Electromagnetic Fields From a Solar PV Installation?
Solar energy brings many benefits to our energy expenses and environment, but can it also bring harm? With so many electrical devices - computers, smart phones, Wi-Fi, flat screens, lighting,…
Your Guide to Navigating Solar System Warranties
Once you decide to go solar, the next step is to do some research to see what warranties and other guarantees installers and providers will offer you. Will your installer stand behind their work? What about the individual components? What type of performance should you expect over time, and will your provider compensate for lapsed…
How a Rooftop Solar PV Installation Can Affect Your Roof
With the recent wet weather we have experienced in Southern California, it can be very concerning for homeowners with solar rooftops to see water leaking into their home. It’s easy…
A small blue tiny house equipped with solar panels, situated in a lush green environment, ideal for off-grid living.
How Much Solar Power Do I Need for a Tiny House in California?
Ever since 2012, the tiny house industry has been growing into a movement of cost-conscious, ecologically responsible homeowners. This is especially true in California. In fact, some California cities like Fresno and Ojai have permitted tiny houses to be built in homeowners’ backyards, which can then be rented out as supplemental income. One of the…
A solar panel designed as a light bulb with a coin, representing cost savings for LA households using solar power.
How Much Do Solar Panels Save the Average LA Household?
Los Angeles and California homeowners use less electricity per capita than residents in any other state, except for Rhode Island and New York. Although well-known for their environmental stewardship (which includes being energy-efficient where possible), part of the reason for that sparing usage is undoubtedly because utility-supplied electricity is so pricey. According to the Bureau…
A model house with solar panels on the roof, placed on a stack of cash, illustrating solar financing options for homeowners.
The Best Energy Efficiency Financing Options for California Homeowners
It’s common knowledge that the less electricity you use, the more you save. That’s why energy-efficient appliances have become so widespread. But what about energy efficiency for homeowners who go solar? If you’re generating your own electricity powered by the sun, what difference does it make how much power you use? Lower Your Power Usage…
Utility workers repairing power lines amidst a power outage.
Do Solar Panels Work During Power Outages?
California homeowners don’t currently have to deal with power outages from hurricanes like those that hit Houston and Florida. However, there are always natural disasters that can knock the power out here, too: earthquakes, wildfires and the like. Occasional man-made problems can cause outages as well. You might think that homes with solar power would…
A house equipped with a solar panel, batteries, and energy storage, illustrating an off-grid solar power setup for self-sufficient energy.
Should I Go Off-Grid When Installing A Solar System?
Going “off the grid” sounds cool, like something Carrie Mathison might do to get intel in Homeland. But if you’re considering off-grid solar, you probably have more practical concerns. When discussing electricity and solar power, “off-grid” refers to a system that is not connected to the electrical grid—the traditional way to get power from a…
Professional solar installer preparing for installation with safety gear near solar panels.
Certified Solar Installers in California: Why Licensing Matters
Unless you are licensed to install a rooftop system yourself, you will likely contract professionals when you go solar. When you do, you’ll want to be sure the people who will be on your rooftop know what they’re doing. When doing this research, check your potential installer’s license number. In California, the Contractors State License…
Workers securely install solar panels on a sloped roof, ensuring proper placement and safety measures.
What to Expect During Your Solar Panel Installation Process
You’ve decided to go solar, crunched the numbers, and picked an installer. So now what? Who handles the permits, the inspection, and the estimates? This post will outline what a homeowner should expect during the installation process, from consultation to monitoring. You Will Get a Written Installation Plan and Cost Estimate The first thing you’ll…