Semper Solaris Blog
It’s no secret that residents across the United States have been dealing with outrageous record rate increases for years now. 2023 has brought even more massive rate increases. SAN DIEGO: San Diego Gas & Electric said customers can expect their energy bill to more than double this month. (source: fox5sandiego.com) LOS ANGELES: One Santa Monica household’s notice, reviewed by The Los Angeles Times, showed the customer’s old rate was $1,030 per year. The new rate? Also $1,030 per year, the letter said. But then a second letter from Edison arrived in the mail at the end of July. The new rate, the customer was told, would actually be $1,723 per year — a 67% increase that works out to nearly $60 a month. The first mailing had showed “an inaccurate rate analysis,” the new letter explained. (source: latimes.com) SACRAMENTO: Pacific Gas and Electric is proposing a 22 percent rate hike from 2023 to 2026. (source: cbsnews.com) BAY AREA: Over the last three years, PG&E monthly bills for combined services have risen about 39%, or an average of 13% a year. (source: siliconvalley.com) ORANGE COUNTY: That’s why electricity costs in the Inland Empire are up 15.5% over 12 months — and sadly that’s the second-best report in a year with a 24% peak. And that followed last year’s 17.5% jump. L.A.-O.C. power is up by only 10.4% — off the year’s 19.7% high and last year’s 12.5% increase. This is no regional outlier. U.S. consumers’ electricity costs are up 15.8% — more than triple last year’s 4.3% rise. (source: ocregister.com) • The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering whether to allow Pacific Gas & Electric to increase utility rates by 18% in 2023, in addition to the 9% rate increase that was already implemented in 2022. (source: cpuc.ca.gov) APS gave regulators a few options. If they want to eliminate the balance due for fuel, they can raise bills an average of $19 a month for residential customers for a year. That hit would total about $29 a month for customers on a demand rate plan. (source: azcentral.com) • In Arizona, the Arizona Public Service (APS) has requested a rate hike of about 13.6% by December 2023. (source: azcentral.com) “I am worried people are going to be shocked,” said John Ballenger, vice president at Texas retail electric provider Champion Energy. “Realizing this is 50 or 60 or 70% higher than what they had paid before; I’m just not sure it’s real to people yet. If it’s not, it will be very, very soon when the bills hit this summer.” (source: texastribune.com) • In Texas, homeowners also saw a massive surge to their electricity, with an increase over 50% to their rates at home in mid 2022. (source: texastribune.org) Because of a merger with the former Gulf Power, FPL has two sets of rates. Its petition said customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month in areas traditionally served by FPL would pay $130.23 in 2023, up from $120.67 this year. In the Northwest Florida areas formerly served by Gulf Power, customers would pay $160.43 in 2023, up from $155.61 in 2022. (source: cbsnews.com) • In Florida, TECO (Tampa Electric Co) announced that the typical residential customer’s monthly energy bill will increase by about 11 percent in 2023. (source: tampaelectric.com) With record rate increases, there aren’t many options to avoid the strain on homeowners’ wallets this year. One solution that is becoming increasingly popular and more affordable is getting a solar installation. Purchasing solar panels is a huge investment, but it will help you save on energy bills with solar. In case you’re not familiar with how solar energy works, it’s a form of renewable energy that is generated by capturing the sun’s energy and turning it into electricity. Solar panels, are made up of photovoltaic cells, are installed on rooftops or other areas to capture the sun’s energy. This energy is then converted into electricity, which can be used to power your home or business. That means, by getting a solar panel installation, you can start to offset or even eliminate your high electricity bills. Residents can also choose to get battery storage backups to bank additional energy from their solar panels. By gathering electricity produced from solar panels and storing it with a battery storage system, people all over the country can power their homes without sunlight and stay prepared for power outages, grid failures, and future rate hikes. Once you decide to install a solar energy system, what does the process look like? Different States and Counties have different requirements, however, it typically looks a lot like this: SITE ASSESSMENT: A solar panel installation expert will visit your home to assess the suitability of your site for solar panels. They’ll take into account things like the size of your roof, the orientation of your roof, your electric energy needs, the amount of sunlight that your home receives, etc. DESIGN AND PLANNING: Once the site assessment is complete, Semper Solaris will work with you to design a solar panel system that meets your needs. This may involve customizing the size and layout of the panels to fit your specific needs. INSTALLATION: After obtaining the necessary approvals, Semper Solaris will promptly schedule and commence the installation process. This typically involves mounting the panels on your roof or another area of your home, and connecting them to your electrical system. ACTIVATION: After the installation, your solar panel system will be enabled, enabling you to save on energy bills with solar energy. More questions? Feel free to give us a call or click HERE to schedule your appointment.
Does Going Solar Make Sense In San Diego? The San Diego region is blessed with an abundance of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar power. Solar panels installed in San Diego can generate enough electricity to power a home or business, and the region's climate means that panels will typically experience little wear and tear. Reasons To Go Solar San Diego If you're considering solar power for your home or business, San Diego is a great place to do it. Solar power is generated by converting sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are made up of many solar cells, and when sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose. These loose electrons flow through the material to create an electric current. This current can then be harnessed and used to power homes and businesses. Solar power is a renewable, clean, and efficient source of energy, making it a smart choice for San Diego residents. With an average of 260 sunny days per year, San Diego has the potential to generate a significant amount of solar power. Solar panels require little maintenance and have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective investment. Making the switch to solar power can help reduce your carbon footprint and support the move towards a more sustainable future. Solar Panel Installations San Diego Overall, solar power is a great choice for San Diego residents. With plenty of sun and little wear and tear on the panels, solar power can save you money in the long run. Plus, it's good for the environment!
Does Going Solar Make Sense In El Cajon? Installing solar panels is a great way to save money on your energy bill and help the environment. The El Cajon Solar program offers a variety of incentives for residents and businesses to install solar panels, including rebates, low-interest loans, and tax credits. In addition, the city provides free educational resources and workshops to help residents learn about solar power. The El Cajon Solar Program is a citywide initiative to increase the use of solar power and other renewable energy sources. The program offers a variety of incentives for residents and businesses to install solar panels, including rebates, low-interest loans, and tax credits. In addition, the city provides free educational resources and workshops to help residents. Solar Panel Installation Company In El Cajon? El Cajon's Solar Program is helping residents save money and energy by providing incentives for solar panel installation, free educational resources, and workshops. The program's rebates, low-interest loans, and tax credits are making it possible for more residents to install solar panels. In addition, the city's free resources are helping residents learn about solar power and how to install solar panels. As a result of the city's efforts, El Cajon is becoming a leader in renewable energy. Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill and help the environment. Going Solar is becoming increasingly popular as the technology improves and the cost of solar panel installation decreases. Incentives like rebates, low-interest loans, and tax credits make solar panel installation more affordable than ever. Solar panels are a great investment for your home or business, and the city of El Cajon is making it easier than ever to install solar panels with its variety of resources and incentives. Best Solar Providers in El Cajon? The El Cajon Solar program is a great way to increase the use of solar power and other renewable energy sources. In addition, the program offers a variety of incentives for residents and businesses to install solar panels, including rebates, low-interest loans, and tax credits.
Does Going Solar Make Sense In Manteca? Solar power is one of the most efficient and cleanest sources of energy available today. There are many factors to consider when deciding if solar power is the right investment for your home. In Manteca, California, Going Solar often makes sense because of the high cost of traditional utility power, the abundance of sunlight, and state and federal incentives. Solar Panel Installation Companies Manteca California Solar power is one of the most popular forms of energy available today. Beginning with Solar panel installation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill. Solar power is also a renewable resource, meaning it can never be used up or depleted. Solar Panel Installation Process Manteca Residents Just remember, Solar panel installation is a simple process that can be completed in a few hours. First, the panels are mounted on the roof of your home. Next, the electrical wiring is connected to the Solar system. Last, the electrical wiring is connected to the main electrical grid. Solar power is then generated when the sun shines on the Solar panels. In conclusion, solar power can save you money in a few different ways. First, you will no longer have to pay for electricity from the utility company. It is also free once the initial investment has been made. Second, you may be eligible for state and federal incentives. These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of Solar panel installation. Solar Manteca California Solar power is a great investment for homeowners in Manteca, California. The high cost of traditional utility power, the abundance of sunlight, and state and federal incentives make Going Solar a smart financial decision. Semper Solaris can save you money on your electric bill, and may even make you eligible for rebates and tax credits. With Solar panel installation from the best Solar company Semper Solaris, you can start saving money and doing your part to protect the environment.
Best Solar Panel Installation Companies Los Angeles Best Solar Companies Los Angeles California The average price of residential solar in Los Angeles has dropped significantly in recent years, making it an excellent time to go solar. There are a number of programs and incentives available to help offset the cost of solar, making it even more affordable. And with the sunniest weather in the country, there’s no better place to go then Semper Solaris. Best Solar Panel Installation Companies Los Angeles If you’re interested in going solar, there are a few things you need to do to get started. First, you’ll need to find a reputable solar installer. There are a number of companies that offer solar installation services in Los Angeles, so be sure to do your research before making a decision. Does Going Solar Make Sense in Los Angeles? When it comes to solar power, Los Angeles is one of the best places in the country to take advantage of this renewable energy source. The average price of residential solar in Los Angeles has dropped significantly in recent years, making it an excellent time to go solar. There are a number of programs and incentives available to help offset the cost of solar.
Do Solar Panel Installations In Riverside Make Sense? Riverside is an excellent location for solar energy. You're most likely using the services of Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) or Southern California Edison (SCE) as your utility. Both these providers have significantly higher rates, making solar a worthwhile option since it saves money. Another important factor in going solar in Riverside seems to be the provider's net metering policy. Further, using the Semper Solaris solar panel calculator, you may find out the solar supports offered in your region. The 'Science' Behind 30% Federal Tax Credit For Solar Panels in Riverside CA The federal solar tax incentive is comparable to 30 percent of the entire cost of putting solar panels on your house. The value of the tax discount gets subtracted from the federal income taxes at that point. Nonetheless, if your tax amount is less than your tax credit, you may collect the credit over many years. You may only benefit from the federal tax credit when paying income taxes. This year's federal solar tax credit is 30% of costs. Because of this, now is the most fantastic time to go solar to optimize your savings from solar energy. How Can You Help Make a Difference? Solar energy generates enough electricity in the United States to power more than 11.3 million households. Furthermore, that number continues to rise as we attempt greater energy independence while also reducing adverse effects on the environment. By signing up for the Semper Solaris power plan, you show the Texas energy industry that you favor increasing the state's solar energy cap. How Much Can Solar Panels Help You Save Up in Riverside? The answer to this question relies on your level of power use. Generally speaking, the more electricity you use, the more significant the potential savings from solar energy installation. In California, the average monthly power use is around 547 kWh each month. However, since this average includes modest flats and condominiums, you are most certainly using far more energy than this. The Riverside solar panel savings calculator utilizes our database of electric tariffs from local utilities to determine how much energy your house consumes. They then translate your monthly electric bill into how much electricity your home consumes. It can then calculate how many solar panels you'll need to balance your energy use. Additionally, it will also tell you how much a solar system will cost you based on local solar businesses' rates. Saving you money on your electric bill due to going solar. Are Solar Panels Worth it in Riverside? Price reductions of more than 80% have occurred in the previous ten years for solar-powered devices. In addition, they will consequently get subsidized by the 30 percent federal tax credit and the net metering legislation until 2022. Making them a fantastic investment! They provide a much higher return than the long-term average return from the stock market and real estate investing. On the contrary, you should consider the Levelized cost you would pay for each kWh of electricity you consume throughout the next 25 years. This will help you decide whether or not you have solar panels installed. Now that you know all about the importance of solar panels in Riverside, contact the best solar business in town – Semper Solaris!
Solar Panel Installation Companies Santa Ana Solar Costs Skyrocketing in Santa Ana Santa Ana is a lovely city that enjoys some of the most excellent weather in California. So, if you plan on going Solar, Semper Solaris is the company to turn to for help. They have over a decade of experience as the nation's largest household solar and energy storage business. And they strive to make you feel less stressed amid power outages and growing energy expenses. Identify the best Semper Solaris solar plan in Santa Ana, California, based on your budget and energy demands. Keep reading to know more! What Are the Advantages of Going With The Best Solar Companies In Santa Ana? It's no secret that California is a pioneer in environmental preservation. Because of the advantages of solar energy, every house in the area is investing in it. The sufficient sunlight that California has been blessed with offers a clean energy alternative for many of its citizens. Residents in Santa Ana and other Californian locales may wonder whether solar power is worthwhile because of the cloudy weather. But clouds aren't something to be concerned about! Further, even though it is gloomy, solar panels may still produce electricity from the sun's radiation. Think About It for A Second. Using solar energy makes it possible for homeowners to reduce their electricity bills. Then again, who doesn't dream of the day when they don’t have to worry about the local electric company? Hence, it's just easier to go solar right now. Investing in solar has never been more valuable, and living secluded has never been simpler. As a result, contact your local Santa Ana Semper Solaris office for more information. Why Go Solar in Santa Ana? Santa Ana residents are lucky that they enjoy pleasant weather throughout the year! With over 12 months of direct sunlight each year, Santa Ana's sunshine is a proven money-saving for those who want to go solar. The Santa Ana region may have chilly winter and boiling summer, which most homeowners choose to moderate by turning on their AC's or heater. You can save money by installing a solar energy system if you constantly utilize a heater or an air conditioner. Consequently, the quantity of solar power produced may exceed the amount of energy used by your house. In this case, you may store the extra energy for later use. With our professionals' knowledge of Santa Ana solar rules and permits, you won't have to worry about a thing when you leave your project in Semper Solaris' capable hands.
Best Solar Companies Campbell If 2.5 million American households have already gone solar, there's a good reason: it's a wise investment! Solar panel installations compensate for the power cost you might have endured for 25 years or more every month. Moreover, if you now spend $150 a month on power, you'll spend $65,000 on electricity in the next 25 years. By going solar, you may save a lot of money on power in the future. Solar financing allows households to pay for a solar system in periods, rather than all at once, utilizing methods like loans and leases. Solar Campbell Financing Options In You can purchase solar systems by cash, a solar loan, or leased/purchased with a solar power purchase agreement. PPAs and Solar Leases for all surrounding San Jose cities. Enjoy the Best Solar Panel Company Installation pricing in northern California. It's never too late to go Solar Almaden San Jose 95120. However, despite their drop in popularity over the last decade, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases were important for developing the solar sector. There are striking similarities between power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases; that's why we call them "solar leases." Solar panels are installed on the land and then sold to you at a fixed rate by a former owner in both circumstances. There are minor differences between leasing and PPAs, but they are comparable enough to have been considered a unified unit. We server all of San Jose including Solar Panel Installations Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve 95120. Many leases and PPAs enable you to have you locked in electricity costs of 10 to 30 percent lower than you're now spending. Previously, the cost of leasing and PPAs rose annually. However, this is no longer applicable; instead, the price of leasing and PPAs remains stable every year, rising steadily. Furthermore, with a PPA/lease, a third company takes care of maintenance, so you know your solar panels are safe. You do not own solar panels when you use a lease or PPA. This indicates that the price of a solar-equipped house is 3-4 % higher than a comparable household without solar. Solar Loans Solar Panel Installation Companies San Jose 95050-56 There are two significant ways to acquire a solar panel system: solar loan and solar ownership. Solar loans are an excellent way to go solar and own your system without putting any money down. So, you can now pay for electricity at a lower cost. If you can pay your monthly electricity, you can afford to place solar panels on your roof via solar financing. Are you confused about the difference between a solar loan and a solar lease or PPA? Know that, unlike a solar lease or PPA, a solar loan allows you to retain ownership of your solar system. In other words, if you get a solar loan, you'll be able to reap the benefits of any government rebates and incentives. Still, you'll also be liable for any future upkeep on the solar panel system.
Best Solar Company San Diego San Diego roughly translates to a…. high electric bill. In a new report completed by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Diego citizens pay the highest energy rates in the country. That’s right… the whole country. Even higher than Hawaii, which is an island. Let that sink in. When asked why rates are higher than anyone else in the nation, a spokesperson for SDG&E pointed to added infrastructure rebuild costs from wildfires, installing new steel poles instead of wood, and laying underground wiring… to the tune of $3 billion dollars. All good things, but guess who is footing the bill? That’s right… SDG&E customers. Now, let’s try to find a solution. Perhaps instead of paying out of pocket for an energy company to upgrade themselves, you could better use that money to upgrade yourself while breaking free from the reliance on that same company. How? By going solar. Solar Panel installation not only increases the value of your home, but decreases or even eliminates your energy bill with the proper set-up. Best Solar Panels San Diego Semper Solaris has served as your local San Diego solar energy company for the last 15 years! Over that time, we’re proud to say our Veteran-owned company has helped pioneer improved solar installation methods, technologies, and practicality. We don’t want to brag, but we’re kind of a big deal. San Diego Solar Companies All jokes aside, solar panels are the future of energy independence and breaking free from the grid. By going solar, you end ever having to live through shaky electricity and blackouts. Your home will be powered by the Southern California sunny skies, the natural way to create energy. Because of our sunny climate, San Diegan’s often see the quickest return on investment when it comes to a solar panel installation – in as little as 4-6 years. The rest of the country can average 10-20 years. Solar San Diego Whether you’re hearing about solar energy for your home for the first time or have been considering for some time, Semper Solaris is here for you every step of the way. Get in touch with us to get questions answered or schedule a free consultation to find the solar system that is best for you. We’ve helped your neighbors defeat SDG&E, let us do the same for you.
Best Solar Panel Company Manteca Solar Panels Manteca Best Solar Company Manteca is Semper Solaris. As solar panel costs have fallen almost 100% beginning around 1977. In 1977, it cost $77 per watt for a straightforward solar cell. As per Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research's Q3 2017 Solar Market Insight Report, the expense of a solar cell presently is $0.21 per watt. A whole collected module is $0.39 per watt. Best Solar Providers In Manteca CA It's easy to see why the sun has been a particularly fundamental asset for humankind. However, solar energy truly just made its mark in 1954. When Bell Laboratories made the principal economically feasible solar cell. From that point forward, solar power has jumped into unmistakable quality as the quickest developing area of the energy economy. There are simply such countless benefits to utilizing solar energy at whatever point and anyway conceivable. You Can Make a Difference with Solar Power The U.S. alone creates sufficient power from solar energy to power more than 11.3 million homes. Furthermore that number keeps on ascending as we seek after expanded energy autonomy and diminish the impacts of petroleum products on the climate. By pursuing a power plan from Chariot Energy, you are showing the Texas energy industry that you esteem the extension and improvement of expanded solar energy limit. Manteca Solar Panel Costs Solar Energy is less expensive than petroleum products. As per Lazard's Cost Of Energy Analysis- - Version 11.0, solar energy costs just 4.3 pennies per kWh on an unsubsidized premise, less expensive than practically every choice for new petroleum derivative power plants. The least expensive petroleum derivative choice is flammable gas, which costs somewhere in the range of 4.2 and 7.8 pennies per kWh. The expense of solar has dropped fundamentally in the beyond quite a long while. 10 years prior, a normal 6 kilowatt hour private solar framework could cost more than $50,000. Presently, the altogether cost of a regular home establishment goes from $16,200 to $21,400, which is a 62% normal yearly decrease.2 From the cost of equipment to continuous support, look into the expense of home solar.
Eco-Friendly Home Improvements That Save You Money Purchasing a home is already a large investment, but to make the most of this asset, you’ll need to spend some time and money upgrading it. Doing so can increase the overall value of your property and help you save money on monthly expenses. However, not all home upgrades are created equal. You have to be deliberate in how you change your home to benefit, both financially and personally, from updating it. To that end, here are some of the best improvements you can make to your home: Install Solar Panels Consider getting solar panels for your home. Though you’ll have to spend some money to have them installed, you can look for solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates to reduce those upfront costs. It will likely take several years for your solar panels to pay for themselves, but in time, solar panels can help you save money on your monthly utility bills. Look into solar battery storage for additional savings. A battery allows you to store more of the sun’s energy for later use, even during a blackout or power outage. If it’s allowed in your area and you manage to generate enough power, you can even make money from your solar panels by selling your power back to your utility company. Additionally, solar panels will boost the value of your home. Like remodeling your kitchen or putting in a pool, solar panels are a home upgrade, and buyers will pay extra for it. One study discovered that buyers are willing to pay $15,000 more for a solar home. Keep in mind that the actual value of your home may differ greatly, depending on the local housing market and demand for solar in your area. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that heating, cooling, lighting, and refrigeration account for the majority of annual household energy use. This means that your refrigerator, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and other appliances are likely the biggest users of gas and electricity in your home and the biggest charges on your utility bill. If you haven’t made the switch already, swap out your existing appliances for ones that use less energy. Simple upgrades, like changing out your incandescent light bulbs for LEDs, can make a surprisingly large difference for the environment and your wallet. However, if you’ve got the budget for more significant changes — like updating your HVAC system or getting a tankless water heater — they’re certainly worth making. You will have to spend some money to purchase and install your new appliances. But, because they use energy more efficiently, you won’t be paying as much for your power and gas bills each month. You can also use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to look for discounts and special offers that reduce the upfront cost of upgrading your appliances. Use Low-Flow Fixtures Similarly, low-flow water fixtures benefit both your finances and the environment. Simply put, they help reduce your water usage, which, in turn, lowers your water bill. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that switching out a single bathroom faucet can decrease water flow by at least 30%. As a bonus, low-flow fixtures can also reduce energy costs. When less water runs through your faucet at a given time, your water heater uses less power to warm it up. To enjoy these benefits, all you have to do is purchase and install low-flow fixtures in your home. These fixtures are fairly inexpensive and usually simple to install on your own. Use the EPA’s WaterSense Product Search to find low-flow toilets, faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. You can also shop for them at most hardware stores, but look for the EPA’s WaterSense label to ensure the fixture meets their efficiency standards. Update Your Roofing You should also consider updating the roof of your home. This is an inevitable expense for homeowners, as all roofs deteriorate over time, no matter what roofing materials were used in their construction. After all, they are designed to protect your home from the elements and keep you safe and comfortable when you’re inside. Further, leaving your roof in shambles can have costly consequences, such as leak damage or decreasing the overall value of your home. Not only does updating your roof help you avoid those expenses, but it can also help you save money. What’s more, depending on the work you do, this may also increase the overall value of your home, especially if you have plans to sell it soon. To keep things affordable, you may want to stick to patching holes, fixing loose shingles, or simple fixes. If you can, though, it may be worth doing a complete overhaul. There are also new roofing materials that make your home more energy-efficient and better protect it from the elements. By replacing your entire roof, you stand to get the most value out of your investment and reap the benefits of a new roof for years (if not decades) to come. Plant More Trees On top of boosting your curb appeal, planting trees on your property can have a dramatic impact on your energy usage. Researchers have discovered that planting shade trees can reduce the amount of energy buildings use for cooling and heating. In addition, the Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency reports that shade trees can lower the air temperature by three to six degrees, helping you save $100 to $250 in cooling and heating costs each year. Trees provide another layer of protection for your home. In the warm and sunny months, a tall tree will shade your house and help keep it cool. During colder times of the year, trees can insulate your house, making it warmer. They also block cold and potentially damaging winds, minimizing their impact on your home. The kind of trees you should plant depends heavily on your local climate and the location of your home, as well as your personal preferences. If you need more information, Energy.gov provides a great overview of landscaping for shade. You can also refer to local nurseries, landscapers, or gardening experts for more specific advice about shade landscaping in your area. Use Native Plants for Landscaping To save even more, you can reconfigure your landscaping entirely with native or drought-tolerant plants. Unlike traditional lawns, native plants will thrive without a lot of additional water or maintenance. These plants are meant to live in your area, and they’ll do well with what your climate naturally provides. Lawns and non-native plants require frequent watering to survive. The EPA has discovered that outdoor watering accounts for 30% of all water use in the U.S. Depending on water rates in your area and the size of your garden, this could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually. If you switch up your landscaping, you can save that money instead. From swapping your lawn for local grass to full-on xeriscaping, there are many ways to incorporate native plants into your yard. If significant updates aren’t feasible, you can make smaller changes — like putting in a few native plants at a time — and try to reduce the amount of water you use in your yard. What to Expect After Updating After updating your home, take some time to enjoy your upgraded space. It will likely take a little time to reap the financial fruits of your labor. In some cases, you may discover a more immediate benefit — solar panels typically come with a federal tax credit, for example — but this is ultimately a long-term strategy to improve financial health. The same goes for the environmental benefits of your updates. You probably won’t see any jaw-dropping, immediate differences, but you’re making incremental improvements that will add up over time and make an immense difference. As long as you’re strategic about the upgrades you make, you’ll be on the path to living comfortably in your home while improving your long-term financial health.
Does Leaving Things Plugged In Use Electricity? When You Should and Shouldn’t Unplug When was the last time you unplugged your television from the wall? How about your computer, or perhaps kitchen appliances like your toaster or blender? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Many Americans have electronic appliances in their homes that remain plugged in 24/7. The potential downside to this is that many electric appliances continue drawing power from wall outlets, even when they’re turned off. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that in a typical household, 75% of the total power used by consumer electronics is drawn when those items are switched off. In California, where the average household spends about $1,400 per year on energy bills, this waste amounts to an annual cost of around $1,050 (or $88 per month). Knowing when to unplug certain electronics is a simple way to manage your energy consumption and lower your electric bill. What Is Standby Power? “Standby power” is a blanket term that describes the energy used by electronic appliances when they are switched off, or not in use. Some items, in particular, are referred to as “energy vampires” because they require a continuous supply of power to function. Modern consumer electronics offer many convenient features like remote controls and digital displays. These features are popular because they make devices easier to use, but they also increase a household’s standby power consumption. A television set is a prime example of a residential energy vampire because it’s operated by remote control with a receiver. Remote control receivers must remain on at all times to await the activation signal, which in most cases is the power button. The Fight Against Energy Vampires Standby power consumption used to be a largely unheard-of concept, but as more people have become aware of its costs, the collective effort to reduce it has grown and advanced. The 21st century has brought with it new regulations aimed at controlling the standby power consumed by household appliances. Additionally, new technologies like home automation systems can be programmed to cut standby power to appliances when they aren't being used. Other advances in conservation technology can help homeowners save even more on their annual energy costs. Modern home solar panel systems produce clean local energy and are being developed with new features that help reduce waste from standby power even further, such as batteries that can store excess energy for later use. Eliminating Energy Vampires in Your Home The first step to reducing your standby power consumption is to identify the biggest sources of waste in your home. Older appliances are common culprits, as they were designed without standby power consumption in mind. Fortunately, that has changed, and many modern Energy Star appliances are made with standby power requirements that ensure their efficiency. While it can be beneficial to simply replace the older electronics in your home, it can also be very expensive and inconvenient, and may not be the only way for you to conserve. Using automatic timers for your television set, heater, and air conditioner reduces energy waste by cutting standby power to these devices while they aren’t in use, but still allows them to be conveniently ready when needed. If possible, it can also be helpful to replace the older power adapters in your home with newer, lower wattage ones. Adapters are easier and cheaper to replace than appliances but still make an impact on energy consumption. If you have an older adapter that becomes warm when you plug it in, it is likely to use more power than necessary and should be replaced. What Should Get Unplugged? As a general rule, appliances that are remote activated or utilize digital displays tend to consume the most standby power, but not all of these devices can feasibly be unplugged whenever they’re not in use. Computers and cable boxes, for example, have lengthy restarting processes that make it difficult to regularly unplug them. Mobile device chargers: Phone, tablet, and laptop chargers continuously draw power from wall outlets while they’re plugged in, even when the battery is full or there is no device connected. Blu-ray/DVD players: These devices are heavier standby power users because they typically utilize both remote receivers and digital displays. Coffee makers: Many modern kitchen appliances use digital displays that draw standby power but can be easily unplugged when not in use. Microwaves Food processors Blenders Printers: Modern printers often feature advanced digital display screens that consume power while they are in standby mode. While it can be more complicated if you’re using an internet-connected smart printer, you should still unplug printers and fax machines from the wall if you know they won't be in use for a while. What Can Stay Plugged In? Refrigerators: Besides the danger of food spoiling, unplugging your refrigerator is inadvisable because modern refrigerators are designed to be efficiently running all the time, and unplugging won't save you much energy. Wireless modems: While some modems do have digital displays that use standby power, restarting a modem is a tedious process that can interfere with the functionality of other devices in your home. Power Strips and Outlet Control For many people with full schedules and busy lives, it can be difficult to remember every time they leave something plugged in. Power strips are an excellent way to manage standby power use and keep track of all your different appliances. When several devices are plugged into a power strip, you can easily cut standby power to all of those devices at once, just by flicking a switch. Modern smart power strips can even detect when appliances are in standby mode and automatically cut off their power supply.
Global Trends in Renewable and Alternative Energy In 2020, renewable capacity upgrades grew 45% worldwide from 2019, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) — with a 90% rise in global wind generation and a 23% rise in solar power installations. China alone made up 80% of that rise, with the United States and Vietnam next in line, respectively. Policy deadlines are to thank for the “unprecedented boom.” Another report by the IEA finds that renewables were the only sources of energy to see an increase in 2020, as demand for all other sources declined. Despite supply chain disruptions and construction delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, these sources of energy have remained steadfast. The use of renewables has been dubbed the “new normal” by the IEA. From solar to wind and everything in between, there is no doubt that renewables are the future of energy generation. Countries all over the world are on board with this development, as evidenced by the IEA’s reports. Trends in Solar Energy In 2019, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasted that solar energy will be among the fastest-growing sources of electricity generation in the U.S. Solar is a popular alternative energy source — and for good reasons. This energy source does not create pollution or greenhouse gases, unlike its traditional counterparts: coal, oil, and natural gas. Harnessed from the sun’s radiant light and heat, solar power is here to stay. Solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, have become efficient, commonplace energy sources for both residents and businesses alike. Other uses of solar power include heating homes, water, and even supplying large power stations. From fighting air pollution to toxic water to homelessness, solar technologies are saving the planet. In 2020, China was leading the way in solar power capacity and was expected to add up to 65 more gigawatts to its grid in 2021. When it comes to the United States, California is the largest producer of solar power in the country. Solar incentives are a driving force to this rise in California, as well as around the world. Trends in Wind Energy The rise in the popularity of wind energy is right up there with solar. In 2020, wind energy capacity nearly doubled from 2019, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) — with China adding 72 additional gigawatts, followed by the U.S. with 14 gigawatts. Once again, China leads the way in wind energy generation with 29% of the world’s share, followed by the U.S. and Germany with 21% and 9%, respectively. There are many benefits of wind energy; it is cost-effective, a clean energy source, sustainable, and creates jobs. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of wind energy is its ability to ramp up electricity production in cold snaps of weather. This source of energy has its drawbacks too though. One drawback is that wind sites are often located in rural areas, but energy demand largely comes from cities. Transmission lines must be built to carry power to these more densely packed locations, where placing wind turbines isn’t as practical. Besides rural areas, offshore sites are another common location for wind power. In 2021, the U.S. Biden administration kicked off a series of offshore wind projects to foster a clean energy revolution and create jobs. Trends in Hydropower In 2020, hydropower plants contributed to 7.3% of the total electricity generation in the U.S. — and 37% of the total renewable energy generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This technology, also known as water power, utilizes mechanical equipment to turn running water into electricity. Hydropower facilities in the U.S. are primarily concentrated in three states: Washington, California, and Oregon. However, this country and those states are not the forerunners of the pack. China and Brazil lead the way in hydropower generation, respectively, with China adding another 6.8 gigawatts to reach over 370 gigawatts of capacity in 2020, according to a status report conducted by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). Citing its low costs and flexibility, the same report by the IHA predicts hydropower will become the dominant source of electricity generation by 2050. Trends in Alternative Fuel Alternative fuel, also known as advanced fuels, is defined as any materials or substances that can be used as fuel, other than traditional sources, such as fossil fuels or nuclear materials. This type of fuel includes gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, or propane; alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, and butanol; vegetable and waste-derived oils; and electricity. Biodiesel and bio-alcohol are two of the more commonly known forms of alternative fuel. In 2020, the U.S. and Brazil were leading the way in the production of biofuels, contributing 1,347.3 and 883.7 petajoules that year, respectively. The biofuel revolution in Brazil is largely thanks to Brazilian law, which requires that gasoline be mixed with 27% ethanol. Blending fuel like this releases fewer emissions and contributes to a cleaner environment. What Does This Mean for the Future of Alternative Energy? From solar, wind, and hydropower to alternative fuel, each of these innovations is benefitting our world in myriad ways. For one, the energy that produces zero greenhouse gases is energy that reduces pollution. The environment is not the only thing benefitting from the switch to renewables though. These forms of energy diversify our energy supply, reduce our reliance on imported fuels, and create jobs in manufacturing, installation, and design. The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) reports that renewables have the fastest-growing market of any energy source in the U.S. — from 2000 to 2018, renewable energy witnessed a 100% increase in use. The continued development and implementation of renewable energy sources, however, will heavily rely on the backs of governments all over the world. Policy initiatives and government incentives serve as a driving force to get consumers and businesses alike to make the switch to renewables.
Solar Panels in Sacramento are on the rise! It’s true, Solar has taken over California’s Capital and is turning the City of Trees into the City of Solar! And Semper Solaris is leading that charge! Bringing military-grade service and military-grade values to the Solar installation industry! The City of Sacramento loves Solar power so much it has helped the Golden state reach number one in Solar Installation! Leading the way in California Solar! Best Solar Sacramento That is because California, and Sacramento in particular, believes in Solar power! Whether it be the money saved, the freedom gained, or the sense of pride that comes with sourcing your own energy, the benefits of Solar are overwhelming. Not to mention what it does for the environment! Sacramento Solar Panels 95815 Sacramentan’s can see these benefits clearly, and that is why they are lining up for the amazing state and federal Solar incentives! So, if you are a Sacramento resident, and haven't already gone Solar, make the change now while these incentives last! You’ll reduce your carbon footprint, save thousands, claim your energy independence, and lock in your energy cost forever! That doesn’t just make sense, it’s a no-brainer! And if that isn’t enough to jump on the Sacramento Solar train wait till you hear what Solar is doing for the local economy! The Sacramento Solar boom is boosting the city’s economy at a record pace! Bringing jobs, large-scale commercial projects, as well as federal investment! Best Solar Panels Sacramento With these powerful additions to such a great city, it is plain to see why the City of Sacramento and Solar power are such a great match! Join the Sacramento Solar revolution today!
So, how can you tell if your Air Conditioner needs a repair? Or maybe yet, a replacement. Its April and you are ramping up the use of your trusty AC, however, you are noticing something about it that is needing your attention. You may have come to realize that over the years your AC has already been through several repairs and remarkably, it's still going. The thing is, you might already need to replace it. Here are 5 common signs that you may have to get yourself a new air conditioner: 1. It No longer Cools the Room the Way it Should One of the most telling signs of an AC that is past its prime is that after several repairs, it just is no longer consistent when cooling your room. When you first turn it on, it just blows warm air, and then it takes more than a few minutes to come up with cool air. Even then, it is not as cool as it used to be. For some, it might just be a case of blockage in the duct or maybe a thermostat that needs to be replaced. But if it is something that is regularly occurring then it might be time to replace your AC. 2. It’s Making Some Strange Noises that Doesn't Go Away with Use Grinding, loud squeaking, rattling, and sometimes a little bit of sporadic banging from wherever inside your unit could be signs that wear and tear has already had its way with your AC. A normal operating AC of considerable quality would barely make noise when it runs. But if your unit is getting too loud and is unusually troublesome because of the racket, and, you just had it repaired the previous month. It might do you good to have it replaced eventually. 3. Strange Smells Coming from Your AC An AC that works well should be able to blow cold, crisp, and odorless air from its vent. However, if you smell something strange like a burning or a musty, moldy smell that doesn't go away, it's about time to check your local dealer for a new unit. In fact, something burning could even be an emergency as it needs to be checked immediately. 4. Moisture Build Up One of the conveniences of having an air conditioner is its ability to control humidity, if not eliminate it. This is so that you can enjoy a cool and dry environment where you don't feel sweaty or clammy. An air conditioner that is no longer working properly starts to accumulate moisture right on the unit itself. It sometimes drips out in drops of water, or you might see the front panel "perspiring". Worst case scenario, your unit is already leaking water right inside your room. Fogging windows and moisture in the ducts and vents are also signs of your evaporator coil that is no longer working properly. Mold and mildew can result from these situations and could cause health problems later on. 5. Your HVAC System is Already Old and Needs to Replaced All appliances have their own life expectancy as to when they are able to deliver optimal service right before they expire. In the case of your HVAC system, it should be useful inside of 10 years or more. Naturally, if your air conditioner is already more than 10 years old, even with proper maintenance it will definitely show some signs of aging that could be a combination of any of the first 4 signs discussed above. Anyhow, an older air conditioner even though it may seem okay may already be outdated or obsolete unless it has a lifetime warranty. You could be running higher bills in terms of energy consumption, more than how much you will be paying for a brand new, more energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly unit. The use of Freon (refrigerant) in older ACs has already been phased out, due to its effects on the ozone layer. It was replaced by R-410A (in newer models) which doesn't damage the ozone layer. An air conditioner that still uses freon is already subject to replacement. That goes for older units 10 years and above. The Benefits of Replacing Your Air Conditioner Better Performance No more problems with humidity and irregular cooling patterns. A new unit will deliver consistent cooling power which will keep you comfortable for as long as need it. Savings from Repair Costs If you find yourself paying more in repair costs that are accumulated versus purchasing a new AC, it would make a lot of economic sense to replace it instead. Better Energy Efficiency Newer models mean better technology which then translates to energy savings, all the way to money savings.
