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Los Angeles | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC

Originally published May 23rd 2018. Updated January 7th 2021. Good timing is an underappreciated skill that can yield big rewards. Find that perfect seasonal sweet spot, and you can beat the crowds at your favorite vacation destination and save big on hotels and tours. Get to the party right on time, and you can avoid the uncomfortable small talk with the hosts before the other guests arrive. Good timing is everything, so what’s the best time for your solar panel installation in Los Angeles? Is there an ideal time to get solar panels in the lifecycle of your roof? How about the best time to reap as many tax rebates as possible? Or is there an “off-season” for solar that leads to special treatment and big deals? We want to help you and your solar panels in Los Angeles make the perfect entrance. Here’s everything you need to know about when to get your solar panels. The Newer the Roof, the Better Speaking of time, your roof has a finite amount of it. The lifespan of a roof can extend between 20 and 50 years depending on its composition. The majority of roofs in Los Angeles are made of asphalt shingles. While this type of roof is cost-effective, it only offers about 20 years of life. Most forms of tile, another common Southern California roof choice, give you a much longer life of 50 years. Solar panels can last an estimated 25 to 40 years and possibly even longer! (The most current crystalline silicon models of solar panels are still so new, that we aren’t quite sure how long they can really last.) Therefore, if your roof only has about five years left in it, it doesn’t really make sense to install solar panels when you’ll need to take the whole system down again in a few years. Instead, the best time to invest in solar panels in Los Angeles is when your roof is new or has a decade or more of life left. (Is your roof getting close to retirement? Don’t fret! Now might be the perfect time to invest in replacing your roof so that you can get solar panels in the future. A new roof adds value to your home and can make it more energy efficient! At Semper Solaris, we also offer Roof Installations and replacements.) Time Your Tax Relief   Currently, homeowners in Los Angeles can deduct 26% of the cost of their solar panels on their taxes. This Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the biggest renewable energy financial incentive currently available. It saved the average homeowner $5,000 on their solar panel system in 2017. In order to get the tax credit, you just need to install solar panels within the calendar year. The tax credit was originally enacted in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act and set to expire at the end of 2007. The federal government extended the ITC, but the clock is running out. Afterwards, the tax credit shrinks each year. Homeowners should not expect the tax credits to be extended again. As the solar market continues to mature and as the government looks for more ways to trim the budget, all signs point to the ITC finally phasing out for good. That means the time to save on solar is right now! The Season for Solar   Is there an ideal season to go solar? Angelenos may assume that spring or summer is the best time to put up solar panels. After all, the long summer days mean more sunshine, which translates to more energy production for the year. The truth might surprise you. Winter in Los Angeles is actually the best season for solar. Here’s why: The Slow Season During the winter months, homeowners are often caught up in the holidays and don’t have the extra time, attention, or funds for on solar panels. So use this to your advantage! Solar installation companies usually have fewer jobs on the books during this time of year, which means that they can give you more personalized attention and service. It can also mean a shorter turnaround time on your solar panel installation in Los Angeles, and sometimes special offers and discounts. Easier Installation Your solar installation team will also appreciate your choice to wait until winter for your solar panels. Los Angeles heats up in the summer, with temperatures reaching around 85 degrees toward the end of August. As you can imagine, working all day on a hot roof that absorbs that heat can be pretty uncomfortable for installation teams. On the other hand, winters in Los Angeles are notably mild, which is why we all love living here. Aside from the occasional rain shower, our installation team loves working in the cooler temperatures. Solar Panels Still Work Some homeowners worry that installing solar panels in winter will mean less energy generation. The sun still shines in winter, so your solar panels will work beautifully when they come online. Winter does offer fewer hours of sunlight than summer, so the total amount of energy your panels generate may be less than it would be on the longest day of the year, but the difference is less than you imagine. That’s because of something called the temperature coefficient. Without getting too deep into the weeds, the temperature coefficient describes how well solar panels perform under less-than-ideal circumstances. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that solar panels actually operate better in cooler temperatures. Once the temperature gets hotter than 77 degrees, the efficiency of the solar panels begins to drop. So, even though winter offers fewer hours of sunlight than summer, the cooler temperatures mean that your panels will operate at peak efficiency during light hours. There Really Is No Bad Time to Install Solar Panels in Los Angeles While you may still be wondering about the best time for your solar panel installation, the truth is that the best time to get solar panels is… whatever time is right for you! That may sound a little squishy, but what we mean is that you shouldn’t try to rush your solar panels to get a special tax incentive or hit the solar panel off-season if you aren’t ready. Instead, make sure you have the time, focus, and funds to dedicate to your solar installation so you don’t run into problems or stress yourself out in the process. At Semper Solaris, we will be here when you are ready. We can help you repair or replace your roof to prepare for a solar panel installation in Los Angeles and then perform the installation. We might be a little biased, but we think it’s always a perfect time to invest in renewable solar energy. Contact us to schedule a free energy analysis for your Los Angeles home.  

Your neighbors have solar panels on their roofs. So does your favorite café and even that new brewery down the street. You might be thinking that it’s time to jump on the solar panel train, but one look at the price tag may stop you in your tracks. But what should consumers know before installing solar panels in Los Angeles? In this post, we’ll break down the cost of solar panels in the City of Angels, explain why they may be more expensive than the national average, and show you why it’s not about how much you pay for solar panels, but how much you save. Finally, we’ll give you some great tips for comparing the cost of solar panels so you can get the best deal possible. Breaking Down the Price of Solar Panels in Los Angeles California is the solar capital of the United States, producing more solar energy than the next nine ranked states combined, so why is solar installation more expensive here? The full price for your solar system can be broken down into three categories: Solar panels and equipment Installation Business overhead That leaves us with the other two categories: installation and business overhead. Installing your solar panels and running a solar installation business requires a great team of people. And of course, those employees need to be paid fair wages for all their hard work. California, and Los Angeles in particular, has some of the highest wages in the country. The current hourly wage in Los Angeles is between $12.00 and $13.25 an hour, depending on how many people a company employs. That rate will continue to climb in the coming years, until it hits $15.00 an hour in between 2020 and 2021. Compare that to a state like North Carolina (the state that produces the second-highest amount of solar energy in the country), which offers a minimum wage of just $7.25 an hour. Labor costs are responsible for a big difference in the price of installation and overall business operation between Los Angeles and other major cities across the country. While this means you’ll have to pay a little more for your system, we think the extra costs are worth it. At Semper Solaris, we believe a fair wage attracts quality workers, which translates into great solar installation results for you. Additionally, we encourage you to hire a local solar installation company so your dollars stay in your community and go to your neighbors, rather than to a national company! Now that you understand why solar panels in Los Angeles may be a little more expensive than average, we’re going to show you why investing in solar panels is still worth the price! It’s Not How Much You Pay, but How Much You Save! Solar panels are an investment, and like all good investments they pay off over time. One could argue that switching to clean, renewable energy and burning less fossil fuels is its own reward. We agree, but saving money is nice, too! One of the biggest benefits for solar panels is that they can help you cut down or completely eliminate your monthly energy bill. No matter where you live, these savings will add up, but in Los Angeles, your savings are supercharged. That’s because bustling Los Angeles, with its population of nearly four million people, has some of the highest energy costs in the country. Additionally, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers the Solar Incentive Program (SIP), which currently gives LA homeowners an incentive of $0.25 per watt of energy their panels produce. Comparing the Cost of Solar Panels Saving up to $62,463 over 20 years is definitely great, but how do you know if you’re getting a good deal in the present? Here are four important factors to compare when you begin seeking solar panel quotes. Solar Panel System Size When comparing the cost of solar panels, step one is to make sure you compare apples to apples. In the solar world, that means determining the size of the system you want and then making sure each price quote uses the same size. When you reach out to a solar installation company, they should send a trained representative to perform an energy analysis on your home. This analysis will help you determine how much energy you use on average each month and what size solar panel system you need to cover all of your energy needs. Comparing Efficiency Efficiency refers to how well a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity. The top solar panels on the market offer efficiency rates of over 20%. That’s an impressive number, but choosing premium solar panels also means paying a premium price tag. The benefit of getting highly efficient solar panels is that they are smaller, which is ideal if you don’t have a lot of space on your roof. However, if you have enough roof space, you can likely save money by investing in slightly less efficient solar panels. They’ll be bigger, but they’ll give you just as much juice as their smaller, more-efficient counterparts. Comparing Warranty Every solar panel comes with a warranty from its manufacturer that guarantees the equipment and the performance of the panels. Don’t overlook this warranty! It can save you money in the long run if problems occur down the road. The average solar panel offers at least a 10-year warranty. Ideally, you want to have a 15- or even 20-year warranty. The best solar panels offer a 25-year warranty on performance. Unsurprisingly, the best warranties tend to come with the highest priced panels. Comparing Temperature Coefficient Despite the fact that solar panels rely on the sun, they don’t do so well in hot temperatures. Whenever temps soar over 77 degrees Fahrenheit, a solar panel’s efficiency will begin to drop. The hotter it gets, the less efficiently your solar panels work. The rate of efficiency loss is called the “temperature coefficient.” The higher the temperature coefficient, the less energy your panels will produce on those hot, LA summer days. Solar panels with low-temperature coefficients tend to be more expensive, but since they will ultimately produce more energy for you on hot days, they could be worth the extra cost! How to Choose the Right Solar Panels Choosing the right solar panels in Los Angeles may feel confusing or difficult. But it doesn’t have to be! The real key is to choose the right solar installation company. A good solar company will help you figure out your energy needs and then make a recommendation on the right system size and solar panel brand to meet your budget and expectations. If the price tag feels high, just remember that Angelenos get the biggest payback on solar in the entire country! Also, paying out of pocket isn’t your only option. At Semper Solaris, we are happy to discuss our zero down payment plans and leasing options. Contact our local Los Angeles office today for a free energy analysis of your home!

Are you planning for solar panel installation in Simi Valley? Do you want to know more about the benefits? Now people all over are considering solar systems to reduce their energy bills and utilize renewable sources. Simi Valley also offers incentives to promote people to install solar panels. You just need to know more about the benefits and rebates to take the right decision. In this article, we will discuss three ways the solar system is going to change your life.  1.   Financial Rewards   A solar panel will generate electricity, and that will cut down your monthly energy bills. It will reduce your energy costs significantly. More importantly, you might not need to spend a lot upfront if you choose the best solar installation Simi Valley. Different programs are available. You just need to go through them to know where you stand and your eligibility for rebates. If you want, you can also get more financial benefits. You can make money from your solar panel. That is possible through net-metering.  Net-metering enables solar customers to save their electricity bills. On top of that, it allows them to make money or earn credits when your solar system generates excess energy. These credits will be created in the present condition and will be carried forward and used to alter your future energy bills. A solar panel will save your present and future energy bills. When you plan to sell your home, it can boost the value of your property as well. If a solar panel is installed, the potential buyers will find your home worth spending since they do not have to spend much on the electricity. They will not have to go through the hassles of the solar panel installation.  2.  Protects Your Home You might be thinking of how a solar panel will contribute to the security of your home. It is simple. A solar panel can extend the life of your home. It will protect your roof from the harsh weather elements that include rain, storm, and debris. Besides, it will make your home energy efficient in the summer. The hot sun will not directly heat your roof, and that will ultimately minimize the effect of the heat.  Sunlights will be absorbed by the panels, and that will keep the indoor temperature low.  You can naturally protect yourself from the harsh summer.  3.   Contributes to the Environment This is one of the key benefits. If you use renewable resources to generate energy, you can protect or save your environment in a significant manner. Electricity is traditionally generated from fossil fuel that includes coal and natural gas. These fuels are burnt to generate electricity. During the process, they emit harmful gases, causing a lot of pollution and even global climate change.  Also, fossil fuels are not infinite. Therefore, the price will continue to hike, causing constant price fluctuations. If you install a solar panel, it will derive energy from the sun. The power will be totally pure and clean. You can get pure and clean energy without harming the environment in any manner. In brief, solar panel installation in your home will help you to reduce your dependence on fossil fuel.  Renewable energy will contribute to public health. But natural gas or coal plants will cause air and water pollution. All these are harmful to humans and other living beings. By choosing solar panels over fossil fuel, you can fight environment pollution and premature deaths. It will reduce health care costs significantly as well. The solar panels will not be affected by the heatwave or droughts.  The scarcity of water has made electricity generation risky. Solar panels will resolve this problem. You will not need water to generate electricity.  With ample sun, you can generate electricity without any difficulty. Also, this step is going to set an example for your friends, neighbors, and relatives. If you want to install a solar panel, then consider hiring an experienced solar company in Simi Valley. Inquire about the rebates and benefits. You can also use a Solar Panel Calculator to know more about your eligibility and other requirements.

If you are a homeowner in Pasadena looking to dive into clean energy, there are a couple of important things to consider before your solar installation can be completed. A Solar Company The first step you need to take toward clean energy is finding a reliable, honest, and professional solar contractor. Solar power is an investment, and you want the assets of your investment – the solar panels – to be dependable and efficient. You don't want to settle for a general solar company, you need the best solar company in Pasadena. At Semper Solaris, we are a locally, and veteran operated and owned company. It's essential to be able to trust the company you partner with, and at Semper Solaris, trust is everything. As veterans, we know how important it is to be able to trust those around you, and we want Semper Solaris to be a company you can trust. Built on the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, always meaning faithful, we will have your back. Roofing The next step in securing your solar investment is to make sure your roof is sturdy and robust enough to support solar panels. A weak roof can collapse under the weight of the panels. An older roof will age faster than your panels, making it essential to have a qualified roofing contractor inspect your roof and it's life expectancy. The roofing experts at Semper Solaris are experienced in all kinds of roofing in Pasadena. From old roofs to different shingles, our team will give you a thorough and honest inspection. If you need a repair or replacement roof, our team is by your side! Solar panel installation in Pasadena will save you thousands over their lifetime, so a roof replacement or repair is well worth it in the end. Choosing Solar Panels and Installation Of course, to reap the benefits of solar energy, you need to have solar panels installed on your roof or property. We can take care of this step, as well. Our experienced and professional team can give you the best solar panel installation in Pasadena. We carry everything into consideration. From the angle of your roof to the number of trees blocking the sun, your panels will be positioned and installed impeccably to give you the highest possible efficiency. We also offer a variety of solar panels and can help you choose ones that fit your home, goals, and budget. When selecting panels, take note of the manufacturer's warranty. If it is long, (around 25 years), your panels will be more likely to last longer and be more efficient over time. Financing Options With solar, the initial cost of your panels and installation is hard to get past. However, with various federal and local solar rebates and tax incentives, solar is made affordable for everyone! Make sure the solar company you go with knows about all the financial incentives, so you don't pay more than you have to! Maintenance From the panels to the installation cost, switching to clean energy can get pricey. However, the upfront cost is pretty much all you'll pay over the lifetime of your panels. Maintenance on your solar system is minimal at most. Pretty much all you need is a light rinsing for your panels with a garden hose a couple of times a year. This simply ensures that there is no buildup of dust or leaves on your panels that would block the sunlight and make them less efficient.   Going solar is made simple with your solar company in Pasadena, Semper Solaris. Let our personal and professional representatives walk alongside you in your clean energy switch!

Where does Los Angeles Rank? Solar panel installation in Los Angeles is growing exponentially, and that is in part due to large projects such as the Staples Center and LAX.  Homeowners are following suit, and installing panels for home use as well, and that has to lead to Los Angeles is a leader in solar! What about California?   In fact, of the top 10 cities in the United States, four of them are in California. Semper Solaris is proud to be part of the best solar installation in Los Angeles. These cities include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Riverside.  Riverside, one of our neighboring cities, quadrupled its solar production in 5 years. We are proud to have been a part of the growing use of solar power in Southern California!  California is an undisputed leader-we have more than 23 GW installed and about 17% of our energy is produced by solar! California is at the forefront of solar production, but the rest of our country is moving toward solar as well!  In fact, the United States powers one out of 11 homes with solar energy! So call Semper Solaris today, a top solar company in Los Angeles to see if solar is right for you.  We can evaluate your needs, your current power usage, and your home to see if solar is right for you!  We want to help our country move toward clean, environmentally friendly 100% solar power energy! How is the rest of the world doing with solar? The United States is not the only country moving toward solar energy to power their cities and homes.   Other leaders are China, Japan, Germany, Italy, and India. These countries have come up with new innovations to further solar usage.  Japan uses old abandoned golf courses to house panels as well as building floating solar panel farms in the ocean surrounding their country! On several occasions, Germany has met more than 50% of their usage with solar!  They are shooting for 100% by 2050! China is the largest producer as well as the buyer of solar panels.  They offer great incentives for their citizens to go to solar due to their concerns about their country’s pollution and environmental impacts. While Italy may not be a vast producer as far as volume, they cover about 10% of their country’s needs, which is more than any other country! India launched the National Solar Mission to help combat climate change in 2010 and added a record 9 MW of solar with more than 9,000 more under development! If you are considering becoming part of the global movement to cleaner energy, give us a call!

Solar rooftop installations are a booming business, and with the tax incentives and rebates available, Glendale residents are climbing aboard and going solar. Everyone, young and old understands that having solar power saves money. But Solar rooftop panels for lower bills are only one aspect of the potential of residential solar power. Benefits of Solar There are ways that solar power can enhance your life beyond saving money. You can use your solar installation in resourceful ways from emergency backup solar batteries to heating your water or your pool. There is freedom in the versatility that solar power offers to make life better without paying through the nose.  Whether for clean air, saving money, or being part of a sustainable future, Semper Solaris is the best solar power company in Glendale. We believe in the power to choose the very best for you and your family. And solar power is the best energy alternative in the world. It is cost-effective and efficient, does not pollute the air or water, and causes no waste. Clearly, it is the best choice for residential energy needs.  Freedom To Choose Solar After decades of the powers that be having a monopoly on how we light our homes and power our appliances and automobiles, it looks like change is in the wind. The domination by power companies is yielding to a different way of delivering energy resources, one built on the betterment of not only the pocketbook but choosing how to live.  Solar power offers substantial savings on our power bills. Solar power provides a clean alternative to fossil fuels. But solar power also provides the opportunity to determine the form of energy generation that is part of our lifestyle and philosophy; what we believe in. And Solar also pays you back in a big way.  Competition From Solar Power Solar power brings competition to the table. Utility companies offer “our way or the highway” with no choice on how much to pay for electricity and punishing households for what they deem to be over-usage. It is a trap. They make their money keeping the grid going with an outdated system that is inefficient, expensive, and brutal. Utility companies are in a fight to win by trying to up the game for solar power companies and consumers. They are reducing the benefits of solar and undoing the gains of less energy usage by homeowners. It is a game that ultimately, they will not win. Information is at the fingertips of anyone with a smartphone or computer.  Fight Back with Solar Power Semper Solaris is at the forefront of winning that competition with solar panel installation in Glendale. Electricity should not have to be a burden to households that spend such a massive chunk of their income just keeping the lights on. It is no longer necessary for that model to continue. The sunshine is free and a cost-effective alternative that delivers power right to your door.  The cost of continuing the traditional ways of delivering electricity is too high in terms of health risks and quality of life. You will protect your health and your pocketbook by investing in solar power for yourself and future generations. We know our business and are on the cutting edge of renewable energy. Solar Power is the best hope for clean air and water and the reduction of greenhouse gases as well as plenty of power at a lower cost.  Solar is good for everyone and demand for electricity in the future will increase, not diminish. We provide the very best solar installation in Glendale. Call Semper Solaris today and make a choice to switch to solar power. You will be glad you did.

If you are planning to avail the benefit of cost-effective solar energy in South Gate then, you must contact a solar company in South Gate. The solar energy service you hire can help you decide whether solar panels will be enough to meet your energy-related needs or not.   The suitability of your home at South Gate for solar energy depends upon various factors like:  Type of your roof:  If your roof is made of durable and reliable roofing materials like  asphalt shingle composite standing seam metal  concrete tiles   Though you can also install solar panels on the roof made from  slate tiles wood shake composite stone/metal coated steel  clay with mortar  But, you will have to find an experienced solar panel installation in South Gate for installing solar panels on your roof.  Condition of the roof:  It is best to contact the best solar installation in South Gate to assess the condition of your roof. If your roof is older, then it is better to replace it as the expected life of the solar power system is about 40 years. The condition of the roof must be right on which solar panels are to be installed. Though it can be an additional expenditure now, it can be balanced by the savings you can make with installing a high-efficiency solar power system. Amount of sunlight received by your roof:  The suitability of your house for the solar system depends mainly upon the amount of sunlight your roof can get. It can be assessed by experienced professionals. They will visit your home and inspect your roof from all angles to find its suitability for solar panels. They will also see if your roof receives enough sunlight even if you have a shady tree nearby. That way, your solar system can generate enough electrical energy for you.  Local climatic conditions:  Last but not the least factor to consider while it is the climatic conditions of the area in which you live. The professionals of the solar company will use tools to check the effect of sunlight on the roof of your house. The solar panels being installed on your roof are efficient enough to convert direct or indirect sunlight into electrical. The professionals will also check the amount of energy produced by the system so that you can save enough money after deciding to install the solar panels at your home in South Gate.  Thus, tips provided in this write-up can help in knowing the suitability of your home for installing a solar system. A reputed solar company can help you, like Semper Solaris.  At Semper Solaris, we understand the working of a solar system and what it takes to make a dependable system. With years of experience and skilled technicians, we are ready and eager to help you switch to solar. Call us today and see if your home is suitable for solar in South Gate.

Do you really save money with solar panels? Yes! You are likely to keep a considerable amount of money by going solar today. The rising price of electricity from conventional sources, combined with the reducing cost of solar systems and solar panels over the past few decades, makes solar installation a no-brainer for most homeowners in Palmdale. However, the actual price of solar panels and solar systems, and whether they will assist you to save cash, depends on several factors. For instance, the way solar panels are installed in your property how you take care of them how you utilize them These, among other factors, play a vital role in determining whether you will save money or not. How Solar Panels save you money For solar panels to save you money, you must ensure the solar panels you use in your property are original and installed accordingly by a professional. Improper solar panel installation will limit you from fully exploiting the energy obtained from harnessing solar energy. At Semper Solaris, we are a solar panel installation in Palmdale offering superior services and top-of-the-line items. Whether you need quality solar panels or you need top-notch solar installation solutions, we are the perfect choice for all your solar energy needs. Call us now, and we will assist you in utilizing solar energy for maximum benefit. Reduced Electricity Bills Low monthly electric bills and monetary returns are critical incentives that make going solar an incredible idea. Solar power is a significant, low-risk investment that allows you to reduce your monthly electric bill significantly. With solar energy, the more you’ll generate your own energy, the more you will save money. The Best Solar Company in Palmdale At Semper Solaris, we specialize in providing superior solar panel solutions in Palmdale. We take great pride in offering the best solar solutions that are unmatched in the industry, exceptional customer support, and affordable prices. Our goal is to provide the highest quality solar items and services at competitive rates to enable our customers to encounter an enormous saving on their electricity bills. The Best Solar Installation in Palmdale  We are dedicated to delivering top-of-the-line residential and commercial solar installation solutions at pocket-friendly rates. Our professional technicians have extensive experience and will handle your solar installation job quickly and securely while applying the professionalism and expertise which the situation demands. Contact us now, and we will design and install you a solar system that perfectly suits your budget, preference, and other energy needs. Go Solar Today and Save Money At Semper Solaris, we promise you the best possible solar system installation service. Our state-of-the-art equipment merged with the skills and experience of our team are more than enough to make sure you get solar installation solutions. Contact us now so that we can get started with your solar project. We will ensure we take proper care of all your residential solar installation needs effectively and efficiently!

Looking for top-rated solar panel installation in Downey? We are here to help! Semper Solaris is a locally run and Veteran owned company here to assist you with all of your solar needs. We understand that installing solar can be a big step, so here is some information to help you. If you are looking for an honest company that has the best solar installation in Downey, Semper Solaris is it! Living in Downey, which has fantastic weather, offers you on average almost 290 sunny days a year, which is 24% higher than other cities in the nation. Why not take advantage of harnessing that sunshine to power your home? Solar is also an excellent investment for your home. In the last 10 years, the cost of putting in solar has decreased by 60%, which means many more people can afford to install it. The best thing about solar is that it is a clean source of energy. It is also an infinite and renewable energy source. Now you don’t have to worry about polluting your home and the environment for electricity! Our solar company in Downey can come out and go over your options to see what system size is right for your family’s needs. We will never try to upsell you or convince you to get something you do not need! Worried about the cost? The Federal Government extended the period allowed for the 26% tax credit they are offering to citizens who install solar. This can decrease the cost of your solar panels by quite a bit. Southern California has a high grid electricity cost at $0.17 per kilowatt-hour. With the more than 13% hike in our expenses in the last year, your solar panels can help offset that quite a bit, or even eliminate your electric bill totally!  In fact, many solar customers report that they pay their system off in about 8 years. Depending on usage in your home, you may be able to enjoy having no power bill for the lifetime of the solar panels, which is usually 25 years! Are there other ways for me to save money on my solar? Yes! SCE offers net metering, which can save you even more money! The federal government requires most power providers to get some of their power from renewable energy sources, and this can benefit you. When your panels are providing more power than you can use, SCE will “buy” that power back from you by applying credits to your account. You can then use your saved credits to supplement your supply like during the winter when your panels may not keep up with demand. If you have credits left at the end of the year, SCE will pay you for them! Call us today! We can schedule an appointment too to have an expert solar contractor in Downey come out and look over your home and usage to see what is right for you!

Thinking about solar panel installation in El Monte? Wondering if it is a viable option for you? Solar panel installation is a great way to save on your energy bills and take care of the environment all at once! Solar energy is an infinite, clean, and renewable energy source, so it is an excellent option for all your energy needs! Also, El Monte’s weather is ideal for maximizing a solar panel system. We average 282 sunny days a year, which is more than 25% higher than the national average! What can I expect it to cost? The cost can vary depending on the size of your home, the position of your roof, and the amount of electricity that you use daily. That said, call us, and we can schedule an appointment for one of our certified technicians to come and discuss your options and usage with you. Remember that solar is an investment in your home, so when you choose to sell, you can see an average increased value on your home of $10,000 or more from your solar panels! We will not upsell you! Are there rebates or incentives available? Yes! Currently, there is a Federal Tax Rebate that can be as high as 30%. There may also be other incentives, so when you schedule your appointment, we can go over those with you if they are available. We offer the best solar installation in El Monte! Additionally, SCE participates in a net metering program. The government requires power companies to use a percentage of clean energy to supply its customers with power. This can mean savings for you! On days when your panels provide more power than you can use, SCE will apply credits to your account to have access to your excess. When those few rainy or cloudy days affect your panels, you can use those credits or surplus energy to supply power to your home. If you have unused credits at the end of the year, you will receive payment for them from SCE! If you have questions about these programs, give our solar company in El Monte a call so we can help. Our local representatives can help you! The best solar contractor in El Monte We only use the best available American Made solar panels,  you can be assured that the quality is impeccable and the warranty will back up your investment! Our panels come from quality companies like Silifab and Q-Cells. All of these companies offer up to a 25-year warranty. We also have the strictest standards for our installers. We support our military veterans by hiring them because we know they have a fantastic work ethic. We expect them to keep a clean work environment, and to be courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable. We want our customers to be happy and confident in their decision to install solar with us!

Living in the City of Angels isn’t always so heavenly, especially when it comes to your energy bill. Angelenos pay some of the highest rates for electricity in the country! If you are looking to cut the pipeline from your bank account to the utility company and shrink your environmental footprint in the process, then it’s time to seriously consider solar panels. That starts with a search for solar panel companies in Los Angeles. The solar panel company you choose will have a huge impact on the cost of your solar panels, how smoothly the project goes, and how well your solar panels perform. It’s worth your time to do your homework in order to find the most qualified, experienced, and honest solar installer. How do you do that? Let’s look into that question, and then we’ll tell you a few reasons why we think Semper Solaris should be on your solar panel shortlist! How to Find the Best Solar Panel Company in Los Angeles Wouldn’t it be great if you had a crystal ball that could tell you the best solar panel company in Los Angeles with the wave of the hand and a muttered incantation? Assuming you don’t have such a magic talisman in your attic, the best way to find a great solar installer is to ask around. If you know friends and family members who have gotten solar panels, ask them who they used and if they would recommend that company. You’ll probably get some good recommendations, as well as a few horror stories that will cross some names off your list. Next up, do the research. Friends and family members represent only a singular experience. You want to make sure any solar panel company you use has delighted the majority of their customers. Check out reliable review sites to hear from multiple customers. We recommend: SolarReviews.com Angie’s List Better Business Bureau Keep in mind that customers tend to leave reviews when they are either extremely satisfied or extremely disappointed, so specific reviews may not be representative of the company’s true character. Focus on how the company is described by the majority of reviewers, instead of fixating on one or two highly negative reviews. By this time, you should have a few top contenders. Contact these companies and request a solar consultation. Each company will send a representative out to your home to learn about your household’s energy usage, your goals, and your budget. They’ll take a look at your roof and make a personalized recommendation. That should include a price quote and timeline for the solar project. You’ll definitely want to compare the pricing of each company, but don’t overlook other factors, including the honesty and integrity of the company and their representative, as well as the company’s mission. You aren’t just getting solar panels on your roof; you’re also using your dollars to support a business! We believe that Semper Solaris is the best solar panel company in Los Angeles, and we’d like you to consider us when you begin your solar search. Here are just a few reasons why we stand out from the competition. We Are a Veteran-Owned Company Committed to Integrity and Excellence When we think of the one thing that most set us apart from other Los Angeles solar panel companies, we could have chosen our great pricing, the high quality of our work, or our outstanding customer service. While all those features are accurate, they don’t represent the heart and soul of our company. What truly makes us unique is that as a proud, veteran-owned and operated company, we have instilled the very best military ideals into the fabric of our operating system. Co-owner Kelly Shawhan was a Captain in the U.S. Marines before leaving the service to begin building Semper Solaris. Though he no longer wears the uniform, the motto of Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful – has never left him. It’s so central to his identity that it became part of our name – Semper Solaris! Under Kelly’s watchful eye, Semper Solaris has always embodied the military principles of discipline, duty, respect, honesty, service, and accountability. We believe our commitment to these principles makes a difference in everything that we do, from the way we treat our customers with respect and integrity, to our honesty in providing recommendations, and our commitment to doing the job right every time. Learn more about both our co-owners. We Hire Veterans As a veteran-owned company, we know that it can often be difficult to transition from the military into the civilian world. Many young veterans have served multiple deployments overseas and have never worked outside the military. We make a special effort to hire these young men and women, because we know that they make some of the most dedicated and committed employees on the planet. In return, we can offer high-paying and steady work in an exciting and growing field. Veterans and First Responders Get Special Discounts We want to thank the brave men and women who protect our country, as well as our cities and towns. It is important for us to recognize their sacrifice and the risks they take every day. That is why we offer discounts to military veterans, as well as police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. We also provide referral bonuses to past clients who tell their friends and family about us. We just want to say thanks for keeping us in mind and sending new customers our way. Take a look at all our current discounts. We Are Part of the Local Community We want to support every community that we serve, which is why we’ve opened locations throughout California, including in Los Angeles. This allows us to hire local employees and keep your money in your community, where it supports great jobs. Staying local also allows us to develop a deep well of knowledge about a particular community. This comes in handy when we need to pull permits, work with the local utility company to hook up a new system, and pass local inspections. It also means that we are knowledgeable about local renewable energy incentives and can help our clients save money on their systems. This includes the LADWP rebate, which is still available to most Los Angeles residents. We Provide Competitive Pricing We are committed to offering highly competitive pricing for our solar installation services. In fact, you will find that we offer some of the lowest pricing in the entire state of California, without sacrificing quality installation or great customer service. We Offer Excellent Installation You’ve probably heard the horror stories of other solar installation companies or a hired “Jack of all trades” damaging a friend’s roof, breaking solar panels during installation, or installing them so poorly that the system isn’t nearly as efficient as it could be. Expertise matters. Installing racking onto your roof needs to be done by a highly trained professional to protect the integrity of your roof. The placement of your solar panels also matters, as it can dramatically affect the efficiency of the panels and therefore how big your monthly energy bill is. Trust the experts at Semper Solaris. We are a fully licensed and certified solar panel installer and also specialize in roofing. We will respect your property and your investment and make sure your solar panel system is installed with the utmost skill to generate as much power as possible for your home. We Support American-Designed Products Many of our employees fought to protect this country, and we continue to support America and its values in our business. That’s why we make a special effort to buy and recommend American-made and American-designed products for our customers. Help us help protect American jobs and businesses. We Offer Roof Replacement and Solar Battery Storage It isn’t uncommon to discover that your older or damaged roof needs to be replaced before you can install solar panels. Replacing a roof can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you have to search for and hire a roofing contractor! At Semper Solaris, we also employ expert roofers and offer full roof replacement services. In this way, we make it easy and convenient to replace your roof and get solar panels together as part of a single project. We can also save you money by offering a big discount on solar plus roofing projects! If you plan on using your solar panels to live off the grid, you will need a solar panel battery to store excess energy during the day and provide power during the night. At Semper Solaris, we also offer solar panel battery solutions, which includes installation. We Help You Afford Solar Panel Installation Getting solar panels for your Los Angeles home is a big project, and it comes with a price tag. Not every homeowner can afford to pay for solar panels out-of-pocket. Fortunately, we are committed to helping you afford solar panels. We offer a variety of financing and leasing options, including no-money-down financing. That means you can get solar panels on your roof and see your energy bills drop, all without paying a dime upfront. Need One More Reason to Choose Semper Solaris as Your Los Angeles Solar Panel Company? We could go on and on about why we think we are the best solar panel company in Los Angeles, but if you need one more reason to give us a call, listen to what our past customers have to say. Customer reviews truly are the best indicators of how a company operates. We are proud to hold an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau. Check out all our great reviews at Angie’s List and hear testimonials from past clients in Los Angeles. Are you convinced? Then we would appreciate the chance to compete for your business. Contact us today to schedule a no-pressure, no-cost solar consultation.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the glamor of Los Angeles was dimmed by choking clouds of brown smog. Parents kept their children out of school, while rates of asthma and lung disease shot up. Los Angeles was among the dirtiest cities in the country. Today, things have changed dramatically. The city is pursuing an ambitious sustainability plan, which is powered in part by solar power in Los Angeles. In fact, the city that was once infamous for its noxious pollution was ranked the number one solar energy city in America by the California Research & Policy Center. How did the City of Angels manage such a miraculous turnaround, and what part did solar play in its lofty revitalization? Finally, how will major new environmental decisions within the city and the state of California affect Los Angeles residents in the future? Attack of the Smog It would have made for a good Hollywood horror flick – in the early 1940s, residents of Los Angeles noticed a foul-smelling, brown tinge to the air, which made their eyes water and their lungs burn. The effect was so dramatic that some residents believed it was a chemical attack from the Japanese as part of the ongoing war! Over the following decades, smog would regularly choke residents of Los Angeles, forcing children to stay home from school and canceling athletic events. Doctors noticed more and more patients reporting asthma and lung conditions, while lung autopsies on young car accident victims in 1987 revealed that over 25% had seriously damaged lungs! The citizens of Los Angeles demanded answers, and their protests helped lead to the first nascent environmental laws. In 1963, Congress enacted the first Clean Air Act, which was updated with stronger regulations in the 1970s. It wasn’t until 1975 when the United States required that all new cars include catalytic converters, that the problem of smog finally began to dissipate (though it is still a serious problem in major cities throughout the world, most notably in Beijing.) While the catalytic converters helped make driving a little less dirty, it didn’t change the fact that Los Angeles and the entire country was powered by dirty fossil fuels. The city and the country needed an alternative, but alternative energy technology was seriously limited. The Slow Evolution of Solar Panels Solar panels may seem like a relatively new technology, since they only started appearing en masse on rooftops over the past two decades. The truth, however, is that the technology was discovered over 150 years ago in 1839 by French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerellar. The first solar panels as most of us would recognize them were invented in Bell Labs in 1954, during some of the worst smog years in Los Angeles. At that time, however, solar panels were more of an amusing novelty. Boasting an anemic one percent efficiency, they could hardly keep a few lightbulbs shining, much less power entire homes! For several decades, the promise of solar power remained unrealized. Oil was cheap and climate change was a virtually unknown threat still on the horizon. It wasn’t until the oil embargos of the 1970s forced Americans to line up at gas pumps across the country that researchers, politicians, and everyday citizens recognized the value of developing alternative energy. This led to a rush of funding, research, and development into renewable energy. In 1978, the federal government passed the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act and the Energy Tax Act, which laid the groundwork for net metering and offered tax credits to consumers who adopted solar panels. Spurred by all this interest and money, solar panel technology improved quickly, along with the manufacturing process. Together, these trends led to big increases in solar panel efficiency and significantly lower costs. Today, many of the top solar panel brands offer an efficiency of just over 20%. Prices for solar panel systems have also dropped around 60% over the last decade. These big changes have led to a steady increase in solar adoption across the entire country. But how did Los Angeles become the leader of the solar panel pack? It starts with that fact that Los Angeles is located in a state that embraces renewable energy. California – Land of the Solar Panels Los Angeles may produce the most solar power of any city in the country, but it is hardly an outlier in California. The Golden State has made a big bet on going green and put into place some of the most ambitious (and strictest) clean energy laws in the land. In 1996, Governor Pete Wilson deregulated the state’s investor-owned utilities and offered incentives for the public utilities to allow solar systems to connect to their grids. This paved the way for California’s incredibly powerful and successful net metering system, which makes solar power in Los Angeles so affordable. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown set what seemed like an extremely ambitious goal by signing Senate Bill 350, which required the state to produce 33% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. In response, California rose to the challenge and surpassed its 2020 goal three years early! Perhaps it was these impressive results that convinced Governor Brown to cement his green energy legacy by signing Senate Bill 100 just this past month, which committed California to becoming 100% energy independent and carbon free by 2045. This commitment dramatically raises the bar for California and makes it only the second state in the union to commit to completely cutting their reliance on fossil fuels. How will California and Los Angeles achieve such a big goal? Solar will be a big part of the equation. In May of this year, California made big waves when the California Energy Commission voted unanimously to require all new homes and businesses to have solar power, starting in 2020. California’s aggressive environmental goals mean that every city within the state, especially its most populous, will need to make big changes. How is solar power in Los Angeles helping the state meet its carbon-free commitments? The Sun Is the Biggest Star in Hollywood   Los Angeles is ready to lead the state of California and the country in adopting solar power. According to the report, “Shining Cities 2018: How Smart Local Policies Are Expanding Solar Power in America,” Los Angeles has installed 349.3 megawatts of solar power through the city. That’s enough energy to power 82,500 homes, take over 40,000 cars off the road, and eliminate 187,304 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Tinsel Town is just getting started. The city recently unveiled a 2.21 MW(megawatt) solar installation on the Los Angeles Convention Center, which represents the largest solar system on a publicly-owned convention center on the entire west coast. Mayor Eric Garcetti has also unveiled an ambitious multi-pronged Sustainable City pLAn for Los Angeles that includes a focus on installing more solar power, improving air quality, managing the city’s water supply, investing in green jobs, and completing 28 major Metro projects by the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games. As part of the Sustainable City pLAn, Los Angeles has already launched “Solar Rooftops,” a program that installs solar panels in communities with low solar penetration. The Sustainable City pLAn has also streamlined the online permitting process, making it faster and easier than ever for LA residents and businesses to go solar. With so much focus on solar installation in Los Angeles, what can residents expect for LA’s solar future? A City with a Bright Future   As California begins to implement its goal to go carbon neutral by 2045, solar power will be a big part of that solution. In 2020, all new homes and businesses within Los Angeles will be required to have some solar capacity. That means that solar panels will become much more abundant throughout the city, even in low-income neighborhoods, thanks to Los Angeles’ “Solar Rooftops,” initiative. However, citizens may not notice as much of a visual change. That’s because Tesla is producing solar panel roof tiles that look just like ordinary roof tiles. (They currently offer four options: Tuscan, slate, textured, and smooth glass tiles.) Other companies are working to improve the appearance of solar panels by eliminating the frames or even making “solar skins” that help panels blend into a home’s existing roof. LA residents may also be able to enjoy a lot more bang for their solar panel buck. While today’s top panels offer just over 20% efficiency, researchers have been able to achieve 46% efficiency using advanced materials in a lab setting. It may be a while until a solar panel with that level of efficiency hits the consumer market, but we now know that it is possible. The near future may also crack one of the biggest challenges of using solar – the relative lack of storage potential. Solar panels have always been hamstrung by the fact that they only produce energy when the sun is out and shining. New battery technology, including Tesla Powerwall, are starting to change that dynamic and make it possible for homeowners and utilities to store excess solar power. Exciting announcements in this field may presage even more advancements in battery technology. One of those big technological leaps may be happening right here in Los Angeles. Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong recently announced that his company, NantEnergy, based in Phoenix and El Segundo, has developed a battery that utilizes zinc and oxygen, which he claims is much more affordable, safe, and powerful than the lithium-ion batteries we use today to power electric cars and store solar power. Dr. Soon-Shiong, who also owns the Los Angeles Times and is a part owner of the LA Lakers, has already tested the zinc-oxygen batteries in several villages in Africa and Asia and cell phone towers in the United States. The next huge leap in solar technology could already be here, right in the heart of Los Angeles! Solar Power Is Home in Los Angeles Los Angeles has come a long, long way from a city choking on poisonous smog. Today, it is leading the charge to adopt clean energy, fight climate change, and protect the health of its citizens. As solar panel technology continues to improve, especially in the department of solar battery storage, Los Angeles could one day become a city that runs entirely on renewable energy in a state with a zero carbon footprint. It may seem like a wishful daydream, but Los Angeles is all about making dreams come true. We are glad to be a part of that dream. If you are interested in solar installation in Los Angeles, contact us today to schedule a free, no-pressure energy analysis.  

What happens when you have too much of a good thing? Easy, you share the wealth with your neighbors. In this case that “wealth” is California solar power, and California has so much of it, including solar power from Los Angeles, that it has been giving some of that sunshine goodness away to neighboring states, like Arizona and Nevada, for years! How has our state and our big cities like Los Angeles produced so much solar power that they need to give it away (and in some instances actually pay other states to take it)? Is there a way for our state to better utilize our solar energy so we don’t have to send it to neighboring states? Let’s shine a light on these questions and see if we can find some answers. California’s Aggressive Solar Push California has long been a renewable energy leader. The Golden State passed Senate Bill 350 in 2015, which requires all utilities in the state to source half of their electricity sales from renewable sources. That obviously wasn’t enough of a stance against carbon-heavy fossil fuels. Earlier this year the California Energy Commission unanimously adopted standards that require solar panels on most new homes and buildings created after January 1st, 2020. In other words, California is betting big on renewable energy, especially solar. The results have been impressive. In 2010, California’s power plants generated just 15% of their energy from renewable sources, which were mostly wind and geothermal power. By 2017, that number had risen to 27%, almost all of the increase coming from solar. Additionally, in 2017 Pacific Gas & Electric relied on solar for 13% of its power, whereas San Diego Gas & Electric utilized solar for 22% of the energy it provided to its SoCal customers. Where is all of this solar energy coming from? If you were to jump on a plane and scour the state, you’d come across some of the world’s largest solar farms spread out in California’s desolate inland, including the Topaz Solar Farm (550 megawatt capability) in the Central Valley, as well as the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility (392 megawatts) and the Beacon Solar Project (250 megawatts) in the Mojave Desert. These major facilities combine to provide over 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power capability for the state. Of course, you don’t even need to rent out a plane to see how solar is transforming California. You can see the increase in solar power in Los Angeles just by taking a jog around the neighborhood and counting up all the homes with solar panels on their roofs. With this rapidly increasing solar capacity, it’s no surprise that California is making gains toward it’s renewable energy goals. What is surprising is just how laughably easy that goal seems now. The state has already easily surpassed its first milestone of generating 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, and we might even hit the entire goal of 50% renewable energy production ten years early.   This is where too much of a good thing might actually become a problem. California has started to generate so much solar power so quickly that the state’s existing infrastructure is scrambling to adapt. In the short term, this has meant handing off some of our solar power to our neighbors and even in some instances begging them to take it! Why California Doesn’t Use All of Its Renewable Energy To understand why California is giving away solar power from Los Angeles and its other big cities, we must take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is the state entity in charge of running that state’s massive electrical grid. One of its prime directives is to prevent blackouts and brownouts, which have plagued California in the past. California generates energy from a wide variety of sources, including from natural gas plants. It’s up to CAISO to figure out how to use all of this incoming energy effectively. The rise of solar power has made this balancing act more difficult. That’s because solar power is not a consistent energy source. During long, sunny days in the summer, solar energy can surge. At night, or during a stretch of cloudy days, the amount of available solar power can drop precipitously, forcing the state to rely more heavily on natural gas plants and other power sources. The biggest energy glut typically comes in the winter, when power usage is low but solar energy production remains high. (In the summer, the heavy use of air conditioning across the state eagerly sucks up excess solar energy.) To some degree, California has the ability to turn off its solar tap. CAISO can ask its utility companies to cut back their solar energy production. Still, this isn’t always enough to manage the incoming energy supply. After all, the utilities can’t turn off the growing number of residential solar power systems. Why not turn off the natural gas plants during sunny days when solar energy production jumps? That would certainly be a better deal for the environment, but not for California’s budget. It is costly to stop production at natural gas plants, which means solar plants are usually the first target for energy cuts. In some cases, even cutting back on solar power isn’t enough to stem the flow of too much energy production. If too much power goes through California’s electrical grid, it could cause a brownout or blackout, almost like allowing too much steam to build up in a closed system. When this situation occurs, CAISO has to find a way to release the pressure and get rid of the excessive energy. It turns out that sharing really is caring! CAISO often turns to California’s neighboring states to offload excess energy. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, California paid Arizona to take its solar power for eight days in January of 2017, nine days in February, and 14 days in March! Arizona isn’t the only beneficiary of this largess. California has also been known to give its solar power away to Nevada and other neighboring states.   Why Does California Have to Pay for Its Neighbors to Take Its Energy? You’d think that Arizona and the other states would be happy to get free energy. However, it’s all about supply and demand. If Arizona needs energy, it might be willing to pay California for its excess or accept the energy for free. However, if Arizona is producing enough energy on its own, it will actually need to turn off its own energy valves in order to take California’s energy, which costs it money. In other words, when California desperately needs to get energy off its hands and no one wants it, we have to pay up! This seems like a bizarre state of affairs, doesn’t it? California has gotten too good at producing solar power. How can our state figure out a way to actually use all the solar power it produces? How to Keep Solar Power in Los Angeles One answer is for California to slow down the pace of or entirely stop greenlighting new natural gas plants in the state. Surprisingly, until relatively recently, state regulators have been giving the thumbs up for new natural gas projects. Some utility officials claim that new plants are needed to stabilize the grid, especially at night or during cloudy days when solar power isn’t available. However, the state is home to plenty of existing natural gas plants, and many activists believe new ones aren’t needed. Instead, they want California to focus on finding better ways to harness solar energy. That has everything to do with improving the way solar energy is stored. Reliable and efficient solar energy storage would allow California to keep all the excess solar power it produces on sunny days (or at least much more than it currently does) and feed that energy back into the electrical grid at night or during cloudy days. Fortunately, solar storage technology continues to improve at a rapid pace. For example, solar panel batteries like Tesla Powerwall are getting better and cheaper each year. Soon, effective solar storage systems may help eliminate some of the largest challenges of solar, which could, in turn, allow California to fully embrace its growing solar infrastructure without sending its solar energy out of state. Last year, California Senate President, Kevin De León, introduced a measure that would have required California to produce 100% of its energy using renewable resources by 2045. That measure was narrowly defeated, but de León vowed to bring it up again. If this measure is adopted, California will likely have to increase its solar production capacity even more and find an effective storage solution. You can help be part of California’s solar solution! If you want to see our state transition to 100% renewable energy, then now is the time to invest in solar panels for your home. Contact Semper Solaris today to request a free home energy analysis.  

As the first half of 2018 is over, the city of Los Angeles proved to be the best in yet another category. According to a report from Environment America Research & Policy Center, Los Angeles took the title of ‘Best City for Solar’, passing up neighbors in San Diego for the number 1 spot. “In a city full of stars, it’s the biggest of them all --the sun-- that is powering our homes, schools, stores, and studios with clean, renewable energy,” said Michelle Kinman, a Clean Energy Advocate with Environment California Research & Policy Center. This was made possible by unveiling one of the largest rooftop solar projects in the city of Los Angeles. The new solar project is gaining interest because of the 2.2-megawatt array of solar panels being placed on the roof of the Los Angeles Convention Center. This installation was the largest solar panel system on any public convention center on the entire West Coast. The city of L.A. alone has a whopping 350 megawatts of installed solar panels, which provides approximately 82,500 homes with energy savings and a decreased carbon footprint. Want to know the best part? This was all made possible by the efforts of many people in Los Angeles, but mostly the utility. They allowed a streamlined process for permitting of solar installations in locations all around Los Angeles. This led to the creation of many solar programs, which provide incentives to those investing in solar energy. “The impressive growth of local solar is also a reflection of the improvements we’ve made to streamline all aspects of the solar programs, making it easier for customers to go solar,” explained General Manager of LADWP, David H. Wright. These incentives are a huge factor for those debating the investment in solar energy. Programs have helped provide over $314 million in incentives for the businesses and residents of Los Angeles. Coming in Close Second As Los Angeles took the top spot, cities like San Diego, Phoenix, San Jose, and Honolulu fall close behind because of their commitment to reducing their cities overall carbon footprint. San Diego actually held the first place spot until this Convention Center Project was concluded. Southern California has no short of sunlight, allowing for Los Angeles and San Diego to dominate the United States in solar energy production. As the twenty-first century kicks off, we will see a huge increase in solar energy installations. Especially with the implementation of the Paris Climate Accord, cities around the world will begin investing in these solar “farms.” These farms will allow for a huge reduction in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. As Los Angeles leads the way, other cities in the states hope to follow suit because of the great possibilities that Solar Power brings.

There are many behind the scene aspects that go into the installation of a solar panel system that many people do not know of. At Semper Solaris, we assure that all laws are being strictly followed, and any necessary permitting is approved before the job is kicked off. Why Permitting Matters? Permitting allows for the city to keep a handle on the solar installation process. They can keep track of where and when units are being installed. This also allows the city to keep track of how many kilowatts of solar energy is being produced, as well as where these panels are located. The city sometimes comes off as the bad guy because of the regulations but without keeping a watch on these types of installations, solar panels would begin popping up everywhere. This would cause a huge issue with land usage for ground mount panels, also creating many eyesores for the residents of the city. Solar is a way to diminish our carbon footprint but rules must be followed to prevent solar chaos. Just as buildings must have permits to begin construction, solar energy systems do as well! Punishing Offenders The city of San Clarita can be a little harsh sometimes when it comes to the permitting of solar panels in the city. Just recently, The San Clarita Canyon View Estates were hit with a code violation for installing solar panels without a permit. Permits are one of the most important parts of the solar installation, without an okay from the city, you could be losing thousands of dollars by not following the code guidelines. This may seem like a harsh punishment but without permitting, solar farms would pop up everywhere and become a huge eyesore for the residents of San Clarita. “While the City supports efforts to move to renewable energy, the City takes seriously its responsibility to enforce conditions of approval designed to protect the quality of life in Santa Clarita, balancing the need for development with the preservation of open space,” an official stated. These panels that were installed above the Canyon View Estates have been criticized greatly by other residents… “Those panels are such an eyesore! I’m hoping they are ordered to eliminate them permanently! The city should not allow these to remain.” All of these issues could have been avoided if the proper permits were acquired at the beginning of the project. Commitment to Quality At Semper Solaris, we go up and beyond to assure that all guidelines are strictly followed. Each city has its own processes for Solar Photovoltaic installations and our staff goes to great measures to follow any codes or regulations that are enforced. You will be happy with the final product knowing that everything will be running smoothly with no issues from neighbors or officials. In addition to peace of mind, you will receive a great product that will bring your returns on investment for years to come.