Solar Industry News

Understanding PG&E Avoided Cost Rates and Their Impact on Bay Area Solar Customers

October 10, 2024

If you’re a Bay Area homeowner considering solar energy, understanding PG&E’s avoided cost rates is crucial. These rates play a…

15 Ways to Conserve Energy and Reduce Your Electric Bill

December 11, 2023

In the Golden State of California, full of sunshine and warm weather, homeowners are always on the lookout for ways…

What is a Solar Array?

December 2, 2023

In the world of renewable energy, solar power shines brightly as a sustainable alternative, leading the charge towards a greener…

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Benefits and Drawbacks of Solar Energy for California Homeowners

November 3, 2023

In today’s environmentally-conscious times, solar energy shines as a top renewable solution, providing many benefits to the environment. With rising…

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PG&E Requests a 22% Rate Hike: What California Homeowners Need to Know

October 25, 2023

On October 18, 2023, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) approached state regulators with a proposal for a staggering 22% rate…

Avoid Solar Scams: 6 Red Flags When Getting Solar Quotes

October 18, 2023

The transition to solar energy isn’t just a trend; it’s a significant movement towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.…

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Powerwall 3: What to Expect

October 13, 2023

Tesla’s Powerwall 3 will be available in 2024 as the newest in their energy storage system lineup, promising to elevate…

Why Battery Storage is Essential with PG&E’s Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0)

October 10, 2023

When first established, Net Energy Metering (NEM) was a game changer for California residents interested in making the switch to…

Maximize Your Energy Efficiency With a Home Energy Audit

October 8, 2023

You might wonder what value there really is in conducting a home energy audit and if it’s worth exploring for…

Tesla Powerwall Or Generator – Which One Is Better?

October 5, 2023

With an increasing number of power outages in California, homeowners want more reliable backup power. Tesla Powerwall and traditional gas-powered…

Solar Industry News

At Orchard Commercial, the system has exceeded production estimates and operated without interruption

Secure Your 30% Solar Tax Credit: A Business Owner’s Guide to Safe Harbor Under IRS Notice 2018-59

By Solar Technologies | July 6, 2025

As a business owner or commercial property investor, you know timing is everything — and that’s especially true when it comes to maximizing your federal solar tax incentives. With the future of the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) uncertain, understanding Safe Harbor under IRS Notice 2018-59 could mean the difference between locking in thousands (or…

Action Required: Changes to SunStrong Solar Monitoring and Cellular Connectivity by July 8

By Solar Technologies | June 20, 2025

If your home solar system is monitored through the SunStrong Connect app, previously mySunPower, you may have received a message recently about an upcoming service change. Here’s what you need to know — and what steps you should take — to avoid losing system monitoring and potentially damaging your equipment. Why Is This Happening? In…

Will the Federal Solar Tax Credit Survive 2025? Here’s What We Know

By Solar Technologies | June 17, 2025

A Big Change Could Be Coming for Solar Incentives—Here’s What Bay Area Homeowners Need to Know If you’re thinking about going solar or adding battery storage, you’ve likely heard of the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—the incentive that’s helped millions of Americans lower the cost of their solar systems. But a proposed bill…

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PG&E’s Net Billing Tariff Explained: How Solar + Battery Storage Maximizes Your Savings in 2025

By Solar Technologies | June 14, 2025

PG&E’s Rules for Solar Changed—Here’s What You Need to Know – If you’re a Bay Area homeowner exploring solar in 2025, you’ve probably heard the term Net Billing Tariff, or NBT – sometimes referred to as NEM 3.0. This is PG&E’s new solar billing policy that replaced Net Metering (NEM) for residential customers. And while…

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How Bay Area Homeowners Are Using Solar + Battery Storage to Beat PG&E Rate Hikes

By Solar Technologies | June 4, 2025

Tired of PG&E Rate Hikes and Rising Bills? There’s a Better Way PG&E rates have soared over 40% in the past few years—and they’re not slowing down. For Bay Area homeowners, that means higher monthly bills with little warning and fewer options. But thousands have already found a solution: solar + battery storage. With solar…

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Why 2025 May Be The Best Year To Go Solar In California

By Solar Technologies | June 1, 2025

If You’ve Been Thinking About Solar, Don’t Wait Until The Tax Credit is Gone For years, the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) has made going solar one of the smartest financial moves a California homeowner can make. But if Congress passes the proposed legislation now in play, 2025 could be the last year to…

Solar Panels in California: What to Know Before You Buy in 2025

By Solar Technologies | May 28, 2025

Thinking About Going Solar? Make Sure You Start With the Right Solar Panels – If you’re a Bay Area homeowner considering solar in 2025, you’re not alone. With utility rates rising and tax incentives likely ending this year, more people than ever are looking to take control of their energy bills. But not all solar…

How To Connect Your SunPower Monitoring Device to Wi-Fi

By Solar Technologies | May 10, 2025

Connect your monitoring device to wi-fi The PVS (Photovoltaic Supervisor) is a compact device typically installed in your garage or mounted on an exterior wall. It functions as the central hub of your solar system, collecting performance data and communicating with other tools, including the Sunstrong Monitoring platform. What was previously known as the mySunPower®…

Understanding Solar Inverter Functions & When to Schedule Repairs

By Solar Technologies | April 4, 2025

Your solar system is only as strong as its inverter. Whether you’re using SolarEdge, Enphase, SMA, or Fronius, your inverter plays a crucial role in turning sunlight into usable power for your home. At Solar Technologies, we specialize in solar service and inverter repairs throughout California. In this article, we’ll walk you through how inverters…

The Best Home Battery Storage Options for PG&E Customers in California

By Solar Technologies | April 2, 2025

With California’s transition to the 2025 Net Billing Tariff (NBT), PG&E customers are seeking the best home battery storage solutions to maximize their solar investment. Choosing the right battery can mean greater energy independence, lower electricity bills, and reliable backup power. The top contenders in the market today are Tesla’s Powerwall 3, Enphase’s IQ8 batteries,…