooftops, collect and generate electricity for the home or business. Net Metering connects to the solar panel system and measures the power generated by the solar panels and your power usage. The surplus power goes back to the utility grid and is credited to your overall energy consumption. It is feasible to pay for all or most of your electricity with solar panels. FRESH FROM THE FARM A solar farm has many panels arranged in arrays over a large area of land that receives a lot of sunlight. Solar farms benefit the community by directly supplying the grid with cheap, clean energy. Some are owned and operated by a third party that sells the power to the power grid directly. Farms in the form of Community Solar allow consumers to benefit from Net Metering through the lease or purchase of one or more solar panels tied to their utility account. GIVE ME LAND LOTS OF LAND Solar farms are expanding in record numbers across large areas taking up a substantial amount of usable land. And while they provide much-needed alternative energy, there are concerns about the reduction of available land for agriculture and development. Future regulation may have an impact on the profitability of large solar farms. YOU CAN GO SOLAR IN MURRIETA Whether you choose a residential solar installation in Murrieta; invest in energy produced by a solar farm; want to save money or promote clean energy, there is more than one way to go solar. Here are some points to consider: Rooftop Solar Promotes energy independence Increases the value of your home Low utility cost Low maintenance Potential for expansion Solar Farm Reduces carbon footprint Lowers utility cost No Cost No maintenance Preserves Home Aesthetics Contact us to schedule an evaluation of your Murrieta home. With Semper Solaris, you can help shape the future of renewable energy.
As much as dogs love to feel the sun on their backs, it was only a matter of time until someone started using it to fill their stomachs. Mars Petcare has flipped the switch on a new solar garden linked to the company's San Bernardino, California manufacturing facility that produces Pedigree Brand dry dog food. Mars partnered with Ahana Renewables, a subsidiary of ATN International, Inc., to develop and fund the project under a 25-year power purchase agreement. The new solar garden features 3,420 individual solar panels that will annually deliver 1.9 million kilowatt-hours, which can power more than 50 percent of the 78,000 square foot site's daily energy needs. The four-acre solar garden is projected to yield a 549-tonne reduction of greenhouse gases. The San Bernardino site opened in 1983 and was acquired by Mars Petcare in 2006. The company currently employs 75 full-time associates at the site. Mars’ Sustainability Plan This is the third solar garden constructed by Mars in the US – joining Mars Wrigley Confectionery solar gardens in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Henderson, Nevada. Mars also co-owns a 25,000-acre wind farm near Lamesa, Texas, featuring 118 turbines, that annually generates nearly 800,000-megawatt hours of power. As part of the Sustainable in a Generation Plan, Mars plans to reduce its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain by 27 percent by 2025 and 67 percent by 2050. We're happy to see these solar panels installed in the Inland Empire! "At Mars Petcare we're working towards our mission: a better world for pets, because we wholeheartedly believe they improve our lives," said Kevin Rabinovitch, global VP of sustainability at Mars, in a press release. "This new solar garden is a great example of the steps we need to take in order to achieve the ambitious goals set out in our new Sustainable in a Generation Plan to reduce the total environmental impact of Mars to ensure we foster a healthy planet for future generations – of people and pets." In conjunction with the unveiling of this new solar garden, Mars Petcare will also be making a US$20,000 charitable contribution to GRID Alternatives Inland Empire. The donation will go towards furthering the organization's mission of providing access to clean, renewable solar energy to low-income families throughout the Inland Empire area. With solar becoming a more viable option for residential and commercial applications, some companies have taken it upon themselves to become greener. With Mars Petcare taking such steps it bodes well that others will continue to take steps in the right direction by adding solar panel farms and making the manufacturing process more sustainable.
Billboards across Southern California are now advertising electricity supply company Southern California Edison’s new rate plans, which include three “time-of-use” rate options that charge consumers different rates based on what time of the day they use the most electricity. So how do these electricity rate plans affect solar powered Inland Empire residents? The switch to time-of-use rates comes after the California Public Utilities Commission directed the state’s major utilities companies to default their customers to time-of-use plans by 2020. The goal behind implementing the time-of-use plans is to lessen the strain on the electrical grid during its peak hours when the use of renewable energy is at its highest. This should help the grid adjust later in the day when it switches to more conventional sources such as natural gas. Kari Gardner, Senior Manager of Consumer Affairs at Edison, explained that “[t]here are a variety of different of residential TUO plans that are available for our customers, so what that means is for time of use rate plans it offers different pricing during different times of day, the week, and the season. So your bill will be determined by both when you use electricity and how much you use.” The times of the day where electricity will cost the most – known as “on-peak hours” – will be either noon to six p.m. or two to 8 p.m., depending on the plan that customers choose. That doesn’t include weekends, which are considered “off-peak” hours. According to Gardner, “For customers who can adjust their schedules, if you will, to where perhaps during the peak periods they’re not using as much electricity, they would maybe want to consider a plan like that.” If you’re an Edison customer, switching over to time-of-use plans is voluntary for now – but Gardner says some customers can already benefit from them. “They could change nothing and already benefit on one of these plans or they could also make minor adjustments that might also move them to where they may benefit monetarily and from a consumption perspective under these plans. While time-of-use plans can benefit some customers, consumer advocates warn it could raise rates for others. A recent paper co-authored by representatives from groups such as Utility Dive and the Public Interest Research Group argued that time of-use-rates “can have adverse impacts on consumers, especially on those who may have less ability to shift their usage to capture the benefits of TOU pricing.” These plans have also been criticized for potentially devaluing solar energy, which could make it harder for the state to meet its goal of having half of its electricity come from renewable sources by 2030. The San Francisco-based Environmental Defense Fund filed a protest saying the time-of-use plans “potentially creates an economic disincentive for utilizing renewable generation capacity.” But Gardner says that SoCal Edison is fully supportive of solar. In 2016, the company delivered more solar energy to its customers than any other utility in the nation. She also pointed out that time of use plans can offer an economic advantage to consumers with solar installations. “Some of the benefits that we do see our solar customers experiencing is they are typically generating during the peak periods.” It’s a benefit because customers who generate excess solar can sell it back at retail value, which is higher during on-peak times.
On 14 days during March, Arizona utilities got a gift from California: free solar power. Well, actually better than free. California produced so much solar power on those days that it paid Arizona to take excess electricity its residents weren’t using to avoid overloading its own power lines. It happened on eight days in January and nine in February as well. All told, those transactions helped save Arizona electricity customers millions of dollars this year, though grid operators declined to say exactly how much. California has also has paid other states to take surplus solar power. The number of days that California dumped its unused solar electricity would have been even higher if the state hadn’t ordered some solar plants to reduce production — even as natural gas power plants, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, continued generating electricity. Solar and wind power production was curtailed a relatively small amount — about 3% in the first quarter of 2017 — but that’s more than double the same period last year. And the surge in solar power could push the number even higher in the future. Why doesn’t California, a champion of renewable energy, use all the solar power it can generate? The answer, in part, is that the state has achieved dramatic success in increasing renewable energy production in recent years. But it also reflects sharp conflicts among major energy players in the state over the best way to weave these new electricity sources into a system still dominated by fossil-fuel-generated power. No single entity is in charge of energy policy in California. This has led to a two-track approach that has created an ever-increasing glut of power and is proving costly for electricity users. Rates have risen faster here than in the rest of the U.S., and Californians now pay about 50% more than the national average. Perhaps the most glaring example: The California Legislature has mandated that one-half of the state’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2030; today it’s about one-fourth. That goal once was considered wildly optimistic. But solar panels have become much more efficient and less expensive. So solar power is now often the same price or cheaper than most other types of electricity, and production has soared so much that the target now looks laughably easy to achieve. A key question in the debate is when California will be able to rely on renewable power for most or all of its needs and safely phase out fossil fuel plants, which regulators are studying. The answer depends in large part on how fast battery storage improves, so it is cheaper and can store power closer to customers for use when the sun isn’t shining. Solar proponents say the technology is advancing rapidly, making reliance on renewables possible far sooner than previously predicted, perhaps two decades or even less from now — which means little need for new power plants with a lifespan of 30 to 40 years.
Riverside County is already one of the nation's clean energy hot spots. In fact, the entire Inland Empire solar power initiative is in full effect, installing solar panels everywhere! If you've driven from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley, you've seen the iconic wind turbines in the San Gorgonio Pass and the solar panels that cover thousands of Inland Empire rooftops. Drive further east on Interstate 10, through the open desert, and you'll pass four of the country's biggest solar farms before you hit Arizona. Now, the county is poised to generate even more climate-friendly energy. EDF Renewable Energy has struck a deal to sell electricity from its 150-megawatt Desert Harvest solar project to Marin Clean Energy, a Bay Area power provider. The San Diego-based developer can now start construction on the long-awaited project, which will be built on 1,200 acres of federal land just south of Joshua Tree National Park, next to the existing Desert Sunlight solar farm. The Desert Harvest contract bodes well for the future of clean energy, which experts say will continue to grow even if President Donald Trump aggressively supports fossil fuels, as he pledged to do during the campaign. That growth will be fueled by solar and wind power, which are now the cheapest sources of electricity across much of the country, out-competing coal and natural gas. The Desert Harvest contract is also good news for supporters of community choice aggregation, a new business model through which local governments ditch their utility and buy electricity directly from power plants. Marin Clean Energy, which has been around since 2010, was California's first community choice aggregator, or CCA. It now provides electricity that's significantly greener than the alternative offered by Pacific Gas & Electric, for a comparable price. And it's growing, expanding its customer base from 170,000 to 255,000 this year as more Bay Area cities chose to join. Riverside County is studying whether to form a CCA, as are San Diego and more than a dozen Los Angeles-area cities. A study commissioned by Riverside County earlier this year found that homes and businesses in unincorporated areas alone would save nearly $8 million annually through community choice, with the average home saving between $50 and $55 annually. EDF first proposed Desert Harvest in 2009, winning approval from the federal Bureau of Land Management in 2013. Along the way, the project faced opposition from conservationists who feared it would disrupt habitat critical to the desert tortoise, which is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. But two of the major protesters — Defenders of Wildlife and the Natural Resources Defense Council — dropped their objections after the developer agreed to concessions, such as buying private land near the project and setting it aside as protected habitat. "We wanted to have a pathway for desert tortoises and other species that might wander down through that drainage," said Jeff Aardahl, a biologist with Defenders of Wildlife. "We wanted a way for them to escape that and then continue on across the valley, and that's where some of the private land acquisitions would occur."
Solar has grown immensely in Inland Empire and steadily in the past 5 years. The introduction of ITC (Investment Tax Credit) has been the single biggest driver in encouraging homeowners to go solar – it has made the costs of solar come dive by whopping 70% since it started in 2006. Besides the federal tax credit system, there’s a myriad of other financing options and net-metering. These options help homeowners with the upfront costs, but net metering also allows some owners of residential solar manage to cancel out their utility bills. US solar capacity has risen by around 2.7 GW (around 4.6 million homes) and in the second quarter by around 1.4GW, marking a milestone for the States because now there are over 20GW of solar power coast to coast. Unfortunately, it’s not likely they will. The current SCE net metering system gives Inland Empire homeowners an opportunity to zero out their bills in the next 20 years. Going solar as soon as possible will allow homeowners to invest more money into their PV system before tax credit funds run out. It will also be possible to have the system installed for the smallest possible budget, since the price of materials and installation itself will jack up when the tax credit system runs out. A third of the costs covered by the government is quite a relief for your wallet. Plus, you’ll be able to cancel out your utility bills or significantly reduce them for the period of next 20 years. And one more reason why it’s better to go solar sooner rather than later – an increased demand is expected to take place quite soon as people start to realize solar is the most affordable just now. A larger demand entails longer waiting periods – so the sooner you jump on the bandwagon, the sooner you’ll have clean solar energy for your home. If you are considering going solar in Riverside, CA, or anywhere in the Inland Empire, don’t hesitate to call Semper Solaris for a quote. We are ready to answer all your questions and provide you with the most accurate information regarding residential solar, so you can make an informed decision. Our veteran-owned and operated company is based on trust, premier products, and first-class workmanship. We deliver what we promise. Contact us today!
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.
