If you don’t have solar yet, you’re completely reliant on the power grid and the utility companies that establish rates. But what if you could break free from that dependence and regain control of your home, as well as your bills for the future? With solar, you can. Solar Panels The possibilities with solar are practically endless. When you decide to make the switch, you will need to determine what your goals are and how solar can…

Many people in the Bay Area and Sacramento region know about the benefits that solar can offer their home, but they might not be as clear on just how solar could be used to improve their business. If you’re a business and property owner, it’s time to learn more about how solar can make your life easier. Reduce Operating Costs & Take Advantage of Attractive Incentives Running a business is hard enough as it is, but when…

With homeowners everywhere from Northern California making the switch to solar energy, you might be thinking about it too. Learning more about the benefits of solar power for your home can help you make the decision that’s right for you. Why Now is a Great Time to go Solar Although you may have thought that going solar is a large investment, there’s actually never been a better time to make the switch. Affordable Solar System Options Solar…

Summer’s officially here and although temperatures were already high before June 21st, now they’re only going to continue climbing. While that can translate to some quality time outdoors, it also means that indoors your air conditioner is running at full blast. What does that mean for your monthly energy bills? Energy Use During the Summer Here in the greater Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area, although there are distinct winter and summer seasons, the majority…

Despite widespread use, there are a lot of myths solar energy. At West Coast Solar, we are happy to help educate our customers across Northern California about solar energy. Myth 1: Solar panels don’t produce much power in the winter Solar electric systems produce significant amounts of power in the winter. Lower panel temperatures in Northern California actually boost the conductivity of the solar panels, enabling them to produce large amounts of power throughout the…

You’ve heard a lot about solar power, maybe by a referral from a friend or simply by reading the news, and now you’re interested. Although you understand the general concept about how solar works and see so many homes throughoutNorthern California with solar panels, you probably still have questions. Is it as simple as just having solar panels installed on my roof? Would it really work for my home? Could my roof even work with those solar panels? How…

Until a few years ago, most solar systems were purchased. Back then, solar systems were more expensive and there were fewer financing options like there are today, so it made it difficult for many home and business owners to afford solar. Around 2008, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) began growing in popularity. Suddenly, homeowners could install a solar system for as little as no money down. At the same time, they often started saving money…

There is a federal tax credit available with the purchase of a solar energy system for a home or business. West Coast Solar customers can take advantage of incredible opportunity, essentially reducing the cost of a solar system by a staggering 30 percent. We recommend that you consult with your tax preparer for further information. What expenses qualify for the solar tax credit? Typically, the entire project cost qualifies for the federal tax credit. These…

There is now enough solar energy capacity in the US to power 4.6 million homes, with California leading the nation. In fact, solar energy accounted for 32% of the new power generation nationally in 2014, exceeding coal and wind energy. Since 2006, the cost of solar energy has fallen more than 73% – making it a wise investment both economically and environmentally. Solar energy technology has advanced significantly in recent decades, minimizing the impacts of…

Reducing home electricity use allows a smaller solar system to generate a larger total percentage of your home energy consumption. In many cases, simple energy-efficiency initiatives can have a big impact on your summer electricity use in your Northern California home. West Coast Solar has some energy-saving strategies for summer weather! Block the Summer Sun Although home window treatments are often used for aesthetic or privacy reasons, they are also very helpful in shading direct…