There’s never been a better time to go solar than right now. To put it simply, making the transition to renewable energy is one of the best things you can do to reduce your energy usage, put money back into your pocketbook, and help make your community — and the planet — a healthier place to live.

At West Coast Solar, our number-one goal is to help homeowners in California unlock all of the advantages that powering your home with solar energy can offer. Whether you want to save a little money or reduce your carbon footprint, there are so many great options for switching from traditional energy sources to clean, renewable energy.

Learn More

While California is nicknamed “The Golden State” thanks in part to its gold rush history leading our modern development, it is also recognized as “The Golden State” for all of the golden sunshine we receive annually. On average, California gets nearly 3,500 hours of sunlight each year with about nine hours of sunlight every day. That’s a lot of sunshine!

Unlike traditional energy resources derived from fossil fuels, sunshine is an unending, renewable resource. As long as the sun continues to shine, it can continue powering homes and businesses in California and beyond — without harming the environment. But what, exactly, is a home solar panel system and how does it work? Let’s explore.

Solar companies like West Coast Solar have developed efficient and effective technologies that can harness the sun’s energy and convert it into usable thermal and electric energy to power your home’s electronic systems, appliances, electric cars, and devices. Residential solar panels can provide energy for a variety of uses, including electricity, lighting, heating, and water heating for homes and ADUs.

Solar energy is the light and heat produced by the sun. The sun’s radiant sunlight is not only an abundant alternative energy resource, but it is also the cleanest. California is one of the country’s richest solar resources because of the amount of sunshine the state receives each year. With a home solar power system, you can harness that energy and either store it in batteries for later use or consume it to power your home.

Solar panel systems are incredible pieces of technology that have completely transformed the way California residents use energy. Here’s a quick breakdown of how our solar panels work to power your home with clean energy.

1. West Coast Solar designs and installs a custom home solar power system according to a variety of specifications and factors.
2. Solar panels are devices that are typically made from silicon, which can conduct and generate electricity. The panels work with an inverting system to convert and disperse energy.
3. Once the solar panel system is installed and operational, the photovoltaic cells in the solar panels harness and absorb the sunlight and heat produced by the sun.
4. The energy captured from the sun is then converted to direct current (DC) energy, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) energy through the solar power system’s inverter.
5. The AC energy then flows through your home’s electrical panel.
6. The clean energy is then dispersed into your home, powering everything from electronic devices to appliances and heaters.
7. Any excess energy is then redirected from your home to the electrical grid.

There are so many reasons to make the switch to solar, but before we get to those, let’s look at some incredible facts about solar. As we mentioned, California is setting the example for the rest of the nation in its push toward solar and other renewable energy sources.

Here are some fascinating statistics about California’s solar growth over the last five years.

• California homes powered by solar energy: more than 6,828,939.
• Number of solar panel installations through 2019: more than one million.
• Solar accounts for more than 19.51% of the state’s electricity.
• The solar sector accounts for more than 3,430 solar companies, which provides nearly 77,000 jobs (and still growing) for residents in our state.
• California has invested more than $63.5 million in solar projects, both residential and commercial.
• Prices overall have dropped by more than 36% over the last five years.
• Since 2020, the Residential Solar Mandate requires all new homes built in California to have solar panels.

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and 6,828,939 homeowners can’t be wrong! If you’re ready to join the solar energy revolution, we’re excited to help you transform the way you power your home. Now that you know what residential solar panels are, contact your friends at West Coast Solar.

Request A Quote