So-Cal Solar Blog

Because solar energy is worth blogging about…

Posts Tagged ‘solar electric system’

Orange County We’re Here!

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

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We are expanding and proud of it! So-Cal Solar Inc. is announcing that we have opened up another office located in Huntington Beach, CA, in Orange County. We are excited to become a part of Orange County and help homeowners and businesses reduce their carbon footprint by becoming energy independent.

So-Cal Solar Inc. specializes in solar electric systems for residential and commercial needs. We have been in business for over a decade and have remained at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry.

With our expansion of the new office we are committed to bringing solar awareness throughout Orange County and Southern California. Together we can make Orange County a huge contributor to California’s renewable energy goal set forth by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Please feel free to contact us for a free solar evaluation (http://www.socalsolarinc.com/free-solar-evaluation/).

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

shutterstock_2904155screenLast night I was doing some research when I got sidetracked by a “calculate your carbon footprint” tool. I have seen many of these calculator’s online and have found some to be misleading while others overwhelming. The one I stumbled upon was created by Earthlab (https://www.earthlab.com/createprofile/reg.aspx). Earthlab is a community formed to bring awareness to the climate crisis issue. Anyhow, I messed around with the carbon footprint tool and was shocked to find my score was slightly below average. I mean it’s good to be below average in this situation but I was expecting to be HUGELY under average. After I wiped the shocked look off my face I decided to challenge myself and hopefully others will start to challenge themselves. I challenge myself to lower my score with a 3 month, 6 month and 1 year goal. I will “retest” myself to see if I am able to improve my score by lowering it. I now put the offer on the table and challenge my readers to do the same.

Below you will find some helpful tips on how to start reducing your carbon footprint:

1. Install a solar electric system
2. Water your grass only in the morning
3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
4. Car pool
5. Use recycled products
6. Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in use
7. Buy local products
8. Use a coffee mug instead of disposal cups
9. Plant a tree or bush
10. Use cloth towels instead of paper towels

How Green Are You Contest!!!

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

ss-2Ok readers we want to know from all of you “How Green Are You”. Tell us your story on what you do to impact the environment in a positive way. No impact is too small or large and we want to hear about it to share with the world and continue increasing awareness. If you recycle we want hear about it. If you have a solar electric system we want to what your system’s environmental impact has done. If you stopped using plastic bags we want to know how you adjusted from plastic to eco-bags. If you do it all WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT!!!!

Bringing environmental awareness to our readers is a top priority for So-Cal Solar Inc. That is why we have decided to run a contest and hear how our readers have changed their lifestyles to help the environment. The “How Green Are You” contest will be from February 22-March 17, 2010. Below you will find the rules to enter:

1. Email your story to info@socalsolarinc.com
2. All ages are welcome to enter
3. Have your story submitted by March 16, 2010 6pm
4. Include pictures if available
5. No purchase necessary to enter
6. No restrictions on prize winner
7. Winner will be selected by So-Cal Solar Inc. staff via e-mail
8. No limitations on entries per household

The winner of the contest will be featured on our website along with his or her story. We want the story to be heard to start changing the mindset of those that do not contribute in a positive light to the environment. Along with being featured on our website the winner will also be receiving Homeology’s All Purpose Cleaner. Homeology is a green cleaning product line created by Gold Canyon. Homeology has carefully been created to ensure the products are non-toxic, natural and safe for the environment, pets, kids and your health. To learn more about Homeology please visit www.mygc.com/Lamonica .

So-Cal Solar Inc.
2010 West Ave K
Lancaster, CA 93536

Turning the Holidays Green

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Deck the halls this holiday by turning the spirit green. As we frantically get ready for family and the holiday bustle, our first order of business is turning our homes into winter wonderlands. This year I challenge you all to turn your holidays into a recycled green occasion. Below are my helpful tips to get your mind going green.

Dazzling the Tree:
All trees need beautiful ornaments so why not make them instead of purchasing new ones. Hand made ornaments are a hit this year because they can be crafted from everyday materials found around the home. Grab some glitter, glue and sprinkle away. This is a great way to get the family involved and turn this event into a tradition for years to come. Next, make sure your tree lights are LED lights. This will ensure the extra lights won’t take a damaging effect on your already high electric bill.

Cards:
Every year our holiday card list seems to get longer and longer and also very expensive. Instead of wasting your time, money and paper why not send an e-card. Most e-card services are free and you are able to customize your own holiday messages with photos.

Wrapping the Gifts:
Although we all enjoy opening those shinny little boxes under the tree, the moment only last a few seconds. So make sure you use holiday newspaper ads, recycled paper, or reusable bags.

The Perfect Gift:
This year find the holiday spirit by giving non-traditional gifts to friends and family that they will enjoy after the holidays. Gifts such as a free housecleaning, babysitting or even a nice outdoor picnic once the holiday bustle slows down. I know we all wish we could have a little extra help in our lives so a thoughtful gesture such as the ideas above will make hearts melt. Plus your pocketbook will thank you later. If you insist on purchasing a gift get a present that will be enjoyable and good for the environment.
Such gifts as:

Solar outdoor lights
Bamboo cutting boards
Eco golf tees
Organic baby clothes
E-readers
Solar electric system

Going green on the holidays is not as hard as we may think. I welcome others to post their green tips for the holidays. Together we can make this holiday cheer last a lifetime.

Happy Holidays from the So-Cal Solar family!

Green Up Father’s Day

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Father’s day is around the corner and the hunt to find the perfect gift is becoming harder and harder each year. If you have a father like mine that does everything and has everything the perfect gift is nearly impossible to find. As I embarked on my treasure hunt I came across some great green gift ideas for every father out there. Below you will find my top 5 picks for the perfect father’s day gift.


1. Solar Powered Cell Phone Charger


Many cell phone accessory companies are going green with their phones and accessories. As you Google solar powered phone chargers many different options are available to you. One of the latest solar powered cell phone chargers on the market is by Energizer called Energi To Go. This solar charger gives your iPhone that additional battery life that is well needed throughout the day.


2. Solar Hybrid Flashlight


For the dad that likes to spend his summer days in the wilderness a solar hybrid flashlight is the perfect gift. This solar hybrid flashlight is equipped with LED lights that are fueled by solar energy so buying batteries will be a thing of the past.


3. Electricity Usage Monitor


We all know growing up dad was always on us to turn off the lights or TV when not in use. An electricity usage monitor will allow dad to plug in and see how much electricity is being used, for how long and on what appliances. Great for dad’s that are looking to cut energy cost during summer time.


4. Eco Golf Tees


These eco-friendly golf tees are made from recycled wood and are biodegradable for those dad’s that are just learning and losing golf tees on the course. To really spice things add a free round of golf at his favorite location and this will surely bring a smile to his face.


5. Solar Electric System


If you really want to go all out and impress your dad you should consider either paying for a solar electric system or putting some money towards one for him. This will bring your dad to his knees especially since he can use that extra money saved every month towards all his other hobbies. This will be a sure way to repay dad for those 18 years of extra energy used that we all wasted by leaving lights, TVs and other electronic devices on.


Whatever it is you decide to do for your father on his special day make a change and start going green with those gift ideas. Lastly, remember not to go and buy him a card but instead send him an e-card. To all those father’s out there Happy Father’s Day.

Solar Electric its Great for Your Home

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

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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.

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.