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

Does Going Solar Make Sense In San Diego? The San Diego region is blessed with an abundance of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar power. Solar panels installed in San Diego can generate enough electricity to power a home or business, and the region's climate means that panels will typically experience little wear and tear. Reasons To Go Solar San Diego If you're considering solar power for your home or business, San Diego is a great place to do it. Solar power is generated by converting sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are made up of many solar cells, and when sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose. These loose electrons flow through the material to create an electric current. This current can then be harnessed and used to power homes and businesses. Solar power is a renewable, clean, and efficient source of energy, making it a smart choice for San Diego residents. With an average of 260 sunny days per year, San Diego has the potential to generate a significant amount of solar power. Solar panels require little maintenance and have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective investment. Making the switch to solar power can help reduce your carbon footprint and support the move towards a more sustainable future. Solar Panel Installations San Diego Overall, solar power is a great choice for San Diego residents. With plenty of sun and little wear and tear on the panels, solar power can save you money in the long run. Plus, it's good for the environment!

As solar technology continues to improve and sustainable energy options become more and more accessible, homeowners across California and the U.S. are beginning to line up to switch to solar. The great news about going solar in San Diego? Homeowners don’t also have to have the savings to cover all the upfront expenses of installing a solar panel system. That means all the benefits of switching to solar are available without the initial heavy financial burden. For homeowners that don’t want to purchase their solar panels and system from day one, there are two main alternatives: solar leases and solar PPA agreements. Under a solar PPA, a homeowner purchases the electricity produced by the solar panels installed on their home (still owned by the solar company) at an agreed upon rate. They basically only get the immediate benefits of more affordable and sustainable energy. While PPA agreements can be attractive to some, others may prefer more flexibility that general leases offer. Under a solar lease, the homeowner still doesn’t own the solar panels or other equipment installed on their home, however, they still have the same net metering process as solar owners would. Generally speaking, the monthly savings homeowners get on their electricity bill will exceed the monthly lease payment, resulting in instant savings. Over the lifetime of a system, a homeowner can see as much as 70% savings on their electricity expenses. What’s the Best Leasing Option for Your Home? When it comes to going solar, you have to make sure you settle on the right lease agreement. So what are your options? Here are some of the most common solar lease agreements: Zero-down: Under this agreement, there is no payment required on the date of signing the lease agreement. Only when the solar panels begin to produce electricity will you begin to pay a monthly fee to the solar panel owners. The benefit is obviously that there is no upfront investment needed and can allow you to get electricity rates that are 20 to 30% lower than average. Each year may include a rate increase.Prepaid: The entire lease is paid upfront, which means you won’t have to make any monthly payments for the duration of the agreement. Essentially, by paying 100% upfront, you get more flexibility with your lease terms because the solar panel owner doesn’t have to assume any risk. You may also get some piece of any Solar Renewable Energy Credits and boost the value of your home by covering the entire lease upfront. By opting for a lease, the total price of the system is typically between 30% and 50% cheaper than it would have been without a third-party owner.Custom down-payment: With this type of agreement, you can expect to pay some amount upon the initial signing, usually negotiated with the third-party owner. The down payment may range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, allowing for lower monthly payments. Typically, a down payment will negate the annual rate increase a $0-down lease includes. Make the Right Solar Choice With so many options for going solar, it can be overwhelming to make decisions on everything from type of solar arrays to financial agreements. That’s why Semper Solaris is here to provide the guidance and insight you need on solar financing. Over the years, our San Diego solar company has installed thousands of residential solar projects. Time and time again, we’ve helped homeowners select the right solar agreement for their financial situation. When you work with our team, we’ll review your budget and preferences and help you select the best solar leasing option. Interested in learning more? Give Semper Solaris a call anytime to get connected with a solar expert!

With many rooftop solar panels appearing on houses all over the city, it would come as no surprise if the city of San Diego became known as "Solar San Diego." The city has become so energy aware that San Diego has been recognized as one of the leading solar energy producers in the United States, and a majority of that solar energy is coming from residential construction. Is it time for you to join the solar movement in San Diego and make the switch to solar energy? When it comes to solar, San Diego generates more power from grid-connected solar panels on residential, commercial, and government buildings than any other city in California According to an analysis released on Tuesday by the Environment California Research & Policy Center. The study heralds San Diego’s role as a leader in the deployment of rooftop and similar on-site solar installations. There were more than 4,500 solar installations within city limits as of August 2011, ahead of runners-up Los Angeles and San Jose, the analysis found. “San Diego has been an early and consistent leader in terms of embracing robust solar policies” – Michelle Kinman, co-author of the study. The report focuses on solar photovoltaic systems mostly owned by ratepayers or third-party financing companies, as opposed to electric utilities. Data was provided by state regulators, the state’s private and public utilities, and the California Center for Sustainable Energy that administers state solar initiatives in the San Diego area. The report did not include solar energy systems that are not connected to the grid because of limitations on data. California’s Top Cities for Solar: San Diego Leads California's top 10 solar cities Peak capacity in megawatts Number of installations San Diego 37 4,507 Los Angeles 36 4,018 San Jose 31 2,733 Fresno 22 2,146 San Francisco 17 2,405 Bakersfield 16 1,643 Sacramento 16 1,119 Santa Rosa 14 1,467 Oakland 10 1,010 Chico 9 1,170 Source: Environment California Research & Policy Center For all its solar progress, San Diego trails other areas in per capita measurements. The greatest penetration rates for solar are in the Bay Area, the Sierra foothills, and the Central Valley. In several small towns in northern California, there are roughly 10 solar installations for every 100 residents. San Diego has between three and four solar installations for every 1,000 residents. Among larger cities, Santa Rosa and Clovis stand out in terms of solar-power adoption, with about 10 installations, or 80 kilowatts of capacity, per 1,000 residents. Small Towns Embrace Solar Top solar towns per capita Installations per 100 residents Sebastopol 10.3 Newcastle 10.2 Nevada City 9.9 Penn Valley 8 Coarsegold 6.3 San Diego 3.5 per 1,000 Source: Environment California Research & Policy Center Kinman said some of the geographic imbalances can be traced to higher levels of home ownership in some small communities. Rental properties and multifamily dwellings have been slower to add solar equipment. “That happily is changing as the state is promoting policies that promote renters and multifamily projects getting access to solar” – Michelle Kinman California leads the nation in rooftop solar generation, surpassing the 1-gigawatt capacity mark last year. Gov. Jerry Brown has set a goal of producing 12 gigawatts of distributed electricity generation capacity, mostly through rooftop solar, by 2020. The state’s total peak electricity demand was about 64 gigawatts in 2011. The on-site generation goals are separate from requirements that electricity retailers procure 33 percent of their electricity from renewable energy by 2020. The Environment California Research & Policy Center provides research on government incentives and public policies that can lead to more distributed solar installations. It is not a political lobbying group. Those on-site solar installations are seen not only as a way to decrease dependency on fossil fuels but also as a way to reduce the size and number of power lines by producing electricity closer to where it is used. The report released on Tuesday recommends maintaining or enhancing state provisions for “net metering” that allows utility customers who generate a one-kilowatt hour of energy to buy one less from the utility. San Diego is about halfway toward a cap on net metering currently set at 5 percent of peak demand. Utilities including San Diego Gas & Electric have begun to question the fairness of net metering provisions that they say force non-solar customers to pay a greater share of infrastructure costs. The intermittent nature of solar power also presents future challenges in balancing electricity production and demand. SDG&E has proposed its own pilot programs that would allow customers to offset electricity bills with solar-generated electricity from installations within the utility’s service territory. The Environment California study was financed by several private foundations: Arntz Family Foundation, the Energy Foundation, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, the Michael Lee Environmental Foundation, the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust and the Tilia Foundation. If you’re interested in joining the rest of “Solar San Diego” in making the switch to solar energy, contact Semper Solaris for more information. 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With abundant sunshine and the Pacific Ocean in its back yard, San Diego has always been an eco-friendly, forward-thinking place. That’s why it leads the U.S. in solar energy installments. In fact, going solar in San Diego is a common theme for America’s Finest City and its residents. The county increased its solar capacity 60 percent in the past year to 303 megawatts. If you’re looking to live in sunny San Diego (or even if you already call it home), here are the top neighborhoods to go solar based on key factors that add to the overall quality of living. 1. Del Mar The coastal city of Del Mar (Spanish for “by the sea”), takes the number one spot for the top neighborhood in San Diego County. It’s ritzy, yet laid back beach-town vibe makes it a pleasant place to live for many residents. Just about 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the area is home to many families and its public school system receives an A+ rating, ranking the #4 suburb with the best schools in the state of California. When it comes to fun activities, Del Mar is famously known for being home to the historic Del Mar Racetrack, where horse races take place all summer long and the town is also one of the only places where Torrey Pines, the rarest pine tree in the United States, grow. Hike, surf, bet on the ponies or just enjoy a stroll in the sunshine - Del Mar boasts breathtaking views around every turn and excellent beach-front weather, making it a go to place to install solar panels in San Diego. 2. Solana Beach The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Solana beach, the neighboring town of Del Mar, ranks second as a top neighborhood for solar in San Diego. Solana Beach has a population of 13,000 and is known for its beach, eclectic shops, dining, nightlife, golf courses and hiking scene. It averages a comfortable 62 degrees during the winter season and 77 degrees during the summer time, with a near two-mile stretch of coastline to enjoy. Locals frequent Fletcher Cove Park, a favorite spot to catch beautiful sunsets. Commuter-friendly Solana Beach houses a major train station stop (one of only three in San Diego County) that serves both Amtrak and the Coaster and residents have easy access to San Diego’s major freeways, including the 5 and the 101 interstate highways. With its outdoor-friendly sentiment, this town upholds environmental consciousness, making it a chief contributor to a more solar San Diego. 3. Encinitas Moving further up the cost, the town of Encinitas is another top pick for places to go solar in San Diego. Encinitas was named among the 20 best surf towns in the world by National Geographic and sits along the historic coastal Highway 101. It’s home to 62,000 residents and is segmented into five different areas: Old Encinitas, New Encinitas, Olivenhain, Leucadia and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Each of these communities has its own personality offering a range between an oceanfront beach life to more rural, family-oriented suburbia. Old Encinitas sits along the coast and is known for its famous surf break, Swamis. In Olivenhain, you can find private equestrian facilities and mainly single family homes. New Encinitas boasts numerous golf courses and shopping centers, while Leucadia is a place of tree-lined streets, art galleries and eclectic stores. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is an oceanfront community and home to the San Elijo Campus of Mira Costa College. Encinitas has something for everyone, which makes it extra appealing to live and reap the benefits of solar year round! 4. Coronado Just south of downtown San Diego, across the signature Coronado bridge is an island called Coronado. The island community is a top tourist attraction because of its famous Hotel Del Coronado, where Marilyn Monroe used to frequent. But aside from being a major San Diego destination for visitors, it’s also a very family-friendly place to live. Coronado has a small-town charm to it, with shops, art galleries, restaurants and theatres for its residents to enjoy. And don’t think the beach is just any old beach. Its signature gold sand makes it extra beautiful and mesmerizing as the year round sun reflects off the golden flecks floating in the ocean. The town is also home to a U.S. Naval Base, which instills an all-American pride in Coronado locals. Those who reside here get to enjoy views across the water of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline as they bask in their private escape that is Coronado. Living in Coronado, however, comes at a price. The median home value is $1,332,500 while average rent is $2,268 per month. These higher end costs make solar power even more appealing as it saves residents money in their electricity bills, making Coronado a big proponent of solar San Diego. 5. Carlsbad Carlsbad is a large suburb in North County San Diego. Its population of 112,000 includes many families and the city is one of the most affluent in the state of California. It’s filled with seven miles of beaches, nature trails and endless family attractions, including Legoland. Carlsbad divides into four different quadrants, each with its own distinct attractions. The northwest quadrant encompasses the “Village” (downtown) and Old Carlsbad— the first part of Carlsbad to be settled. Houses here include everything from cottages and bungalows to mansions overlooking the ocean. The northeast quadrant of Carlsbad consists of mainly single-family homes while the southeast quadrant has a handful of master-planned communities along the hillsides, golf courses and parks. The southwest quadrant stretches along the Pacific Ocean, where constant sunshine makes it solar energy friendly. The top neighborhoods for solar in San Diego all have a common thread—the residents appreciate the environment they live in and take advantage of their ideal setting in the sun. With the ocean and beaches in close vicinity, there’s an extra amount of respect to keep the place they live in clean—and solar energy is a part of that. As the sun keeps shining, these communities will continue to keep San Diego #1 in solar installation. If you live in one of the communities (or anywhere in San Diego) and don’t already have solar panels on your home, we’d be happy to give you a free energy analysis so that you can see how to start taking advantage of the year-round sunshine we have in Southern California!

San Diego gets an average of 261 days of sunlight a year, so it’s not surprising so many Southern California homeowners and businesses are embracing solar installation as a way to save serious money on their electricity bills and lower their energy footprint. Making the investment in solar panels is a big decision. In this article, we’ll walk you through some important ways you can prepare for your solar panel installation at three major milestones: before your consultation, after your consultation, and before the installation. Before Your Solar Consultation Before you set up your initial consultation with a solar contractor, there are a few things you can do to make sure the first meeting goes smoothly and that the solar contractor has the information needed to make the best recommendations possible. Determine If You Have the Right Roof Unfortunately, certain roofs are just not a good match for solar panels. Roofs need to be at least 200 square feet to offer enough space for solar panels, and ideally your roof will be at least 400 square feet. At least one side of the roof should face south or southwest to have access to the most sunlight possible. Certain roofs with a very extreme pitch may also make it difficult to install solar panels.    If you suspect your roof might not be ideal for solar panels, not to worry! Installing solar panels on the ground may also be an option. Figure Out Your Energy Usage A solar installation specialist will need to know how much energy your home uses on average throughout the year in order to recommend the ideal solar panel array size for your home. You can help the specialist by presenting a year’s worth of electricity bills, which will include monthly usage. Most electric companies have online customer websites. Create an account or log in to access your previous bills. Estimate Future Electric Usage If you know that your electric usage will change in the coming years, then it’s a good idea to invest in a solar array that will give you all the juice you’ll need tomorrow rather than just what you’re using today. For example, do you want to purchase an electric vehicle in the next year or so, or do you have plans to install a hot tub? These items will require a lot of electricity, so make sure you let your installation specialist know about potential future electricity needs during your consultation! Choose the Right Solar Contractor The most important decision you’ll make when it comes to installing solar panels is the contractor you hire. Your contractor can make the process stress-free or leave you feeling completely frustrated. The ultimate success of the installation will depend upon the training and expertise of your solar contractor as well as their understanding of your budget and your solar needs. Don’t skimp on doing your research to make sure you find an experienced, highly regarded, and honest contractor. There are many great solar contractors in San Diego, including Semper Solaris. After Your Solar Consultation During a solar consultation, the solar specialist will assess your roof, make a recommendation on the solar panel array that is right for your needs, give you financing options, and answer your questions. Many homeowners and business owners come out of the consultation excited and ready to schedule the installation. However, there are important steps you’ll need to take first to prepare for the installation. Decide If You Want to Lease or Buy Your solar installation specialist will lay out your financial options during the consultation. The two most popular options are to buy the solar panels or to lease them. Leasing solar panels often requires little to no upfront payments, which might be the right option if you are working on a limited budget. However, you’ll be paying a fixed rate for your electricity, and the solar company can take back the panels when the leasing period is up. Buying your solar panels will require a significant upfront payment, but then you own the panels. Ideally, the array will pay for itself and more over its lifetime. You’ll need to look at your finances and your personal preference to determine what is the best option for your situation. Address Roof Problems It’d be a shame if you went through the entire process of installing solar panels only to have to replace your roof two years later! Before installing solar panels, ensure that your roof is structurally sound enough to hold the extra weight. If your roof is old, leaks, or has damaged shingles, you’ll need to repair all of these things before your solar installation. Consider that solar panels last roughly 20 to 25 years. If your roof is aging, even if it’s not falling on top of your head yet, it may be a good idea go ahead and replace it. It’ll be a big investment, but a new roof will increase the value of your home and allow you to get the most out of your solar panels. Get Permissions and Permits If you have a home owner’s association, you’d better bet that they will want to know if you are making major changes to your roof. Additionally, the city and public utility company will need to know that you intend to change the way you power your home, especially if you want to give excess electricity back to the grid. Your solar contractor should handle all these requirements, from receiving permission from your HOA to pulling an electrical permit, filing the right documents with the city utility, and getting the necessary electrical inspection completed.    Before Installation You’ve decided how to pay for your solar panels, your roof is ready to go, and your installer has permits and HOA permission in hand. Now can you start? You’re almost ready. Here are the last two things to prepare for before the work gets started. Make a Decision on Metering or Battery  California’s utility companies have done a good job of embracing the solar panel revolution and allowing homeowners and businesses to send excess energy back into the grid in exchange for credits. In order for this to happen, the utility company will need to install a production meter to measure the amount of electricity your new panels produce and feedback into the grid. Your installation company should take care of this process. Alternatively, you may decide that you want to keep all of the electricity your solar panels produce, thank you very much! If this is the case, then you’ll need a way to store the excess power, like Tesla Powerwall, during the day so that you can use it at night or on overcast days. Your solar contractor can recommend the right battery option and even build a utility nook to house the battery, along with the other extras that you’ll need, including electrical inverters and integration equipment. Develop a Family Plan for Installation Day Solar panel installation day is exciting… and also loud. People will be walking on your roof all day long, as well as drilling and hammering. If you have skittish pets or young children at home, you’ll need a plan to either keep them calm during this time or to remove them from the home during the installation. You’ll also need to be on call during the day in case the installers have questions or run into unforeseen challenges. It also doesn’t hurt to alert your neighbors of the coming commotion as a curtsey. With a little planning, you can make sure your installation goes quickly and smoothly for every member of your family! Hopefully this article gives you an idea of what to expect as you begin your solar panel planning. A huge component to a successful solar array installation is choosing the right contractor. We know you have the choice of many solar contractors in San Diego, and we hope you will consider allowing us to compete for your business. At Semper Solaris, we are dedicated to providing you with the best customer service, the highest quality solar panels, and the best installation possible. Please schedule a free onsite energy analysis when you are ready to get this process started.