Get the Facts on Your True-Up Bill
DON'T BE LEFT IN THE DARK If you’re invested in home solar energy, you know that one of the best perks is not having to deal with a monthly power bill. And while going solar is easy, understanding your annual true-up bill can be intimidating. The true-up bill is an annual statement from PG&E showing how much grid power you used over the past 12 months—and how much power you put back into the grid. Depending on the difference, you may have to pay PG&E a reduced rate for the times you used their electricity… or, if you’ve sent [...]
The Pros and Cons of DIY Solar in 2022
“I can do it myself.” It’s a phrase repeated since childhood; a mantra for independent thinkers and DIYers. But is it the right mindset when it comes to installing a solar energy system? There are advantages and drawbacks to going solo for a solar installation. Make sure you’ve got the big picture before you decide for yourself. The Draw of DIY Every professional construction project comes with considerable added labor costs. DIY enthusiasts seeking to keep those costs in check often learn trade skills through online tutorials or experienced friends and family. Instead of putting up funds, they invest “sweat [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]
Free Solar Panels in Northern California … Too Good To Be True?
For homeowners in Northern California, rising costs have been the only consistent thing about their energy bill. Electric bills have skyrocketed, rising nearly 8% in 2020. As a result, solar companies have become more attractive to residents in Livermore and beyond. Many are saying just the thing homeowners want to hear: FREE. Free solar panels. Free energy. But is it really free? The Cost of Free Solar Panels The plain truth is nothing in business is truly free. Solar companies are a business and, like all businesses, they need to make money. While free energy is the end result [...]
The Truth about Free Solar
You’ve probably been told a hundred times that nothing in life is free. How can going solar be any different? Not only is it an exception to this rule—you really can get solar for free—but you can save money now and eliminate your entire electricity bill in the future! (That makes us happy, too.) This is what it means when you go solar: Pay no additional out-of-pocket costs for energy (and potentially lower what you’re currently paying) Free yourself from rising electricity costs Protect yourself from PG&E power shut-offs Own your solar system within 5-8 years Does this sound too [...]
DIY Guide to Reconnecting Your Monitoring System
The days are getting longer and your solar panels are soaking up those rays. If you're like us, you probably enjoy watching how much energy your panels are producing (and how much money you're saving). But what should you do if you notice your Enphase monitoring system is no longer connected? Don’t worry! Even though you may not be able to see the energy production, your solar panels are likely still working. If you recently got a new router for your home, changed internet providers, or even simply updated your WiFi password, you’ll need to reconnect your monitoring system [...]
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