Being a Californian has a lot of benefits, we have year-round sun and great weather. Amongst other things, our beautiful state has every type of environment you could want. You can even go snowboarding and surfing on the same day!
Our year-round sun gives us a great amount of opportunity to go solar as well. By 2045, the CA Renewable Energy Act states that all of California will be powered by renewable energy resources (solar, wind, water). We’re called the Golden State for a reason, so with all that in mind, what are the benefits of going solar in California?
We will break down the top 5 Reasons why going solar will help you, your family, and the Earth.
- Renewable Energy Source
The sun has been around longer than the Earth has, and did you know that with all the energy the sun produces within 1 hour, it is enough to power the Earth for centuries? Sunlight can be harnessed in every area in the world and is available every day. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is limitless, clean, and at our disposal. Being a Californian, you can get the most use out of the sun by going solar, and by going solar you will also be helping out our planet in the fight against climate change.
It’s our turn to make use of the renewable energy resource that is the sun to our best advantage, lest we let climate change continue to wreak havoc on our planet.
- Reduces Your Electricity Bills
This is why you’re here right? With the amount of power your solar panels produce, your energy bills will assuredly drop. By how much you may ask? Well, it depends on a lot of factors, such as the way your roof is facing the sun, and how much energy your household uses. But by any measure, you look to save upwards of 40% on your annual expenditure on energy. With those savings, you can invest in other ventures that you’re interested in – or just save that money for a rainy day. It’s up to you.
Before we begin installing your solar panels, we will be going over how much solar power your home can approximately produce, and give you the honest answer to how much you could possibly save. It all depends on your home’s energy expenditure and the amount of sunlight that reaches your home.
With the passing of NEM 3.0 from the CPUC now is a perfect time to switch to solar. NEM 3.0, is a new net metering policy that will ultimately reduce the monthly energy bill savings for new solar owners. The deadline to take advantage is April 2023.
- Diverse Applications
The energy your solar panels produce can be used for a variety of purposes. If you have a hot tub or pool, you can even use solar panels to produce heat (solar thermal energy). In some remote areas within the world, they use solar energy and solar thermal energy to distill water and heat up their water as well. If you’re keen on space technology, the satellites that help us with our GPS, Data Technology, and Weatherology are all powered by solar energy.
Additionally, with so many people working from home nowadays, having your home powered by solar energy as you work is killing two birds with one stone!
- Tax Breaks
Now let’s talk about tax credits, who qualifies?
The investment tax credit (ITC) available from the federal government for the new year of 2023 was supposed to originally give you only 26% of a tax break on the purchase of your solar energy system. However, our federal government has scheduled a 30% tax credit on the total cost of the system when you purchase the system. Yes, that’s 30% of the system cost as a tax break from the Feds.
Also, with the CA Renewable Energy Act, you may even qualify for no-cost solar. This means that you will not pay a single cent for your solar panels, or their installation.
Well, that all sounds too good to be true, where’s the rub? You need to check with your tax professional to see if you can enjoy those tax credits, and you will have to check with us if you qualify by the standards of the CA Renewable Energy Act.
- Low Maintenance Costs
Your solar panels don’t require a lot of maintenance, and here at AMPWRX, we offer a free annual checkup and cleaning of your solar panels. We also offer a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty as well. Since there are no moving parts to your solar system and panels, there is no wear and tear. The nice thing about being in California is also the fact that we do not have any extreme weather events, so your solar panels will always be in the clear.
If you would like to know how to clean your solar panels yourself, here is our quick guide:
- Products needed: Car sponge, Dish soap (optional), Hose, Squeegee (Optional)
- Get a bucket, and fill it with soapy water. Regular dish soap will be fine. You don’t need to use soap, water will be just fine as well.
- Next, you want to get a non-abrasive sponge, like the ones you use in your car.
- Get on your roof (safely) and begin to wipe down the solar panels. You mostly want to get any excess dust/grime or bird poop off the panel. – After washing everything with your sponge, use a hose to wash down the soap.
- This step is optional, but if you want to use a squeegee to get the panels nice and dry – you can.
* Make sure to avoid using these on solar panels: power washing machines & laundry detergent for soap.*
In conclusion…
If you’re looking to switch to solar energy for your home in Northern or Southern California – now is the best time. The Federal Tax Credit for solar energy systems has just increased to a whopping 30%, and who knows how long that will last.
By working with us at AMPWRX – we can help you get all the permits, applications, and licenses needed for you to save tremendously on your solar energy system.
If you’re looking to see how much you can save by using solar energy in California, click the link below or schedule a phone call with us.
We hope to hear from you soon!
