Solar Power. Renewable and Safe Solar power is a topic that has been on trend for many years now. Solar power is versatile. It has numerous uses and saves a lot of money at the same time. Solar panels are being used not only in industries but also for our homes. Many bay area solar companies [...]
The triple bottom line (TBL) framework is gaining popularity as more and more companies implement sustainable business strategies. Focusing on people, planet and profits—instead of just profits alone—can lead to a number of potentially unexpected benefits that extend beyond corporate social responsibility. This infographic provides a triple bottom line definition and explains how businesses are using it to measure [...]
Home Solar Panel Maintenance Tips “Don’t solar panels need a lot of maintenance?” Solar Technologies gets this question from homeowners regularly, and it’s understandable given that no one wants to worry about climbing up on a roof to care for their solar panels. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, so the cleaner your panels are, the [...]
SunPower® E-Series and X-Series Direct Current (DC) solar panels are now Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver. The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ designation is a great accomplishment for any product, but we’re especially honored that our E-Series and X-Series DC solar panels, manufactured around the world, are the world’s first to receive this distinction. The principles for certification include sourcing materials [...]
Our “Beneficial by Design” Philosophy SunPower has a closed-loop sustainability strategy that drives our business practices at every stage of our product lifecycle and beyond, extending to our employees and communities around the world. SOURCING: We proactively work with socially equitable and environmentally vigilant suppliers, and we regularly assess our supply chain for compatible eco-friendly practices. MATERIALS: We [...]
As you evaluate your solar panel options, you may come across the term “solar panel efficiency.” But what does that phrase really mean? How much does solar panel efficiency really matter in the long run? Is it the only thing, or are there other characteristics of commercial solar panels to be aware of when evaluating and comparing [...]
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) are a specialized form of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that allow organizations to track—and potentially profit from—the amount of clean, renewable energy produced by commercial solar power systems. SRECs exist in states that have specific mandates for generating solar energy. The more electricity produced, the more Solar Renewable Energy Credits issued. [...]
You know that a solar energy system will change how you power your home. But have you taken the time to think about the ways solar will change your life? There May Be Financial Rewards As soon as your solar system for your home is turned on, you start generating your own electricity from the sun. [...]
For 19 years we've helped Bay Area home and business owners save big with solar. With the price of electricity in California, a solar installation is going to save you a bunch depending on the following factors. Size of your current utility bill How much sun exposure you get on your roof. South facing roofs supply [...]
Going Solar? What Type of Panels Should You Choose? Some solar companies say the type of panels on your roof doesn’t matter because you are only buying the energy they produce. But when you’re making such an important investment in your home — whether you lease your solar system or buy it — quality and performance [...]
8 things sustainable businesses care about If you’ve ever wondered “What is sustainability?” when it comes to business, this infographic can help. It shows eight of the most common things companies focus on when they implement sustainable business practices. Business and sustainability can coexist. And businesses are finding that focusing on corporate responsibility enables them to [...]
New SunPower® Oasis® Power Plant: Using Drones, Robots and Design to Optimize Solar Power Plants In 1997, Garry Kasparov was defeated in a six-game chess match by IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer, marking the first time that a reigning world chess champion had lost a match to a computer. While humans put up a valiant fight over [...]
Federal Solar Tax Credit Being Reduced after 2019 With the onset of this new year there is an important solar update that homeowners should be aware of. After 2019, the Federal Solar Tax Credit will be going down. The Federal Solar Tax Credit (also known as the Investment Tax Credit or ITC) will go from 30% [...]
From solar panel cleaners to combat mules: The 5 coolest robots working in America today Say the word “robot” to any man, woman or child and they’ll probably conjure up images straight out of science fiction. Robots haven’t exactly enjoyed good PR since their public debut in 1939, and for a very human reason: We don’t [...]
How long will Congress protect tax credits for renewables and EVs? Recent statements from the White House and U.S. senators have created a growing level of uncertainty around the duration of federal tax credits for renewable energy sources and electric vehicles (EVs). At stake are several elements of the clean energy policy put into place during [...]
It's Easy To Pay For Your Solar System. Last week, Green Tech Media reported that for the first time in years, more new solar customers chose ownership of their system over a solar lease. Why are so many solar customers choosing to own their solar system, and which way is right for you? Let’s look at [...]
If your organization's going solar, you're automatically launching two long-term business partnerships. The first will be with the solar company that plans and builds your photovoltaic (PV) solar system. That partnership is going to start with the ongoing interactions that will take place during the solar installation process. Your other long-term partner will be the local utility. [...]
CARTOON: Well, that’s one way of installing battery storage for solar power Wondering how to implement battery storage for solar power, or whether it even makes sense for your organization? Solar energy storage is a rapidly developing clean energy technology, so there’s a lot to keep up with. It doesn’t look like the gentleman in [...]
SunPower Solar Cells are Winners on the Racing Circuit Recently the solar airplane Solar Impulse 2 broke a world record flying around the world using SunPower® solar cells. But what about powering something a little closer to the ground? We’ve done that, too, energizing the dreams of competitive solar racecar teams. SunPower gives teams, often comprised of college students [...]
Photo By Ellen Lomonico, Education Coordinator, SunPower Horizon® Program, and Renee Solari, Senior Program Manager Educational Services SunPower Solar Academy Inspires Eagle Scout Airport Project What do you get when you combine a SunPower® solar panel, a passion for aviation and an extremely motivated Boy Scout? A beacon of solar innovation that (literally) lights up the night! Tyler [...]
This October marked the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, the record-setting “superstorm” that wrecked parts of New York and New Jersey, and there is always the looming question: “What if it happens again?" The 2018/2019 storm season is expected to be slightly more active than average, and it’s only a matter of time before a new storm takes over [...]
How to Choose a Good Solar Company Are you searching for Bay Area solar companies? No matter if you require electricity, solar panels or similar items can allow you to find solar power solution for your home or business. Here is the right guide offered to assist you to meet your requirements. There are a number [...]
Solar Technologies: Lighting and Brightening Lives Saving with solar is perhaps the most energy efficient way one can help in preserving Mother Earth. As our natural energy resources continue to become extinct the emergence of an alternative resource is highly needed. Solar power fills the gap perfectly. The energy of the sun is imperishable and will [...]
Funding commercial solar projects: How to get that photovoltaic new car smell Not so long ago your choice for financing a new solar energy system was simple—come up with the money to pay for it. Today, the solar industry is more financially sophisticated, offering a number of different ways to make this renewable energy resource a [...]
Property Assessed Clean Energy financing or "PACE" can make it easier for owners of commercial, industrial, multifamily and nonprofit properties to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for renewable energy projects. Your business or organization can apply for 100 percent financing for clean energy improvements such as installing solar. (The program is also available to homeowners in California, Florida and [...]
Commercial Solar Battery Storage 101 Battery storage for solar power is an emerging clean energy technology that is starting to take hold. By helping to reduce the costs of energy usage in business, solar energy storage is becoming more common than ever. This infographic provides an entry-level overview of commercial solar storage and explains how it [...]
What’s The Best Renewable Energy For You? You want your company to use renewable energy, but you don’t have a clue about your options or how to weigh them. Don’t worry. It’s an increasingly common challenge as renewables gain in popularity. There are seven main types of commercial renewable energy. All of them reinforce sustainable business practices, but—just [...]
Why companies are adopting sustainable business practices Have you ever wondered about the benefits of going green in the workplace? This infographic illustrates some of the reasons why businesses are developing a green business strategy. From attracting an ever-increasing number of customers who are adopting sustainable lifestyles, to improving brand reputation—more and more companies are discovering [...]
Solar Energy Uses in Your Daily Life Solar energy has been known as being one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy, today. Solar Technologies are giving more homes the solar energy options to save up on their electricity and utility bills. ‘Going Green’ is one of the initiatives that has been promoted to inform people about [...]
4 ways to pay for commercial solar If you’re an organization wondering how to pay for solar, this is a great place to start. Commercial solar financing is a big part of the decision-making process as businesses investigate how to go solar, and this infographic can help. Want to know about the pros and cons of leasing [...]
Learn about battery storage for commercial solar power In the last few years, commercial battery storage technology has advanced rapidly—making solar battery storage a practical option for many organizations. This video explains how to lower electricity costs using battery storage to reduce utility demand charges. Watch and see if a commercial battery storage solution might make [...]
Solar Project Helps YMCA of San Diego County Offer More Services The YMCA has happily discovered what many other school, nonprofit and government solar customers know well: When you save money with solar, your organization can pass on those savings to the public by expanding services. The YMCA of San Diego County, which recently had nearly [...]
Our Commercial Solar Services Expertise To Handle Any Challenge At Solar Technologies we've been developing, installing and servicing complex commercial energy systems for years and have the expertise, personnel and: Power Management Consulting Electricity has become a considerable operating cost with complex utility rate structures. We can help you assess your usage and billing data and [...]
We all know that the demand for energy and energy production is increasing day by day. All the companies are in a race and are trying to produce the most amount of energy while coming up with better technologies for it. There are many sources of energy. Some can be directly utilized while others may have [...]
SunPower by Solar Technologies, a SunPower Master Dealer in Northern California, announces the opening of a third location in Campbell, CA. Bringing Solar Expertise and Local, Personalized Customer Service to Campbell Homeowners Campbell, CA, August 16, 2018 – Solar Technologies, a Bay Area based solar dealer, has added a third location to serve homeowners in the [...]
As goes California, so goes the nation. That’s a common refrain from those who recognize the forward thinking that the West Coast is known for, especially when it comes to securing a clean energy future. In the last year, under the leadership of Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Legislature, California has set the bar high, pioneering climate [...]
California’s decision to require solar on virtually all new homes starting in 2020 sets a remarkable example for our nation when it comes to reducing fossil fuel emissions that pollute our air and contribute to global warming. Unanimously approved by the California Energy Commission, the decision is expected to have a massive impact on the demand [...]
There’s no question about it, studies have proven most Americans agree that renewable energy is crucial to our future. In addition, while electricity rates across the country continue to increase, solar panels become more affordable and viable than ever. Yet, at a time when green technology is gaining popularity and prices are decreasing, one question still [...]
Energy security is an increasingly critical issue for the U.S. military. One way to stabilize the U.S. electrical grid in vulnerable areas is to deploy solar-powered microgrids, according to a new report from Michigan Technological University (MTU). Solar microgrids can enhance energy security by localizing power production and preventing cascading blackouts. The U.S. military already has [...]
The expansion of community solar across the U.S. is bringing solar power—and its many benefits—to a number of individuals and businesses who might otherwise not be able to participate. Not so long ago, installing solar panels on your rooftop or undeveloped property was the only way to access solar-generated electricity. If you were unable (or lacked [...]
When it comes to providing corporate renewable energy on the scale needed to attract big businesses, not all states are created equal. In a recent GreenBiz article, an analyst for the World Resource Institute cites nearly half of Fortune 500 companies are pursuing sustainability or renewable energy goals. How quickly they reach those goals depends in part [...]
Company “annual meeting season” is the perfect time for organizations to evaluate how well corporate sustainability is being addressed... or how much more attention is required. Most corporations recognize that ignoring renewable energy goals is not an option. But many others still may not know what they don’t know. A recent article published by GreenBiz suggests it is up to a well-informed board of [...]
Unless you’re an electrician or an experienced DIYer, if you want to switch to solar you’re not just going to buy solar panels for your roof. You’re going to choose a solar installation company for your home that you can trust. It’s crucial that you pick the right solar installation contractor to install your solar system [...]
If you’re thinking about investing in a new commercial solar panel installation, you’re in good company. Private businesses, public entities (like government agencies), and educational institutions of all shapes and sizes benefit from this clean, renewable source of electricity every day. But is a commercial solar system the right solution for you? Answering the questions [...]
From Peru to Punjab, the benefits of solar power energy in the developing world are helping to reshape national views on renewable energy development. An article in The Economist highlights the recent expansion of global solar capacity due to an increase in solar panel installations. It cites several examples that illustrate how solar power is “hitting its stride” across [...]
For the first time, global energy markets in many parts of the developing world are registering solar power as the cheapest form of new electricity for renewable energy investment opportunities. The milestone is noteworthy as these lower solar prices do not include government subsidies or other financial support. This trending reduction in the price of solar [...]
Working toward energy efficiency is most successful when approached collectively. While energy managers may head the team exploring how to reduce energy costs in business, it’s an overall group effort that yields the best results. That’s the overarching message in a recent article published by Smart Energy Decisions, which describes how increasing employee engagement improves the chances of reaching corporate [...]
In the not-so-distant past, the main benefit of commercial solar adoption was rooted in affecting environmental change. Early photovoltaic (PV) technology adopters saw it as a potential solution to what had become a global energy crisis. And for that, they were called hippies, tree-huggers and any number of pejorative environmentalist monikers. But they didn’t care. They [...]
Many consumers who are thinking about going solar have heard the term “net metering” but aren’t sure what it means. What is Net Metering? Put simply, net metering is a utility billing mechanism available in most states that offers a credit to residential and business customers who are making excess electricity with their solar panel systems [...]
Making the decision to go solar isn’t something you do in a day. And it certainly shouldn’t be done without a thorough evaluation and careful assessment of both the pros and cons. To help get you started, we’ve put together three of the top advantages—and disadvantages—of pursuing a path toward investing in a commercial solar energy [...]
“Without enough water, you can’t have power; without enough power, you can’t have water.” The relationship between water and energy production is extremely close and co-dependent. It takes a massive amount of water to generate energy, and it takes a huge quantity of energy to process water that can be utilized by humans for drinking and [...]
As the cost of renewable energy becomes more competitive with fossil fuel cost, it may be the perfect time for fossil fuel divestment (aka divestiture). An article in The Guardian argues that energy investors could be at a tipping point when it comes to investment in renewables. Historically, the case for corporate sustainability has focused on improving public perception [...]
At the individual installation level, it's rather obvious that commercial solar energy systems have positive impact on the environment—instead of using electricity generated by fossil fuels, your business utilizes clean, renewable energy from a limitless resource (the sun). But a recent article in The Atlantic takes a step back and evaluates solar as a whole, presenting [...]
Whenever we choose solar energy power system, we consider only two options. First is on-grid and second is off-grid solar energy system. Both these systems are helpful to you in times when you have ample of sunlight. As soon as the sun is less bright, in night or in rainy seasons, these systems are not helpful [...]
If you’re thinking about investing in a new commercial solar panel installation, you’re in good company. Private businesses, public entities (like government agencies), and educational institutions of all shapes and sizes benefit from this clean, renewable source of electricity every day. But is a commercial solar system the right solution for you? Answering the questions [...]
Trying to find ways to hit your corporate sustainability goals and reduce costs at the same time? A recent survey tells us that many of your peers are considering lower-cost renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, to help them to do just that. With energy costs on the rise, facility managers who want [...]
How does a solar panel system work? The basic science is simple: light equals energy. But that doesn’t explain how that sphere of hot plasma in the sky is going to power your building. So let’s start with the basics: how a solar panel system works. Then we’ll talk about all of the ways your business [...]
Step 1: Learn more Become a thought leader on installing solar Understanding the pieces and considerations of a commercial solar installation will help you make the best decision for your company. Learning the basic system components is a good first step: Solar panels – Absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity Inverter – Converts power [...]
Solar power is a great renewable energy source—and it’s also more affordable than you might think. With so many users across the world, solar energy technology continues to become more efficient and cost-effective. According to Jelor Gallego’s article in Futurism, countries such as India and China, among others, are now confidently investing in solar power. From the [...]
Although investing in renewable energy and other sustainability efforts can benefit a business in many ways, you may want to make sure it’s the right decision for your company’s bottom line before going ahead. In an effort to show corporate social responsibility, many investors push for the adoption of business sustainability strategies. But some [...]
Consumers who are considering going solar often ask us if Solar Technologies solar panels can withstand all that Mother Nature might bring to the rooftops of their homes or businesses. We’re glad they’re doing their homework because not all solar is alike. During our company’s 30-year history our collaborations with solar pioneers such as NASA have [...]
Why should businesses go green? A Houston Chronicle article points out five reasons why green business practices can be beneficial to your company. “Going green” at work—or adopting environmentally friendly business practices—is not just a trend, but also a way for socially responsible companies to benefit from a host of advantages. The article points to plusses such [...]
Solar power is one of the most efficient yet clean sources of energy we have access to. There are no increased fuel costs or dependencies, no ties to pollutants, and it’s both reliable and affordable. Of course, in order to harness solar power you need access to specific technology. This tech relies on either small-scale solar [...]
This day and age, you hear everyone talking about going green. Whether you want to admit it or not, at some point everyone will have to follow with the green movement. This is because at the rate we are going, the earth is simply not sustainable. That means that over the years, we will begin to run [...]
Thinking about reducing your business’s carbon footprint? Looking for ways to hit your organization’s sustainability goals? An article from SustainableCitiesCollective tells how leading businesses are doing just that by focusing on reducing the amount of paper they use. Keeping cardboard boxes stamped with those green recycling logos in your hallways is not going to cut it. Today’s sustainability [...]
When you’re first investigating the possibility of implementing a commercial solar installation, the future looks bright. It’s exciting to think about the energy cost savings and the environmental and social benefits this clean, renewable resource will bring to your organization. But that’s someday, not today. At this point, having made a commitment to go [...]
Most public entities and some large corporations must initiate solar projects through a formal process. They send out a request for proposal (RFP) and evaluate competitive bids before selecting a vendor for the job. If your organization plans to create a solar RFP, know that the quality and specificity of the proposals you receive will most [...]
Your organization has committed to going solar. Now what? While you may have experience with other types of construction projects, taking part in a new commercial solar installation may seem like uncharted territory. This business brief offers a road map of what to expect on your journey from signing the contract to flipping the “on” switch [...]
When you’re ready to discuss how to go solar with photovoltaic (PV) solar system providers, you should also be ready to answer some key questions. Your potential partners in clean energy aren’t trying to be nosey—they’re simply attempting to collect basic information that will help determine the best solar power options to meet your organization’s unique requirements. [...]
Solar Technologies, a Santa Cruz based solar installer, has received the SunPower “Commercial Regional Dealer of the Year” award for its outstanding performance as a SunPower dealer in 2017. “Earning SunPower’s 2017 ‘Commercial Regional Dealer of the Year’ award for our success delivering the world’s highest efficiency solar systems and superior customer service to business [...]
Solar incentives, policies and advocacy: 5 info-packed sites to save and share As you might imagine, there’s a ton of solar information available to business leaders, but where to begin? We’ve handpicked five great sites that offer insight into the latest solar incentives and policies, in addition to the activism that’s shaping them both. Whether you’re [...]
What is Renewable Energy and How Does It Work? Have you been wondering what “renewable energy” really means? Renewable energy sources are literally found in sunlight, in the air, deep underground and in our oceans. They are part of the planet’s physical structure, which means they are constantly being renewed by natural means. They simply cannot run out. [...]
As we’ve seen, there are a number of important characteristics to consider when making a solar panel decision for your business. One of the most critical is understanding the degradation rate of the solar panels you’re evaluating, how it compares among manufacturers, and what impact solar panel degradation can have on your organization’s bottom line. What do the [...]
If you’ve been wary about the financial impact of going solar, you’ll be glad to know that it’s never been more affordable. In fact, there are some real financial benefits to commercial solar. An EnergySage article debunks the notion that you need to have deep pockets to invest in solar energy while calling it a “key strategic decision that [...]
Net metering (also known as net energy metering or NEM) is a billing arrangement that allows businesses and individuals generating their own electricity to deliver unused energy back to their local power grid and get credited back for its retail price. While it’s a simple concept, it can lead to complex questions: Are all net metering [...]
More and more businesses are going solar. But are solar systems worth it or even a good investment for you? Understanding the true value of any business decision requires that you weigh the total benefit against the total cost. Evaluating potential solar solutions and determining the overall return on your investment goes well beyond a simple [...]
