Enphase Energy and Palomar Solar Grow Together Through Storage and Collaboration

Palomar Solar and Enphase Energy Collaborate on Solar Solutions

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

Palomar Solar has collaborated on home energy technologies with Enphase Energy for years, and are now expanding the Enphase Storage products they offer their customers. Enphase Energy is a global energy management technology company and the world’s leading supplier of micro inverter-based solar-plus-storage systems. Palomar Solar is a leading solar installation company based in Southern California. This exciting collaboration means that Palomar Solar clients receive not only the easiest installation, but also the highest quality technology from Enphase Energy. 

Palomar Solar has been bringing solar energy to Southern California since 2009. The company offers full service solar and energy storage solutions for customers, making it easy to convert your home or business to solar energy. Palomar also helps with solar installation by managing permits, rebates, utility interconnection, and even providing professional roofing! 

Enphase Energy develops solar panels and energy storage devices. These products mean that even if the grid goes down you’ll have enough energy stored to power your home or business. When the grid is up, clients save significantly on their power bills. Plus, Enphase Energy stores only low-voltage DC power, has intelligent features to automatically back up power if storms are predicted for your area, and has an easy-to-use app that makes it possible to always know how much energy you have. 

The partnership allows Palomar Solar to provide feedback and testing data on Enphase products from their clients. Enphase utilizes this information to better evaluate their designs and serve their customers. As the first Enphase Platinum installer in San Diego, Palomar Solar is able to provide deep product knowledge, end-to-end customer service, and the best solar products to their clients. 

“We value the close-knit working relationship with the business and technical teams at Enphase, and I believe they have the best solar technology in the world and continue to work for the benefit of both companies,” said Andy Anderson, owner and founder of Palomar Solar and Roofing. “To ensure that we can provide maximum value to our homeowners, we have integrated Enphase Storage with our full suite of customer services. With Enphase Storage, we have experienced a surge in demand from customers.”

Want to learn more about this exciting collaboration? Read the press release in full here. For more information about solar in San Diego, California, visit Palomar Solar, and to learn more about Enphase Storage visit the Enphase website.
Is Solar Worth it in 2021

Is Solar Worth it in 2021?

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

You may have heard about solar power from a friend, on TV, or maybe your neighbors got solar panels during COVID.

  1. In 2020 solar power experienced a 37% growth in the United States.
  2. According to SEIA, 42% more solar power installed 2021 and 2025!
  3. Research piloted during the pandemic revealed incredible growth projection for the market over the next 18 months.
  4. According to ResearchAndMarkets.com, Global renewable energy market growth from $184.3 billion in 2020 to $226.1 billion by 2021, with solar leading the way.

The reasons for rapid growth:

  • Homeowners who switch to solar power are saving thousands in electricity costs every year by choosing to produce their own. Southern California homeowners return on investment is usually 4 – 7 years and over 20% ROI.
  • Flexible financing: Financing for your PV solar system is easier than ever, with low interest rates and shorter terms
  • Increased property value: In 2020 you can still take advantage of the 26% Federal Tax Credit on the entire cost of your PV solar system. But is scheduled to drop to 22% by 2023!
  • Cost of installing solar panels has drastically decreased over the past 15 years.

 

There has never been a better time to go solar than now, so contact us today! Call 1-760-504-0388
Are solar panels worth it in 2020

Are Solar Panels Worth it For Your Home in 2020

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

The Current State of Solar Energy

The cost of installing solar panels has drastically decreased over the past 15 years.

Some benefits of going solar are:

  • Increased property value
  • 26% Federal Tax Credit on the entire cost of your PV solar system, but in 2021 that Tax Credit will decrease to 22%.
  • Financing is available and easier than ever, with low interest rates and much shorter terms.
  • Return on Investment for Southern California home owners is usually 4 – 7 years and over 20% ROI.

Plus with free per per panel monitoring, for all our clients, why not go solar now!

Are solar panels worth it for your home?

Here are some of the most popular questions answered

Will solar panels increase my home value?

In most all cases a properly designed PV (photovoltaic) solar system will add value to your home. However in some rare cases where the system is poorly designed, it is conceivable that a system could in fact lower the value of the home. This is why a properly designed solar panel system should always take into account not only the initial production desired but also longevity (is the equipment speced designed to last for the 25 year life of the system?). Most old tech inverters (string type) are only designed to last 10 years.

Another important value consideration that is often overlooked by the designer is that of aesthetics. Are the panels placed in a hodge podge manner or are the homes aesthetics taken into account?

Will solar panels save me money?

As a rule most PV solar systems will save you money. Savings come from a variety of sources. The first and easiest way to see this is by home much your electric bill is lowered, immediately. This of course is often balanced by a loan payment that was used to finance the system.

Current Utility Cost Sample

1 Year Utility Cost Without Solar

Utility Savings After Solar (1 year)

After Solar Utility Savings

The second major savings comes from the 26% Federal Tax credit. In a typical system, this can be a $6-10,000 federal tax credit.

26% Federal Tax Credit Example

26% tax credit example

The third savings which is always the largest and yet toughest to see, is the accumulated savings over time due to the system offsetting continuously increases power costs. While a customer may be offsetting a $250 average bill in month 1, by year 10 that same bill may easily be $460, and a stunning $1,270 in year 25. A $25,000 PV system at todays cost can save a consumer more than $200,000 in lifetime electric bills over 25 years.

Contact Us Today

Are solar panels worth it? The answer is simple, you will save a considerable amount on your electricity bill and increase the value of your home.

Want to learn more about solar panels? Contact us today! We would love to chat with you 1.760.504.0388.
Top Solar Energy Questions Answered 2020

Solar Panel Efficiency: 2020 Top Questions Answered

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

Solar Panel Efficiency

Which solar panels are the most efficient?

Currently the top manufacturers include LG, Sunpower, Panasonic and Qcell. 

  • LG up to 21.1% efficiency
  • Sunpower up to 22.8% efficiency
  • Panasonic up to 19.7% efficiency
  • Qcell up to 19.6% efficiency

Note: Solar panel efficiency is less important than the cost per watt and value of the companies warranty.

Some of the best rated solar panel manufacturers from 5-10 years ago are no longer in business.  That said, what good is the warranty now and who do you call?

 

This same logic should be applied to the inverters as well as your installer.  One of the growing issues within the industry, which we highlight in this article (What to do if your solar installer disappears?), is when people attempt to reach their installer only to find they are out of business and they are left orphaned without a company to rely on for service.

 

At Palomar Solar and Roofing we estimate 90% of the our inquiries are customers looking for someone to service their previously installed system because the company no longer exists.

 

Upon initial contact with Palomar, one of our certificated solar experts will take the time to hear your story and explain our service fee structure. We’ll gather some basic information crucial for us to assess your situation and determine potential solutions. At the completion of this initial phase, we’ll have a much better understand of how we can help.

 

The most common type of solar cells for panels are those made of?

Crystalline silicon (containing both monocrystalline and polycrystalline), and panels made from thin film technology.

 

How efficient are solar panels?

Average efficiency of solar panels falls between the 15 to 18 %.

 

Solar Panel production by month

When are solar panels most efficient?

Best months for solar production

The month of April is often the most productive month for solar due to the length of the day balanced with cooler weather, allowing the panels to perform at their peak.  The summer months April through September will produce twice as much power as the period from October thru March.

 

 

 

Solar Panel direction

Where are solar panels most efficient?

Best direction to face solar panels

 

 

 

The preferred placement for solar panels is south to south west facing, but not all homes have the space necessary in these directions, therefore eastern facing placement may be necessary as well.  Care should always be taken when considering a northern orientation as the output is noticeably lower.

 

Contact Us Today

And find out if solar panels are right for you.
Email or call 1.760.504.0388.
Residential Solar Installation in Del Mar, CA 92014

Del Mar Roof Mounted Solar Panel Project

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

Our Latest Residential Solar Panel Installation in Del Mar, CA

Check out this beautiful Del Mar, CA solar panel project using 22 LG solar panels with 22 enPhase microinverters. The system size is 8.25kW DC, and was completed in August.

Before the system was installed we completed a roof repair where the system was going to be placed. One of our roofing crews started the project by carefully removing the existing tile roof. Then, they installed composite shingle on the roof where the solar panels would soon be, and stored away the removed tiles to be used later.

Next our solar crew arrived and installed the solar panels in just one day.

We also installed online per panel monitoring. This feature allows the homeowner to be able to see exactly how each panel is performing at any given time of day!

Just three days after installation was complete, the happy homeowners were granted permission from SDG&E to turn on their system.
Solar Panels Eco-Friendly

Are Solar Panels Eco-Friendly

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

Are Solar Panels Harmful To The Environment?

Solar panels are designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating. The increasing cost of electricity has led many home owners to question if installing solar panels is the right decision for them. That said many wonder are solar panels eco-friendly and do they have a potential for a negative impact on the environment.

Solar Panels Eco-Friendly Benefits

Most energy comes from fossil fuels or nuclear power, but solar power has become a major player in the world of clean energy.

  • Solar panels create no greenhouse gases  
  • Solar panels are now not only an option for sunny environments
  • Solar panels are slowly becoming adopted by many big businesses that typically use a lot of energy resources

Solar Energy Impact vs. Fossil Fuels

When choosing solar panels you become much more environmentally friendly over power sources that use fossil fuels. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory states that each household that switches to solar energy stops 7.7 tons of toxic greenhouse gases from being released.

The biggest concern for most people interested in solar panels is whether the disposal process is harmful to the environment. Manufacturing companies have developed ways to make solar products easier to dispose of, and easier on the environment. Many of the chemicals have great potential for recycling because of their value. When manufacturers have incentives to recycle these materials, they will keep costs down. New technology also has paved the way for the use of organic products that have less of an environmental impact.

If you are thinking of solar power as an option, you will find that it is an eco-friendly choice.

Contact Us Today
Email or call 1.760.504.0388.
Can solar panels damage my roof

Solar Panel Damage: 2020 Top Questions Answered

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

Solar Panel Damage

Will Solar Panels Damage my Roof?

No, though if not properly installed they can definitely cause damage. Believe me we have seen some pretty scary solar panel installations. This is why a companies reputation should always be taken into account when deciding who to use for a PV installation. Cheaper is often not better, as the old saying goes “you get what you pay for“.

 

Solar Panel Catch Fire

Can Solar Panels Catch Fire?

The short answer is no. Solar panel damage caused by fire is rare due to the panels themselves generally being fireproof. However if improperly wired when they are installed a fire could be the result. This is a rare occurrence and yet the main reason why a licensed electrician should always be hired to do the installation to ensure proper conduit and wire terminations are used to ensure a safe and secure system.

That said, can solar panels overheat? Solar panels by themselves do not overheat. In fact the hotter the day, the less solar output is received. A byproduct of a solar installation is often a lowering of attic temps, due to the shade provided to the roof of the structure by the panels.

 

Can Solar Panels be Damaged by Hail?

Yes solar panels are designed to withstand most hail, ie. the size of a golf ball. That said damage is still possible in some cases and as such you should always add the solar system to your home insurance policy, in order to recover any loss caused by damages that are unforeseen.

 

Solar Panel Removal

Can Solar Panels be Removed?

Yes solar panels can be removed for purposes of roof repair or system replacement etc. However due to potential high voltages, especially with older systems, this work should never be done by a homeowner. Always hire a professional to service or remove a PV solar system.

 

Contact Us Today

And find out if solar panels are right for you.
Email or call 1.760.504.0388.

How To Clean Your Solar Panels

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

Solar Panel Cleaning 101

How Often Should you Clean Your Solar Panels?

Fortunately, high-efficiency solar panels don’t require constant cleaning.  The amount of sunlight lost from dirty panels is not high enough to make a difference.

However, there are times when cleaning your solar panels makes sense.

  • If you live on or near a unpaved road as the amount of dirt is higher-than-normal.
  • If you live in an area with a high frequency of birds (due to their droppings)
  • If you live in a drought prone area, such as eastern San Diego or Murrieta, due to the prevalence of dust.

Do these environmental factors hinder the effectiveness of the solar panels?

The short answer is yes, but as mentioned above, the amount of energy lost is negligible. The dirt, debris, and bird droppings can impact how much sunlight gets through, which is needed to convert the light to energy, though efficiency is only really lowered by 5% or less. So it is a matter of weighing effort to energy loss.

How to Clean Solar Panels?

Most people choose to hire a professional to clean their solar panels, but if you feel up to the challenge, here are the instructions to guide you through the process:

 

  1. Fill a bucket with soapy water. Ensure you’re using a cleanser that is gentle (such as dish washing detergent). However, plain water works as well.
  2. Gently wet down the solar panels. (don’t use a high pressure water attachment).
  3. With your non-abrasive sponge and soapy water wash down each panel.
  4. Finish with a good rinse.

Another thing to note is to keep the weather in mind. Solar panels get very hot, so picking a late afternoon or cloudy day would be the best time to clean your solar panels. 

Contact Us Today
Email or call 1.760.504.0388.
TOU-DR1-TOU-DR2-Standard-DR

SDG&E Introduces New Default “Time-of-Use” (TOU) Plans

Posted by Adam Rizzo on

SDG&E is Acting on The New “Time of Use” TOU Plans

You know those summer days when you arrive home from work exhausted, hungry and hot – on the way in you grab your mail, kick on the AC, and preheat the oven in preparation for dinner. Well, you may want to open a window, opt for pizza, oh, and be sure to read that notice from your local power company & their new time-of-use TOU plans instead. There’s a change in how you’re being charged for your electricity usage and it’s already underway.

**Updated as of April 2020**

As a solar customer, have you received this message from SDG&E?

Your current pricing plan is changing to Time of Use (TOU-DR1) on May 20, 2020. Please see below to learn more about your pricing plan or compare other pricing plan options to choose the best plan for your energy needs.

Utility companies have pushed the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and California legislature to move from a tiered billing system to a “time-of-use” (TOU) billing system. Among three of California’s major power companies, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) is the first company to act on this new directive. The billing system includes revised “peak hours” and two new time-of-use rate plans, one of which will replace the current default billing format.

Rob Nikolewski from The San Diego Union Tribune states that “California’s policy makers also hope the wide spread adoption of time-of-use will lead to a boost in sales of battery storage systems paired with solar panels.” On the contrary, a boost in battery sales might just be an unintended consequence of the drastic and recent changes the power companies have been making. And coming from a practical standpoint, these peak hours could potentially counteract solar energy production. This is because the peak hours that SDG&E has allocated for their customers are also the same hours when a power surge is almost inevitable and even mandatory in some homes.

The Lowdown… what you should know about the change to Time-of-Use plans.

The shift began in March of this year and is set to be complete by mid-2020 with 75,000 to 100,000 SDG&E customers. The pattern will continue each month until almost all 750,000 customers in SDG&E’s service sector have been switched. The new billing system also includes new “peak hours.” Initially, peak hours fell between 11a.m. and 6p.m. The revised peak hours are now from 4p.m. to 9p.m. but didn’t the utility companies spend the early 2000s persuading us that these hours were the best hours to use electricity? Ah, the ole switcharoo. Nice job power companies. SDG&E has introduced TOU-DR1 as the new default billing format (DR-SES for most NEM customers with solar systems). TOU-DR1 divides the day into three intervals: on-peak, off-peak, and super off-peak. Also introduced are TOU-DR-P and TOU-DR2 who’s plan is similar to TOU-DR1, but the days are only divided into two intervals. There is no super off-peak. FYI, customers can opt to stay on SDG&E’s standard tiered plan at no extra cost! But there’s a catch: you have to call SDG&E and specify your preference. Be forewarned, it may take a call or two to accomplish going back to your original tiered rate plan. If you would like to test the time-of-use waters, SDG&E offers “bill protection,’ which will allow customers to receive a “shadow bill” included with their monthly billing statement. Shadow bills will show the difference between the time-of-use rate you opted for and the tiered rate you were previously on, giving you an idea of the new billing format’s performance. 

What does this mean for solar customers?

Although SDG&E will switch both solar and non-solar customers to time-of-use rate plans, NEM 1.0 customers may be eligible to remain on the tiered rate for another 5 to 20 years starting from their PTO date by being “grandfathered” in. This is something you will need to speak with SDG&E about. You may have to press the issue for your billing format to be switched back to the tiered rates. In fact, when you contact SDG&E, ask to speak with one of their Solar Specialist. Solar Specialists are knowledgeable and will be able to walk you through the available plans that will most benefit you. Changes for new NEM 2.0 customers include mandatory default time-of-use rates and taxes/charges that cannot be bypassed. time-of-use rates will also vary depending on time of day (keep the revised peak hours in mind) and energy demands. Credits for solar customers and production also varies dependent upon time-of-use. Potential NEM 2.0 customers can reach out to one of our solar consultants to inquire about the design of their solar panel system that will benefit them.

Choosing the plan that’s right for you.

Example of TOU Plan Options (TOU-DR, TOU-DR1, TOU-DR2, TOU-DR-P & DR-SES)

TOU Plan Option Examples          TOU Plan Option Examples - 2

  • First thing first – become familiar with all of the available rate plans. SDG&E may suggest and even advertise only two or three available plans to opt from, but there may be a third or fourth option they might not want you to know about.
  • Talk to SDG&E about being grandfathered in. Customers who are eligible to be grandfathered in will receive more time to maximize their savings, build new and beneficial energy preservation habits, and it gives you some time to prepare for the switch.

What if I can’t be “grandfathered” in?

Once you’ve been informed of all available plans, old and new, take a moment to compare them to each other. Review your past and current electricity bills. Then consider what days and times you use the most power to determine where you can afford to cut energy usage. Laundry could wait until the weekend, dishes could be hand washed (instead of using the dishwasher). Tablets and phones can be charged after 9p.m., and you could use those same devices for entertainment instead of turning on the TV. The more electricity you use during peak hours, the more you pay.

Another option would be taking a look at your solar system’s energy production. Are you producing enough energy to offset your usage? If not, this could pose a reduction in your yearly savings. Adding to your solar system is an option you might want to consider. It’s best to speak with one of our solar energy consultants to inquire about the benefits of adding to your solar system.

And don’t fret – even with the current inconvenience of the power companies’ new rate plans, solar still makes sense. And every time these power companies’ contrive blows in the form of soft-pedaled penalties at the solar industry, solar makes even more sense. Here at Palomar Solar we pride ourselves on ethicality and will always be upfront when it comes to providing you with the information you seek. No gimmicks, no change orders, and honesty, 100% of the way. They say knowledge is power: and while we may not have complete control over the power companies, if we’re knowledgeable and informed, we might just be able to outsmart them.