In this three part series, we’re going to discuss one of the most important and difficult tasks when going solar, choosing the right solar contractor. There are many solar companies in California that advertise themselves as “the best,” while third-party companies acting as brokers that recommend the “right solar company for you.” But what does…
Ever since 2012, the tiny house industry has been growing into a movement of cost-conscious, ecologically responsible homeowners. This is especially true in California. In fact, some California cities like Fresno and Ojai have permitted tiny houses to be built in homeowners’ backyards, which can then be rented out as supplemental income. One of the…
Los Angeles and California homeowners use less electricity per capita than residents in any other state, except for Rhode Island and New York. Although well-known for their environmental stewardship (which includes being energy-efficient where possible), part of the reason for that sparing usage is undoubtedly because utility-supplied electricity is so pricey. According to the Bureau…
It’s common knowledge that the less electricity you use, the more you save. That’s why energy-efficient appliances have become so widespread. But what about energy efficiency for homeowners who go solar? If you’re generating your own electricity powered by the sun, what difference does it make how much power you use? Lower Your Power Usage…
California homeowners don’t currently have to deal with power outages from hurricanes like those that hit Houston and Florida. However, there are always natural disasters that can knock the power out here, too: earthquakes, wildfires and the like. Occasional man-made problems can cause outages as well. You might think that homes with solar power would…
Going “off the grid” sounds cool, like something Carrie Mathison might do to get intel in Homeland. But if you’re considering off-grid solar, you probably have more practical concerns. When discussing electricity and solar power, “off-grid” refers to a system that is not connected to the electrical grid—the traditional way to get power from a…
Unless you are licensed to install a rooftop system yourself, you will likely contract professionals when you go solar. When you do, you’ll want to be sure the people who will be on your rooftop know what they’re doing. When doing this research, check your potential installer’s license number. In California, the Contractors State License…
You’ve decided to go solar, crunched the numbers, and picked an installer. So now what? Who handles the permits, the inspection, and the estimates? This post will outline what a homeowner should expect during the installation process, from consultation to monitoring. You Will Get a Written Installation Plan and Cost Estimate The first thing you’ll…
While it can be financially beneficial to buy your solar panels and take advantage of the solar power incentives in Los Angeles, that isn’t the only option for homeowners. For those who want the benefit of solar power for their home without the expense of owning the system, leasing is a great option. But what…
Tax credits, rebates, and other solar incentives in Los Angeles have helped helped many thousands of homeowners across the Southland go solar in recent years. If you have recently installed a solar system in your home or are considering doing so, you should make sure you take advantage of any incentives for which you qualify,…
