Energy Storage in California: Rebates & Incentives
Are you a California homeowner who’s interested in using a solar storage battery system with your panels? Well, 2021 is your year. You now have more incentives to install a solar battery than ever before. The state’s top energy storage rebate incentive program, the SGIP, underwent a major overhaul recently that makes it easier for residents to save money on battery installation. Selling excess power back to the grid isn’t the only way homeowners can see a return on their energy investment. With this program, homeowners with a solar system have the opportunity to expand their system to include storage [...]
Pros And Cons of Going Off the Grid
As electricity costs rise higher and higher, the idea of completely cutting ties with your electric company may sound more and more attractive. Going solar is a big step toward greater savings on your utilities, but for some, going off the grid is the ultimate goal. If you’re a home or business owner who’s made the switch to solar, is going off the grid the right choice for you? Freedom from electric bills and being totally autonomous when it comes to energy needs are worthy goals, but there are factors you may want to consider before making an informed decision. [...]
From Signing to Savings: 5 Steps to Switch to Solar
So, you’ve made the decision to switch to solar. Congratulations! You are just five steps away from soaking in all of the benefits that solar power can bring. As your installer, Synergy Power will be coordinating and taking care of the majority of the project. But understanding the process yourself will give you a good grasp on what to expect along the way. Step 1: Site Evaluation Before you sign your installation contract, your home will be assessed for solar panels. The initial assessment will determine your daily electrical usage, the [...]
Solar Tax Credit Extended: Act Now
In December 2020, Congress passed an economic stimulus package to help relieve the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in that package was a two-year extension to the federal solar Investment Tax Credit* (ITC). Originally set to phase out in 2022, the ITC is now available until 2024. That may seem like a long way off, but if you want to take full advantage of this tax credit extension, now is the time for action. What Is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)? The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal tax credit for a percentage of the purchase cost of [...]
A Light of Hope
It’s the season to be thankful—and we’re thankful for so many things. We’re thankful for the California sunshine that powers our homes and businesses. We’re thankful for our wonderful team, who have worked tirelessly through the ups and downs to keep us powering through 2021. And we’re thankful for the opportunity to build a better future. But most importantly, we’re thankful for you, our solar family. Your shining commitment to becoming energy independent, reducing our collective CO2 emissions, and conserving our environment is a much-needed beacon of hope. You truly light up our lives. So from all of us to [...]
Manage Your Power Better than Ever
Going solar means more than slapping some panels on your roof. You need a system that can manage your power needs in any situation—and keep you moving in the right direction. That’s why the SolarEdge Energy Hub inverter is the perfect complement to your . Here are three reasons why this inverter outshines the competition: #1: Live, detailed production and consumption monitoring. Seeing is saving. Use the SolarEdge energy meter to get detailed metrics about your energy consumption in real time. #2: Flexibility to expand your power network. Do you have a battery backup, an electric vehicle, and a generator? [...]
Solar Panels for Every Type of Roof
Lots of solar companies won’t install solar panels on special roofs. Why? The sad answer is sheer laziness! Contrary to popular belief, solar panels can be installed on a wide variety of roofs. But lots of solar companies turn away business from customers with anything but composite roofs. That's because special roofs, such as Torch Down, S-Tile, and Metal Tile, need a different type of racking system than the standard composition shingles. The work might take a bit more planning, effort, and time to install solar panels on a unique roof, and it does require alternative materials than a standard [...]
The (Solar) Train Is Leaving the Station
Get Your NEM-2 Status before It’s Too Late Big changes are ahead in the solar market... and they’re not good for consumers. NEM—net energy metering—is a program for solar owners to supply clean energy to the electric grid and sell over-produced power to the utility companies. But PG&E doesn’t like paying solar customers for stored power. The utility giant has lobbied for changes to this program, fighting to keep its stranglehold on consumers. The result is NEM-3, a new energy metering program that will alter PG&E's financial obligations to solar owners selling stored power. And, if history is any judge, [...]
Should You Buy or Lease Your Solar Panels?
One of the most important decisions to make when switching to solar energy is whether you should buy or lease your solar panels. There are clear benefits to both, but understanding their differences is crucial to determining which choice is right for you. Buying Solar Panels in Northern California The long-term value of a solar energy system largely depends on how it’s financed. Buying your system outright or acquiring a solar loan will yield the most savings. Typically, a solar system will cost between $15,000--$30,000. You can purchase it outright, or with a $0 down solar loan, pay for [...]
Moving On: Transferring Ownership of Your Monitoring System
If you're buying or selling a solar-powered property, you need to transfer ownership of the monitoring system. Don't worry: transferring ownership of a monitoring system is simple when you have the know-how. Synergy Power can help you check this item off your to-do list. Each monitoring platform has a different approach to transferring ownership. Enphase, for instance, requires you to work directly with them, charging a $199 transfer fee and an additional $50 for an inspection report. SolarEdge, on the other hand, does not charge the homeowner a transfer fee. For Synergy Power customers, transferring ownership can be done directly [...]
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