Californians: Go Solar Before It’s Too Late!

Californians: you need to get solar ASAP before net metering 3.0. 

As a homeowner in sunny San Diego, you may be wondering if solar is a good investment for you. The answer is a resounding “yes!” Solar energy is a great way to save money on your energy bills, and it’s also a great way to help the environment.

Keep in mind - the California Public Utility Commission has officially voted 5-0 to approve changes to the state’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) rules, known as NEM 3.0. This policy will decrease the average export rate (how much solar producers are credited for their excess production) by about 75%!

Overall, this change will make it more difficult for rooftop solar owners to recover the significant money they spent installing their solar installations in California. 

What do you need to do? Californians can be grandfathered into the current (and much better) net metering policy by submitting interconnection paperwork for their solar project prior to NEM 3.0 taking effect next year. 

You still have time to be grandfathered into California's current policy. Thus - if you are thinking about going solar. Get the ball rolling NOW!

Five Reasons to Go Solar in San Diego

As a homeowner in sunny San Diego, you may be wondering if solar is a good investment for you. The answer is a resounding “yes!” Solar energy is a great way to save money on your energy bills, and it’s also a great way to help the environment.

Solar panels are an important part of the local energy grid in California. They provide a clean, renewable source of energy that can help reduce the impact of climate change and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. 

Solar panels are also cost effective and provide a long-term source of energy. California is a leader in renewable energy production and is committed to providing its citizens with clean, renewable sources of energy. Solar panels are an important part of this commitment, as they can provide a significant portion of the state’s energy needs. 

1. Lower electricity bills: Solar energy significantly reduces your electricity bill, allowing you to save money each month. Solar panels generate electricity from the sun's energy, allowing homeowners and businesses to reduce their reliance on SDG&E. This can lead to significant savings on energy bills, especially for people who have high electricity bills. By generating their own electricity, homeowners and businesses can save money on energy costs over the long term, ultimately offsetting the initial cost of installing solar panels.

The amount that a homeowner in San Diego, California can save on average per year by getting solar panels depends on a number of factors, including the size of the solar panel system, the amount of electricity the system generates, and the homeowner's energy usage patterns. Many homeowners in the San Diego area save thousands of dollars per year with solar. 

It is important to note that the actual savings will depend on the specifics of the solar panel system and the homeowner's energy usage. For example, a homeowner with a larger system or higher energy usage may see greater savings. To determine the potential savings for a specific home in San Diego, it is recommended to consult with a solar panel installation company. We can help homeowners estimate the potential savings based on their specific energy needs and the size and orientation of their home.

2. Tax incentives: San Diego homeowners are eligible for a variety of federal and state tax incentives, including a Federal Investment Tax Credit of up to 26% of the cost of solar panel installation. The Federal Tax Credit allows individuals and businesses to claim a credit on their federal taxes for certain qualifying expenses.

 One way that people can use the Federal Tax Credit is by installing solar panels on their home or business. The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal program that allows homeowners and businesses to claim a credit on their taxes for the cost of installing solar panels. The credit is equal to 26% of the cost of the solar panel system and can be claimed on the homeowner or business owner's federal tax return. By claiming the credit, individuals and businesses can save money on their taxes and offset some of the cost of installing solar panels.

3. Increase home value: The installation of solar panels can increase the value of your home. Solar panels can increase a home's value in the San Diego area for several reasons. First, solar panels can save homeowners money on their energy bills by generating their own electricity. This can be a significant financial benefit for homeowners, especially in an area like San Diego where energy costs can be high. Potential buyers may see the value in having a home with solar panels and be willing to pay more for it.

In addition to saving money on energy costs, solar panels can also increase a home's value by making it more attractive to potential buyers. As more people become interested in environmentally friendly and sustainable living, homes with solar panels may be seen as a more desirable choice. This can make a home with solar panels more competitive in the market and potentially fetch a higher price. Many states, including California, offer tax credits and other incentives for homeowners who install solar panels. These incentives can also add value to a home by making it more financially attractive to potential buyers.

4. Net metering: With net metering, you can receive credit for excess energy your panels produce that is sent back to the grid. Net metering is a system that allows individuals or businesses with solar panels or other renewable energy sources to sell excess electricity back to the grid. In California, net metering is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and is available to customers of the state's three largest investor-owned utilities: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E).

Under California's net metering rules, customers with renewable energy systems can receive a credit on their utility bill for any excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. These credits can be applied to offset electricity usage in future billing periods, effectively reducing the customer's overall energy costs. Net metering helps to promote the use of renewable energy sources and can provide financial benefits for customers who invest in solar panels or other clean energy technologies.

5. Lower maintenance costs: With solar panels, there are minimal maintenance costs and no need for expensive repairs. Solar panels require minimal maintenance for a few key reasons. First, solar panels are designed to be durable and resistant to damage. They are made from strong, weather-resistant materials that are able to withstand extreme temperatures, wind, and other elements. Solar panels also have a long lifespan, with many systems lasting 25 years or more. This means that once they are installed, they do not require frequent repairs or replacements.

Another reason that solar panels require minimal maintenance is that they have few moving parts. Traditional power sources, such as coal or natural gas plants, rely on complex machinery that requires regular maintenance and repair. Solar panels, on the other hand, rely on photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. These cells do not require any mechanical parts or maintenance to function properly. In addition, solar panels do not produce any emissions or waste, which means there are no pollutants to clean up or dispose of. Overall, the combination of durability, long lifespan, and simplicity makes solar panels an efficient and low-maintenance energy source.

Home Battery Installation in San Diego

As a California homeowner, you understand the importance of having reliable and sustainable energy sources. With the increasing cost of electricity, and the need to reduce our carbon footprint, investing in a home battery is a smart choice. Home batteries offer a variety of benefits that make them an attractive option for any homeowner. 

First, a home battery can help you save money on your electricity bill by providing a reliable source of energy during peak hours when electricity rates are highest. By storing surplus energy during off-peak hours, you can use it during peak hours, reducing your electricity bill significantly. This is especially beneficial for those living in areas with high peak electricity rates. In addition, a home battery can also be used as a backup source of power during outages, enabling you to stay connected to the grid and maintain your standard of living. 

Second, home batteries are an environmentally friendly way to power your home. By storing renewable energy such as solar or wind, you are reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. This is especially beneficial in California, which has a goal of achieving zero-net energy by 2021. 

Third, the installation of a home battery can increase the value of your home. By providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy, potential home buyers will be able to see the value of your home and be more likely to make an offer.

Overall, purchasing a home battery is a wise decision for any California homeowner. Home batteries offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, increased sustainability, and increased home value. With so many advantages, it is easy to see why a home battery is a smart investment for any homeowner.

Power up San Diego: Go Solar!

If you want to obtain solar panels in San Diego, a home battery, or need assistance: merely call us at 866 787-6527. You can also reach us at info@stellarsolar.net. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a no-pressure look at your clean energy options in San Diego.