Solar energy is better for the environment. That is an indisputable fact. The sun has been “energizing” the planet and its inhabitants for eons before fire, candles, and light bulbs. Solar energy does the job without added “side effects” from the (over) use of fossil fuels. Green energy is cleaner, safer, better. 

But you probably already know this. The environmental benefits of solar energy are not new headlines. Experts, activists, and engineers have been touting the positives of “going green” with a renewable energy source for a while. The downside for most people was the high cost. However, recent advancements in solar technology have made this option less of a pipe dream and more of a possibility for all homeowners. 

As beneficial as solar power is for the environment, you may still wonder about the personal and financial benefits. 

Does solar energy also save you money? And if so, how?

The short answer is that, yes, using solar energy over traditional electricity will save you money. Solar energy has been proven to be a cheaper energy source year after year. The initial cost of switching to solar energy may seem high; however, the long-term investment in solar panels has both short and long returns. 

If you transition from using traditional electricity to only solar energy, you will see immediate savings concerning your monthly energy costs. How much you save each month depends on (1) The cost of electricity in your area and (2) How much electricity you use. If your electric bill averages $250+ a month, your savings potential is more significant than your neighbor, who may only pay $85 per month for electricity. 

How long will it take to recoup your initial solar investment? When we do our energy analysis and solar solutions for our clients, they average less than a 7-year return on investment. Remember, your savings will add up each month by not paying for electricity.

Another way that solar energy can be financially beneficial is through tax rebates and incentives. The current federal solar investment tax incentive allows homeowners to claim 26% of installation costs on their tax returns. 

Switching to solar energy can not only be beneficial for the environment and your low/non-existent energy bill, but it can also increase the value of your home. Solar panels are an investment in more than just your energy use – they are also an attractive addition to your property. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a fool-proof formula or calculator that you can use to determine how much you will save through solar energy. Your energy needs are unique to you and your home, and your solar plan would also be singular and specific to your requirements. Your roof is different, your trees and shading are different, your rate plan is probably unique, and your main electrical panel may be out of code. You will want a trusted solar educator to ensure your expectations are appropriately set. Bright Planet Consulting provides a complete and thorough energy analysis & custom solar solution, so you see everything – the potential savings and the upfront costs – to make an informed decision about switching to solar energy.

Bright Investment – Choosing the Best Solar Company

https://www.buildsolar.org/post/the-best-residential-solar-installers-in-dublin-california

The decision to transition from traditional electricity to solar power is essentially a life-changing move for yourself, your family, and your property. Switching to solar energy is a significant investment in your home and the environment. The first big step is deciding to switch; the next important matter is selecting a solar company to handle everything. Do not assume that all solar companies are alike – especially considering the investment of time and money involved. You want to be sure that you find the best company to meet all of your solar-related needs.

A Few Good Tips

#1 – Begin with research. Before you can narrow down a list of possible solar companies, you have to know who’s available. The first step in choosing a solar company is to make a list of available solar providers in your area. 

#2 – Read the reviews. It is rare to find any company without a single negative review, so don’t be shocked to see some 1-star ratings. At the same time, you also don’t want to pass over the bad reviews you might find. You need to see the good, the bad, and especially the neutral comments made by other customers.

#3 – Get multiple quotes. Adding solar panels to your roof is similar to renovating part of your home; you wouldn’t hire the first contractor you spoke to, so don’t go with the first solar company you call. Request quotes from multiple companies and see what they all have to offer.

#4 – Look beyond the financial comparison. If you have ever bought anything in a store, you know that sometimes the cheaper item isn’t always better. Sometimes there’s a reason why the brand name costs more. Especially when it comes to choosing your solar company, don’t assume that the cheaper quote is the better company. 

#5 – Check the qualifications. As you narrow down your list of potential solar energy companies, check the company’s insurance, license, and certifications. You also want to know if the company is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). 

#6 – Set your expectations high. Solar energy is a long-term investment, and you want a solar company that you can count on beyond the installation. Among the questions you ask each solar provider, ask about their warranty offerings and what you can expect down the road. 

You want a solar energy company committed to its customers by offering the best information, providing exceptional service, and going beyond normal expectations. You want a company invested in your project long after the solar panel installation. 

Bright Planet Consulting is a successful solar engineering firm that operates with a singular mission to make sustainable energy accessible and affordable for everyone. We are committed to educating people and making available the most relevant and helpful information to make the best decisions regarding solar energy. 

Here’s a shocking news bulletin – PG&E is raising their rates AGAIN. If you think about the rate increase that began with the new year, you are behind by a few months. PG&E did announce a rate increase for their millions of residential residents in California that would go into effect in January 2022. However, the mammoth utility company was recently approved to raise their rates for a second time this year – another 9% increase for residential customers and up to 12.7% for businesses. 

Does PG&E have a logical reason behind this extra rate increase? Of course! The company wouldn’t make a perfect villain if the corporate professionals didn’t know how to “spin a good yarn.” The current “spin” is blaming the rising cost of natural gas. Everything is more expensive than even a year ago, and now, PG&E is paying more for natural gas. There’s no sense in the company taking a financial hit when all it has to do is raise rates.

PG&E’s added reasoning to the Public Utilities Commission is that the increase will only cost their residential customers an extra $15 each month. It doesn’t seem like a big deal. That’s the cost of one fancy coffee shop transaction or a fast food meal. It’s just $15 from their 4.8 million residential customers, and the $15 these households are already paying for the January rate increase. So now, it’s just $30 per month. 

Is PG&E being dubbed a villain just for raising rates? Yes and no. Utility rate increases and themselves are almost a part of life. In short, they happen. But with PG&E, they happen a lot.

Additionally, since they are the largest utility company in California, most customers don’t have another option – it’s either pay the piper or go without electricity and natural gas. A recent report showed a timeline of PG&E rate changes: 31% from 2009 to 2019, more than the national average of 19%. That report doesn’t include the 12% increase approved for 2020 or the 5% increase in 2021.

The initial rate increase of 2022 was to update all the equipment and power lines to combat the wildfires that seemed to happen almost every summer. It’s a very sound reason to increase rates just a little more. However, this is the same company responsible for tragic wildfires in 2018 and 2019 that killed 120 people because of their outdated equipment. So now, PG&E is making the customers pay for them to do something they should have been doing all along?

That’s villainous.

Back to the most recent rate increase – residential customers are certainly unhappy to know that their electric bill will go up just a little more after it’s already increased just a little more. $15 does not sound like much money, but it adds up. Those monthly jumps total almost $400 a year if the amount of electricity a household uses does not increase. What if you are now charging an electric vehicle? Your usage and monthly bill will be outrageous!

So far, PG&E has increased its residential rates by at least 18%, and 2022 has barely begun. What happens if inflation continues to rise and natural gas prices go up again? Will the utility giant be back for another pound of flesh? 

Do California residents have another option when it comes to electricity?

Yes!

It’s called solar energy, and it’s not such a fairy tale/too pricey notion anymore. California is known as the Sunshine State for a reason – there’s a lot of sunshine, which means plenty of renewable energy for any home with solar panels. Especially now, it’s a great time to find out just how easy it can be to switch to solar energy.