So-Cal Solar Blog

Because solar energy is worth blogging about…

Archive for the ‘Residential Solar’ Category

Protect Yourself from LADWP

Monday, July 13th, 2009

Effective 1 July thru 30 September 2009 LADWP has implemented a new tier rate electric structure.  The tier rate will affect residents that utilize LADWP by increasing their rates during some of Los Angeles hottest months.  Under the new rate structure San Fernando Valley residents will have a new 3 tier rate plan to follow.  The 3 tier plan increases rates as followed, usage under 500 kwh will be charged 12.36 cents per kwh, from 500-1,500 kwh the charge will be 13.86 cents per kwh and anything above 1,500 kwh will be charged 17.36 cents per kwh.  The same plan will take place again 1 July 2010 thru 30 September 2010.  This rate increase has left many homeowners upset but there is a solution available for many homeowners to protect themselves from rate increase and its solar power.

 

 LADWP has a solar energy rebate program that benefits homeowners greatly if they take advantage of it and act NOW.  The solar rebate program allows homeowners to receive a monetary rebate after a solar electric system has been installed.  The rebate incentive helps homeowners by taking care of up to 44% of the cost of the solar electric system but the incentives do not stop there.  On top of the LADWP rebate homeowners are also given a 30% federal tax credit on the system cost.  With both incentives in place it allows homeowners to fully take advantage of solar energy and protect themselves from future rate increases such as the LADWP rate increase. 

 

 

 

 

Solar Electric its Great for Your Home

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

solar-panels
A lot of people love to wait for last minute deals. Early bird specials seem nonexistent today but they certainly still exist. A few homeowners are putting off purchasing a solar electric system because they think it will be cheaper if they wait. For those who think they’re going to save a lot by purchasing later should consider the current rebates. For those who are unaware of the assistance from the government here are the deals; California residents may receive a state rebate of anywhere from 22% to 44% on the total solar home system cost, federal government will provide a tax credit of 30% on the total cost. In total California resident could be saving 55-74% on their entire solar electric system.

Solar panels can power everything that runs on electricity in your home. When considering the cost of a solar electric system don’t forget to account for what can be saved NOW with a solar electric system. These numbers may eventually add up to the discount you’re seeking in the future.

There are a few concerns facing a solar electric system. An example of a concern is new technology for solar electricity. The only things that could or will change with solar panels are the shapes and sizes. Aside from that energy is energy and if you buy it today it’ll still be energy tomorrow. Unlike computers and cell phones solar panels do not need new purchases every few years to meet newer technology needs. These are labeled concerns but in all reality these concerns have no comparison to the amount of money you can save with installing a system now. Protect your future, protect yourself from rate increase, protect your family and install a solar electric system.

Customer Service Ranks High in the Solar Game

Friday, February 6th, 2009

“Competition is fierce as the solar industry grows, however it’s top notch personal service keeping So-Cal Solar Inc. at the peak of their game.

How many companies can make the claim that their employees receive invitations to their clients birthday parties, summer bar-b-ques or anniversary celebrations? Despite the economic crisis the country faces, So-Cal Solar Inc. continues to thrive and flourish solely, not just on their dedication and commitment to outstanding customer service, but by going beyond and creating personal connections with their clients.

With more state rebates and federal tax credits to entice people to go green, buying a solar electric system, for most people, is still a lifestyle choice. Whether it’s for a home or a business, this person has an interest in creating clean energy. They want to save money on electricity bills and help preserve our earths’ natural resources. They are professional, conscious individuals that care deeply about the planet. And as the solar trend continues to grow, these consumers are responding to the companies with the same consciousness that follow through with their integrity and values in all the services they provide.

For more than a decade, So-Cal Solar Inc. has been at the forefront of the solar industry as the leading provider of complete electric solar systems for residential and commercial properties throughout all of Southern California, San Diego to Santa Barbara. There is no doubt that as the green living industry continues to explode, and more players enter the solar field, it’s the companies with a competitive and customized strategy that are rapidly flourishing and coming out winners.

Xiomara Roman-Torres, Sales & Marketing Director, comments, “We pride ourselves on our personalized service. From the first time we enter a clients home during our free solar energy evaluation, they feel very confident and secure.” One of So-Cal Solar’s main priorities is being of service to their customers by fueling them with as much knowledge on solar electric in a simple, user-friendly way. Roman continues, “With all the varied information out there, from technical websites to consumer blogs, we want our clients to feel comfortable knowing they are choosing the best solar solution that fits their needs. We break it down for them and give them honest, concrete solutions.”

So-Cal Solar goes beyond just system installation, they are full service company that handles everything from securing a clients financing to completing all of the rebate paper work on their behalf. That’s just another demonstration of the personalized service embedded in their strategy keeping them at the pinnacle of success.

Energy Audits…it’s a Good Thing!

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009

Each and every year we file our taxes and leave the office of our CPA and think man I hope I don’t get audited. Many associate the word “audit” as a negative form with the likelihood of getting into some sort of trouble after the audit is completed or that could just be me. Nonetheless an audit that many homeowners do not think of doing that could save them money in the long run is an energy audit.


An energy audit is a home inspection that analyzes the flow of energy throughout the residents. An inspector will inspect the structure of the home from walls, windows, doors and appliances to evaluate the current energy demand. The inspector will also interview the homeowners to better understand their energy usage pattern and the history of the home. After a complete analysis of the home and utility bills an inspector will be able to make recommendations from inexpensive changes and upwards. Always remember if you are seeking to make the biggest energy impact on your home a solar electric system should be at the top of your list of home improvements. A solar electric system not only reduces or eliminates your energy bill but makes you energy independent and produces clean energy as well.


In the long run an energy audit is a great resource to explore for the sake of the home and home owners.

Cheap and Easy Energy Tips for your Home

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

Cheap and Easy Energy Tips for your Home

Growing up I remember my parents always saying “don’t forget to turn off the lights, nobody is watching the TV so turn it off and most often shut the back door”. Now years later I implement all of those “lessons learned” plus more. Here are a few easy tips that can cut a few dollars off your monthly electric bill and help conserve your energy:

  1. Turn off all computer equipment when it is not being used and put a screen saver on your computer when it is being used.
  2. Turn off all lights when you’re not in the room and change all your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents.
  3. Keep all air vents clean and clear.
  4. If possible start washing your clothes in cold or warm water.
  5. Clothes dryers use a fair amount of energy so do not over-dry your clothes. If you notice your clothes are drying within 45 minutes do not set the timer to 60 minutes. Make sure to clean the inside lint filter before each drying cycle.
  6. On a monthly basis check your flexible metal dryer vent hose to ensure it is properly connected.
  7. Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load of dishes.
  8. If possible replace your old refrigerator with an Energy Star approved model and if possible sell the old refrigerator. Placing the old refrigerator in the garage will only increase your energy so make sure your new refrigerator meets your demands for storage.
  9. Ensure your fireplace damper is closed when not in use so that neither heat nor A/C can escape.
  10. Make sure everyone in the home turns off all electrical devices that are not being used in all rooms in the home.
  11. Ensure all doors and windows are properly shut.

    Most importantly if you are looking at making a much bigger impact on your electric bill a solar home electric system is the best investment a homeowner can make. A solar home electric system can not only make you energy independent but also zero out your monthly electric bill.

It all sounds too easy…is that how solar really works?

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

It does sound easy and that is why a solar electric system is one of the greatest investments people can make. A home solar electric system consists of a number of roof-mounted panels, conduit and wiring that are connected to an inverter. The system panels produce Direct Current (DC) electric energy when the sun is shining on the array and the inverter changes it into normal Alternating Current (AC) which feeds into the grid (utility power lines).  The meter actually runs backward and you are given a credit for the excess production, which is used where it is most needed in your neighborhood. This socially useful service helps lower the need for additional power plants to meet the daytime peak electric demand. For that reason, you are granted partial funding off the system, via a state rebate and federal tax credits, which makes it more economical. Yes, it truly is good for your pocket book, the environment and the future of next generations.

I Love When They Read My Meter

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

The title of this blog post couldn’t be any better.  I get many phone calls throughout my day from my customers who call me saying “I love when they come and read my meter”.   It’s a great feeling to be free of high electric rates that only keep climbing.  It’s a great feeling to open your monthly electric bill and only owe $5 dollars (charge for meter reading).  After all it’s worth paying the 5 bucks every month just to have the pleasure of waving a friendly hello to the meter man knowing he wasted his time coming to a house that spins backwards.