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

In the summer of 2023, the average electricity bill is expected to rise five to eight percent compared to 2022. Rising costs play a significant role in the decision for many consumers to switch to solar. However, what about when you need to use energy from the power grid? Understanding time of use rates and how they work will help. What Is a Time of Use Rate? Time-of-use (TOU) rates are a type of billing system used by some utility companies to charge different prices for electricity based on the time of day. This means that during certain peak hours, when demand is high, you'll pay more for your electricity than you would during off-peak hours. How Does the Electricity Company Track What Time of Day You're Using Energy? Understanding how your electricity company tracks your energy usage throughout the day is crucial if you want to maximize your energy savings with TOU rates. Many companies use smart meters to track your energy usage. How Do TOU Rates Work? Time-of-use (TOU) rates are a pricing system offered by utility companies to encourage consumers to shift their energy consumption during peak and off-peak hours. The TOU rate structure divides the day into different periods based on customer usage patterns, typically three: on-peak, mid-peak, and off-peak. By taking advantage of lower rates during off-peak and super off-peak periods, you can avoid higher weekday rates when energy resources are in demand. What Are Peak Hours? Peak hours are the time of day when electricity demand is at the highest. With TOU programs you’ll pay the highest rate during peak hours. These hours are generally during the late afternoon and early evening when more people are at home and consuming electricity. What Are Mid-Peak Hours? When looking at pricing periods, mid-peak hours fall between peak demand and off-peak demand. During this time of day electricity rates are lower than during peak hours, but still higher than off-peak hours. What Are Off-Peak Hours? On the opposite side of things we have off-peak hours. This is the time of day it is cheapest to use electricity. Generally, off-peak hours fall during the night when most people are asleep and not actively using electricity. What Is the Cheapest Time of Day to Use Electricity? If you're wondering what the cheapest time of day to use electricity is, it depends on where you live and what your utility's peak hours are. However, in general, the cheapest time of day to use electricity is usually between 9 PM and 7 AM. So consider shifting some of your energy usage to these off-peak times to save even more money with TOU rates. Time of Use Rates and the Changing Seasons It's also important to keep in mind that time of use rates change with the season. During the summer months, when air conditioning units are running more frequently and for longer periods of time, peak hours may be adjusted accordingly. The best way to stay informed about changes in TOU rates is toregularly check with your energy provider or utility company and adjust your usage habits accordingly. More Control Over Your Electricity Costs One of the primary benefits of time-of-use (TOU) rates is that they provide consumers with more control over their electricity costs. With TOU rates, electricity prices vary based on the time of day and season, which means you can save money by shifting your usage to off-peak hours when rates are lower. Reduce Strain on the Power Grid Another advantage of TOU rates is that they help reduce strain on the electrical grid during peak hours. By encouraging people to use energy during off-peak periods, utilities can avoid building expensive new power plants or transmission lines to meet demand during peak times. Higher Energy Costs During Peak Demand One major drawback is the potential for higher electricity bills during peak hours. This means that if you consume a lot of energy during peak times, such as in the evening when everyone is using their appliances and electronics, your bill could skyrocket compared to what it would be under a flat rate plan. Confusing Pricing Structures Another issue is the complexity of TOU rates. Consumers need to understand when and how usage charges change throughout the day and adjust their habits accordingly in order to see any real savings. This can be difficult for some people who are used to simply paying a flat rate each month. Time of Use Rates and Solar Power Time-of-use (TOU) rates can have a significant impact on the economics of solar power. Because TOU rates vary based on the time of day, homeowners with solar panels may be able to take advantage of higher electricity prices during peak hours with net metering by selling excess energy back to the grid. Net Metering and Time of Use Rates With time-of-use rates in place, it’s important to pay attention to how much energy is being produced and consumed during peak hours versus off-peak hours. If too much energy is being generated and sent back to the grid during off-peak hours but not enough is available during peak hours when rates are highest, homeowners may end up paying more for their electricity, even with solar panels installed. Avoiding Peak Demand Charges With Solar Power A great way to decrease your exposure to peak pricing on time-of-use rates is to invest in solar, and even more so to invest in solar-plus-storage. If you generate and store enough energy during off-peak periods using your solar panels and an energy storage system, you can use that stored energy during peak periods instead of buying it from the grid at a higher price. Are TOU Rate Plans Right for You? The answer depends on your energy usage habits and lifestyle. If you tend to use most of your electricity during off-peak hours, then TOU rates could potentially save you money. However, if your energy usage is mainly during peak hours, then TOU rates may end up costing you more. It's important to evaluate your current energy consumption patterns before making a decision about switching to TOU rates. Time of use rates can help you save money and know how to use solar panels for optimalenergy efficiency. However, before you switch to time-based billing, you should understandall the factors. Don’t let electricity prices break the bank, start saving money by going solar with Semper Solaris. Sources https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inflation-electricity-bills-higher-summer-2023/https://news.energysage.com/understanding-time-of-use-rates/.. https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/yes-you-can-actually-save-money-by-using-electricity-at-these-specific-times-of-day/ .https://www.utilitydive.com/news/an-emerging-push-for-time-of-use-rates-sparks-new-debates-about-customer-an/545009/. https://www.energy.gov/femp/demand-response-and-time-variable-pricing-programs.https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/what-are-time-of-use-rates-and-when-is-electricity-cheapest.https://www.chooseenergy.com/news/article/time-use-pricing-fair-experts-weigh/.https://www.sce.com/residential/rates/Time-Of-Use-Residential-Rate-Plans.

The expansion of clean energy grows as an innovative solution to energy needs in the United States. Solar panel systems are becoming an energy source that plays a revolutionary role in meeting energy needs, which has fueled their rapid growth in the United States. According to SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), the solar market has not stopped growing since it doubled in 2016. Solar battery storage is playing a leading role in the advancement of solar energy. States that promote solar panels and solar battery storage will lead to an unmistakable solar industry trend. What is the last? SEIA has presented an ambitious vision for expanding clean energy in the US to the 117th US Congress. Aware that a new administration will take over in 2021, SEIA recently adjusted its vision for clean energy policies to help solar have at least 20% of generation by 2030 and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. SEIA, through one of its directors, announced on October 29, 2020, that Arkansas Group joins the National Solar Trade Association to strengthen solar defense in the southeast. Now the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) is an official state affiliate of SEIA. If you want to be part of this growth, you can participate in SEIA's Solar Goes Corporate. In this forum, buyers and suppliers of clean energy converge, designed to discuss how companies can effectively invest, acquire, and implement clean energy technologies such as solar energy and batteries' storage. The solar energy boom has brought with it the emergence of other renewable technology such as solar batteries capable of storing additional solar energy for later use. In this sense, companies like Tesla develop batteries combined with solar panels to create "solar + storage" systems for domestic and industrial use. Get an informative summary of the basics of solar + storage and SEIA's role by clicking on the following link: Solar + Storage. We invite you to read on to learn more about clean energy and determine if you should consider installing a solar plus storage system for your home. Keep in mind that the cost of solar energy has been falling across the country. Why Choose Solar + Storage? To consider why you may choose to install a Solar + Battery Storage system in your home, you must first understand how a solar PV system like the standard home works. The standard of a solar energy system includes: Solar panels, A kit to mount the panels on your ceiling, An inverter, A performance monitoring system that tracks electricity production. Solar panels concentrate energy from the sun and transform it into electricity, which passes through the inverter and is converted into energy used to power your home. By solar policy, residential solar energy systems must be connected to the electricity grid. This allows the exchange of energy. When your panels make more electricity than your home requires, the excess travels to the power grid. On the contrary, when your solar panels cannot supply your home's electricity demand, you can obtain energy from the electrical grid. Also, by solar polity, you will receive a credit on your electricity bill for helping the utility company by delivering excess power to the grid. Of needing more electricity than your solar panels can generate, you can use those credits instead of paying more for your utility. This process is known as net metering. In all this, the plus is given by the batteries. Solar politics energy storage can smooth electricity prices through arbitrage. It can also mitigate reduction risk, manage nighttime power ramps, provide black start capability, provide backup power, and more. Many solar energy companies like the California Solar Company see storage as a business growth opportunity. They see solar system owners as their allies. This is due to solar politics and to the fact that to achieve 20% of the total electricity generation that the solar industry is targeting, it relies heavily on cost-effective integration of storage. How Is The Storage Of Solar Batteries? The function of solar batteries is to store the energy produced by your solar panels for later use. According to technology, there are solar batteries that come with their inverter and offer integrated energy conversion. The storage is directly proportional; the greater your battery's capacity, the greater its electrical energy storage capacity. At Semper Solaris, a California Solar Panel installation company, they recommend always installing a solar battery as part of your solar panel system, as that allows you to store excess solar electricity in your home rather than send it back to the grid. If your solar panels make much more electricity than required, the excess energy is deposited in the battery. That will decrease the energy exchange with the grid. It will only send electricity to the grid when the battery is 100% charged, and it will only receive electricity from the grid when the battery is low. As you can see, houses with solar energy plus storage will be able to store excess energy for use when in contingency or when the sun doesn’t shine. They have the additional benefit of having short-term backup power in the event of failures in the public service network. Installing A Solar Battery In Your House Is An Opportunity? SEIA is firmly supporting the creation and improvements of an Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for energy storage; it is part of what it has submitted to Congress. Installing a solar battery is synonymous with saving money, which largely depends on solar politics and how the utility company compensates you for your solar energy. With full net metering, you typically receive credits on your electricity bill for every kilowatt-hour of electricity your solar panels produce, so you don't use them right away. However, it may not be so. The trend is for a solar battery to help improve the economy with solar panels for your home or business. Solar battery storage can help you save more, as long as your solar energy supplies your electricity demand. But if the utility company has times of use rates or demand charges or simply does not offer net metering. Not only that, Solar Panels and Battery Storage can help with Sleep Apnea and CPAP Machines even when the electricity goes out. How Does Solar Grid Storage Fit Into The Broader Electrical Ecosystem? Solar batteries and other energy storage technologies are set to become a market of around $ 2.5 billion in the United States by 2020-2021. Why is Energy Storage Expected to Grow so Fast? For the benefits that solar battery storage offer to their owners, such as those of homes, that is: Renewable electricity storage capacity for later use, Ease of application on a larger scale for the entire electrical network. Depending on the technology, they provide more flexibility in the generation and use of electricity, mainly from solar and wind energy. Utilities have a complex task. They need to provide their customers with a reliable and quality service. To do this, they must ensure that they have enough electricity on the grid to meet demand. Otherwise, there can be fluctuations in service and even have dissatisfied customers from experiencing blackouts. For increasing solar battery storage, incentives are needed in that direction. This will help network and utility operators manage their electricity flow operations from renewable resources with more flexibility. In the long term, it means there will be more renewable energy resources built into our nation's electricity mix, where home solar panel systems will be a major stronghold.

Originally published September 13th, 2018. Updated on January 6th, 2021. Over the past decade, homeowners interested in solar power for their home enjoyed a sunny surprise. A combination of strong renewable energy incentives on the federal and local level, as well as improving technology and growing manufacturing efficiencies has led to a continual drop in the cost of solar. In fact, if you purchase solar panels today you may pay up to 60% less than your neighbors who purchased the same sized solar power system ten years ago! With this information in mind, it might seem like a smart move to wait to purchase solar panels until the price drops even further. Unfortunately, some big political changes are creating a lot of volatility in the market, which may steadily bump up the price of solar panels. Now could actually be the very best time to purchase solar panels before prices continue to climb. Let’s look at some of the big changes that are happening in the solar world and how future changes could affect the price of solar power for your home even more! The United States Announces Solar Tariffs One of the Trump Administration’s favorite weapons is the tariff, which acts as a tax on imports of materials and goods from other countries. The Administration has been serious about instituting protectionist trade policies. Over the past year, President Trump has announced tariffs on over $200 billion in goods, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, washing machines, flat screen televisions, medical devices, and even airplane parts. One of the very first tariffs the president announced was a 30% tariff on all solar imports into the United States, which includes solar cells and solar modules. Semper Solaris offers you the freedom to choose American-made solar panels. This tariff has already had a major impact on the solar industry. According to Popular Science, roughly 80% of solar installations in the United States use imported solar panels, mostly from Malaysia, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. When the price increases on these panels, solar manufacturers and installers tend to pass these costs onto consumers. Solar customers are already starting to feel the pain of this tariff. According to an investigation by Reuters, U.S. companies have canceled or frozen roughly $2.5 billion in large solar installation projects. What do the solar tariffs mean for you as a homeowner? While larger solar utilities will feel the brunt of the solar tariffs, individual homeowners won’t be left unscathed. Analysts are already predicting that the tariffs will lead to a shortage of solar panels, which will hike prices. A Bloomberg New Energy report predicted that solar utilities could see a 10% increase in the cost of solar, while homeowners may face a 3% cost increase for residential solar projects. Here at Semper Solaris, we strive to use American-made solar parts. While American-made solar equipment won’t be directly affected by the tariffs, our costs could also go up as other installers switch to American-made equipment. As competition for American-made solar panels goes up, so will prices! The Solar Investment Tax Credit Is Slated to End in 2022 Over the past decade, the solar sector has grown an average of 68% each year. One of the biggest drivers of this explosive growth was the creation of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2006. The ITC allows homeowners and commercial businesses to deduct 26% of the total cost of their solar installation from their taxes. This deduction can even be rolled over to the next year if the deduction is greater than your total tax bill. In essence, the ITC is a 26% discount on the cost of solar. That often results in thousands of dollars of savings for individual homeowners who invest in solar. The ITC is a powerful incentive, which makes solar much more affordable for individual homeowners as well as commercial interests that invest millions to create massive solar farms. In many ways, the ITC has been instrumental in speeding up the transition in the United States from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. However, all good things much eventually come to an end. The ITC was created to help make solar more competitive as it got established in the United States. It was originally slated to expire in 2007, but the program has been working so well that Congress has extended the expiration date several times. The ITC began diminishing in 2020. In 2019, the tax deduction remained at 30%, but if you were to invest in solar power for your home in 2020, the deduction was lower to 26% and then to 22% in 2021. In 2022, the ITC will expire completely for homeowners. Homeowners should prepare for the worst and assume that the ITC will not be extended past 2022. Local Renewable Energy Incentives Are Going Away The federal government isn’t the only one who wants to help make solar more affordable. All across the country and especially in California, local cities and municipalities have poured money into programs that provide tax incentives and rebates to homeowners who go solar. However, there is a limit to how much these local entities can payout. In many instances, once the initial investment is used up, it’s gone for good. This is exactly what happened for customers of three major California utility customers – Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Through the California Solar Initiative, each of these utilities was given a fund which they used to provide rebates for commercial and residential solar customers. Solar became so popular in the Golden State, that all three utilities used up their funds, putting an end to the rebates. Fortunately, not all local rebates programs have given up the ghost. Customers of the state’s largest utility, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) still has an active incentive program, which provides a rebate of $0.25 per watt for new solar projects. Rebates may also still be available for residents of Glendale, Pasadena, and San Francisco. However, there’s no telling how long these programs will continue.   Local rebates and other solar incentives can save homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars off the cost of their solar projects, but they are disappearing fast. If you are fortunate to qualify for a local program, there’s no time to lose. Start searching for local California solar installers in your area right away so you can take advantage of these incentives before they are gone. Otherwise, you’ll be paying even more for solar power for your home when the local government could have picked up the tab! Don’t Try to Time the Market to Get Solar Power for Your Home Many financial gurus like to tell their followers, “never try to time the stock market.” You may wait so long for the perfect conditions to either buy or sell stocks that you’ll miss valuable growth opportunities and end up financially worse off than if you’d just invested steadily each month. The stock market is incredibly difficult to predict, and even expert mutual fund managers rarely outperform the indexes. The solar market isn’t much clearer. While the price of solar panels has steadily dropped over the last decade, that trend may not last much longer. With the Trump Administration’s hefty solar tariffs coming on top of the expiration of helpful federal and local solar incentives, the price of solar panels is likely to rise in the near future. Will prices continue to go up, or will they drop back down as solar technology and manufacturing efficiencies improve? What happens if a future administration eliminates the solar tariff or Congress decides to extend the ITC? All of these things are impossible to predict, which means trying to wait for the perfect time to purchase solar panels may be as futile as trying to predict the stock market. That’s why now is the perfect time to invest in solar. While we can’t tell you for sure that solar prices will continue to rise, but we can tell you with absolute accuracy that you will begin saving money the moment your solar system comes online. The sooner you invest in solar panels for your home, the sooner you’ll begin saving on your monthly utility bill and the faster your solar panels will pay for themselves! There’s no reason to wait. If you invest in solar this year or in 2019, you can still take advantage of the valuable ITC. Contact Semper Solaris today. We have local offices throughout California, and we would be glad to help you qualify for any available local solar rebates or tax incentives. Request a free, no-pressure energy analysis of your home right now!

The United States Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the Investment Tax Credit or ITC for short. In regards to solar power installation, this meant a homeowner that owned their solar system free and clear would receive a federal tax break for the total cost of their solar investment. As solar is rapidly becoming ever more popular, the incentive is set to decline over the upcoming years gradually, so if you have been considering solar, now is the time to act. The federal solar tax credit for 2022, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), deducts 30% of your solar panel installation costs from your federal taxes. This tax credit is subject to change. NUMEROUS BENEFITS OF SOLAR The 2022 ITC is not the only reason to research and evaluate the many benefits of alternative energy sources for your home or office. Solar is an environmentally friendly, renewable, and sustainable energy source that has the capability of fully powering your residence or commercial space, precisely as a traditional “grid-based” power company would, For greater than half the cost of grid electricity. In an area prone to fire-prevention power outages or a grid circuit that has potential for brownouts? Solar power can provide other benefits such as reserve power systems, which are units that store the acquired solar energy - all while still powering your home - for use in an emergency. It sure would be nice to be able to turn the lights on or leave the air conditioner running during times of no power. SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL SAVINGS The aforementioned “grid” companies such as Southern California Edison charge upwards of ¢25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while solar power costs are as little as ¢.06 per kWh. If the average household uses in the neighborhood of 900 kWh per month, then solar energy provides an approximate yearly savings of $2,000 over grid-based electricity! That is a substantial difference, especially in the higher cost of living areas where saving money is essential.  The average size residential solar power system is 6kW, which is an approximate $19,000 upfront cost. These credits greatly help absorb the initial cost, as well as get you closer to full fiscal recuperation of the system faster.  After taking your ITC, and saving $2,000 in electricity usage costs in the first year, you’ve already made a $19,000 solar system and paid only $10,000. If you choose to remain in your solar-powered home, the system will entirely pay for itself only five to ten years later.  Choosing to sell your home? The average home in California will sell for $20,000 more with solar installed!

Are you aware that scientists have spent thousands of years trying to understand the promising solar energy and its application? Yes, understanding the 'how' of harnessing the Sun's power and meaningful use has been an uphill task that has ignited various scientists' interest in developing a concrete solution. Below is a timeline of multiple achievements and milestones covering various human efforts to extract and use solar energy. How is solar energy extracted from sun rays? Through the use of Photovoltaic devices. These are a particular type of metal that, when exposed to sunlight, use the photovoltaic effect to produce electricity. It is estimated that the knowledge about this photovoltaic effect has existed for roughly two centuries, and for this reason, our history about the solar cells begins here. How was solar energy initially used? Theoretically, it is believed that humans began to use solar energy by 7th century B.C. History reviews that humans were using sunlight to ignite the fire using magnifying glass materials. 700 BC- The use of a magnifying lens to put on Sunlit Fires' Heat Ray'. Do you know by the 7th century B.C humans could make fire using a magnifying glass to concentrate sunlight? For instance, around. 214-212 B.C. historians hypnotize that Archimedes' a great Greek inventor, was able to apply solar energy by creating heat rays using multiple mirrors to concentrate sunlight. It is believed that he destroyed several ships by concentrating sunlight on those ships belonging to Greek enemies especially during the Siege of Syracuse. Although this Archimedes' invention's validity is not apparent, various experiments have shown that it could be possible but more unlikely to have been executed. Romans are also known to use mirrors to harness the solar power and using it as light torches during their religious ceremonies. The use of "burning mirrors" became prevalent among Roman, Greeks, and later to the Chinese civilization. When was the first invention of the solar panels? 1767- The invention of the first solar oven A solar oven, often known as the solar cooker, uses the heat created by concentrating sunlight to heat drinks or food. Solar cookers are in use to date and are cheaper and efficient compared to the previous models. They are the most popular heating solutions, especially world parts, with limited access to electricity. The device relies only on sunlight to function, and this means no fuel or electrical power is need for it to work. The first solar oven was invented in 1767 by Horace De Saussure, a renowned Swiss Physicist. By the time of invention, nobody could have thought that this invention could be among the most helpful innovations for the next two centuries by helping people prepare their lunch and dinner without using firewood. 1839 - The Photovoltaic Effect Discovery by Edmund Becquerel. One of the most critical years in the history of solar panels was 1839 when Edmund Becquerel, a 19-year-old French physicist, discovered that there is a voltage difference when specific material is exposed to sunlight created. With his little knowledge about the photovoltaic effect, Edmund Becquerel dint understands that his discovery would form the basis of solar power in use in modern today. In 1873, Willoughby Smith, a staunch English engineer, coined Photoconductivity in Selenium, especially in its solid-state, which was another significant discovery that led to a great milestone in the solar energy industry. 1876 - Invention of Electricity from Light. While advancing the Smiths discovery three years earlier, an English professor, together with his best student, Richard Evans Day, observed a flow of electrical current when specific material was exposed to sunlight. Two electrodes attached to a selenium plate were used to make the tiny electrical current after exposing those plates to the light. 1883 - the making of the first Design of a functional Photovoltaic Cell. The credit goes to Charles Fritts, an American inventor who was the first person to design a successive solar cell plan. His 19th-century simple Photovoltaic Cell design was based on selenium wafers. 1905- The Photoelectric Effect and Albert Einstein work. Although most people aren't aware of Albert Einstein's photoelectrical effect paperwork, he is famous for his outstanding scientific milestone in the human race. He is the first person to formulate the photon theory of light, an idea that explains how light can dislodge 'remove or liberate' an electron from a metal surface. Sixteen years later, in 1921, after submitting his photon theory of light paper, he received the Nobel Prize to discover a tremendous scientific breakthrough.  1918 - The discovery of a Single-Crystal Silicon. The credit goes to a Polish scientist, Jan Czochralski, for figuring out a technique in which to grow single-crystal silicon. His discovery lay the foundation for the creation of solar cells using silicon metal. 1954 - The actual invention of Photovoltaic The credit goes to three scientists, namely, Gerald Pearson, a member of Bell Labs, David Chapin, and Calvin Fuller. Their work led to the creation of the world's first solar cell (photovoltaic cell). In simple terms, these men came up with a device that could convert sunlight into electricity. Many maintain that their silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell invention symbolizes the real PV technology invention. The first device could consistently power a considerable electrical device for more than two hours a day. However, the first silicon photovoltaic cell could only operate at 4% efficiency, below a quarter of modern solar cells capacity. They later advanced its performance (conversions efficiently), increasing it from 4% to 11%. Today, these solar panels are so advanced that they are used to light big houses and run machines due to their improved efficiency. Other significant achievements in the history of solar panels. The use of solar panels to power outer space devices. The use of solar technology in outer space is one of the most recent solar energy industry achievements. The outer space solar panels were used to run satellites. A good example is solar panels power Explorer III, Vanguard II, and Sputnik-3 satellites in 1958. Others include creating the first solar residence in 1973 by a team of scientists at the University of Delaware, Improving solar conversion efficiency from 8% to 14% by Hoffman Electronics amid 1957 and 1960. By 2016, the conversion efficiency had reached 34.5% efficiency and innovation from The University of South Wales.

Solar rooftop installations are a booming business. And Chula Vista residents are taking advantage of available tax incentives and rebates to install solar systems and save money on electricity. But solar rooftop panels for lower bills are only one aspect of the potential of residential solar power. You can extend the usefulness of your solar installation in resourceful ways from backup systems to heating your pool. Adding extra panels to your solar installation will enhance the potential of your solar system now while making space for future innovations in solar technology. Smart ways to use your solar energy. Adding extra panels in various ways to your system will make room for innovative new apps and gadgets that will increase your need for electricity. More is less in terms of added value and money saved now and in the future. Why not add extra panels to expand the potential of your solar power system? It may cost a little more upfront but be cheaper than adding them later. It will not only increase the value of your home, with rebates and incentives available now; it is good to strike while the iron is hot. Take a look at these creative ideas for using the energy that you get from your solar panels: Backup Systems The addition of a backup battery to your solar system will enable you to store extra power for your home when your panels are not generating enough electricity and avoid pulling more from your utility company at a higher cost. Or, be prepared for emergencies when the grid goes down. Have Semper Solaris install an Enphase Encharge Battery or Tesla Powerwall backup battery to ensure you have the surplus power when you need it and move you towards energy independence. Smart Home Installation of solar allows you to take advantage of many products and services that will help you get the full benefit of your Solar installation. Apps that monitor your solar power usage and keep track of power routed back into the grid Tweak your power usage by identifying which devices or appliances in your home use the most power. Program appliances like your refrigerator to use energy when the rates are lower. Access the appliances and services in your home even if you are miles away. Solar Water Heater A solar water heater uses the power of the sun to heat the water in your home. It is another good reason to extend the capabilities of your solar system from the beginning. The extra panels could pay for themselves just by reducing the cost of hot water. Solar Pool Heating There are over 300 houses with pools for sale in Chula Vista, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. That is a lot of electricity, and it is expensive. If you have a pool, the addition of solar panels for your pool is a bonus to your solar installation. A solar pool heating and filtering system will allow you to heat your pool and spa and enjoy it year-round without breaking the bank. Car Power Whether you have an electric powered car now or plan to have one in the future, having an EV charging station is something that you might consider when installing solar panels. Adding extra panels will leave room to expand and accommodate the future of automotive energy. Another move towards energy independence. Solar Porch Ever thought about using solar panels as the roof of your covered patio? This extension of your system will provide shade and filtered light while generating power. Be sure to have the foundation of the patio inspected to make sure it can hold the panels, then enjoy your summer barbecue outdoors. Impress your guests. Solar Window Awnings On those upstairs windows, you know the ones that endure the beating rays of the sun, especially in the late afternoon? Why not install solar panel awnings as an extension of your system that will provide shade on those windows while generating power and reducing the need for the air conditioning? Solar Carport Solar Carports are an easy way to add more panels to your rooftop installation. If you have an RV or boat, you can extend the carport at an angle to shade the area-- a fun way to add recreational space to your home right next to your EV station. Solar Skylight Add some eye candy to your home by having solar panels integrated into your roof to double as skylights. They will enhance the look of your home while generating clean energy and reducing the need for added light during the day. The Future of Solar More innovative ways to extend and use this fantastic energy resource are on the horizon as technology gives way to bigger and better ideas. Going solar isn’t just about saving money or reducing your carbon footprint. It is also about seizing the future of technology and energy independence. The added value of having extra capabilities in your system goes a long way towards that end. Semper Solaris is on the frontier, leading the way when it comes to residential solar power. Call us today - (888) 210-3366 - and begin the journey into the future of solar on the rooftop and beyond.

You have done the research. California is an great place to install solar panels. Is it right for you as a homeowner? The information provided here will help you to know about the value of solar power in California. It will also help you make a well-informed decision about installing solar panels on your home. Let's review all of the reasons why you should consider going solar in the great state of California. Solar Power in California: What You Need to Know Solar energy is not a new concept in our beautiful state. In fact, California is the number one solar state, and has been for quite some time. Hundreds of thousands of people have been employed across California to install solar panels on residential and commercial buildings. The solar panel installation industry has continuously gained popularity over the past few years. Solar panels that were installed across California in that time have been able to produce over 15,000-megawatts of energy. Over 3.75 million homes use solar energy to power their homes. Usage of solar energy can be made easy with NEM The use of solar power by the owners of solar homes in California can be measured easily by using a unique billing system known as NEM or Net Energy Metering. When a home solar system produces more energy than the consumption of its owners, then NEM can help in crediting the retail value of the surplus energy supplied back to the grid. Homeowners can use these credits on the days when they are not able to produce power due to lack of daylight. However, the policy of Net Metering used in California cannot be used in all cases because some of the solar panel installation services in this state have made it easier for the homeowners to use NEM. They ensure that all clients can use the advantages of this policy by handling the documentation required for this purpose. Installation of solar panels in California So, if you have decided to install solar panels on your home in California, after going through all of your research, get in touch with Semper Solaris to get your project started. Join the California solar community today!

Owning a house that runs entirely on solar power is most definitely a possibility! With the help of solar panels and solar batteries, making your home a solar-powered property has never been cheaper. The cost of installing a solar energy system has dropped drastically in the past 20 years because of the fast improvements in technology. Even though it may be cheaper than ever, there are still a few necessities to make this dream of running your home on solar power alone, a reality. First, you will need to understand how much energy you use on average per month. This will allow you and your contractor to know how much energy your panels may need to generate to keep your home powered throughout the month. When considering the amount of energy generated by your panels, it is also smart to understand that some months may be better than others for generating power. This is where solar batteries can play a crucial role. When the sun doesn’t shine as bright or as long as usual, it is good to utilize your solar batteries. Solar batteries allow users to store excess energy gained on those long sunny days to be used later. This is key because if you have no energy stored, you will be required to use energy from the grid to power your home. Secondly, the climate you reside in also plays a crucial role in making this dream a reality. If you live in a cold, cloudy place, it may be more challenging to run your home entirely on solar. For example, while living in the Pacific Northwest during the winter months, you may go weeks without seeing direct sunlight. Although, if you live in the southwestern states like California or Arizona, you may go weeks without having an overcast day! These differences in climate play a critical factor in the ability to jump on the solar bandwagon and cut ties with the energy company. Third, the surrounding trees and houses located near your home. These can hinder the amount of energy that your solar panels can generate throughout the day. If you have a huge tree blocking your panels for a third of the day, this can drastically change the amount of energy stored. Make it Possible Don’t let any of these three factors scare you away because running your home on solar alone has never been easier. With the help of solar estimators and countless numbers of installations in your general area, solar contractors understand the ins and outs of what may be needed to allow you to make this leap to solar energy. The key to this possibility is the number of panels and solar batteries installed on your home. The critical part is the use of solar batteries; without a battery, no excess energy can be stored to use later. Semper Solaris is a Tesla Powerwall certified installer, and with powerful batteries such as Tesla Powerwall out on the market, this possibility is closer than you think.

The first thought you may have is, ‘Well, my roof is big enough, I’m good to go.’ Sadly, that train of thought is a recipe for disaster. So, what other things should be considered beforehand? How much energy do you currently consume? Do you have proper insulation - as in, are your heating and cooling systems efficient? Have you installed high-efficiency lighting (LED/CFL) where you can? Do you set your thermostat to average temperatures, like 72F? All these questions need to be asked and answered as well as other factors, such as which way your roof predominantly faces, its size, and how many average days of sunshine your area has.  Those above all affect how many panels you need. [embed]https://youtu.be/x57pqrLdIog[/embed] YOUR SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL ow that you have ensured your home is as energy efficient as possible, you need to decide your home’s solar energy potential. Several websiteswill help you map your home’s potential. For the most efficient use of a solar system, your roof should face the south. However, there are other caveats to consider that will affect the efficiency of your system. What is the area of your roof?  Does your HOA, landlord, or county ordinance allow for the installation of solar panels? How many average days of sunshine are there in your area? There is a common misconception for homes in an area with frequent severe and/or cloudy weather that solar energy is unavailable. The truth is, solar energy is most definitely available - but more panels may be needed - or an energy storage system such as a battery storage unit that will store solar power via a rechargeable battery system. This system will automatically turn itself on if there is not enough active solar energy available.     WHY NOT FACE THE ROOF IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SUN? When I first started learning about solar, I automatically assumed the best direction for a roof to face for solar was west, to gather all the high energy rays from noon until dark. However, westerly facing solar roofs provide one major issue - they do not receive near enough energy in the morning hours. The solution? Southerly facing solar panels. A roof with high exposure to the south will provide the most considerable amount of time with solar absorption on any given *sunny* day. A little trivia: In the southern hemisphere, this is opposite - solar panels go on the north-facing roof. As with anything, there can be exceptions to the rule. Depending on your reasoning for solar, in rare cases, it may benefit you to have your panels face west. For instance, if trying to avoid peak use charges on grid power, a western exposure may help you more than southern exposure, as your home and panels will be receiving the maximum kilowatt-hour (kWh) during these times (late afternoon - dark). No matter what, the best thing to do is to hire a professional roofing company to handle the installation.  WRAPPING UP If you are considering solar energy for your home, be sure to bring in a professional to assess your home and discuss with you your needs. Make sure your HOA and county ordinance allows for the installation of solar panels on your roof - before your consultant arrives. Also, it is best for all named title parties to be present during the consultation. Now that you’ve had your consultation sit back, relax, and enjoy paying pennies on the dollar in comparison to what you once paid for electricity.

HOW LONG DO SOLAR PANELS LAST? You’re interested in solar power for your home or office; now what? First things first: solar panels, like any product, do indeed degrade over time. This means there will be a reduction in energy efficiency from year-to-year. The good news is that the enhancements in solar technology over the last decade have provided a much better product.  What does that mean for you, the consumer?  It means the latest solar panels decline at a rate of about .5% per year. In layman’s terms, if your brand new solar panels are operating at 100% efficiency upon installation, then they will perform at 99.5% efficiency after one year of use, and 90.0% efficiency after 20 years. A vast majority of the solar power industry provides a warranty of excellent length for their product - most often between 25 and 30 years. Investing thousands of dollars will always be a reasonable cause for concern. Still, the solar power industry wants to bring its customers the greatest peace of mind possible, and they do this by backing their products. While your solar panel warranty may expire after 25 years, chances are excellent, your solar panels will still be very efficient for many years to come.  SOLAR PANEL ENERGY PAYBACK TIME (EPBT) Like millions of us in the world today, energy and resource conservation has become a huge talking point. Naturally, we want our beautiful planet, with its limited resources, to last as long as possible, so many generations from now, there will still be resources aplenty. The solar power industry has come up with a measurement standard, known as Energy Payback Time, or EPBT, due to the concerns on climate change, reduction in waste product, energy consumption, and things of the ilk.  What is EPBT?  A concern of solar energy for many consumers is the potential for environmental damage during the manufacturing of the panels themselves. In other words, are you damaging the environment more than you’re going to help it? Absolutely not. So how long does it take to recuperate the energy spent to produce the panels by your usage of the clean, renewable, sustainable energy our closest star provides? Surprisingly, newer, high-efficiency solar panels pay back their ‘debt’ in only six months. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SEVERE WEATHER ON MY PANELS? After investing thousands of dollars into your solar panels, one of your most significant concerns may be the effect severe weather will have on your system. Believe it or not, the United States Government actually has a hand in industry standards that are set for solar panel durability via the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). Over the years, SETO has developed a series of tests that provide consumer confidence in solar energy investments.  In 2017, there was a significant hailstorm in Denver, Colorado, that produced hail THREE inches in diameter at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The Denver NREL has 3,000 solar modules, and after the hailstorm, only one panel had been damaged! PEACE OF MIND Rest easy, you have peace of mind. Your panels will survive severe weather, you are helping the environment by using renewable energy, and you have a warranty that may outlast the mortgage on your home. Solar power is the way of the future. Jump on board!

Solar panels are a significant investment, but you may be wondering… What about when it’s dark? Do my panels still work? Well, the easy answer is no. Solar panels are made from a photovoltaic material that needs sunlight to produce energy, so when it is dark, the panels do not produce power. However, that doesn’t mean you will be left out in the dark! Your solar panels go into standby mode, and you draw power from the grid instead. Here are a few ways you can still keep your home up and running during the evening hours  Net metering: This term means that during the day while your panels are producing excess power, that extra is sent back to the grid, and you earn credits. At night, you can draw those credits back to use instead of paying for power from the grid. You will have to check with your local power company to see if net metering is available in your area, or give Semper Solaris a call. Some power companies are phasing out net metering, or they charge a higher rate for you to use those credits. What if my company doesn’t have net metering or if I use all of my credits up? In the evening, when your panels go into standby mode, you will draw power from the grid-like you usually would. You will receive a bill for your usage just like you do now, but it will be a smaller bill than usual because your panels provided your home with electricity during the day. Battery Backup System: Investing in batteries is a great way to store your own power, so you do not have to rely on net metering or the grid at all. When your panels are producing more energy than you can use during the day, the excess is channeled to a bank of batteries. At night, your system will switch to battery power, and you can use your stored solar energy to keep your home up and running free from the grid! You can also rely on your batteries during blackouts or other types of power outages. What about cloudy or rainy days?  Well, luckily, your panels still produce some power even when there is no direct sunlight. In fact, sometimes your panels provide more energy during cloudy days because the sunlight reflects on the clouds, which can produce more power than the sun alone. Generally, on a cloudy or rainy day, though, your panels will provide 10-25% of what they usually would, so you may have to rely on the grid for power unless you have a battery backup system.  Give us a call if you would like to learn more about installing a battery backup system with your solar panels. We can evaluate your current panels to see if we can add batteries, or if you do not have solar and want to install both at the same time, we can help!

Solar energy is a great way to provide your home with clean energy, but the initial cost of installing a solar system can seem like a considerable investment. You may be wondering if solar is a wise investment for you. Read on for some valuable information you can use to see if solar is the right choice for you! How much do you pay for your electricity? The best indicator to see if an investment in solar is worth it is to look at your monthly bill. Rates in most California cities are pretty high, and most of us like to run our air conditioners because our summers are hot and long. There are some great online calculators that you can use, such as Project Sunroof on Google or Energy Sage. Both can help you determine if a solar system is a good investment for you or if it's worth going solar in California. If your monthly bill is higher than average, an investment in solar may be a good idea for you, since you would end up seeing a return more quickly than homeowners with a smaller bill. If you are already thrifty with your electricity, solar is still a good idea! You won’t see your system “pay for itself” as quickly. What about the federal tax credit? Well, you’re in luck! While the federal tax credit percentage is decreasing, you can still benefit from it. It currently sits at 26%, so that is quite a savings on your tax return. The great thing about this credit is that if you can’t use the full credit the first year, the rest rolls over to your next year’s tax return, so you don’t lose it. Remember that this rebate only goes to you if you buy your panels. Leasing a solar system gives your tax credit back to the leasing company. You can read more detail about it here: Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics. The savings of the federal tax rebate, on the other hand, can help to install solar panels a worthwhile investment. What about long term savings? Well, there are other ways in which your solar panels “pay” you back! The average home with solar gains a 4.1% return in value when the house is sold. In fact, nowhere: Here's How Much Adding Solar Panels Will Boost Your Home's Value in the nation saw a decline in the worth of a home due to solar panels. Depending on how you pay for your panels, you will get a more significant return on your investment. If you can pay cash, the savings are immediate, and over time it adds up to thousands more in your pocket. If you finance your panels, it takes a bit longer to see the savings. Leasing your panels gives you a smaller return since you don’t own the equipment. You still save on your monthly electric bill, but there is no return on your investment when you sell your home. Get multiple quotes, and don’t always assume that a huge company will be cheaper. Many times a local company like Semper Solaris will give you a better deal, and you are supporting a family-owned business. If you would like to learn more, give us a call, and we can set up an appointment to evaluate your home.

Step By Step Guide To Installing Solar Panels Are you getting serious about going solar? If so, you may be wondering about a few things. How does installing solar panels work? Who installs solar panels? How long does it take? What are the pros and cons? It is helpful to understand the solar installation process so you can check all the boxes on your new adventure into solar energy for your home.  1. Find the Right Solar Company Once you have decided that you do want to switch to solar, the first thing you need to do is find the right solar installer. There are so many of us out there it may seem overwhelming. Get started on the right footing by finding a local solar company with an excellent reputation.   Strong reputation in the solar industry History of excellent customer satisfaction and reviews Experience in every aspect of solar installation All business and trade licenses for contracting, electrical, and home improvement North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Certification (NABC) Semper Solaris is the right company with years of experience in the installation of solar panels. We have a solid reputation in the solar industry built on trust and excellent customer satisfaction.   2. Initial Site Evaluation and Signing of Contract Once you have chosen a solar company, a representative will come out and do the initial inspection of your home. They will evaluate the property and take measurements and discuss the options with you. They will show you how much you will save and offer rebates, incentives, and solar financing opportunities so you can make a firm decision whether to invest in solar panels. Once you are satisfied that you have the right solar company, you will sign a contract, and the installation process will begin. 3. In-depth Site Assessment The site assessment is a more comprehensive evaluation of your home for your solar system. An engineer or technician from your solar company will come out and assess various aspects of your home for solar installation Will your roof support the panels? What is the direction of the roof? Where is the best exposure to sunlight? Is the electrical box is compatible with the system? Is a roof or ground-mounted system better for your property? Semper Solaris is the best solar contractor for answers to those questions. We have answered them hundreds of times, and we will get you up and running with solar in no time. 4. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork Your solar company will handle most of the paperwork and apply for permits with the city. You will need to complete building permits, rebates, incentives, and financing arrangements before work can begin on your solar panel system. The permitting process will take from 30 to 90 days. Your installer should be experienced with your city’s procedures and will handle the permits through to final approval. The local permitting agency will review the permit applications for compliance with state and local requirements for safety.  Structural safety Electrical safety Planning and Zoning Fire Safety Once your project receives the permitting approval of your system design, your installer will order the equipment and set a date for beginning the installation. The installation will take a few days. Once your solar contractor has installed all the panels and the wiring, he will install the inverter, so the DC is converted to AC.  5. The Final Steps in Going Solar Now it is time to connect to the electrical grid. In this last phase, the city planning and utility company will come to inspect your solar installation Does the system meet all regulations? Is the system installed correctly?   Are the connections attached correctly? Are the electrical systems working properly 6. Final Approval And now the moment you have been waiting for! With a flip of the switch, your solar power is buzzing on the roof. Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a fantastic innovation of modern technology—you have harnessed the sun— you have taken a step towards energy independence –you have reduced your carbon footprint—it is all savings from here on out.      Semper Solaris is the best solar company to flip the switch on your new solar panels. From the planning to the permitting to final approval, we will be there every step of the way to see that your solar power system is the best it can be.

Solar Power is the leading clean, renewable, and cost-effective energy on the planet. Generating solar energy is a simple process, much like photosynthesis found in nature. Solar panels produce energy by converting sunlight into electricity. And it is one of the most reliable, sustainable, and least expensive ways to generate clean energy.    Three main advantages of solar panels They produce clean energy. They produce renewable energy.  They are cost-effective. Semper Solaris is at the forefront of solar power technology. We are the top-rated solar contractors for all things solar. We know how much our satisfied customers save every year on electricity. Solar Power Is Renewable Energy Fossil or carbon-based fuels have been the foundation of energy consumption for well over a hundred years. It is the electricity and fuel we use to heat and cool our homes. It is the gasoline that runs our automobiles and manufactures products. We can find it in many things found in our daily lives.  Fossil or carbon-based fuels come from the decayed, petrified remains of plants and animals accumulated over millions of years. Once these fuels are exhausted, they take a very long time to replenish—perhaps millions of more years. The emphasis on renewable energy addresses the diminishing reserves of these fuels.  There are several renewable sources of energy in use, and they are becoming more prevalent as we move towards a sustainable energy economy throughout the world. Renewable energy comes from sources that reproduce and don’t go away. Renewable Energy Sources Solar Wind Geothermal Hydroelectric Biomass The cleanest and cheapest sources of renewable energy on the forefront today are wind and solar. Solar panels are the most efficient and easiest way to generate a lot of electricity regularly. Semper Solaris is the best solar contractor for the installation of solar panels. We know our business and are committed to bringing our best for clean, renewable solar energy for our customers. Solar Panels Produce Clean Energy Carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants cause a lot of waste in the air, ground, and water. Carbon, CO2, is a naturally occurring gas that is overproduced in the atmosphere when fossil fuel is burned for energy production, causing an excess of greenhouse gases. Clean, renewable energy does not cause pollution or produce waste. While some renewable energy sources are cleaner than others, solar power is at the top of the list. Solar panels help the environment by reducing the carbon footprint created by carbon-based fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gases. Fossil Fuel Sources Coal Crude oil Natural gas Solar Panels are Cost-Effective Solar Power is the most efficient and least expensive alternative energy for residential use. Unlike other renewable or non-renewable resources, solar is easy to put into operation and takes up no extra space to speak of—especially rooftop solar panels. And solar power is the most dependable energy source of all. You can’t run out of sunlight, especially in California.  Solar panels provide access to this fantastic renewable energy from the sun. The equipment is more affordable than it ever has been. When you consider the incentives and rebates available for installing solar, the upfront cost is much lower, and the system will pay for itself in a few short years. But you will enjoy savings on energy from day one. Semper Solaris is leading the way for residential solar installations. We believe in sustainability, protecting the environment, and reducing the cost of electricity so that you keep more money in your pocket. We have seen the power of the savings our customers enjoy every day since they decided to go solar. Call Semper Solaris today and take advantage of low prices and savings.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating solar panels and equipment, including manufacturing, durability, and quality. Identifying the best solar panels is determined by how effective the panels are at converting sunlight into electricity. And aside from the manufacturing of panels, some factors can influence the effectiveness of solar panel installations. Location Climate Shading Size of roof Experience of the installer The knowledge and the experience of the installer are critical in achieving the highest efficiency and functioning of solar panels. Semper Solaris technicians know how to achieve the best performance while offering only top-rated solar panels and equipment. We will design your solar panel system for optimum performance. How Do Solar Panels Produce Electricity? Solar panels are a system of photovoltaic cells linked with metal frames and wiring and connected to your home’s electrical system. The solar cells in each panel transform sunlight into DC power, which is circulated through the panels and into a solar inverter. The inverter converts the DC power into AC Power, electricity for your home.  Semper Solaris knows how solar works; we offer the highest quality products and expert installation. We have various options for panels and inverters from the most reliable solar panel manufacturers. How are solar panels rated? Solar panels are rated for power output and efficiency. Most solar panels have power ratings of 200 to 300 watts, the higher the power rating, the more efficient the panels are at converting sunlight into energy. This rating is an excellent way to compare solar panels. Other issues like power tolerance can influence energy production. Semper Solaris understands the power output of solar panels, and we offer only the top-rated solar panels from the most reliable solar manufacturers. Solar Cell Efficiency The number of cells in each pane is directly related to the amount of energy the solar panels create. The cells are made with a semiconductor material such as silicon, which is the most common material used. The efficiency of the solar cell structure is a critical consideration when rating solar panels. The efficiency rating indicates how effective a solar panel is at converting sunlight into electricity. Most solar panels have a rating of around 23%. The higher the score, the more power the panel can generate. Semper Solaris is experienced and knowledgeable in assessing a home for the right panels with ratings that will operate at maximum efficiency.  Solar Panel Quality Solar panels are tested for their strength and reliability in real-world simulations. A high-quality panel will carry at least a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer both on material and power production. Durability Reliability IEC 61215 reliability standard Snow and wind load Top-rated Manufacturer’s Warranty  The best solar panels are American made. They have proven to be the most reliable, efficient, and superior in design and construction. Semper Solaris offers solar panels that are both high quality and economical for budget-minded homeowners. We stand behind each and every solar panel system we install.  Contact Semper Solaris today and schedule an evaluation of your home for your solar power installation.