Installing solar panels is a smart investment that can not only save homeowners money on their electricity bills but also increase the value of their homes. In California, where the cost of electricity is relatively high, and the sunlight is abundant, solar panels are especially effective at increasing the value of a home.

According to a study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar panels in California have consistently sold for more than comparable homes without solar panels. In fact, the study found that homes with solar panels sold for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar panels. This may seem like a minor increase, but it can translate to thousands of dollars in added value for homeowners.

There are a number of reasons why solar panels can increase the value of a home in California. One reason is that solar panels can significantly reduce homeowners’ electricity bills, which can be a major selling point for potential buyers. In addition to the financial benefits, solar panels also have a number of environmental benefits, which can be appealing to buyers who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and do their part to combat climate change.

Another reason why solar panels can increase the value of a home in California is that they are becoming increasingly popular and are seen as desirable amenities. As more and more people become aware of the benefits of solar energy, the demand for homes with solar panels is likely to increase. This can make homes with solar panels more attractive to buyers, increasing their value.

It is important to note that the value solar panels can add to a home will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the solar panel system, the location of the home, and the local climate. In general, solar panels are most effective at increasing the value of a home in sunny locations with high electricity prices. However, even in less sunny locations, solar panels can still be a cost-effective option when paired with energy storage systems that allow homeowners to store excess solar energy for use during times when the sun isn’t shining.

In conclusion, installing solar panels is a wise investment that can increase the value of a home in California. By reducing homeowners’ electricity bills and appealing to buyers who are looking for environmentally-friendly amenities, solar panels can be a valuable addition to any home. If you are considering installing solar panels on your home, it is a good idea to research the potential benefits and weigh them against the upfront costs to determine whether it is the right decision for you.

Solar panels are a popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce their annual energy costs. By harnessing the sun’s power, solar panels generate electricity to power your home and give you some autonomy over your family’s energy source. In addition to the environmental and personal benefits of using solar energy, there are also a number of financial benefits that come with installing solar panels.

One of the primary ways in which solar panels can reduce annual energy costs is by offsetting the cost of electricity from the grid. Solar panels are able to generate electricity when the sun is shining, which is often when energy demand is at its highest. This means that solar panels are able to generate electricity when it is most expensive to purchase from the grid. By using solar panels to generate electricity during these times, homeowners can significantly reduce the amount of electricity they need to purchase from the grid, which can lead to significant savings on their electricity bills.

Another way in which solar panels can reduce annual energy costs is by taking advantage of net metering programs. Many utilities offer net metering programs that allow homeowners to sell excess solar energy back to the grid in exchange for credits on their electricity bills. This means that if a homeowner generates more solar energy than they need, they can sell the excess back to the grid and receive credits on their electricity bill. This can be an excellent way to offset the cost of installing and maintaining solar panels,and even decrease your monthly expenses

In addition to the financial benefits of using solar panels, there are also a number of environmental benefits. Solar panels do not produce any emissions, which means they do not contribute to air pollution or climate change. This is in contrast to fossil fuels, which are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. By using solar panels to generate electricity, homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and do their part to combat climate change.

There are a few different factors that can impact the cost-effectiveness of solar panels, including the size of the solar panel system, the location of the home, and the direction the house faces. In general, solar panels are most cost-effective on Westward facing roofs. However, even in less sunny locations, solar panels can still be a cost-effective option when paired with energy storage systems that allow homeowners to store excess solar energy for use during times when the sun isn’t shining.

Installing solar panels can be a significant investment, but the long-term benefits can be well worth the upfront costs. In addition to reducing annual energy costs, solar panels can also increase the value of a home, making them a smart financial decision for many homeowners.

In conclusion, solar panels can be a cost-effective way for homeowners to reduce their annual energy costs. By generating electricity when it is most expensive to purchase from the grid and taking advantage of net metering programs, homeowners can significantly reduce the amount of electricity they need to purchase from the grid. In addition to the financial benefits, solar panels also have a number of environmental benefits, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and do their part to combat climate change.

Installing energy storage in addition to solar panels can provide a number of benefits for homeowners. Energy storage systems allow homeowners to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during the evening or at night when solar panels are not producing electricity. This can help to significantly reduce or even eliminate a home’s reliance on the grid for electricity, leading to lower electricity bills and increased energy independence.

One of the primary benefits of energy storage is the ability to reduce electricity bills. Solar panels can generate electricity during the day, but if a home is not using all of the electricity being produced, it can be sent back to the grid for others to use. This excess energy is often credited back to the homeowner’s account, but the credit may sometimes be different from the value of the electricity. By storing excess solar energy in a battery system, homeowners can use the stored energy themselves rather than sending it back to the grid, resulting in lower electricity bills.

In addition to reducing electricity bills, energy storage can also provide increased energy security and independence. A home without solar panels is solely dependent on the grid for electricity. However, if the grid goes down due to a storm or other disaster, a home with energy storage will still have access to electricity. This can be especially important for homeowners who live in areas that are prone to natural disasters or other events that can disrupt the power grid.

Energy storage can also help to smooth out the peaks and valleys in electricity demand, known as “load leveling.” Solar panels produce the most electricity during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. However, electricity demand is typically highest in the early evening, when people are returning home from work and turning on lights, appliances, and electronics. By storing excess solar energy during the day, homeowners can use the stored energy to meet their electricity needs during the evening, reducing the need for electricity from the grid.

Another benefit of energy storage is the ability to participate in demand response programs. These programs, offered by many utilities, allow homeowners to reduce their electricity usage during times of high demand, such as hot summer days when air conditioning is in high use. In return, homeowners may receive financial incentives or credits on their electricity bills. Energy storage systems can be used to store excess solar energy during the day and then use the stored energy to meet electricity needs during times of high demand, helping homeowners to participate in demand response programs and save money on their electricity bills.

Energy storage systems can also provide backup power in case of an outage. If a home loses power due to a storm or other event, an energy storage system can provide electricity to keep lights and appliances running until power is restored. This can be especially useful for homeowners who rely on medical equipment that requires electricity or for those who live in areas with frequent outages.

Energy storage systems can be installed in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the needs of different homes and budgets. Some systems are designed to be used in conjunction with grid-tied solar panels, while others are designed for off-grid use. Homeowners can work with a solar installation company or an energy storage provider to determine the best system for their needs.

Installing energy storage in addition to solar panels can provide a number of benefits for homeowners, including lower electricity bills, increased energy independence and security, load leveling, the ability to participate in demand response programs, and backup power in case of an outage. If you are considering installing solar panels at your home, be sure to consider the benefits of energy storage as well.

Solar panels are most commonly associated with climate change and environmental concerns. While powering your home with solar energy is a smart way to reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably- there are many more benefits to installing solar panels outside of the realm of being environmentally friendly. From enabling you to be able to control your own energy to saving you money- here are just a few of the reasons you should consider installing solar panels on your home. 

1. Save money on energy costs.

One of the most obvious benefits of solar panels is the potential to save money on your energy bills. Solar energy is free once the panels are installed, so you’ll be able to generate your own electricity and potentially reduce or eliminate your dependence on the grid. This can result in significant savings, especially if you live in an area with high energy costs.

2. Increase the value of your home.

Installing solar panels can also increase the value of your home. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that homes with solar panels tend to sell for more than comparable homes without solar. This is because solar panels are seen as a desirable feature, and buyers are willing to pay a premium for the energy savings and other benefits they provide.

3. Take control of your energy usage.

With solar panels, you’ll have the ability to generate your own electricity and take control of your energy usage. This means you won’t have to rely on the grid or be at the mercy of fluctuating energy prices. You’ll be able to produce your own clean energy and use it however you see fit.

4. Lower your carbon footprint.

Climate change is a major concern for many people, and solar panels can help you do your part to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that doesn’t produce any greenhouse gases. By using solar panels to generate your own electricity, you’ll be able to significantly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and do your part to protect the environment.

5. Improve energy security.

Energy security is a concern for many people, especially those who live in areas with unreliable or vulnerable electricity grids. Solar panels can provide a sense of security by allowing you to generate your own electricity, so you won’t have to worry about power outages or other disruptions. This can be especially important in the event of a natural disaster or other emergencies.

6. Take advantage of incentives and tax credits.

There are a number of incentives and tax credits available for homeowners who install solar panels. These can help offset the initial cost of installation and make solar energy more affordable. Incentives and credits vary by location, so it’s worth checking with your local government or utility company to see what’s available in your area.

7. Low maintenance and long lifespan.

Solar panels are a low-maintenance technology, and they have a long lifespan. Most panels come with a warranty of 25-30 years, and some may last even longer. This means that once you’ve installed your solar panels, you won’t have to worry about them for many years to come.

To sum it up, there are many compelling reasons to consider installing solar panels on your home. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and widely available, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and do their part to protect the planet. 

But beyond how smart of a choice it is for the environment- it is also a smart choice for your family and your home. Not only can they save you money on your energy bills and increase the value of your home, but they can also help you take control of your energy usage, lower your carbon footprint, improve energy security, and take advantage of incentives and tax credits. With their low maintenance and long lifespan, solar panels are a smart investment that can benefit you for many years to come.

Attention all California solar owners! Have you heard about the latest update to the state’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) policy, NEM 3.0?

Net Energy Metering (NEM) is a billing structure between utilities and homeowners with solar systems. Under NEM, solar owners earn credit for the excess electricity they push onto the grid when the sun shines. This credit is used to offset the cost of the electricity they pull off the grid when the sun isn’t shining. On December 15, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved NEM 3.0, the latest update to this policy. The new NEM 3.0 policy brings some changes for California’s solar owners. In this blog post, we’ll explore these changes and their impact.

What is NEM 3.0?

NEM 3.0 is a new version of the net energy metering policy approved by the CPUC on December 15, 2022. It applies to utility customers in the territories of California’s three major investor-owned utilities: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). It’s important to note that NEM 3.0 is not retroactive, so solar systems installed under NEM 1 or NEM 2 will remain under their current policy.

The biggest change between NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0 is the value of export rates or the value of excess electricity produced by solar systems. Under NEM 3.0, residential solar export rates will be based on an “Avoided Cost Calculator” instead of retail rates (what customers pay for electricity). This means that the value of excess electricity produced by solar systems will be determined based on how much it would cost the utility to produce or purchase that same amount of electricity rather than the retail rate paid by consumers. On average, NEM 3.0 export rates are around 75% lower than the export rates under NEM 2.0.

What does it mean for solar owners?

The lower export rates under NEM 3.0 means longer payback periods and fewer cost savings for solar owners. The cost savings of a solar system depends on the value of the energy exported to the grid, and with NEM 3.0, this value is significantly lower than it was under NEM 2.0.

For example, a solar system installed under NEM 2.0 that produced enough energy to offset 100% of the electricity consumption of a household, could expect to see a payback period of around 4.6 years and lifetime savings of around $116,680. On the other hand, a solar system installed under NEM 3.0, with the same characteristics, could expect to see a payback period of around 6.5 years and lifetime savings of around $73,620.

However, it’s important to note that this is an average estimate, and individual savings will depend on several factors, such as the size of the system, the electricity consumption, and the location.

The good news is that even with the lower export rates under NEM 3.0, the cost of solar technology continues to decrease, and the Federal Solar Tax Credit is back at 30% until 2032. This means that there are still plenty of reasons for Californians to go solar sooner than later. Additionally, homeowners who submit a complete interconnection application for a new solar system by April 13, 2023, will be grandfathered into NEM 2.0. This means that there has never been a more important time to install solar panels in your home. Contact us to start your solar journey today.

Solar efficiency is determined by the type of panels you have installed on your home, the direction they are facing, how much sunlight they receive, and ultimately this determines the actual energy output of the solar panel.

Solar panels that are facing the south produce the most solar power overall. They produce most of their power during midday. Midday is when consumption of power is typically at its lowest, therefore there will be a lot of surplus power being produced at this time also. The power homeowners in Orange County derive by their solar absorbing energy 24/7 is only equivalent to 5 to 6 hours of full sun per day. The time that solar panels work the best though is 11:00am to 4:00pm. This is also considered midday, or peak sun hours.

Peak sun hours are not the hours between sunrise and sunset. They refer directly to the solar insolation a particular area would receive when the sun’s intensity is highest for a specific number of hours. This creates the best-case scenario for your solar system, as it will produce the maximum amount of energy in the shortest time.

Solar panels can also work in the shade – that’s right! They will generate less electric current than they would under optimum conditions, yet they still generate some power. On cloudy days, solar energy panels only receive about 10% to 25% of their capacity energy. This percentage varies depending on the solar panel’s efficiency and the amount of clouds in the sky.

Solar does not typically work to its full capacity during the night time. Solar panels need light – preferably sunlight – to create energy. Although they are able to generate some energy from light sources such as street lamps, building signs, and even the moon, their output of energy is very low.

Considering getting solar energy panels installed on your home? Visit Orange County Solar online today and get your free solar installation and/or solar battery quote right away. We pride ourselves in superior solar installation services throughout Orange County, CA and stand by our quality for decades to come.

Green energy is any energy type that is generated from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind or water. Green energy often comes from renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources that are naturally replenished. Some examples of these resources are sunlight, wind, water, and heat. Although most renewable energy sources are sustainable, some are not. Renewable energy can generate electrical currents to a grid, air and water heating/cooling, and other power systems. Solar energy is an example of renewable energy, as the solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it to electrical energy that can be used by humans and devices.

Currently, the renewable capacity consumption is steadily increasing by over 8% this year, bringing it to almost 320 GW. 3% of all US electricity is powered by solar currently. As we continue to grow as a nation, we will see the use of traditional power methods converting over to solar energy power.

Solar energy is used worldwide and is becoming increasingly popular for generating electricity. Solar power is generated in two main ways: Photovoltaics (PV system) also known as solar cells, or electronic devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity. The conversion of sunlight to electric energy produces green energy. It is the use of a natural resource to create energy that can then be reused again that makes the energy “green”.

The process of resources and natural elements creating green energy is truly an amazing concept. Simple forces of energy in nature create useful resources for everyday human life. And those resources can be used again, and again. “Being green” and supporting green energy through solar can not only help save the planet, it also is extremely beneficial financially.

Solar energy is green energy not just because of its environmental benefits, it also has excellent benefits saving you money. Over the years, solar pays for itself and it pays you back for your investment. There are also programs within the government that can get you money back just for having solar installed on your home. By reducing your electricity payments (and over time, eliminating them entirely), you can save money on high electric bills, run AC as you please, and spend money saved on what you and your family truly enjoy. Stop overpaying for your electric bills. Go green today and contact Orange County Solar, the largest Panasonic Solar installer in Orange County!

When California homeowners are considering going solar in the future, they may inquire about when is the best time of year to install solar energy panels. Would it make the most sense to install solar panels during the hot summer months when the sunshine is the most, or would it be the best idea to install them in Spring before the heat hits?

In actuality, there is no best time of year to have solar energy panels installed. We at Orange County Solar provide quality installation services that have a lifetime over over 25 years – that’s why our solar panels can be installed in rain, snow, or shine!

Solar Installed in Each Season:

Spring – Spring has much more moderate conditions than winter, summer, or fall, so that presents an opportunity for easier panel installation due to the temperate weather conditions. The Spring solar install also provides preparation for a homeowner’s solar energy panels to collect as much energy as possible during the upcoming hotter summer months.

Summer – The sun is known to usually generate the most power and emit the hottest temperatures compared to all the other seasons in the summer. This allows for maximum energy collection by your solar panels – which means more power for you to use! Orange County Solar provides a variety of solar panel wattages and brands and will install them properly according to the California location the homeowner resides in, as well as the weather factors surrounding their home.

Fall – Fall is an excellent time for getting solar installed by Orange County Solar, because the rush from the homeowners purchasing in the summertime has slowed down. This creates shorter wait time and a faster approval process.

Winter – Although California does not often get snow, it certainly can happen. Most snowy regions, unlike Southern California, are common and despite the thick snowfall, homeowners’ solar energy panels will still function! When a homeowner has a solar battery installed with Orange County Solar in addition to solar panels, the owner can store energy in the winter months to use for additional electrical needs in the summer, such as AC!

Whether rain, snow, or shine, Orange County Solar has a homeowner’s perfect solar panel solution. We provide services throughout Orange County and surrounding areas, such as Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and San Diego County.

A common question many homeowners interested in solar ask is, which seasons make solar the most efficient?

There are many answers to this question depending on the average climate in which the solar panels are located, the positioning of the solar energy panels on the house’s roof, the age and condition of the solar panel, and the wattage/efficiency rating of the panel itself.

However, there is a more simplified way of looking at seasonal benefits to help homeowners use solar energy panels with maximum efficiency. Orange County Solar would never want our customers to face any unexpected expenses from the solar system designed specifically to save money!

Orange County Solar energy panels are installed with the highest quality pv solar in the Orange County homeowners’ market. These premium solar energy panels are rated to work in certain sets of conditions, with temperature being a main factor. Orange County Solar installs solar panels that can withstand low, rainy temperatures in the winter, up to high temperatures on dry and bright summer days. While the solar panel is designed to reach a certain level of efficiency, this can differ with the seasonal changes.

Some of the seasonal elements can affect the amount of energy solar panels produce by:

• Location

• Weather

• Time of Day

• Outside temperature

Location

The positioning of the sun changes through the year, marking the points when the sun will radiate the most heat, or conversely, display a lower intensity. The sun is most prevalent in the summer months, from June until mid-September. This means that if solar panels are directly facing the sun’s surface in the summer months, this is the optimum time for the solar energy panel to collect and produce the most energy.

The location of the actual solar energy panels on the home is a factor as well. Ensuring the panels have direct sunlight throughout the daytime is essential. To maximize your solar’s energy output, it is imperative to avoid shady spots and shadows that can occur throughout the day due to season changes. The more the panels are directly facing the surface of the sun with sunlight shining, the more energy they are able to produce.

Weather

Any Southern California weather condition that blocks the sun’s rays has some detrimental effect on solar energy’s output. An example of this is clouds. While it may still seem like the sun is shining bright through the misty clouds some days, the amount of intensity the sun is shining is actually much less. This will hinder the ability of the solar panels to produce maximum energy efficiency, simply because there is a lack of light the sun is emitting on cloudy and foggy days, therefore less energy is created.

Time of Day

California has an average of 5.82 peak sunlight hours. A “peak sun hour” is defined as one hour in which the intensity of sunlight reaches an average of 1,000 watts of energy per square meter. This gives a little less than 6 hours a day for solar energy panels to collect and output maximum amounts of energy. However, while panels receiving the maximum energy may only do this for a limited number of hours per day, this does not mean these solar panels are not still highly efficient overall! Orange County Solar panels are highly efficient with large amounts of energy output even in natural daylight! Add on a solar battery to existing solar energy panels and create the ability to store your own energy and use electricity even when the power is out in your area! Orange County Solar provides premium Panasonic solar batteries at an affordable rate.

Temperatures

An imperative fact to know about solar during the summer months is that extremely high temperatures during peak solar months can actually have a decrease in the solar energy output. On the contrary, fall months may produce even larger amounts of energy because less stress is being put on the system from high temperatures. At Orange County Solar, our solar battery and solar energy panel installation will be an experience you can smile about, especially knowing you have grid independence even on those cloudy days!

Questions Answered!

Overall, solar has an exceedingly great amount of benefits as opposed to many detriments of its use. Bright, intense sunlight with few clouds, and warm temperatures make the ideal weather conditions for maximum solar energy output for Orange County homeowners. However, every season has its benefit on solar when the solar energy panels are from a trusted installer!

Orange County Solar uses high quality solar products to create a flawless solar install from beginning to end. Instill trust in Orange County Solar for your next solar purchase. Call us for a free quote today! (949) 427-8817

Solar energy is considered a renewable source of energy. Renewable energy, meaning energy from a source that is not depleted when used. This energy process is quite remarkable because
solar energy can be both stored and reused for when power is needed later! This also has a positive impact on the environment from the harmful emissions of carbon gas, so it is considered green energy! But green solar energy is not only beneficial for the environment, it also can save you tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime! The question is, does solar really save you money? The answer is yes! If you are paying a high electric bill and you live in an area with high energy rates like most of Southern California, it is definitely worthwhile in considering the investment of solar energy panels on your home. It is not only amazing for your wallet, you are also helping protect the environment in the long run. Here are just a few of the ways solar can save you a large sum of
money on your electric bills over a lifetime:

● The cost of electricity is steadily rising
● The cost of solar energy panel installation is decreasing
● The value of energy is not falling
● Solar energy panels increase the value of your home
● You can receive tax rebate benefits for solar panel installation
● Reduce energy costs on your monthly electric bill
● Create your own power from the sun
● Store your own power with a solar battery
● Solar panels last up to 25 years with little to no maintenance
● Reduce your energy intake to reduce high electric bills

While solar panels seem like an upfront expense, they can actually pay for themselves within the first few years! This is because the reduced rate in your electric bill will equate to a greater
amount than spent on the actual solar energy panels themselves. Over the course of a lifetime, this will save you tens of thousands of dollars on your electric bills! The conclusion of the solar panel money debate can be answered simply: solar energy panel installation DOES save you money and is a worthy expense for homeowners in Southern California. If you enjoy saving and protecting the environment (while protecting your wallet too), considering installing solar panels by the leading solar company in Orange County definitely proves a worthy cause.