For over 50 years, AMECO has been helping businesses across multiple industries save on energy costs through commercial solar panel installation. Our line of commercial solar solutions will help your business effortlessly transition to clean and renewable solar energy.
Our commercial solar panel systems not only reduce your energy consumption but also increase the value of your commercial property. And with Ameco, you also get the latest technology, expert installation, and unparalleled customer service.
Our commercial solar panel systems come with a over 50-year warranty on all equipment. AMECO is a leading provider of solar energy solutions and our maintenance teams work tirelessly to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency.
Our highly experienced commercial solar panel installation team is dedicated to completing your project with precision and efficiency. We pride ourselves on meeting all local building codes and requirements, ensuring a smooth and worry-free installation process for you.
AMECO is considered the top solar panel company in Los Angeles. Our skilled project managers are with you every step of the way, from concept to completion. We ensure your commercial solar panel system is seamlessly integrated into your property's overall energy use, maximizing savings and efficiency.
Need more information before you decide to make the switch to solar? Check out our blog and resources for commercial customers.


May 2014 be a happy, healthy and very sunny year!


So, you've followed our guide on how to access your online SCE account and can now see your electricity usage in detail. But what do you do with all that data? This information is your roadmap to savings, especially with the new SCE solar billing plan hiking up evening rates. Understanding your unique consumption patterns is the first step. It’s how you’ll determine if installing solar panels in Edison is the right strategy for your home, helping you cut costs and gain more control over your power bills.
Before you start collecting solar quotes, taking a couple of preliminary steps can set you up for success. Think of it as doing your homework to ensure you make the most informed decision possible. These actions will not only help you save money in the long run but also give you the confidence to choose the right system and partner for your home. It’s all about preparing yourself for a smooth and rewarding transition to solar energy.
Your solar system will be designed to meet your home's electricity needs, so it makes sense to reduce those needs before you go solar. Making your home more energy-efficient first can lead to a smaller, less expensive solar system. Simple changes, like switching to LED light bulbs, sealing drafts around windows and doors, or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, can significantly lower your overall consumption. By using less energy from the start, you ensure that your solar investment is as effective and cost-efficient as possible.
This step is non-negotiable. The state of California created the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide for a reason—to help you understand your rights and avoid potential pitfalls. This guide covers everything from financing options and contract terms to what to expect from your solar contractor. Reading it will equip you with the knowledge to ask the right questions and spot any red flags. It’s an invaluable resource that empowers you to feel secure and in control throughout the entire process of going solar.
Once you’ve made your home more efficient and read the consumer guide, it’s time to find a professional to bring your solar project to life. Choosing a solar contractor is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. This company will be responsible for designing a system tailored to your home, handling all the paperwork, and ensuring a high-quality installation. You’re not just buying panels; you’re investing in a long-term relationship with a company that will support your system for decades to come.
It’s always a good idea to get and compare several quotes from different solar companies. Don’t just focus on the bottom-line price. A quality proposal should detail the specific equipment being used (panels and inverters), warranty information, and an estimated production output. Pay attention to the company's history and reputation. How long have they been in business? Can they provide local references? A trustworthy partner will offer a transparent and comprehensive approach, ensuring you understand every aspect of your investment without any high-pressure sales tactics.
A great solar contractor acts as your project manager, handling much more than just the physical installation. Your chosen partner is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits from your local city or county, which is a crucial step before any work can begin. After the installation, they will arrange for the required inspections to ensure everything is up to code. Finally, they will prepare and submit the interconnection application to SCE, which is the formal process to get your system connected to the grid and start generating credits.
For those who have already installed solar panels, seeing this type of data can help in many different ways:
1. Keep Track of Usage: While your electricity usage is much lower now that you are using solar energy, checking in online will help you keep an eye on your net usage. SCE keeps track of your usage for 12 months and then bills you for any leftover usage. If you check in online, you will have a better idea of how much you may owe at the end of the year. That is, if you owe anything at all!
2. See How Usage Has Changed: If you recently bought a new electric vehicle or have installed central air, you may be curious about how your electricity usage will change. By comparing monthly usage to previous months and years, you can get of an idea of how much it has increased and if you need to add more solar panels to your array to offset the additional usage.
3. Troubleshoot Possible Changes: Have you noticed a big change in your electricity bill and can’t figure out why? Looking at hourly usage may help you solve the problem. For instance, you may see that you are using more electricity during the afternoon than you were before. This could lead you realize that it’s because a tree has grown over the years and is now casting some shade on your solar panels.
If you're thinking about going solar, getting familiar with how Southern California Edison handles solar energy is a great first step. For anyone connecting a new system, you'll be on what's called the Solar Billing Plan (SBP). It’s a system where your monthly bill shows the electricity you pull from the grid, but you also earn "energy credits" for any extra power your panels produce and send back. This setup is designed to help you manage your electricity costs by making the most of the sun. It’s all about understanding how you’re billed for what you use and credited for what you share, which is the foundation for maximizing your solar savings.
A big piece of this puzzle is SCE's Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, which make electricity more expensive during peak hours, usually from 5 PM to 9 PM. This is where planning becomes really important. To get the most out of your investment and avoid those high evening rates, you can pair your solar panels with a home battery. The SBP actually makes this a really smart financial move. With a battery backup system, you can store all that free, clean energy your panels generate during the day and use it yourself during the evening peak. This not only slashes your reliance on the grid but also gives you more energy independence and protects you from high costs.
Getting your system size right is also crucial. You want a system that matches your home's energy needs without being excessively large, especially because of the Energy Export Credit Adjustment (EECA), which can affect the value of credits for extra power you export. An oversized system might produce more energy than you can use or get full credit for, which isn't the most efficient way to spend your money. Working with an experienced installer ensures you get a custom-designed system that’s perfectly tailored to your usage, helping you avoid unnecessary costs and get the best possible return on your investment. You can start getting a sense of your needs with our online estimate calculator.
If you are considering solar energy for your home or business, you can use the online data to get an idea of when you use the most electricity.
After reviewing the hourly data, you might notice how much electricity the air conditioner uses during the day or see a large spike when you plug in your electric vehicle in the early evenings. Perhaps, you’ll notice that you tend to use a lot of electricity during the winter months when you put up Christmas lights or the spring is more expensive because you are heating your pool with an electric heater.
Either way, getting a handle on your electricity usage will help you decide whether you would like to install solar panels and offset it with solar energy instead.
While your SCE account is a great tool for seeing your net energy usage, modern solar installations come with their own advanced monitoring systems. These platforms give you real-time insights into exactly how much power your panels are producing at any given moment. This data is incredibly powerful. It helps you confirm your system is performing optimally and allows you to proactively identify any issues, like a sudden drop in production that could signal a problem. At AMECO, our solar solutions include robust monitoring so you always have a clear picture of your energy generation and can maximize your return on investment.
Living in California means we have to be prepared for events like earthquakes and wildfires. It’s natural to wonder how your solar investment would hold up. After a disaster, your system’s monitoring app is the first place to check. You can see if your panels are still producing energy, which helps you quickly assess the situation. If you notice a problem, you’ll need a professional inspection. Since damage can often affect both your solar array and the roof beneath it, working with an integrated expert is key. As a licensed roofer and solar contractor for over 50 years, AMECO can handle the entire repair process, ensuring both your home’s integrity and your energy system are restored through our comprehensive roofing solutions.
Now that you have access to real time data, you may consider adding panels to your existing solar array or installing a new solar system on your roof. Contact us at (888) 595-9570 and one of our solar consultants. By review your recent usage, we can figure out how many solar panels you will need to power your home with solar energy and provide you with a cost.
Why should I make my home energy-efficient before installing solar panels? Reducing your home's energy consumption first is a smart financial move. Your solar system is sized to meet your electricity needs, so if you lower those needs beforehand, you can often install a smaller, less expensive system. Simple updates like switching to LED lights or sealing air leaks can make a big difference, ensuring your solar investment is as effective as possible from day one.
What is the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide and why is it important? This guide is a resource created by the state to help you make informed decisions when going solar. It covers essential topics like understanding contracts, comparing financing options, and knowing what to expect from your installer. Reading it helps you ask the right questions, recognize potential red flags, and feel confident throughout the entire process.
What should I look for in a solar quote besides the price? A good solar quote is more than just a number; it's a detailed plan. You should look for specifics on the equipment being proposed, including the brand and model of the solar panels and inverters. It should also clearly state the warranty terms for both the equipment and the installation workmanship, along with an estimate of how much energy the system will produce annually.
How does a home battery help with SCE's Solar Billing Plan? SCE's plan includes Time-of-Use rates, which means electricity costs more during peak evening hours (typically 5 PM to 9 PM). A home battery lets you store the free, clean solar energy your panels generate during the day. You can then use that stored energy in the evening instead of buying expensive power from the grid, which significantly lowers your bill and increases your energy independence.
My solar panels have their own monitoring app. Why do I still need to check my SCE account? Your solar monitoring app shows you how much energy your system is producing in real time, which is great for checking performance. Your SCE account, on the other hand, shows your net usage: the difference between the power you produce and the power you consume from the grid. Reviewing your SCE data helps you track your energy credits, anticipate your annual bill, and understand how changes in your lifestyle, like buying an EV, affect your overall energy balance.
Every month you receive an electric bill from Southern California Edison. Though some data is provided on the bill, you may not know that you can access a wealth of information through your online account.
Since some of our solar customers have found it difficult to navigate their online SCE accounts, we’ve written this step-by-step guide (complete with screenshots!) to help you view your electricity usage data online.
Step 1: Once you are logged into your SCE online account, click on “My Account” in the top right hand corner.

Step 2: Under “Amount Due” there should be a green rectangular bar that says “List Service Accounts”; click on the words in this bar.

Step 3: Click on the green “+” sign at the top right of the same box as your Edison Service Account number. This will bring up data on your electricity account.

Step 4: Now you will see a box with some basic information. Click on the black button titled “View Recent Usage” to access more information.

Step 5: At this point, you can choose different buttons to see data in different ways. The buttons circled in red below allow you to look at your usage by the hour, day or month. Note: when you click on the small calendar icon, you can scroll around and choose different days.

Disclaimer: While this blog post is meant to be helpful, we cannot claim to be experts on the SCE website. If you run into any issues or have questions, it is best to contact an SCE representative at 1-800-655-4555.
Now, when it comes to solar energy and solar panel installation, we can definitely say that we are experts. Feel free to call or email us at AMECO Solar if you would like to learn more about how to offset your electricity usage with solar energy.
Otherwise, stay tuned for our next blog post to find out how the data in your SCE online account can be useful for solar customers or those who are considering solar panel installation.


The conversation around solar energy in LA County is getting louder, and for good reason. We recently joined community leaders and Environment California to kick off a new report on solar's local impact, and the findings are powerful. It confirms that the reasons to go solar are more compelling than ever. This isn't just about abstract environmental goals; it's about real, tangible benefits for homeowners like you. The report highlights exactly why making the switch is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your home and your future.

It was an inspiring event complete with stories told by Angelenos who have solar panels on the roofs of their homes or businesses, a letter-to-the-editor writing workshop, and a compelling speech in support of solar from Senator Kevin De Leon.
A big highlight of the meeting came from some of LA’s tiniest solar advocates. After the first graders from Betty Plasencia Elementary School gave their reasons for liking solar energy, they sang a song titled “Solar Power to the People” eliciting a lot of “awwws” from the audience.
Beyond the feel-good environmental aspect, going solar offers some serious financial and practical perks that can change your daily life. For many California homeowners, the decision comes down to simple math and a desire for more control over their home's power. It’s about making a smart investment that pays you back in multiple ways, from increasing your property value to giving you peace of mind when the grid feels unstable. These are the same reasons we see so many residential customers make the switch—they're looking for a solution that is both economically and environmentally sustainable for their family's future.
The conversation around solar has shifted. It's no longer just about reducing your carbon footprint; it's a powerful financial strategy. With utility costs on the rise and an aging power grid that can be unreliable, taking control of your home's energy production is more practical than ever. Going solar means you're not just a consumer of electricity, but a producer. This simple change in perspective has profound effects on your monthly budget and your home's long-term value. It’s a move toward self-sufficiency that provides a hedge against inflation and market volatility, securing a more predictable financial future for your family while contributing to a cleaner environment for everyone.
Think of solar panels as a major home upgrade, much like a kitchen remodel, but with a better return on investment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes with solar energy systems can sell for a premium and often sell faster than those without. Studies have shown this premium can be around $15,000 for an average-sized system. Unlike other renovations that are subject to taste, energy savings are universally appealing. When a potential buyer sees that your home comes with low or non-existent electricity bills, it becomes a powerful selling point that sets your property apart in a competitive market.
This is the benefit you'll notice right away. Installing solar panels can dramatically reduce, or in some cases, completely get rid of your monthly electricity costs. Your system generates power during the day, which your home uses first. If you produce more than you need, the excess energy is sent back to the grid, and your utility company credits your account through a program called Net Energy Metering (NEM). This means you’re only paying for the "net" amount of energy you use over a billing period. Over the 25+ year lifespan of your solar panels, those monthly savings add up to a significant amount. You can even use our estimate calculator to get a personalized idea of your potential savings.
Utility rates in California seem to only go one way: up. This unpredictability can make budgeting a real challenge. When you go solar, you effectively lock in your electricity costs for decades. The sun, after all, doesn’t send you a bill with surprise rate hikes. This creates financial stability and protects your household budget from market volatility. For even greater energy independence, especially during power outages, many homeowners are also choosing to add a battery backup system. This allows you to store your excess solar energy and use it whenever you need it, keeping your lights on and your home running smoothly no matter what’s happening with the grid.
The price tag for a solar system can seem daunting at first, but it's more accessible than most people think. Thanks to a variety of payment options and powerful financial incentives, you don't need to have a pile of cash sitting around to make it happen. The key is understanding the different paths you can take to finance your system and taking full advantage of programs designed to make clean energy affordable. At AMECO, our personalized approach involves walking you through every option to find the one that best fits your financial goals, ensuring you feel confident and clear about your investment.
Think of it less as an upfront cost and more as a long-term investment with guaranteed returns. The money you're currently sending to the utility company each month can be redirected to pay for an asset that improves your home and saves you money for decades. The combination of federal tax credits, state rebates, and flexible financing means the barrier to entry is lower than ever. A reputable solar partner will act as your guide, helping you identify every available incentive to bring the net cost down significantly. This financial engineering is just as important as the physical engineering of the panels on your roof.
The two most common ways to pay for a solar system are buying it outright with cash or financing it with a solar loan. A cash purchase offers the most straightforward path and typically yields the highest long-term savings since you won't have any interest payments. However, solar loans are an incredibly popular and effective option. Many homeowners find that their monthly loan payment is actually lower than their old average utility bill, meaning they start saving money from day one. Other options like solar leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) exist, but owning your system through a cash purchase or loan is what allows you to claim valuable tax credits and truly maximize your financial return.
One of the biggest factors making solar so affordable is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners who install a solar system can receive a tax credit for 30% of the total system cost. This isn't a deduction—it's a dollar-for-dollar credit that reduces your federal income tax liability. For a $25,000 system, that’s a $7,500 credit right back in your pocket. On top of the federal ITC, various state and local incentives may also be available. A knowledgeable solar installer will help you identify and apply for every rebate and credit you’re eligible for, making the process seamless.
While solar is a great fit for many homes, there are a few factors that determine if your property is a prime candidate for an installation. It mostly comes down to your roof, your property's sun exposure, and any local rules you might need to follow. Before you get too far into the process, it’s helpful to do a quick assessment of your own home to see if it checks the right boxes. Getting a professional evaluation is always the best way to know for sure, but you can get a pretty good idea just by looking at your property with a few key things in mind. You can even get a preliminary look at how panels might appear on your roof with our 3D Home Visualizer.
The good news is that in a sunny state like California, most properties have excellent solar potential. The question isn't usually "if" you can go solar, but "how" to design the most efficient and cost-effective system for your specific home. This involves analyzing your roof's orientation and pitch, identifying any potential shading issues from trees or neighboring structures, and assessing the overall health of your roof. It also means understanding the local permitting process and any community guidelines, like those from an HOA. A thorough evaluation will consider all these variables to create a customized plan that maximizes your energy production and financial savings for years to come.
The ideal roof for solar panels is one that is south-facing with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, as this maximizes sun exposure throughout the day. However, east- and west-facing roofs can also be very effective. You’ll also want to check for shade from trees or nearby buildings that could cover your roof during peak sun hours. Finally, the age and condition of your roof are critical. Since solar panels are warrantied for 25 years, you want to make sure your roof is in good shape to last just as long. As a company with over 50 years of combined expertise in both roofing and solar, we can ensure your foundation is solid before installing your system, handling any necessary repairs or replacements in one seamless project.
If you live in a community with a Homeowners' Association, you might worry that they could prevent you from installing solar panels. The good news is that this is rarely an issue. While you will likely need to submit your plans for approval, California has solar access laws that prevent HOAs from unreasonably restricting or denying a solar installation. They can’t ban solar entirely or make requirements that would significantly increase the cost or decrease the efficiency of your system. In most cases, it's just a matter of following the proper application process. An experienced solar installer can even help you prepare and submit the necessary paperwork to your HOA.
The community meeting served as a kick-off for Environment California’s latest report, Solar in the Spotlight: Stories of Angelenos Investing in a Clean Energy Future. The intent of the report is two-fold.
First, it’s written to spread awareness of the benefits of solar power to all Angelenos. There are many misconceptions about solar panel installation, one being that many still believe that it’s only for the rich or those with large utility bills.
As you read about the 23 solar success stories highlighted in the report, it’s easy to see how the solar energy clientele has become diversified and is now accessible to people at all income levels. From churches to low-income housing and local business to homeowners, almost everyone mentions how the solar panels are saving them money and how happy they are to be relying on a clean, renewable energy.
Second, the report can be seen as a reminder to Mayor Garcetti about his welcome support for solar energy. While running for mayor, he endorsed the idea that Los Angeles should install 1200 MW of solar power to generate nearly 20 percent of the city’s needs. Now that he’s in office and putting together the plan for his term, Environment California hopes that the report will inspire Garcetti to continue to work on the “20 by 2020 campaign” an official city goal.
Even if your home isn't suited for rooftop panels or you're a renter, you can still benefit from solar power through a community solar program. It works like a subscription to a local solar farm; you sign up for a share of the energy it produces and receive credits on your electricity bill. This model makes clean energy accessible to almost everyone, allowing you to lower your carbon footprint and your monthly bills without installing anything on your property. It’s a simple, powerful way to join the renewable energy movement.
Once you decide to go solar, it helps to know a little about the technology and installation. Modern solar panels are more efficient and stylish than ever, but even the best tech needs a flawless installation to perform well. The entire process, from design to permitting and final connection, requires deep expertise. A great solar partner guides you through each step, ensuring your system is tailored to your energy needs. At AMECO, we've refined our approach over decades to make the transition to solar simple and transparent for every homeowner.
Today’s solar panels are a far cry from the bulky models of the past. Modern panels are highly efficient, capturing more sunlight to generate more power with a smaller footprint—perfect for homes with limited roof space. Beyond performance, manufacturers have also focused on aesthetics. You can now find sleek, all-black panels that offer a subtle, sophisticated look that blends beautifully with your roof. These advancements ensure that going solar doesn’t require you to compromise on your home’s curb appeal while you reap the financial and environmental benefits of clean energy.
For homeowners who prioritize aesthetics, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are a game-changer. Instead of mounting panels on top of your roof, BIPV technology incorporates solar cells directly into roofing materials like shingles or tiles. This creates a seamless look that makes the solar components nearly invisible. Because this technology merges roofing and electrical systems, it’s crucial to work with a company that has proven expertise in both. As a licensed roofing and solar contractor, we can help you explore if these innovative solutions are the right fit for your home.
A solar energy system is a major home investment, and its long-term performance depends on the quality of the installation. A qualified professional does more than just attach panels; they conduct a site assessment, design an optimized system, handle all permits, and ensure the electrical work is safe and up to code. When vetting installers, look for credentials like certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). With over 50 years of combined solar and roofing experience, our team has the expertise to ensure your system is installed correctly for decades of reliable clean energy.
Pairing your solar panels with a home battery is the key to true energy independence. A battery stores the excess energy your panels generate during the day, so you can power your home with clean energy at night or during a power outage. For Californians, where grid instability and blackouts are a real concern, a reliable battery backup provides incredible peace of mind. It allows you to take control of your power, reduce your reliance on the utility company, and keep your family safe and comfortable during grid disruptions.

Though Los Angeles has huge potential for solar installation, the city uses solar energy for only 2% of its electrical needs. We have a long way to go to meet the 20% goal.
If you have a couple minutes, please fill out a brief form at Environment California’s website to sign the petition and help get Garcetti’s attention.
For those who are active on Facebook or Twitter, you can spread the word about solar in LA by posting or tweeting to your friends and followers. Use the @ericgarcetti and @EnvCalifornia handles to make sure that the Mayor doesn’t miss your post.
My roof is old. Do I need to replace it before installing solar panels? It's a great question, and the answer is usually yes. Solar panels have a warranty of 25 years or more, so you want your roof to be in good enough shape to last just as long. Installing panels on an old roof can lead to problems down the line, requiring you to remove the entire system just to make repairs. As a company with deep expertise in both roofing and solar, we can assess your roof's condition and handle any necessary replacements as part of a single, streamlined project, ensuring a solid foundation for your solar investment.
What happens if my solar panels produce more energy than my home uses? When your system generates more electricity than you need, the excess power is sent back to the utility grid. Through a program called Net Energy Metering (NEM), your utility company will credit your account for that extra energy. This credit helps offset the cost of any electricity you might pull from the grid at night or on cloudy days. Essentially, the grid acts like a giant battery for you, ensuring none of your solar production goes to waste.
Will solar panels still power my home during a blackout? Standard grid-tied solar systems are designed to shut down automatically during a power outage for safety reasons. However, if you want to keep your lights on when the grid goes down, you can pair your solar panels with a battery backup system. The battery stores your excess solar energy, allowing you to create your own personal power reserve. This gives you true energy independence and peace of mind during blackouts.
I live in a community with an HOA. Can they stop me from going solar? While you'll likely need to get your HOA's approval, California has solar access laws that prevent them from unreasonably denying your request to install panels. They cannot ban solar outright or impose restrictions that would significantly reduce your system's performance or drive up the cost. We have a lot of experience working with HOAs and can help you prepare and submit the necessary paperwork to make the approval process smooth.
Is the 30% federal tax credit a limited-time offer? The 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was updated and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This allows homeowners to receive a credit equal to 30% of the total cost of their solar system, including battery storage. This credit is scheduled to remain at 30% for systems installed through 2032 before it begins to step down, so while it's not ending tomorrow, it's a powerful incentive to take advantage of sooner rather than later.
Schedule a call with one of our experienced sales managers to discuss the specifics of your commercial panel installation including commercial solar panel cost.