Sacramento – Solar

Solar Panels Are a Solid Investment for Sacramento Homeowners

Will switching to solar really save you money? For Sacramento homeowners, the simple answer is yes. Many factors determine how much any homeowner will save with solar, but there are at least three reasons why solar and Sacramento are a particularly good fit.

1. Although solar panels can absorb energy even on cloudy days, direct sunlight offers the highest rates of absorption and, as a result, produces the most electricity. Sacramento is the 10th sunniest city in the United States, with more sunny days on average than Los Angeles, Miami and even Albuquerque. Of course, we do have our cloudy days. But when compared to most of the U.S., our generally hot, clear and dry weather makes Sacramento a great place for solar.

2. At the end of 2018, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) introduced “Time-of-Day” rates. Under the new pricing system, SMUD customers pay more to use electricity at peak times. In the summer months, SMUD splits the day three ways: off-peak, mid-peak and peak. Both the mid-peak and peak rates of summer are higher than pre-2018 rates. When you opt in to solar, you opt out of those high summer peak rates. By producing your own energy in the summer, you avoid paying a rate that’s more than double the pre-2018 rates.

3. You may be able to further reduce your energy bill by participating in net metering, which is the process of sending surplus energy to the utility company in exchange for credit. Some sources have identified Sacramento as the sunniest place on the planet in the months of July, August and September. Whether or not this is precisely true, net metering allows homeowners to benefit from our long, clear summer days, as their solar panels produce energy to power the rest of the sweltering city.

Solar panels do require an upfront investment, but if you’re a Sacramento homeowner, chances are good that solar will help you save money in the long run.

In Sacramento, Green is the New Black

Are you considering investing in solar panels? If so, you’re in good company. Sacramento is among the top 15 U.S. cities in solar capacity per capita. This should come as no surprise—we’re a city that cares about the environment. Indeed, we have something of an infatuation with all things Green, as demonstrated below:

• WalletHub ranked Sacramento ninth out of the 100 largest U.S. cities for Greenness—lower than San Francisco (#2) but higher than both Oakland (#10) and Portland (#11).

• Sacramento really is the City of Trees. Indeed, researchers from MIT determined that Sacramento has the densest tree canopy out of all the large cities in the United States.

• Sacramento is also America’s farm-to-fork The Sacramento region grows more than 150 crop varieties and supports more than 40 regional farmers’ markets. According to the Visitors Bureau, Sacramento’s 1.5 million acres of active farmland make it the largest agricultural producer in the nation.

• The Brookings Institution ranks the Sacramento region third among the top 100 U.S. metropolitan areas for the greatest concentration of Green jobs.

• Approximately 30 percent of the power needed to run the Sacramento International Airport is produced by a solar array on airport grounds.

• Electrify America designated Sacramento as the first Green City in its Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Investment Plan. Also known as Sac-to-Zero, the plan supports the development of ZEV transportation in the Sacramento region.

There you have it—Sacramento has gone Green! Of course, solar power is far more than just a fashion. Whether or not you consider yourself an environmentalist, you likely understand that going solar is simply a good investment. It’s just also good to know that you can stay up-to-date with the latest trends by dressing your home in solar panels.

Five Reasons to Switch to Solar 

1. Financial savings

Solar energy is enabling homeowners throughout the Sacramento metropolitan area to save thousands of dollars annually on their electricity bills. In some cases, homeowners are not only saving but actually making money by producing surplus energy with their systems. Either way, under the right circumstances, installing solar is a win-win financial investment.

2. Rate increase resistance

Energy rates have been steadily increasing since the 1970s, and they’re likely to continue increasing in the years to come. When you switch to solar, rather than relying on a utility company, you’re generating your own energy, which means you’re no longer subject to power cost increases over time. Essentially, you lock in your energy rate and make yourself resistant to subsequent rate hikes.

3. Reduced carbon footprint

As a totally clean and renewable energy source, solar power is a great way to actively combat pollution and global warming. By powering your home with clean energy, solar gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment.

4. Increased property equity

Fact: Homes with solar power systems sell faster and for more money. According to multiple studies, solar can add $18,000 to $24,000 of equity to a property’s value.

5. Government incentives

There are several incentives available for homeowners switching to solar that can alleviate the initial cost of installation. One of the biggest is a 30 percent federal tax credit, which the government has extended to 2020. However, these benefits won’t last forever, so if you’re seriously considering solar, don’t delay.

4 Tips for Making the Most of Your Solar Installation 

1. Find an experienced contractor. An experienced Sacramento solar provider will know what systems work best and how to install them properly. Also, solar installation requires knowledge and experience in both roofing and electrical systems, so make sure the contractor you choose has well-rounded expertise.

2. Consider the aesthetic side. Most people don’t consider aesthetics when hiring a contractor for electrical work, but it’s a major factor for solar-electric systems. Roof-mounted solar panels are often one of the most conspicuous features of a building, so make sure your contractor has an eye for visual design. The easiest way to do this is by reviewing examples of similar systems the contractor has installed in the past.

3. Buy from an established manufacturer. Purchasing from a new product supplier can be risky—the long-term performance of its products has yet to be proven and there’s no guarantee the company will be around to honor its warranty down the road. To avoid these high-stakes risks, go with an established, diversified manufacturer.

4. Remember the basics. In addition to asking about a contractor’s knowledge and experience, be sure to go through standard steps like checking references and verifying their license and insurance coverage. You should also ask how long the employees have been with the company and whether it uses any subcontractors.