Solar Industry News

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…

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…

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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…

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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…

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…

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…

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Solar Renewable Energy Credits in California

By Solar Technologies | July 20, 2024

In the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) have emerged as a powerful tool for…

Understanding the Domestic Content Bonus for Commercial Solar Projects in California

By Solar Technologies | July 18, 2024

What is the Domestic Content Adder?  In May 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS)…

Understanding the Energy Community Bonus for Commercial Solar Projects in California

By Solar Technologies | July 15, 2024

Unlock Extra Benefits for Your Commercial Solar Energy Project Are you considering a solar energy project for your business? The…

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…