Solar Solutions

During the past few years, the price per watt of solar panels has been dropping. As a result, California solar energy installations have grown exponentially, and show little sign of slowing down.

However, the actual cost of a solar panel can only go so low. It will be essential for the solar industry to whittle down soft costs in order to accomplish wider adoption of solar energy in the United States.

Soft Cost Reduction = Lower Solar Installation Prices

There are other costs that go into the final price of installing solar panels on your home or business including labor, marketing, administrative costs and permitting fees.

Commonly referred to as “soft costs”, they have remained relatively flat when compared to the drop in price of “hard costs” (i.e. solar panels and inverters).

How Soft Costs Have Made Germany a Solar Leader

Though roughly the size of New Mexico and with a population about the quarter of the United States, Germany has been the worldwide leader in solar for over a decade.

By reducing their soft costs, the Germans have lowered the price of solar installations to $2.24 per watt (compared to an average of $4.44 in the U.S., according to  GreenTech Media). This is likely a result of easier permitting processes, which allows solar contractors to spend less time on each system and avoid high fees for obtaining permits.

Will the United States Follow Suit?

Even though solar soft costs are higher in the United States, solar panel installation has become increasingly popular in our country. In fact, the solar analysts from SEIA and GTM Research predict that 2013 will be the first time in 15 years that the United States will beat out Germany in total solar capacity installed.

With the Sunshot Initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Technologies aims to make solar energy competitive with traditional forms of electricity by 2020. They fund research projects and market studies that provide solutions for solar price reduction. In time, their efforts could reduce the soft costs enough so that the United States will be competitive with Germany when it comes to price per watt installed.

Even without such reductions, solar power in California is still an excellent way for families and businesses to save money on energy costs. Additionally, those who install a solar electric system will be able to take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit, which is set to expire about two years from now on December 31, 2016. For more information, contact AMECO today at (888) 595-9570 or email gosolar@th2.e81.myftpupload.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT AMECO SOLAR!

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.

Important First Steps for Homeowners

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.

Make Your Home Energy-Efficient First

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.

Read the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide

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.

Finding the Right Solar Partner

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.

How to Compare Quotes from Solar Contractors

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.

The Contractor's Role in Permits and SCE Interconnection

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.

How to Track Your Solar Savings with Your SCE Login

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.

Planning Your Solar Project in Edison

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.

Planning for Solar Panels in Edison? Check Your SCE Usage First

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.

Advanced System Monitoring

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.

What Happens if My System is Damaged in a Disaster?

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.

Ready for Solar Panels in Edison?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Key Takeaways

• Analyze your energy use first: Before getting solar quotes, log into your SCE account to understand your electricity consumption patterns. This data helps you see when you use the most power, which is essential for sizing your system correctly and planning for SCE's Time-of-Use rates.
• Prepare for a smarter investment: Make your home more energy-efficient before installing solar to potentially reduce the size and cost of your system. Also, be sure to read the California Solar Consumer Protection Guide to understand your rights and make informed decisions.
• Plan for peak rates with a battery: Under SCE's Solar Billing Plan, electricity is most expensive in the evening. Pairing your solar panels with a battery backup system allows you to store the free energy you generate during the day and use it during these costly peak hours, maximizing your savings and energy independence.

Related Articles

• How to Access Info on Your Online SCE Account
• How Your Online SCE Account is Useful for Solar
• Everything You Need To Know About The SCE Rate Increase
• Solar Battery Backup Faces Opposition from SCE
• How to Read Your New (Solar) Edison Bill

They say that good things come in threes, but this week six great things happened here at AMECO Solar.

To start things off, one of our recent customers emailed us about their first “solar” bill. Now that they have installed solar panels and are using solar energy, their electric bill was only $24.79 (plus a $1.76 tax). This is down from a whopping $353.00 for this same time period last year, which means they are saving more than $325.00 this month!

In addition to this positive news, we had a record breaking week for reviews. Five customers reviewed us on Solar Reviews in the past week. They gave us 5 star ratings in categories including sales process, price charged as quoted, and quality of installation.

Here is what they had to say about their solar panel installation experience with AMECO:

#1 “Our September 2013 installation went very smoothly. We had our roof replaced at the same time. The solar installation crew worked closely with the roofer. Overall it was a positive experience. Everything went along on time and as promised. I am very pleased with the result.”

#2 “I’ve had my solar system for over 5 years now. The installation went smooth, and the system is performing better than projected. I highly recommend Ameco Solar.”

#3 “We have had Ameco install the solar arrays on our home as well as our apartment building. They were on schedule for the installations and the team was very good installing and cleaning up the job sites. Both arrays are working well with our home array outputting a little more power than we were estimated. We have recommended Ameco to a friend who is also pleased with the quality of their work.”

#4 “Ameco installed my solar system 5 1/2 years ago. I was very pleased with the execution of the project then and continue to reap the benefits. I recently had a solar tune-up and was pleased to learn that the system is performing so well.”

#5 “Ameco put solar panels on our new construction 4 years ago, and they are still performing in top condition. They were extremely professional, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Ameco to anyone considering solar panels.”

You may see more reviews about AMECO Solar on our Solar Reviews profile. So far, 57 customers have reviewed us for a solid 4.91 rating out of 5.