Solar Industry News

How Will California’s Net Energy Metering Policy (NEM 3.0) Affect Home Solar + Storage Customers?

December 29, 2022

On December 15, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) passed the new net metering policy, NEM 3.0. While the…

Charge Your Electric Vehicle From Home

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Charge My Electric Vehicle?

November 14, 2022

Introduction One of the main benefits of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is that it allows you to forgo buying…

The History and Evolution of Our Electric Grid

November 7, 2022

Introduction When you plug in your phone or charge an electric vehicle (EV), your are accessing electricity from the grid.…

Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles

November 2, 2022

Electric cars are excellent for the environment and offer many benefits over traditional vehicles, but they do have some downsides.…

What Are Off-Peak Electricity Hours?

October 27, 2022

Off-Peak Hours: Everything You Need to Know About the Cheapest Time to Use Electricity Electricity is one of the most…

Moving with solar

Moving? How SunPower Helps Homeowners with Their Solar System During Life Changes

October 25, 2022

Buying or selling a home is a big change for any family. There are several things to consider during the…

Understanding Your PG&E Bill, Fees & Rate Schedule

October 15, 2022

If you live in California, there’s a good chance that you’re a customer of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). PG&E…

A Technical Review Of The SunPower SunVault Storage Solution

October 5, 2022

The SunPower SunVault battery storage solution allows you to gain more control over your home energy usage and protect against…

The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) Explained

October 3, 2022

Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, but many people aren’t aware of the tax credits…

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…

Solar Industry News

The Advantages of California Home Solar Energy Systems in 2024: The Future is Radiant

By Solar Technologies | May 22, 2024

Climate change remains a significant global concern that impacts us all. Many countries are actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and one standout solution is solar energy. Sustainable and cost-effective, solar panel technology continues to evolve and pricing continues to improve. Today’s panels are more efficient, durable, and affordable than ever before. In this…

commercial solar panels

Commercial Solar Panels: Costs & Benefits

By Solar Technologies | May 20, 2024

Introduction As the world increasingly shifts its focus towards sustainable energy solutions, commercial solar panels are becoming a pivotal component in the transition. For commercial property owners and business owners in California, understanding the costs and benefits of installing commercial solar panels can be a game-changer. Not only do these panels offer significant financial savings,…

Solar Industry

Can I Install Solar Panels Myself?

By Solar Technologies | May 18, 2024

More Bay Area homeowners are turning to solar to reduce their electricity bills and embrace clean energy. This has also caused the interest in DIY solar panel installation to spike. While installing solar panels yourself might seem like a good idea, you should know what comes with a project like this.  If you’ve wondered, “Can…

Everything You Need to Know About Self-Consumption

By Solar Technologies | May 12, 2024

Self-consumption is becoming increasingly important as more homeowners install solar panels and home batteries. It involves producing and using your own electricity directly at your home or business. As net metering policies evolve, embracing self-consumption still ensures you maximize your solar savings. If you’re powering your home with solar energy, we’ll break down everything you…

How Does the California Solar Mandate Impact Homeowners and Businesses?

By Solar Technologies | May 8, 2024

California is a leader in solar energy production in the United States. The state has taken big steps to use more renewable energy sources through the California Solar Mandate, an initiative for home and business owners who want to enjoy the benefits of solar power. This is timely as the state moves away from fossil…

Self-Consumption Batteries vs. Backup Batteries

By Solar Technologies | May 1, 2024

As solar power becomes a more popular choice for powering homes across the United States, maximizing your solar system’s potential is important. Whether you’re new to solar energy or want to upgrade your system, knowing the different types of solar batteries—self-consumption and backup—can impact how well you manage your home’s energy. In this blog, we’ll…

Understanding Off-Peak Electricity Hours in California

By Solar Technologies | April 18, 2024

As homeowners in Northern California are dealing with rising PG&E utility rates, understanding Time-of-Use (TOU) plans is more important than ever. Unlike traditional flat-rate plans, TOU rates vary based on when electricity is used—dividing the day into peak, off-peak, and sometimes super off-peak hours. This structure can significantly impact your monthly electric bills, with big…

Does New Construction in California Require Solar?

By Solar Technologies | March 22, 2024

California leads the nation in solar energy, consistently topping the Solar Energy Industries Association’s ranking of the best states to install solar panels. This success is fueled by abundant sunshine and forward-thinking state policies like the California Solar Initiative and ambitious renewable energy goals. The state’s solar future shines even brighter with the introduction of…

What Does it Mean to “Stay Behind the Meter?”

By Solar Technologies | March 8, 2024

In the realm of renewable energy, the concept of staying “behind the meter” is changing how we think about electricity generation and consumption. This strategy, rooted in the use of distributed energy sources (DERs) like solar panels and home batteries, empowers homeowners to make, keep, and use your own energy. Staying “behind the meter” represents…

enphase storage

Enphase IQ 5P Battery Review

By Solar Technologies | March 5, 2024

The Enphase IQ 5P Battery is an all-in-one AC-coupled system that pairs solar energy storage with its cutting-edge technology and efficiency. For homeowners who want more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, the IQ 5P is a top home battery option. In our review, we’ll explore the Enphase IQ 5P Battery’s main features, capabilities, and benefits, highlighting…