Solar Industry News

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5 real reasons to adopt green business practices

By p15 | April 11, 2018

Why should businesses go green? A Houston Chronicle article points out five reasons why green business practices can be beneficial to…

Residential Solar

Solar power today and tomorrow

By p15 | April 9, 2018

Solar power is one of the most efficient yet clean sources of energy we have access to. There are no…

green building

What exactly is green building?

By p15 | April 7, 2018

This day and age, you hear everyone talking about going green. Whether you want to admit it or not, at some…

solar panels

Go paperless: 5 tips for reducing your business’s dependence on paper

By p15 | April 4, 2018

Thinking about reducing your business’s carbon footprint? Looking for ways to hit your organization’s sustainability goals? An article from Sustainable Cities…

Solar Installation

The 4 phases of a commercial solar panel installation

By p15 | April 2, 2018

When you’re first investigating the possibility of implementing a commercial solar installation, the future looks bright. It’s exciting to think…

RFP Solar Technologies

How to create a highly-effective solar RFP

By p15 | March 31, 2018

Most public entities and some large corporations must initiate solar projects through a formal process. They send out a request…

Residential Solar

What to expect when you go solar: 4 stages to completing a new commercial solar installation

By p15 | March 29, 2018

Your organization has committed to going solar. Now what? While you may have experience with other types of construction projects,…

Solar Technologies Solar Panels

Investigating how to go solar? Expect solar companies to ask you these 7 questions

By p15 | March 27, 2018

When you’re ready to discuss how to go solar with photovoltaic (PV) solar system providers, you should also be ready to answer…

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

By p15 | 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

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…

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15 Top Energy-Saving Strategies for the New Year

By Solar Technologies | February 14, 2024

With California’s sunny skies and mild climate, more homeowners are turning to clean energy solutions and other renewable energy sources to power their homes and businesses. This shift is part of a broader effort to reduce energy usage, save on their energy bill, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Here are 15 energy-saving ways to maximize your…

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Title 24 California Solar Mandates: Empowering Homeowners with Sustainable Energy Solutions

By Solar Technologies | February 10, 2024

California is leading the way to a greener future by making solar energy production more common across the state and introducing mandates to encourage ongoing solar adoption. Title 24 solar mandates were  put in place by the California Energy Commission as a series of policies to help reshape energy consumption across the state. Despite the…

Enphase IQ Battery 5P

Introducing the Enphase IQ Battery 5P: The Future of Home Energy Storage

By Solar Technologies | February 7, 2024

The Enphase IQ Battery 5P is a big step forward in solar energy, designed to meet the needs of California homeowners. The Enphase IQ Battery 5P isn’t just a battery; it’s a gateway to energy independence, efficiency, and reliability. This all-in-one AC-coupled home battery offers double the continuous power and triple the peak power compared…

How Much Electricity Does a Computer Use?

By Solar Technologies | January 17, 2024

Computers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, both for personal use and work-related tasks. For many California homeowners, understanding the energy consumption of these devices is important, especially when considering the rising costs of electricity. In this article, we’ll review the specifics of how much electricity a computer uses, the associated costs,…

kilowatts

What is the Difference Between Watts, Kilowatts, and Kilowatt-Hours?

By Solar Technologies | January 8, 2024

In the realm of solar panels and energy consumption, understanding the units that measure the electricity generated is important. As homeowners in California increasingly turn to solar energy systems to harness the sun’s power, it’s essential to know the basics of electricity. In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between watts, kilowatts, and kilowatt-hours. What…

Understanding Electric Rates & How Solar Can Help California Residents Save

By Solar Technologies | December 26, 2023

In the world of renewable energy, solar power has a popular clean energy option for many homeowners in California. But how much can solar actually save you each month?With rising electricity rates in the Golden State, the quest for a sustainable and cost-effective alternative has never been more pressing. This article will review the benefits…