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…

Home-Battery-Backup-During-Outage

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…

Golden Gate Bridge

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

Commercial Solar ROI - Installation of commercial solar system

Evaluating Commercial Solar ROI, Payback, IRR, and NPV

By Solar Technologies | October 23, 2022

The amount your business can save over the 25 to 30-year lifetime of a commercial solar system depends on many factors, including how you finance it, federal and local incentives and your pre-solar utility rate. Business owners in states like California benefit since the state ranks within the top for available sunshine. How to Determine…

Solar-Panel-Output

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

By Solar Technologies | October 21, 2022

The industry standard for the productive lifetime of a solar panel is 25-30 years. While panels will continue to produce energy for years after the 25-30 year mark, its output will decrease slightly year over year. Most solar panels will offset your electricity use for decades. It’s important to research the solar products you choose…

How to Prepare Your Solar System for Winter Weather

By Solar Technologies | October 19, 2022

Whether you live in a warmer climate where cold weather is touch and go, or you are used to freezing temperatures all season long, you may wonder what you need to do to prep your solar system for the winter. The good news is that a SunPower solar system is low maintenance. However, there are…

Home Battery Complete Review: Tesla Powerwall

By Solar Technologies | October 17, 2022

With its legacy of reimagining existing products (along with the recently announced battery storage incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act), the Tesla Powerwall is in high demand with homeowners throughout California. Powerwall is an integrated battery system that stores the energy generated from your solar panels to power your home during evenings, cloudy days and…

Understanding Your PG&E Bill, Fees & Rate Schedule

By Solar Technologies | 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 is a San Francisco-based company that provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 16 million people in the northern and central regions of California, making it one of the United States’ largest utilities. Here are…

How to Get More Value Out of Your Solar System

By Solar Technologies | October 13, 2022

While generating power from the sun is without cost, the technology behind this process is not. The reality is solar panels are an investment – much like a home – that has an upfront cost but pays off in the long term. The installation of your solar system can be compared to a small construction…

Home With Solar

How Much Energy Do Solar Panels Produce?

By Solar Technologies | October 11, 2022

In today’s market, the vast majority of solar panels produce between 250 and 400 watts of clean energy. On your solar installation quote, you might see a number like 245W, 300W or 345W next to the name of each panel. They all refer to a solar panel’s capacity, power output and wattage. How to Calculate…

How Long Will A Backup Battery Power My Home During An Outage?

By Solar Technologies | October 9, 2022

As power outages, heat waves and wildfires continue to impact California every year, it’s important to know how long a backup battery will power your essential appliances. Depending on the severity of the situation, homeowners can be without power for hours or even days. A high-quality home battery can provide enough power to keep your…

Macy's Solar Array

Commercial Solar Panels: Benefits, Costs and Incentives

By Solar Technologies | October 7, 2022

Commercial solar panel systems can be installed on rooftops, carports and as ground-mounted systems to provide many benefits for property owners. Many corporations with massive manufacturing facilities have expansive, flat roof space that’s perfect for generating clean, affordable solar energy. Let’s take a look at the benefits of installing commercial solar panels for businesses and…

A Technical Review Of The SunPower SunVault Storage Solution

By Solar Technologies | October 5, 2022

The SunPower SunVault battery storage solution allows you to gain more control over your home energy usage and protect against power outages, blackouts and more. By storing excess solar power during the day for use at night or during peak hours, the home battery can also act as a backup power source in case of…