So-Cal Solar Blog

Because solar energy is worth blogging about…

Posts Tagged ‘solar electric’

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/).

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Posted in Website News | 2 Comments »

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

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Posted in Green Living | 3 Comments »

Have A Green Wedding And Make That Day A Little Bit More Special!

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

You can help save the environment even on your wedding day. By having a green wedding, you can enjoy all the elements of a traditional wedding while making sure that you are minimizing any harm to the environment.

The first major consideration is the number of guests you are inviting. It is great to have a big wedding but it is expensive as well. A practical move would be to choose special friends, family, and relatives to invite for your wedding. This will cut down your expenses and also reduce the carbon footprint because fewer guest will mean less travel!

Try to make use of local ingredients and hire a local caterer who has enough knowledge about how to produce those sumptuous dishes you want but from local produce. You are not only helping the environment but you are also patronizing the local growers by buying their produce. These foods are relatively healthier compared to those from other places that may have preservatives in them.

Why not wear a vintage bridal gown instead of a new one that may contain many synthetic materials. Or try choosing a gown that is made from organic cotton or hemp.  The wedding dress is one the most important elements of your wedding so you will be proud, knowing that what you are wearing not only looks great but is also good for the environment.

Instead of importing out of season flowers from abroad, you can make use of the local grown blooms. Some couples even use flowers from their own garden!  Another tip to consider is sharing flowers with another couple who has the same wedding date as yours. After the celebration, you can also send your flowers to some nursing homes instead of throwing it away.

For your wedding favors, you can give away flower seeds which will also serve as a lasting memento for your wedding as your guests can enjoy for a long time the blooms that will result from these seeds.

Perhaps the most significant impact on the environment is you choice of wedding venue. Try to have your wedding outdoors and during the day.  Make sure you ask the venue important questions like whether they participate in recycling or conserve water.  If you really want to have the biggest impact on your green wedding day choose a venue that utilizes solar electric.  This would mean your wedding day would run completely on clean energy and help aid in the fight against global warming.

If you want to have an eco-friendly wedding that is sincere and genuine, you can check out Green Wedding. There you can find 101 tips on how to have the ultimate green wedding of your choice and a free green wedding e-book to help you get started planning your green wedding now.

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Posted in Green Living | 25 Comments »

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. 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Residential Solar, Solar Energy 101 | 10 Comments »

Solar Electric and Electric Vehicle Are a Must

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Rising gas prices and global warming has awakened the world’s needs to alternative methods of getting around and living. If you’ve had the chance to visit a recent car expo you’ll notice a quite a few vendors are advertising and displaying clean air vehicles or electric vehicles (EV for short). There is a new demand for electric vehicles because they are becoming more efficient than they once were and because of rising gas prices. Electric vehicles were once thought of for only local commutes because the battery charges wouldn’t last longer than 30-40 miles, but now we see EVs going as far as 100 miles on a single charge.

Electric vehicles are not only good for financial reasons but they have zero emissions. Regular gas powered cars emit toxins into the air and are harmful to the environment. Electric cars only require electricity to run and thus do not emit anything into the environment. They also improve our noise pollution because electric cars are practically silent.

Homeowner’s who have invested in a solar home system and own an EV are benefiting even more. There will be no more gas bills, you simply plug in at home and use the electricity from your solar home system to charge your EV and house. Solar energy helps decrease our need for alternative energy that is bad for our environment. Pairing solar with an EV will make an impact on the environment that everyone will appreciate. For those who have not converted to a solar home system the government is offering rebates that make converting very tempting.

Electric vehicles will no longer be hard to find as major car companies will be producing electric vehicles. With greener technology in demand we can only expect a brighter future.

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Posted in Electric Alternatives | 22 Comments »

Going Green Can Save Your Money (and Your Health)

Monday, April 13th, 2009

“Going green” has become a frequently used expression in the last couple years. Everyone is doing what they can to be more earth-friendly these days. But, “going green” isn’t just good for the earth; it can be good for your finances too. For example, changing over to a solar system for electricity frees you from the ever-increasing electricity rates that utility companies charge. The federal government has also placed a 30% federal income tax credit on residential solar systems.

In addition to tax credits for going solar, there are some available for a variety “green” house modifications. Tax credits can be claimed for energy improvements to homes, such as windows, insulation, and envelope and duct sealing. Below is a list of the other modifications homeowners can make to receive these credits:

• Adding insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC (& supplements) specifications.
• Replacing windows and skylights, and exterior doors which are equal to or below a 0.30 U factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30.
• Sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce infiltration and heat loss - these should be sealed so as to be consistent with the 2009 IECC.
• Window films certified by the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of a “qualifying insulation system.”
• Pigmented metal roofs, or an asphalt roof with cooling granules must meet Energy Star requirements.

In some cases, taking these measures will not only help you save money, but your health may benefit as well. For example, most homes built before 1980
contain asbestos. Asbestos was used widely throughout the 20th century for a number of things, but it was mainly used for insulation due to its fire-resistant qualities. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of a rare and aggressive type of cancer known as mesothelioma. This type of cancer typically forms in the lining of the lungs and is very difficult to treat effectively. This is because mesothelioma symptoms don’t usually show up until about 15 to 25 years after exposure.

There are a number of other alternative types of insulation that can be used that are more eco-friendly than asbestos and don’t pose any danger to your health. The United States Department of Energy has a list of insulation “Energy Savers” you can use when making plans to remodel your home.

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Posted in Green Benefits, Solar Electricity, Solar Energy 101 | 18 Comments »

Calling all Artist…Time to Turn Green

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” We’ve all heard it before and by now we’ve found some truth to it. All the non-believers will soon see the truth to that quote. Great things have been constructed from trash and even greater things are to come with the SMART Art Trash into Treasure competition. SMART is allowing submissions for the following forms of art: music, sculpture, photography, video, and functional items.

Art has inspired the world for centuries and now it’ll inspire a greener future. Art is one of the best ways to display innovative ideas. One great form of art is story telling and many stories talked about impossible technology that has become possible today. Harnessing the power of the sun was something ancient cultures only thought their gods could do. We’ve even been able to harness the power of the sun with solar technology. There are movies with sun powered and garbage powered cars which now exist because someone thought it and another person created it. We can do just about anything if we work together. This contest can only bring better things into our world by reusing waste.

Some people can’t imagine creating a masterpiece from waste and old junk. The results from SMART Art competition will show them otherwise. Tons of masterpieces have been created and inspired by waste. For example one of the most popular functional items seen today is the Spiral Island. Spiral Island is constructed of 100,000 plastic bottles, some nets, bamboo, and lots of sand. Rishi Sowa, a British eco pioneer and founder of Spiral Island, even incorporated solar technology to power an oven, waterfall, and pond. Solar goes with you anywhere and Rishi was able to harness the portability that you can only obtain from solar technology.

The ideas are limitless. Solar powering your entire project may even give you an extra edge in the competition. We hope to see a few entries for solar powered instruments, furniture, cameras, and other functional designs in this competition. Solar energy will reduce the need for other means of energy that are toxic for our environment. Imagine the fun that you could create with solar technology and recyclable products. There are designer lamps constructed of PET bottles and led lights. Maybe you could be the next Rishi Sowa and construct an artistic island or large habitable structure?

The winner of this competition will be able to participate in the Plastiki Expedition. The Plastiki is a boat composed entirely of recycled bottles. Its main mission is to inspire the world to rethink their waste. Waste has been recycled into wondrous things such as the Plastiki. The Plastiki has also incorporated solar energy to power their expedition. Most of the onboard electricity will depend entirely on solar power. The solar power used on the expedition will reduce the waste sent back into the environment because it decreases the need for oil and environmentally harmful batteries. This competition will have a positive impact on the environment as people go out pick up trash and turn it into a masterpiece or functional design.

Don’t limit yourself because these days everyone turns everything into junk. Show them it’s not junk. Show them a greener future.

—Additional Info For Those That Want to Enter—

Learn more here.

Deadline for submission is May 1, 2009. Guidelines are here.

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Posted in Green Art, Green Living | 5 Comments »

OBAMA’S STIMULUS PLAN- WHAT IT MEANS FOR SOLAR

Friday, March 13th, 2009

Solar power is moving at a rapid pace with the help of Obama’s 787 billion dollar stimulus plan. 42 billion will be used to develop clean energy sources. The president aims to double the United State’s production of renewable energy in three years. In terms of the nations, RPS (renewable portfolio standard), 10 % of our energy will come from renewable sources by 2012. This output will increase to 25% by the year 2025. Additionally this money is intended to upgrade more than three fourths of all federal buildings to more eco-friendly energy systems. 5.5 billion will go towards this particular initiative.

Funding for various projects will be available through loan guarantees. Examples include renewable energy and electricity transmission projects at 6 billion dollars. Also the infrastructure for a smart grid (network based on digital technology to deliver electricity to consumers) will receive funding in the form of loan guarantees and spending.

Grants will be available to subsidize a percent of the cost for building or installing clean energy systems 30% of the cost of building a renewable energy facility will be covered through these grants. Homeowners will be entitled to a similar benefit, as they will also receive 30% for buying water heating systems that are solar powered.

Continued research on renewable energy will receive 2.5 billion dollars from the stimulus plan.

1.6 billion dollars is allocated for bonds that will support facilities which generate electricity from renewable sources like solar power. Also allowing tax credits for converting clean energy sources into electricity will be extended to 2013.

In addition to environmental benefits, these measures will address the unemployment crisis through growth of stable job opportunities in the green industry, as the demand for labor will increase for building new infrastructures. If there was ever a time to go solar now would be the best time. President Obama is deeply passionate about our current energy crisis and ensuring that a huge portion of our energy is generated through solar.

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Posted in Solar News | 4 Comments »

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.

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Posted in Commercial Solar, Residential Solar, Solar Commerce, Solar Industry, Solar News | 13 Comments »

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.

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Posted in Residential Solar, Solar Energy 101 | 5 Comments »