Solar Industry News

Cleaning Solar panels

How to Clean Home Solar Panels

August 19, 2020

  Solar panels produce electricity by capturing the sun’s rays. If a panel’s surface is obscured by an accumulation of…

Benefits of Home Solar Battery

Energy Storage Equals ON Demand Power

July 12, 2020

  California’s wildfire season is expected to arrive earlier than normal this year due to drought conditions and the impacts…

How to Finance a Home Solar System

June 11, 2020

SunPower by Solar Technologies has installed more than 75,000 solar panels and helped thousands of Bay Area homeowners save money…

Looking for a Tax Break? Solar Can Help

May 4, 2020

With the 2020 tax deadline now extended to July 15 due to COVID-19,  home and business owners have some extra…

Shelter-in-Place Energy Saving Tips

April 30, 2020

The Bay Area’s shelter-in-place orders were just extended through May, and after some odd 40 days of this, you may…

commercial solar panels

SunPower by Solar Technologies Named SunPower’s 2019 “Commercial National Dealer of the Year”

April 30, 2020

San Ramon, CA, April 30, 2020 – SunPower by Solar Technologies, a San Ramon-based solar installer, received the SunPower “Commercial…

Do Solar Panels Use Light or Heat to Generate Electricity?

January 31, 2020

Do solar panels use light or heat to generate electricity? Confusion over the impact of heat and light in solar…

California is One Million Solar Rooftops Strong

January 17, 2020

California is One Million Solar Rooftops Strong Today is a landmark day for clean energy in California. Former Governors Arnold…

SunPower’s New Path Ensures Customers Continue to Come First

January 3, 2020

SunPower’s New Path Ensures Customers Continue to Come First SunPower, our solar panel provider, recently announced that it is separating…

Solar at a Megawatt a Minute

December 27, 2019

Solar at a Megawatt a Minute When we introduced Instant Design at Google Next ’19 in San Francisco, we wanted…

Solar Industry News

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,…

Solar And Battery Storage Can Protect Bay Area PG&E Customers From Rising Energy Costs

By Solar Technologies | January 10, 2025

If you’re a PG&E customer in the Bay Area, you’ve likely noticed the strain of rising energy costs on your monthly bills. Combined with the increasing likelihood of power outages, it’s clear why many Bay Area residents are searching for solutions to take back control of their energy usage. There’s good news, though. Solar energy,…

Should California Homeowners Switch to Solar in 2025

By Solar Technologies | January 1, 2025

With California’s push for renewable energy and the increasing emphasis on sustainability, many homeowners are wondering whether 2025 might be the ideal time to install home solar panels. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if switching to solar is right for you. Why California is Leading the Way in Solar Energy California has…

Solar Roof Installation

Removing and Reinstalling Solar Panels: Process and Costs Explained

By Solar Technologies | November 10, 2024

Going solar is a long-term investment with numerous benefits, but maintenance over the years is inevitable. Solar panels typically last 25 years or more, and during that time, you may need to remove and reinstall your solar panels to perform essential roof repairs, upgrade your solar system, or conduct other home projects. Here’s a detailed…

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

By Solar Technologies | 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 significant role in determining the value of the solar power you generate and share with the grid. While the specifics can vary, there are some key aspects of avoided cost rates that all solar customers…

How Does PG&E Net Metering Work?

By Solar Technologies | October 3, 2024

Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) net metering program allows customers with grid-tied solar to earn credits for the excess electricity generated by their solar system. While these credits can be applied during times when your solar system isn’t generating enough power to meet your electricity demands, it’s important to note that you should not rely…

Home-Battery-Backup-During-Outage

Navigating PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS): What Bay Area Customers Need to Know

By Solar Technologies | September 30, 2024

Overview of PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Program PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) program is a critical initiative aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires in California. The program involves proactively shutting off power to specific areas during extreme weather conditions to prevent electrical equipment from sparking fires. While these measures are designed…

Golden Gate Bridge

Why Now Is the Perfect Time for San Francisco Area Homeowners to Invest in Solar Energy

By Solar Technologies | August 25, 2024

The Bay Area is known for its progressive, eco-conscious community and beautiful natural landscapes. Now, more than ever, San Francisco homeowners have the perfect opportunity to invest in solar energy. This blog explores why installing solar panels on your home is a smart decision both financially and environmentally. Significant Financial Savings Reduced Monthly Electricity Bills…

Battery Storage 101: Understanding How Storage Keeps Your Lights On During Outages

By Solar Technologies | August 15, 2024

In today’s world, where energy security and sustainability are paramount, understanding battery storage systems is becoming increasingly important. Whether you’re a homeowner, a renewable energy enthusiast, or someone looking to enhance your energy independence, battery storage offers a reliable solution for maintaining power during outages. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of battery storage,…

Unlocking the Potential of Peak-Shaving with Solar and Battery Storage

By Solar Technologies | August 5, 2024

In the golden state of California, especially for PG&E customers, managing electricity costs can be challenging. With fluctuating energy prices and peak demand charges, many homeowners are seeking effective strategies to reduce their utility bills. Many are exploring peak-shaving options with solar and battery storage. What is Peak-Shaving? Peak-shaving involves reducing the amount of electricity…