By the start of 2024, California had more solar-generating capacity than any other state, with about 20,000 megawatts.
We all know how important the solar industry has been to both California's homeowners and the state's economy. Still, solar power still only accounts for just under 30% of California's electricity generation. If we truly want to lead the country's shift to renewable energy, we need to do even more.
Solar, along with wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and bioenergy, is a crucial form of renewable energy. It's abundant - the sun is constantly blasting us with photons.
Now that we can store and use the sun's energy, the time is now to convince homeowners that it benefits them too. By installing solar panels in your home, you can effectively eradicate your monthly energy costs. The only thing standing in the average homeowner's way is the expense of buying the panels and installing them...
All solar panel installations are subject to Federal tax credits that assist with the sizeable up-front cost. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets homeowners deduct 30% of the final cost of their solar installation from their federal taxes, which allows for major savings.
There are also state-level incentives to help reduce the cost even more. Sadly, the California Solar Incentive is no longer available. Instead, we've got the Self-Generation Incentive Program, which gives homeowners a sliding-scale rebate depending on their solar battery's storage capacity and their local utility service.
The state will also exclude your solar panels when assessing your property taxes. If your solar panel system generates more energy than you need, you may participate in net metering. This allows homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
As you can see, California leads the way in solar implementation. When you combine the Federal and state incentives, you can quickly see a path to paying off your solar panel system.
There are obvious benefits to using solar panels as well as less obvious ones. Solar power is a clean and renewable source of energy. By putting solar panels on your home, you can stop relying on fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and become truly energy independent.
An unsung benefit of solar power is energy independence. With your own energy source atop your roof or somewhere on your property, you have control over your energy needs. In the event of power outages, which isn't uncommon in areas of California prone to wildfire, you'll still have power when you add a battery backup such as a Tesla Powerwall or Enphase iQ8
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of solar panels, however, is the savings you'll have on energy bills. As mentioned, when you have an adequately sized solar system, it'll cover all of your home's energy needs.
This drastically reduces your energy bills. California has high electricity rates, so you're creating huge savings by going solar. It's also worth noting that California has an abundance of sunshine, so it's an ideal place to implement solar energy.
Before buying your first set of solar panels, it's important to understand how they work. The more knowledge you have going into the installation process, the better off you'll be, even with experts helping you.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity with the photovoltaic effect. All solar panels are made of smaller solar cells, which are made of silicon. When the sun hits the cells, it stimulates the silicon atoms, and electrons are released, which is what generates electric current.
The technology in the panels directs the electrons, creating a flow of electricity. This direct current (DC) is converted into an alternating current (AC) with the system's inverter, making it usable in your home. Your home can use the electricity as it comes in, or it can be stored in the system's battery for later use.
Now that you understand a bit more about solar panels and have a few solar panel cost-saving tips in your back pocket, you're ready to install your first solar system. Type, "solar panel installers near me" into Google and you'll find the very best solar installation service, Semper Solaris.
Since 2012, we've been helping San Diego residents lower their carbon emissions and gain energy independence. As the #1 solar installer in the city, we offer an unparalleled reputation with expert installation services and a 50-year warranty. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your solar panel system.
