If you live in Penngrove, CA, you are not new to the high cost of electricity and a lot of sunshine. Why not use the sunlight to assist you in paying for your energy costs? That is where solar panel installation comes in. If you are thinking about installing a solar panel system, either in your home or for business, we at Sun Solar Electric can help you.
For decades, we have worked with some of the most prestigious companies and homeowners, helping them achieve their solar objectives. We take pride in our reputation for conducting solar installation, maintenance, repair, and other projects with passion as though they were our own. Please do not settle for anything less than the best, and contact us to have an excellent solar energy experience.
Penngrove Solar Panel Charges
The charges of a commercial or home solar panel system vary based on the size of the system (that is, how many panels are included) and components such as installation costs and solar batteries. The average Penngrove solar panel system is smaller and thus more affordable than the state average.
The average national solar panel cost is $2.66/W, while the average state solar panel cost is $3.93/W. But in Penngrove, the average solar system cost is cheaper than the state's and national averages at $2.73/W. The average size of a Penngrove solar panel system is about 3.1 kW, meaning charges of around $5,905 for solar installation after accounting for the 30 percent federal ITC (investment tax credit) and other local and state solar incentives.
Note that the above figures are only approximations and depend on the average energy use of Penngrove residents. The cost of a solar system for your home or business may be different based on factors specific to you, such as your solar contractor and household or business energy use. With general savings of approximately 32,000 dollars on energy bills over twenty years, most Penngrove residents find investing in solar worthwhile.
Whereas solar energy costs have reduced compared to how they were some years ago, it is still a heavy investment. Fortunately, many financing options make purchasing solar more affordable for Penngrove residents. Some Penngrove solar panel installation companies offer power purchase agreements or solar leases, which substantially lower the upfront charges but do not offer the same benefits as owning a system.
Paying for a Solar Panel System in Penngrove
If you wish to install solar panels on your business premises or at home, various financing options can make your purchase easier. They are:
- Mortgage: you can refinance your mortgage to obtain money for a solar panel system for your home. Various mortgages are meant to fund energy efficiency projects.
- HELOC, or home equity loan: you may also consider a home equity line of credit or home equity loan. These could save you on interest, although your home will be at risk if you fail to pay them back.
- Solar loan: most solar companies offer third-party financing. Consult with various lenders since the third-party choice of your solar company may not provide the best interest rate or terms.
- Cash: A costly project like solar panel installation requires so much money. If you wish to use solar energy in the future, consider saving cash now. Contributing regularly to your savings account can stuff your savings.
- Personal loan: you may also borrow cash through a personal loan. The primary difference between home equity and personal loans is that personal loans are generally unsecured. This means your house is not at risk. However, personal loans have higher interest rates and shorter terms than home equity loans.
- Power purchase or lease agreements: some solar installation companies allow customers to enter a power purchase agreement or lease their solar panel system. If you opt for a lease, you will not own the solar panel system. You will only pay to use the equipment. Entering a power purchase agreement implies buying solar power from the solar company to power your business or home. The cost you will pay is often lower than the retail rate from a local energy company.
Penngrove Solar Panel Rebates and Incentives
Penngrove residents can benefit from various solar incentives, rebates, and tax credits to make solar energy more affordable. Some incentives are available throughout the state, whereas others are unique to Sonoma County.
One critical solar incentive is net metering. This incentive was reduced last year in a utility commission vote. The change went into effect on April 15, and it is expected to raise the payback period of a solar system to ten years from six years. Additionally, California initiated time-of-use rate plans that make backup battery installation more profitable.
Residential Clean Energy is a national solar-related tax incentive available in California that credits thirty percent of a solar system panel's cost back to a consumer who purchases panels. This incentive was extended and increased because of the Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in August 2022. This incentive alone may save a significant amount of money on the average solar panel system's cost. The federal tax credit is not capped. Therefore, you could claim the full 30 percent, irrespective of the solar panel system size.
The Penngrove Solar Panel Installation Process
The following is a step-by-step process to help you better understand how a solar panel is installed:
Selecting a Solar Panel System
Once you decide it is time to go solar, be it for your home or business, the first step will be to choose the ideal system and determine the type and size of panels you need. Additionally, you want to decide which mounting system will be suitable for your roof. If you are a homeowner, you should also consider installing a battery storage system due to the excess energy it produces.
Planning for Installation
Once you have chosen the ideal solar panel system, the next stage is planning for installation. Knowing how many panels you require and whether your home or business entity's electrical system must be upgraded will save you money and time. If you are unsure, a contractor can assist you in determining the ideal solution for your commercial or residential panel installation.
Installing Solar Panels
Your next step will be having permits approved, followed by your company of choice beginning the installation work. During installation, the contractor will mount the solar panels to the roof, connect the wiring, and install the inverters. You want to plan yourself since the installation may take a few days to complete based on the solar panel system size.
Activating and Monitoring the System
Lastly, after the system is installed, you will activate it. This involves registering it with your local utility company and having it inspected. Additionally, you will monitor the system via an online portal, which will assist you in understanding the amount of power you are generating and if maintenance or repairs are required.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar panel maintenance is a critical part of having an efficient and successful solar power system. Panels need regular maintenance so they can run optimally and last for several years. The following are tips on Penngrove solar panel maintenance:
Regularly Cleaning the Panels
When snow, dust, dirt, and other debris gather on solar panels, they can block the sun's rays, lowering their efficiency. Clean the panels regularly using water and a soft cloth. It is critical to do regular cleanings to keep the solar panels functioning at their maximum. You may have to clean the panels as frequently as once a month.
Inspecting the Panels
Regularly inspect your panels for signs of damage, like loose connections, corrosion, or cracks. If you realize any problems, call a professional for repairs to keep the solar panels working efficiently.
Checking Your Electrical System
Your solar panels are connected to the electrical system. Ensure the connections are secure and tight, since loose connections may lead to system malfunction. Regularly monitor the system for indications of inefficiency. If the system is not functioning normally, call a professional for assistance.
Keep Trees Plus Other Objects Out of the Way
Ensure the solar panels are directly hit by the sun. If you can, keep the solar panels far away from trees or structures that might cast shadows on the panels to maximize solar energy.
By complying with these simple measures, your solar panels will last longer and run optimally. Maintaining the panels is critical for obtaining the most out of your investment.
Tips on Choosing a Solar Company
Thanks to solar incentives, a Penngrove solar panel system can provide discounts on utility bills for customers that can afford them, and they are an ideal means to save cash and reduce their carbon footprint. These incentives will only improve with time, and solar energy is becoming a popular commercial and residential option. But selecting the right solar company can be challenging. Several companies offer various services, like sales, marketing, financing options, and installation.
Several solar companies do not offer incentives, meaning they charge more upfront. Also, most of these companies that offer incentives are fly-by-night operations that might not operate long-term or are start-ups. Those incentives might not even exist when you want to install solar panels; thus, it is critical to assess your options carefully.
Since solar energy is just like many other power sources, you want to find a company that offers the precise services you need.
Know the Size of Your Solar System
The bigger your system is, the higher the cost and the longer it will take to start operating. You can search online for estimates to have an idea of the amount of money it costs for various-sized systems. It is all based on your location and roof. If the roof is flat, the installation will be more challenging.
But if it is angled, installation becomes more effortless. Your ideal company must also consider your budget. Go for a company that can assist you in paying off your solar panel system promptly so you can receive all your power savings back in the form of reduced monthly bills.
Ensure the Company's Customer Service is Great
If you are looking to hire the right Penngrove solar panel installation company, you should check customer reviews regarding the company. Also, check the company's warranties and the amount of time it will take to be refunded your money (if at all there is a refund) if your solar panels are not generating power as anticipated. Reviews help you know whether or not a company warrants its products. If a company has an excellent reputation, you can be confident about your purchase.
Ask for Referrals
Referrals are people who have previously hired your company and reviewed their experience. Seeking their opinion will help you see what it is like to hire them. You will know a company has excellent customer service if other customers have enjoyed their services. You could ask questions like, "Will the company quickly respond to your question?" or "What is the company like when it comes to obtaining for you whatever you need?” Et cetera.
Inquire About Financial Options
Some companies often offer various financing options to assist customers in paying off their solar panel systems more quickly. You could negotiate a "pay-down-the-systems" or lower interest over an installment plan of a few months. You should consider a company that offers various financial options. If the company has excellent customer service, paying for the solar panel system should be easier.
Take Note of Rebates
Some solar companies offer rebates on top of a solar panel system to assist customers in paying it off more quickly. They generally need a customer to be able to afford to pay that bill or be willing to put down 20 percent of the total cost. This means a customer may give up one thousand dollars to be paid off in three years rather than five to six years.
Find Reliable Solar Installation Services Near Me
If you are looking for a reliable solar subcontractor in Penngrove, CA, you are at the right place. At Sun Solar Electric, we are experts in residential and commercial solar installation services. Apart from installation, we also do maintenance, and repair. We ensure the most advanced solutions both in service and product, therefore improving your quality of life and saving you money in your pocket. Call us today at 707-658-2157 for a consultation and to learn more about our services.