Read more about the article Quick Tips on Monitoring Your Solar System
Graph showing daily solar energy production, helping homeowners track system efficiency and optimize energy use.

Quick Tips on Monitoring Your Solar System

One of the best perks of a solar system is having the ability to monitor your system’s energy production. Property owners can see in real-time the productivity on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. What makes monitoring such an important factor of a solar home or business is having the cabability to track how thesystem…

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Read more about the article Solar Power Purchase Agreements: Pros and Cons for Homeowners
Close-up of solar panels installed on a building for renewable energy.

Solar Power Purchase Agreements: Pros and Cons for Homeowners

When solar energy moved into the mass market in 2010, many potential buyers hesitated. Who would cover the warranty if the panels failed to produce power as advertised—especially if the panel maker went belly-up? Who would you call upon to maintain the equipment? Solar installers and third-party financing firms answered those questions by introducing Power…

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Read more about the article How Much Solar Power Do I Need for a Tiny House in California?
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…

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Read more about the article How Much Do Solar Panels Save the Average LA Household?
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…

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Read more about the article The Best Energy Efficiency Financing Options for California Homeowners
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…

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Read more about the article Do Solar Panels Work During Power Outages?
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…

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Read more about the article Should I Go Off-Grid When Installing A Solar System?
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…

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Read more about the article Certified Solar Installers in California: Why Licensing Matters
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…

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