Solar Solutions

Location

Lakewood

Year

2021

Turnaround

2 Months

Tech

Panel Brand: LG

Inverter Brand: SolarEdge

System Size: 4.81

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Did you know that the health of your roof is the foundation of a successful solar installation? Many homeowners don’t realize this until they’re halfway through the process, facing the headache of hiring a separate roofer. This can cause delays, conflicting warranties, and unnecessary stress. We believe there’s a better way. This guide explains why an integrated solar and roofing approach is so important for protecting your home. As a company that specializes in both, AMECO Solar provides a single, expert team to handle everything. We ensure your roof is in perfect shape before a single panel is installed, giving you a secure, long-lasting system.

Where Does Ameco Solar Operate?

Los Angeles, CA

Our Service Areas in California

When you're investing in your home, working with a local team you can trust makes all the difference. AMECO Solar & Roofing is a top California company providing solar and roofing services for both homes and businesses. While we’re based in the Los Angeles area, our team has helped homeowners across the state achieve their energy goals for decades. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with California's climate, from intense sun to seasonal rains. Our deep local experience ensures your solar and roofing project is designed to perform efficiently and stand the test of time, no matter where in the state you call home.

Our Credentials and Certifications

Choosing a contractor for a major home project like solar or roofing can feel overwhelming. How do you know who to trust with your most valuable asset? That’s where credentials and certifications come in. These aren’t just fancy badges; they’re proof that a company meets high standards for quality, safety, and customer service. They show a commitment to ongoing training and a dedication to getting the job done right. At AMECO, we take this seriously because you deserve complete peace of mind. Our licenses and certifications reflect our long-standing commitment to excellence and provide you with the assurance that your home is in expert hands.

Licensed California Contractor

Any contractor working on your home should be fully licensed by the state—that’s non-negotiable. A state license confirms that the company operates legally and adheres to California's strict building codes and safety regulations. As a fully licensed California contractor, AMECO Solar is qualified, insured, and accountable for the work we do. This provides a fundamental layer of protection for your investment and ensures your project is handled professionally from start to finish.

BBB Accredited Business

A strong track record of happy customers speaks volumes. That’s why our accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is so important to us. The BBB is a trusted, impartial organization that helps consumers find businesses they can rely on. We’re proud to have been a BBB accredited business since 2000. This long-standing accreditation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to transparent, ethical business practices and exceptional customer service for over two decades.

Owens Corning Certified Solar PROtect Installer

Installing solar panels requires specialized knowledge, especially when it comes to protecting your roof. As a company with deep expertise in both solar and roofing, we hold a unique certification that sets us apart. We are an Owens Corning Certified Solar PROtect Installer, which means our team is specially trained to install solar panels without harming your roof, and our work is backed by a powerful warranty. This certification ensures your roof’s integrity is maintained, giving you confidence that your entire system—from the shingles up to the solar panels—is built to last.

How Long Have We Been Installing Solar?

2022

A Legacy of Solar Expertise Since 1974

While solar has become more popular recently, we’ve been at this for a long time. AMECO was founded in 1974, making us one of California's original solar pioneers. With nearly five decades of experience, we’ve seen the industry evolve and have stayed at the forefront of renewable energy technology. This long history isn't just a number; it represents a deep understanding of what works best for California homes. We’ve refined our approach over thousands of projects, ensuring every system we design and install is built for efficiency and longevity. Our expertise covers both solar and roofing, so we can provide a complete, integrated solution that protects your home and your investment for years to come.

Our Impact by the Numbers

We believe in the power of solar, and the results speak for themselves. To date, our customers have generated over 90 megawatts of clean energy and saved more than $24.8 million on their utility bills. By installing over 5,227 solar systems, we've helped homeowners across the state offset 256,000 kilograms of CO2—a significant step toward a healthier environment. These figures represent real families achieving energy independence and making a positive impact. For our residential customers, it’s about gaining control over rising energy costs and securing a reliable power source, especially when the grid is unpredictable. We handle everything from design to permits and installation, making the entire process seamless.

How Long Does a Solar Installation Take?

2 Months

The Complete Solar Project Timeline

While the physical installation of your solar panels is surprisingly fast—usually just one to three days—the entire project from start to finish typically takes one to three months. The extra time is dedicated to essential behind-the-scenes work that ensures your system is safe, efficient, and ready to connect to the grid. This includes creating a custom design for your home, securing permits from your local city, and coordinating with your utility company for final approval. These steps are crucial for a successful installation and can vary in length depending on your location.

This is where our team steps in to make things easy. We manage all the paperwork and coordination for you, from submitting permit applications to scheduling the final inspections. With deep experience in communities across California, we know how to keep the process moving smoothly. Our dedicated approach ensures every detail is handled correctly, making your switch to solar energy a seamless and stress-free experience. We take care of the complexities so you can simply look forward to lower energy bills.

The Solar and Battery Technology We Use

Panel Brand: REC

Inverter Brand: SolarEdge

System Size: 6.57

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Power Through Outages with Battery Backup

For many California homeowners, going solar is about more than just lowering electricity bills; it’s about gaining energy independence. With unpredictable outages and grid instability, having a reliable power source is a top priority. This is where solar battery storage comes in. A battery backup system, like the Tesla Powerwall, stores the excess energy your solar panels generate during the day. Instead of sending that extra power back to the grid, you save it for when you need it most—at night, on cloudy days, or during a blackout. This allows you to control your own energy and keep your lights on, your refrigerator running, and your essential devices powered, no matter what’s happening with the utility company.

Understanding Solar Warranties

When you invest in a solar system, you’re making a long-term commitment, and you need to know that your investment is protected. A reputable solar company will always stand behind its work with strong warranties. Generally, you should look for two key guarantees: an equipment warranty and a workmanship warranty. The equipment warranty, which should be at least 25 years, covers the physical components like your solar panels and inverters against defects. The workmanship warranty covers the installation itself. A good installer will offer at least a 10-year warranty on their labor, ensuring that if any issues arise from the installation process, they will be resolved at no cost to you. These warranties provide peace of mind and are a clear indicator of a company's confidence in its products and services.

The AMECO Advantage: Solar and Roofing Under One Roof

Choosing a solar installer is a big decision, and it gets even more complicated when you realize your roof might need attention first. That’s where AMECO truly stands out. As a leading solar and roofing company in Southern California since 1974, we bring decades of combined expertise to every project. We recognized early on that solar and roofing are deeply connected, so we built our business to handle both. This means you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors, timelines, and warranties. Instead, you get one dedicated team that understands how to ensure your roof is in perfect condition to support a solar installation that will last for decades. Our approach streamlines the entire process, providing a single point of contact and accountability from start to finish.

Why a Single Contractor Matters

Your roof is the foundation of your solar energy system, and installing panels on a roof that’s old or in poor condition can lead to serious problems, including leaks and structural damage. A solar-only installer might not have the expertise to identify potential roofing issues, leaving you to find a separate contractor or, worse, discover a problem after your panels are already installed. At AMECO, we eliminate that risk entirely. We provide comprehensive roofing solutions alongside our solar installations, allowing us to assess your roof's health and make any necessary repairs or replacements before a single panel goes up. This integrated process ensures that both your roof and your solar system are built to last, protecting your home and your investment for years to come.

Understanding the Cost of Going Solar

One of the first questions every homeowner asks is, "How much will it cost?" The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The final price of a solar system depends on several factors, including the size of your home, your average energy consumption, the specific equipment you choose, and the condition of your roof. While online articles can provide national averages, these numbers often don’t reflect the specific costs and incentives available here in California. The best way to get an accurate picture of what a solar installation would cost for your home is to get a personalized quote. You can start by using an estimate calculator to get a preliminary idea, but a detailed consultation will give you a precise figure based on your unique energy needs and property.

Average Solar System Costs

While costs are highly personalized, it can be helpful to have a general benchmark in mind. National surveys show the average cost for a residential solar system is around $16,129. However, this figure can be misleading for California residents, as local labor costs, permitting fees, and available equipment can influence the final price. It’s more useful to think of the cost in terms of your long-term savings. A well-designed solar solution is an investment that starts paying you back from day one through lower electricity bills. Over the 25+ year lifespan of your system, the energy savings will far outweigh the initial installation cost, delivering a significant return on your investment while increasing your home's value.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit

A major factor that makes going solar so affordable is the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. This incentive allows you to claim a tax credit for 30% of the total cost of your solar system, including panels, inverters, battery storage, and installation. For example, if your system costs $20,000, you would receive a $6,000 credit, which directly reduces the amount of federal income tax you owe. This isn't a deduction—it's a dollar-for-dollar credit that makes a huge impact on the overall cost. This 30% credit is available through 2032, making now an excellent time to invest in solar energy. Our team can help you understand all the available incentives to ensure you maximize your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it better to hire one company for both solar and roofing? Think of your roof as the foundation for your solar system. If that foundation isn't solid, you're setting yourself up for problems like leaks or damage down the road. Using a single, expert team for both roofing and solar eliminates the risk of miscommunication between separate contractors. We can assess your roof's condition and make any needed repairs or replacements first, ensuring it's perfectly prepared to support your solar panels for decades. This integrated approach streamlines the project and gives you one point of contact and a cohesive warranty for the entire system.

How long will it take to get my solar system up and running? While our crew can typically install the panels on your roof in just one to three days, the complete process from signing the contract to flipping the switch takes about one to three months. The additional time is for crucial steps that happen behind the scenes, like creating a custom design for your home, securing the necessary permits from your city, and coordinating with the utility company for final approval to connect to the grid. Our team handles all of this for you, making sure every step is managed efficiently.

Will my solar panels work during a blackout? Standard grid-tied solar systems are designed to shut down during a power outage for safety reasons, which prevents them from sending power back into the grid while utility workers are making repairs. However, if you want to keep your lights on during a blackout, you can add a battery backup system like a Tesla Powerwall. The battery stores excess solar energy your panels produce during the day, creating your own personal energy reserve that you can use to power your home whenever you need it.

How can I get an accurate cost for my home's solar system? The cost of going solar is unique to every home, so online averages can be misleading. The final price depends on factors like your home's size, how much electricity you typically use, and the specific equipment you choose. The best way to get a clear number is to receive a personalized quote. You can use our online estimate calculator for a starting point, but a detailed consultation with our team will give you a precise figure based on your property and energy goals.

What makes AMECO different from other solar installers? Our history and our approach set us apart. We've been installing solar in California since 1974, giving us nearly five decades of experience in an industry where many companies are new. This longevity means we have a deep understanding of what works best for local homes. More importantly, we are both a solar and a roofing company. This dual expertise ensures your most important asset, your home, is protected throughout the entire process, from the shingles on your roof to the panels that power your life.

Key Takeaways

• Combine your solar and roofing projects: A healthy roof is the foundation for a lasting solar system. Using a single, expert team for both roofing and solar protects your home from potential damage, streamlines the entire process, and prevents future headaches with conflicting warranties.
• Verify a contractor's credentials for peace of mind: Look for tangible proof of a company's expertise and reliability. A valid state license, long-standing BBB accreditation, and specialized certifications are clear indicators that your installer is accountable and committed to high-quality work.
• Plan for the full project timeline and savings: While the physical installation is quick, the complete process from custom design to grid connection takes one to three months. Factoring in this timeline and significant incentives, like the 30% federal tax credit, helps you see the true value of your long-term investment.

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• Blog | Solar Panel News | Solar Panel Company | AMECO Solar

As Enphase has announced its release of solar inverters, it is important for people who use solar panels to learn its benefits. Enphase IQ8 upgrade, which is an exciting update, promises to be the most advanced battery backup for stabilizing power. It will also make sure that you will not come across power interruptions every time in case of bad weather.

Of course, backup power without the need to use batteries would be ideal and much more convenient. But before explaining the benefits and why you should consider getting a solar panel inverter, it would help to understand how solar panels work. This basic understanding will allow you to utilize them more efficiently. 

Why use inverters?

The inverters’ main function is that converts the AC (alternating current) energy into DC (direct current). DC energy can be stored in batteries. In the future, when the power in your house suddenly goes off, you can rely on your inverter to convert the AC energy into DC and stop worrying about not having enough energy for your appliances to run. This function can also serve you well during rainy days. Even though they don’t occur that often, still using an inverter will be a backup for not running out of energy during rainy days. It will allow you to use the restored power in your grid during winter.

Besides, the IQ8 series provides six models, all of which have their own power capacity. With this wide range of models, you won’t have to worry about finding the appropriate inverter for your panel. 

For example, IQ8A (max input is 295 W – 500 W), IQ8H (max input is 320 W – 540+ W), or IQ8M (max input is 235 W – 460 W) which are higher capacity models, can be used for larger solar panels. 

If you have a smaller, more residential solar panel, then the model IQ8+ (max input is 235 W – 440 W) will be the right choice for you. 

The economic and environmental benefits of inverters

Another important aspect of this is when you convert the DC energy into AC energy, you are also ensuring you are not wasting any energy. In case of the panel produces more energy than needed, a solar panel kit with a battery and inverter stores the energy back in the grid. This way, you can use it later for your electronics, during days that are not very sunny. This feature is not only useful economically and financially but also is beneficial to the environment. So when using inverters and saving energy, you’re doing good to yourself, nature, and future generations. And if you want to learn how much energy you are consuming and producing, you can do that with the app specifically designed for that. The app helps you to track the management of the Enphase systems. You can also turn on and off your appliances with this app.

The different types of inverters

The first type of inverter is the string inverter. It connects a series of panels (strings) to the inverter and converts the energy generated by the whole string into alternating current (AC). This way, if you encounter any difficulties with your panels, you will have less produced energy on the string. 

Next, we have microinverters. As their name suggests, they are smaller in size. They must be installed on every panel. This way, if one of the panels experiences any problems, it will not affect the functionality of the other panels. 

Presenting the IQ8 inverter

The high-performance inverter Enphase IQ8 is equipped with a special chip. This makes switching between on-grid and off-grid more coherent. Its special breakthrough is Burst Mode.

The technology ensures you have electricity even during cloudy and gray days. In case of new features, the system does the automatic update itself through the Internet so you won’t have to spend any time doing it yourself. 

What makes the Enphase IQ8 unique?

What IQ8 Enphase does that has actually never been done before, is allowing the installation of any kind of battery storage. Prior to this upgrade, the amount of storage your batteries had depended on how large your solar panel system was. Enphase IQ8 inverter is able to act without a battery and provide you with sunlight backup. Not only that, but Enphase IQ8 availability in your house gives you the ability to control the flow of the energy. Its technology is smart enough to understand the overall energy flow inside the house and adjust its functions based on them. If it sees the panel catches more energy but consumes less, it will immediately understand the situation; it will shut the system down until the excess energy is completely finished. 

In case of an emergency or accident, the system’s Rapid Shutdown will immediately turn off the solar power, which would allow first responders and utility employers to do their job safely.  

IQ8 can serve its duty, whether it is connected to the utility grid or not, due to its fast processing. Its speed helps its system create an AC microgrid that directly processes the panel’s output. As a result, you will have your own power grid wherever your solar panels are installed, so the DC to AC inversion process will go without having to send electricity to the utility grid.

The important function of batteries

Another important aspect is Enphase IQ8’s cutting-edge battery technology. The Recharge battery does the important function of storing power. As it keeps the excess energy accumulated throughout the day, you can let go of the worry of not having electricity during the night or power outages. So, you will no longer need to have a solar panel kit with a battery and inverter. Though the microinverters of Enphase IQ8 cannot store as much energy as batteries do, you can generate and consume solar power even when there are grid outages.

Why choose us?  

Finding the most experienced solar panel provider will take care of your installation process and provide quality products. AMECO Solar and Roofing, which is one of the best companies in the industry, can find the right solution for you. Having over 50 years of experience under our belt, we can provide service that meets your needs and offer solutions using advanced technology. Our competitive rates give you the opportunity to shop around before you decide to move forward. Additionally, we can provide online consultations if you would like to learn more about the installation process remotely. After that, you can go ahead and start doing your Enphase IQ8 review, as using an inverter is beneficial. We would be more than happy to accompany you on your solar journey.      

Hopefully, you understood the importance of using inverters with your solar panel. Enphase IQ8 is a great investment for homeowners who want to upgrade their solar energy production as it is sustainable and includes 25 years of limited warranty. After you have gotten your solar panels from AMECO Solar and Roofing, consider looking for Enphase IQ8 for sale, as it will give you better value over time.

If you’re considering going solar and trying to figure out how many panels you need for your home, you’ve come to the right place. The number of solar panels needed for any given property depends on various factors such as geographic location, climate, family lifestyle, and much more. We can guide you through this entire process so you have all the necessary information to make an educated decision before choosing among solar panel types or installing a solar panel system. 

Cardinal Points & Architecture 

You’ve probably figured out why cardinal directions would be relevant for a solar panel installation and may have a good hunch as to why architectural factors would be important. 

Most of us know that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. However, it would take an expert to properly explain why solar panels are the most efficient when they face south, and to quantify the impact shading will have on performance. The good news is that you don’t need to hire an architect or a scientist – a solar specialist can show you exactly what needs to be installed where in order to dodge most of the shadows cast upon by trees, chimneys, and other objects that might hinder direct sunlight. AMECO’s Energy Experts will be able to create a 3D rendering of your property and advise on the optimal layout given your home’s specifics!

Climate

If you live in beautiful sunny SoCal, then you’ve won the solar lottery. Whether you need a commercial solar panel for your business or a residential solar panel for your home, AMECO will calculate the panels needed based on usage, desired aesthetic features, and some formulas they need to compute, giving you the most advantageous outcome possible. Given the microclimates in Southern California, your solar production can vary drastically depending on your specific microclimate. AMECO’s Energy Experts take this into account when determining how many panels your system will require!

Identical Square Footage, Different Usage

A common question we receive is “my neighbor has 20 panels, but you are recommending 30 panels. Why do I need more panels when we live in the same size house?” Let’s do a side-by-side comparison between two families who are neighbors and live in identical 3,000 square foot homes. In Family A, we have a young married couple who work long hours during the week and enjoy weekend getaways outside of the house to wind down and relax. Since they barely spend any time at home, they usually end up with an electricity bill of $100/month. Family B, however, is on the other end of the spectrum. They consist of middle-aged parents who love entertaining guests on a regular basis and two teenage kids who are either glued to their electronics or are inviting their own friends to swim in their pool on the weekends. Family B is paying $400 a month! How is this possible? Yes, they both live in 3,000 square foot homes, but their usage differs tremendously.

Home Appliances

Oftentimes, buying a new electric appliance triggers clients to look into solar to avoid the increased electricity bills. The question is – how much energy will we consume with this new appliance? Our Energy Experts are trained to provide highly accurate projections no matter the appliance. We have formulas for EVs, Pool Pumps, Pool Heaters, Central Air, Heat Pumps. You name it, we’ve got it! 

Why Choose AMECO

With over forty years of experience under our belt, AMECO Solar & Roofing is considered one of the best solar companies in Southern California. We take pride in our work and guarantee customer satisfaction. All you have to do is call us at (818) 751- 0797 or email info@amecosolar.com. In a 30-minute Virtual Consultation, our Energy Experts can explain how solar works, assess how many panels you will need, and review potential layouts, equipment options, and financing options! Gone are the days of waiting for hours for a solar panel company rep to show up to give a high-pressure sales pitch and no information. We look forward to assisting you!