Solar Industry News

What’s the Best Orientation and Angle to Install My Solar Panels?

September 20, 2022

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels on your roof, you might be surprised at how many variables can affect…

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Honored with SunPower 2017 “Commercial Regional Dealer of the Year” Award

March 25, 2018

  Solar Technologies, a Santa Cruz based solar installer, has received the SunPower “Commercial Regional Dealer of the Year” award…

Solar Industry News

Home With Solar

How To Reduce Energy Usage Before & After Solar Installation

By Solar Technologies | February 18, 2023

Laying the Groundwork If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, it’s helpful to prepare the rest of your home to support a solar system and maximize your savings. The best place to start is by making your home more energy efficient and reducing unnecessary energy usage prior to your solar installation. To get started, find…

Federal Solar Tax Credits for Businesses

By Solar Technologies | February 16, 2023

Introduction Businesses that power their facilities with solar energy can take advantage of federal tax credits to offset their installation costs. In this article, we’ll provide valuable information about federal solar tax credits for businesses. Business Tax Credits Overview There are two tax credits available for businesses, nonprofits, and local governments:  The Investment Tax Credit…

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6 Important Factors to Consider When Evaluating a Solar Loan

By Solar Technologies | February 15, 2023

If you’re thinking of installing solar panels on your home, it’s important to understand the different types of loans available. With more lenders and loan options available than ever, finding one that’s right for you can be difficult – especially if you’re not sure what to look for. To navigate this process, it’s important to…

What is a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?

By Solar Technologies | February 13, 2023

If you live in California, you’ve likely heard about (and probably experienced) PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). This program involves intentionally cutting off power to certain areas in order to reduce the risk of wildfires. While the intention is noble, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for home and business owners affected by it.…

What You Can Do To Combat Climate Change

By Solar Technologies | February 8, 2023

As a society, we’ve already seen the negative effects of climate change, from flash floods to prolonged heat waves. While these events are happening more frequently, it’s not too late to take action and make a positive impact on the environment. If we make more conscious choices in our daily lives, we can reduce our…

How Businesses Can Benefit From Solar Panel Installation

By Solar Technologies | February 1, 2023

Many expenses come your way as a business owner, but one that’s likely to affect your bottom line is the cost of electricity. When you’re reliant on the power grid, your business is subject to electric rate fluctuations and sudden price increases. It might be time to consider a more reliable, cost-effective and beneficial energy…

The 5 Best Electric Vehicles by Range

By Solar Technologies | January 26, 2023

One of the biggest concerns people have when considering an electric vehicle is the fear of running out of charge, better known as “range anxiety.” But, you don’t have to worry as much as you think. With the recent advancements in battery technology, electric vehicles (EVs) now have longer ranges and are more affordable than…

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How Much Electricity Does a Refrigerator Use?

By Solar Technologies | January 16, 2023

Introduction On average, refrigerators consume between 300 and 800 watts of electricity, depending on the age of the model. Most refrigerators use between 3 and 6 amps and operate at around 120 volts. In addition to being one of the largest appliances in your home, your fridge is always on, making energy efficiency a key…

Are There Different Types of Solar Cells?

By Solar Technologies | January 13, 2023

It may seem obvious to say, but not all solar cells are the same. From the type of silicon used to the design of the solar cell, there are many aspects that determine the efficiency and durability of solar panels. It can be a bit overwhelming to understand what’s out there and what’s right for…

Understanding Your Solar System Performance with the mySunPower® App

By Solar Technologies | January 11, 2023

Performance monitoring is a crucial but often overlooked part of owning a solar or solar + storage system. After installation, it’s normal to be curious about whether your SunPower® solar power system is working properly and how much energy it’s producing. Here’s what you need to know about monitoring your system using mySunPower. What is…