San Francisco | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC
As a San Francisco resident, you may have heard about the rising interest in solar technology which utilizes the raw power of the sun. There are so many financial and environmental advantages that are offered from harnessing the sun’s endless energy with a solar system. But are you taking full advantage of them? It’s true, we can’t even fathom harnessing the full power of the sun. Just one hour of the sun’s total energy would be more than enough to power the entire world for a year. Solar panels can only capture so much of the sun’s energy. Even that small amount is converted faster than you can use it, and all the surplus energy goes to waste. Solar Batteries Solar energy used to be a “use it or lose it” investment. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. When it comes to clean solar power, you save a lot from just the reduction on your monthly bill, but what if you could take the surplus energy and save it for when the sun goes down? Well, this is precisely what a solar battery allows you to do! Solar batteries are typically made of one of three chemical compositions. Lead-acid: Lead-acid batteries are often the cheapest option for solar batteries. Their technology has been around for ages, tested, and proved. However, these batteries have a relatively shorter lifespan and DoD (depth of discharge) than the other two options.Lithium-Ion: Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and more compact than the lead-acid composition. These generally have the most extended lifespan and have better DoD than the lead-acid. However, these are also some of the more expensive options on the market.Saltwater: Saltwater batteries are relatively newer to the solar battery industry and rely on saltwater electrolytes rather than heavy metals. These haven’t had as much testing as the other two, but they are recyclable… so that’s nice! Why Should You Invest in a Battery Storage System? With a solar battery storage system, your home can go off-grid during evenings and nights, when the sun is no longer shining on your panels. Solar batteries in San Francisco also offer opportunities for you to earn a profit off of your solar energy. In fact, you could be generating a return of up to 53%. Solar batteries allow you to store and use power during off-peak hours and then sell the surplus energy your solar panels produce to the grid during on-peak hours. At Semper Solaris, our battery storage systems, such as Tesla Powerwall, have easy-to-use dashboards that allow you to manage and access your usage and storage. Powerwall batteries will enable you to automatically set your system to sell surplus energy at the end of the day. Solar batteries in San Francisco are a smart investment when preparing for blackouts and power outages or fires and storms. In fact, Powerwall can detect an outage, disconnect from the grid, and restore the power of your home automatically in a fraction of a second. With a solar battery, your home will be prepared for any disaster that threatens your ability. Why Semper Solaris? At Semper Solaris, our technicians and contractors are experienced in solar backup battery installation in San Francisco. In fact, we are a Tesla Powerwall certified installer! Moreover, we are a locally owned and operated company and take pride in the services we offer. We believe that every customer is unique and should be treated with respect... including your home, budget, and time! At Semper Solaris, we understand what makes solar battery storage in San Francisco such a significant investment, and want to help you take advantage of it! Our award-winning customer service is ready to help you get started investing in your home with a solar battery today!
Are you interested in installing solar panels to your home in San Francisco, but don’t know where to start? Are you looking for American made panels or panels that are assembled in the United States? At Semper Solaris, we have been rated as the best solar company in San Francisco. We can help you decide which solar panels are right for your family’s needs and budget. We also only provide American made materials for our projects. Many Americans are concerned with the recent tariffs instituted in January 2018 by the current administration that increased the price of some items imported from China by around 30%. How does this affect you, the consumer? Luckily, we have many great companies in the United States that we can support! We can help you decide which panel is best for your solar panel installation in San Francisco. At Semper Solaris, we want to install only the best panels available to you. Here is some basic information on solar panels and on some of the top manufacturers in the U.S. What is a solar panel made of? Solar panels can be monocrystalline or polycrystalline. What this means is that the silicone is a single crystal or it has many silicon crystals melted together to form the cell. A panel made of a single crystal is always going to cost more, but it will be more efficient, and it will look black. Polycrystalline panels look speckled, and are not as efficient, but are still a great option. What are some of the top panels available? Some of the top panels available are manufactured or assembled in the United States. The following companies rank among the highest in efficiency and also carry the longest warranties available. These companies also manufacture or assemble some or all of their panels in the United States. We are proud to be able to provide the best solar installation in San Francisco to you, and we can install these products for you! Q-Cells: Q.ANTUM DUO Z Technology with zero gap cell layout bo0sts module efficiency up to 20.9%Silfab: They run between almost 18%-20% efficient and have a 25-year warranty. All five of these companies offer the highest efficiency, competitive pricing, and best warranties available, and we are honored to offer their products to you. Semper Solaris, a U.S. solar company in San Francisco, can install some of the top-ranked solar panels available! Call us to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified installers today! Remember that a bigger national solar installer may not have the lowest price, and consumers who shop around tend to save as much as 10% on their solar installation!
Historic Home Renovation If you own an older home or are in the market for a taste of yesteryear, The City of San Francisco has developed many programs to help encourage the restoration of historic homes and districts and offers programs and resources to encourage property owners to restore or rehabilitate historic properties. The Mills Act - is a state law that encourages the preservation of historic homes by offering a tax assessment at a lower tax rate. Preservation Easements – Property owners, can gain significant tax savings by adding a preservation easement to their historic building. California Historical Building Code (CHBC) –The CHBC provides an alternative building code for the preservation or rehabilitation of buildings designated as "historic. The Roofs of Historic Homes One of the essential aspects of renovating or upgrading a home is maintaining the design and construction of the roof. The roof defines a building's era and is consistent with a historic district's architecture. The shape and pitch, the size, and the materials used all point to the time in which they were built. Semper Solaris is the best roofing company in San Francisco for preserving the historic context and character of a home's roof. We have years of experience in the repair and restoration of roofing in all styles and periods. Whether your roof needs replacement or you are renovating a historic home, we have built our reputation on roofs done right. Solar Power for Historic Homes There are many options for integrating solar with older homes and preserving their architectural character, whether your home is new, vintage, or historical. Preserving history is an integral part of the future of San Francisco. Also, while it is important to preserve history and maintain the premises in their historical context, installing solar power is a viable addition to any building. So how do we address the preservation of the historic home while upgrading to cost-effective solar energy? Install rooftop panels horizontally Install ground or pole-mounted systems Install panels in alternate locations near the historic property Install solar panels on flat roofs Install solar panels on newer additions to the property Semper Solaris is the most reputable roofing company in San Francisco for repair and replacement of roofs. If your roof needs replacing or you are renovating a historic home, our experienced and knowledgeable technicians are the best in their field, and we can make solar a reality for San Francisco's treasured architecture and your home. New Roof and Solar Power When you consider the financial incentives of restoring a historical home coupled with incentives and rebates for installing solar, you have a winning combination. Add that to the savings on utility bills, and you can't lose. You will realize some significant gains in the value of your property if you install a new roof and solar simultaneously. Semper Solaris is the very best in the installation of solar power and roof replacement in San Francisco. We offer a considerable discount for installing both. We consider it to be a wise investment if you are renovating or replacing your roof. And solar panels are an added protection for the lifespan of your roof. Whether you have a historic home, vintage home, or new home in San Francisco, you can help achieve the goals of both preserving historic buildings and becoming a sustainable city by investing in renovation and solar power for your home. Call Semper Solaris today and let's get started.
There is no doubt that roofing of our home is extremely vital and critical for the overall safety and well being of the entire family. We also should bear in mind that roofing takes quite a bit of beating from the elements of nature. Whether it is sunshine, rain, frost or snow, roofs undergo a lot of wear and tear. Hence you must ensure that it is adequately maintained. This requires hiring a good roofing company in San Francisco professional. Before hiring these professionals, you must be aware of the various dangers and damages that could be caused because of a leaking roof. It Could Damage The Foundation Of The Home Ignoring even a small leak is not the right thing to do. It could become a serious and critical problem for the entire home. Many homeowners often consider leaking of their roof as a minor structural problem. However, if it is neglected, it could lead to health and safety risks. Damp walls, attics, and other such constructions could lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and other microorganisms. This could result in allergy-related illnesses, bronchial problems and could even cause problems to pets and of course to small children. At the first signs of roof leakage, you should hire a suitable roof replacement in San Francisco. The constant intrusion of water will also lead to seepage of water to the attic area, and over some time, it could cause damage to the very foundation of the house. In the process, it could cause a lot of damages along the way, and some damages could be severe and irreversible. Damage To Ceiling And Walls Attic and ceiling damage are the most common results whenever there is roof leakage. The leakages happen very discreetly, and you may not know the cost until it has happened. You could lose quite a few valuable things that are stored in the attic. In case there is no attic, it is quite likely that the level of damages will be much more significant. The ceiling of the living rooms, bedrooms, and drawing rooms could also suffer significant losses. The paint on the ceiling will get damaged, and the area will have dark and ugly spots. The plaster on the ceiling might also bubble and expand. The damage could also extend to the plaster and paint to the adjacent walls and other areas. Fans, lights, and other electrical appliances could also suffer significant losses if there is a regular leak from the roofing. Safety-Related Problems Damp and leaking walls and ceilings could also have serious safety problems. The electrical wiring could get damaged by water seepage, and it could be a significant risk for short circuits and other such issues. Roofing Asphalt Cracking And Curling This is another big problem when you ignore leaking roofs. This could weaken the roofing quite a bit, and you could end up spending thousands of dollars repairing it. Hence, when all the above points are taken into account, hiring the right solar roofing company in San Francisco professionals is a must for proactive maintenance. Call Semper Solaris today to assess your roof for the proper fixes.
With movements like CleanPowerSF and other programs and incentives developed by the city of San Francisco, there is no doubt that it is one of the leaders in the renewable energy movement for the Bay Area and beyond. The city fully supports the idea that renewable energy resources like solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro power are essential to the sustainability of our future as a country and a planet. In fact, Mayor London Breed is so passionate about shrinking the city’s impact that she has made a very aggressive goal to completely eliminate San Francisco’s carbon footprint by 2050. How will the city reduce their dependence on natural gas and other pollutants? By requiring any new buildings in 2030 and beyond to be net-zero carbon emitters and other dramatic tactics, encouraging more efficient electrical appliances, promoting shared or cleaner transportation (like electric cars and bicycles), and providing incentives for residential and commercial renewable energy systems. By embracing renewable energy solutions like solar panels and more, San Francisco has already successfully reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to the levels in 1990. That stands alongside a major growth in population as well. Going Solar Can Help the Planet & Your Wallet Sometimes it feels like going green or reducing your carbon footprint requires significant sacrifice. While it's true that it is a change of lifestyle, reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort or even suffer financial loss because of it. That’s the beauty of going solar. So how much can you save with solar panels in San Francisco? It depends. First, you could be looking at significant savings on the cost of installation simply by taking advantage of local rebates, tax credits, and incentive programs. Some of the options available to SF residents include: The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 26% of the system installation costs from your federal taxes.City of San Francisco - Solar Energy Incentive Program (GoSolarSF) offers residential homeowners who install solar panels rebates ranging from $300 to $650 per KW, with different incentive levels based on system size, location, and other factors.The Single-family Affordable Solar Housing incentive allows qualifying low-income homeowners to get cash incentives when installing solar systems (managed by GRID Alternatives). The Upfront Cost vs. the Long Term Savings Though there will be some upfront investment on your part with solar installation on your home, the long term benefits are definitely worth it -- including financial savings, grid independence, and a spike in the value of your property. What could be better than cutting back on greenhouse gases while saving money? It may sound too good to be true, but we promise it isn’t.That’s why countless customers in the area have already trusted Semper Solaris to install solar panel systems on their homes. If you are interested in talking to a solar contractor in San Francisco about reducing your carbon footprint with solar panels, Semper Solaris is always ready to provide insight. Get started by filling out a simple learning more about our services in San Francisco!
When it comes to roofs, there are a wide range of options to select from. You’ve got everything from TPO for many commercial buildings to classic shingle for residential homes. Materials can range from metal to wood to cement to plastic to clay. What makes one material more preferred over the other? It can vary greatly based on the use of building, geographical location, weather, budget, and style. So what are some of the most common types of roofs that can be found in the Bay Area? We break down the region’s most popular roofing options. Keep reading to find out more! What Type of Roof Do You Have? Wondering if your roofing material makes it in the top four most common roofing materials? Check the list below to learn more about your home’s roofing material or other options available to you. Here are some of the Bay Area’s top roofing materials: Slate: The pristine, elegant beauty of slate has been proven reliable for homeowners time and time again. Weather-resistant, slate roofs boast a lifespan ranging from 80 to 100 years. The natural appearance of slate lends itself to many different patterns and styles, making it a diverse roofing material. Slate tiles are also fire-resistant and rather easy to keep looking good for years to come. Clay / Terracotta: As a very common option found throughout California, clay (or terracotta) tiles exude Mediterranean or Spanish style. Due to the durability of clay, it is a very popular selection -- it can withstand fires, rot, and even insect pestering. Another feature that makes clay tiles so common is the range of colors and styles available. You can customize these details to best suit the style of your home, making them very versatile. Wood Shakes: Though they are a little more susceptible to fire damage and rot than other roofing materials, wood shakes provide great insulation and air circulation for homes. This style of roofing can come in numerous colors, wood types, and patterns, making it ideal for customization. Wood shake roof designs can look anywhere from rustic chic to old world romantic. Composite Shingles: As one of the most affordable roofing materials, composite shingles can be used for a range of different home types. Homeowners often have a broad selection of colors and styles of shingles, even recycled shingle options. Other options include fiberglass and asphalt. Ready to Upgrade Your Roofing? Schedule Replacement! Whether you have a slate roof or clay shingles, if your roof is in serious need of replacement, leave it to the pros at Semper Solaris. Why consider a roof replacement? Not only can an upgraded roof better protect your home and personal property, but it can also add to the value of your house. A sturdy roof means peace of mind and boosted curb appeal. If you’ve considered going solar, having a stable, strong, and reliable roof is all the more important to complete your home improvement project. Interested in learning more about our roof replacement in the Bay Area? We are here to help. Contact us today to get informed.
When people think about San Francisco, they often see it as a trailblazing city -- home to some of the most innovative companies and forward-thinkers. It should come as no surprise then that the city has been leading the way on the renewable energy front. City leadership has been very vocal about its ambitious goals for San Francisco, especially when it comes to renewable energy. Mayor Ed Lee has made it his mission to push the city ahead, aiming to have 50% of the city’s electricity needs covered by renewable energy production by 2020 -- a decade ahead of California’s goal. As of 2017, the city was getting 44% of its electricity from renewable sources like wind turbines and solar panels. That leaves a 6% difference to make up, which is no small feat. Leading the Way in Sustainable Energy Dependence If California is passionate about going green, the San Francisco is sold-out. By bumping up the target goal by a decade, the city shows how much they are making sustainable energy dependence a priority. So how does a city as big and populated as San Francisco pull off the push towards sustainable energy dependence? A major chunk of the energy will be provided by CleanPowerSF, which is a green energy program that is run by the city. As of now, the program already pulls nearly half of its electricity from renewable energy sources, with plans to increase that percentage more and more with time. In just a year’s time, CleanPowerSF is aiming to have the ability to power around 320,000 homes and businesses across San Francisco. The cost and health benefits of installing more renewable energy options make this move extremely attractive to local residents and businesses alike, garnering it much needed support to move forward. What Does the Future Hold for the Bay Area? While it is an ambitious move, the city leaders are confident that they have the ability to make the transition. Over the years, the renewable energy economy has thrived in the Bay Area, which helps drive prices down and makes the resources more accessible and affordable. This means the city could not only produce much of the renewable energy but purchase the rest from the plethora of wind and solar sources available in Northern California. With a long-term goal of being 100% reliable on renewable energy by 2030, San Francisco is going to have to continue pushing back against big players like PG&E to pursue a more sustainable future. Continued patience and persistence are key for this city to continue its march towards a greener tomorrow.
Having solar panels installed on your home may sound like a good idea, but will it really save you money in the long run? The upfront investment for an average solar energy system in the Bay Area is around $18,000. That home size typically sees a monthly electric bill of about $150. So how do the savings pan out? True, $18,000 is no small chunk of change; however, that price tag doesn’t take the whole picture into consideration. To really understand how much you could save with solar, you have to look at several factors, from NEM 2.0 to federal tax credits. Let’s take a closer look at the long-term investment and payback of a solar panel system below. Incentives & Rebates Available to Bay Area Homeowners One of the biggest draws of a solar panel system is that you get to see your utility bill cut down. Net metering allows you to take advantage of any additional energy you produce that isn’t used up by your household. You’ll be given credits from your electric company to cover any electricity demands you have outside of your solar production (i.e. at night or cloudier days). Another reason going solar is more affordable than you think? The rebates and incentives. The Solar Investment Tax Credit -- which is a 26% tax credit for solar systems -- is a serious perk. Live in San Francisco? Great news -- you could receive another major rebate. GoSolarSF is an initiative that encourages homeowners to install solar panels, offering $300 per kilowatt for average homeowners and an extra $2,000 per kilowatt for any residences who are considered low-income. Additional rebates are available for various factors of the project With these rebates and the federal tax credit, those upfront costs could be majorly rolled back. Don’t Forget the Added Home Value In addition to rebates and cash savings, you also have to consider the perk of increased home value. Down the road, if you want to sell your home, you could be looking at a serious boost in how many potential buyers are willing to put down for your home. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy did a study that showed homes with solar panel energy systems can increase in value by around $4 per watt. The average system size in the U.S. is 5 kilowatts, which could mean up to $20,000 in added home value that buyers are ready and willing to pay. That’s a value increase in addition to the energy savings you’ve already taken advantage of over the years! Find Out How Much You Could Save Today The amount of money you could save by having a solar panel system install can vary based on a number of factors. For example, the average savings from the lifespan of a home’s 5.7-kilowatt system in the Bay Area lands you around an estimated $72,000. This number can fluctuate based on the size of the solar panel system you install, how much energy your household uses, and even unforeseen changes like spikes in inflation on utility power rates from PG&E. The point is, the savings are real. Exactly how much will you save? Semper Solaris can help you get a better idea when you reach out to our team about your solar options.
