Solar Solutions

The falling price of solar panels has made clean energy more accessible than ever. However, the overall cost of going solar in the U.S. has been stubbornly high compared to other countries. The reason? Persistent “soft costs”—the non-hardware expenses for things like permitting and labor. The good news is that this is finally changing. Thanks to new government initiatives and smarter local policies, there are now clear, actionable strategies you can use to lower soft costs, making your transition to solar power in California more affordable and faster than ever before.

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.

What Are Soft Costs in a Solar Project?

When you think about the cost of going solar, your mind probably jumps straight to the hardware: the solar panels, the inverters, and the mounting equipment. These are what we call “hard costs.” But there’s another significant category of expenses known as “soft costs.” The U.S. Department of Energy defines soft costs as all the non-hardware expenses involved in a solar installation. This includes everything from the initial system design and local permitting to the labor for installation and the costs of connecting to the grid. While the price of solar panels has fallen dramatically, soft costs now make up a large portion of the total price tag for a residential solar project. Understanding these costs is the first step to managing them effectively.

Defining Soft Costs vs. Hard Costs

Think of it this way: hard costs are the tangible items you can touch, like the solar panels on your roof or the battery backup system in your garage. Soft costs are the services and processes required to get them there and turn them on. This includes the expertise of the engineers who design your system, the administrative work to file for permits, the wages for the installation crew, and any fees your utility company charges for interconnection. While you can’t hold these costs in your hand, they are absolutely essential for a successful and legally compliant solar installation. An experienced solar provider will bundle these into your total project quote, giving you a clear picture of the complete investment from day one.

Examples of Common Solar Soft Costs

Soft costs can seem a bit abstract, so let's break them down into concrete examples. These are the behind-the-scenes expenses that are crucial for getting your solar project off the ground and running smoothly. From initial planning to final inspection, each step involves a cost that contributes to your total investment. Recognizing these components helps you appreciate the full scope of work involved and understand exactly what you're paying for when you receive a comprehensive quote from a reputable installer.

Design and Engineering Fees

Every home is unique, and so is every solar energy system. Before a single panel is installed, engineers and designers must create a custom plan tailored to your home’s specific characteristics. This involves analyzing your roof’s orientation and angle, assessing potential shading from trees or other structures, and calculating your family’s energy consumption to determine the optimal system size. This meticulous planning ensures your system produces the maximum amount of power possible. At AMECO, our customized approach means we handle all the design and engineering to create a system that perfectly fits your energy needs and home layout.

Permitting, Inspection, and Interconnection Fees

Going solar involves a bit of red tape. Your local municipality requires permits to ensure the installation is safe and up to code. After the installation is complete, an inspector will need to sign off on the work. Finally, you’ll need to get approval from your utility company to connect your system to the grid, a process called interconnection. Each of these steps comes with associated fees and administrative work. A full-service solar company manages this entire process for you, dealing with the paperwork and scheduling so you don’t have to worry about the bureaucratic hurdles.

Financial and Legal Costs

This category covers the business side of your solar project. It includes costs like liability insurance for the installation crew, financing fees if you’re taking out a solar loan, and the legal paperwork associated with contracts and warranties. While these costs aren't as visible as the installation itself, they are vital for protecting both you and the installation company. Ensuring all legal and financial aspects are handled properly provides peace of mind and secures your long-term investment in clean energy for your home.

Project Management and Labor

A significant portion of your project's soft costs is the labor required to bring your solar system to life. This includes the wages for the certified electricians and installers who work on your roof, as well as the project manager who coordinates the entire process from start to finish. Effective project management ensures that your installation is completed on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption to your daily life. This human element is what turns a great design into a high-performing reality for residential customers.

The Financial Impact of Unmanaged Soft Costs

Ignoring or underestimating soft costs can have a serious impact on your solar project's budget and timeline. Because they can account for such a large percentage of the total expense—sometimes as much as 50%—a lack of clear planning can lead to unexpected financial strain. When a solar quote seems too good to be true, it might be because it omits or downplays these essential expenses, leaving you to face them later. This is why it’s so important to work with a transparent and experienced installer who provides a comprehensive, all-inclusive quote. A clear breakdown helps you avoid surprises and ensures your project stays on track financially from the very beginning.

How Soft Costs Affect Your Total Project Budget

According to industry data from Buildxact, a surprising number of construction projects—over 90%—end up going over budget, and a primary reason is the underestimation of soft costs. In a solar project, these expenses can quickly add up if they aren't accounted for upfront. An incomplete quote might not include fees for unexpected structural upgrades to your roof or complex permitting requirements. By partnering with a company that has decades of experience, you get the benefit of foresight. We anticipate these potential costs and include them in your initial estimate, ensuring the number you see is the number you pay.

The Risk of Project Delays and Overruns

When soft costs aren't managed properly, the consequences go beyond just your wallet. Unforeseen issues with permitting, for example, can halt a project for weeks, creating frustrating delays. If your installer didn't properly budget for labor or materials, you could face work stoppages or a drawn-out installation timeline. These overruns are not just inconvenient; they delay the moment you can start saving money on your electricity bills. A well-managed project with a clear, upfront plan for all costs is the best way to ensure your transition to solar is smooth, timely, and stress-free.

Why Lowering Soft Costs Is Key to Affordable Solar

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).

What Germany Can Teach Us About Solar Soft Costs

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.

Can the U.S. Lower Its Solar Costs, Too?

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.

Setting the Record Straight: U.S. Progress on Soft Costs

While it’s true that the U.S. has historically lagged behind countries like Germany in minimizing solar soft costs, the tide is turning. Significant efforts are underway at both the federal and local levels to streamline the process of going solar. These initiatives are focused on cutting the red tape and administrative hurdles that can inflate the final price tag of a solar installation. This progress is making solar more accessible and affordable for homeowners across the country, including right here in California, by tackling the bureaucratic friction that has kept costs unnecessarily high for too long.

Current Government Initiatives to Reduce Costs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is actively working to bring down these expenses. Through its Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), the government funds research and develops tools aimed squarely at reducing soft costs. By identifying best practices for things like permitting and inspection, SETO helps create successful, repeatable methods that can be adopted nationwide. This work is crucial for sharing information and ensuring that installers and local governments have the resources they need to make solar installations smoother and more cost-effective for everyone involved.

SolarAPP+ for Faster Permitting

One of the most promising tools to emerge from these efforts is SolarAPP+. This automated, online platform has been a game-changer for speeding up the permitting process for residential solar projects. Instead of waiting weeks or even months for manual review, contractors can use SolarAPP+ to get instant approval for standardized installations. This efficiency benefits homeowners with shorter project timelines, contractors with lower administrative burdens, and local governments by freeing up staff to focus on more complex projects. It’s a win-win-win for making solar faster and cheaper.

The SolSmart Program

Progress is also happening at the community level, thanks to programs like SolSmart. This initiative provides technical assistance and national recognition to cities and counties that make it easier for residents to go solar. By encouraging local governments to simplify their permitting processes, update zoning codes, and train staff, SolSmart helps remove common roadblocks that drive up soft costs. When your local government is "solar-friendly," it directly translates into a smoother, more affordable installation experience for you as a homeowner, reducing unnecessary delays and paperwork.

Strategies for Reducing Solar Soft Costs

While government programs are making a big impact, there are other key strategies that help chip away at soft costs. These efforts involve everyone from local city planners to the solar installer you choose for your project. Understanding these strategies can help you appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making your transition to solar as seamless as possible. When local governments and experienced installers work together, they can significantly reduce the administrative friction that adds unnecessary expense and time to a solar installation, leading to a better outcome for you.

How Local Governments Can Help

Your local government plays a surprisingly large role in the total cost of your solar project. Complicated local rules and lengthy approval timelines are major contributors to soft costs, making projects more expensive and unpredictable. When municipalities take steps to streamline their procedures, they can directly lower the cost of solar for their residents. This involves re-evaluating old regulations and adopting new, more efficient ways of managing solar installations, which ultimately saves you money and time by removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles from the process.

Updating Zoning Laws

Outdated zoning laws can create unnecessary hurdles for solar projects. By updating these rules to be more flexible, local governments can make the approval process much simpler. For example, clearly defining where and how solar panels can be installed removes ambiguity and reduces the need for special exceptions or lengthy reviews. This concept, sometimes called "flexible zoning," ensures that the regulations on the books match the modern reality of residential solar, preventing needless delays and administrative costs that would otherwise be passed on to you.

Providing Clear Project Information

Clarity is key to keeping costs down. When a local government provides clear, comprehensive information about its requirements for a solar project, it helps everyone involved. This means having easily accessible guidelines on permitting, inspections, and grid connection. When your solar installer has all the necessary information upfront, they can prepare accurate plans and applications from the start. This simple step avoids the back-and-forth that leads to delays and unexpected costs, ensuring a much smoother process from design to installation.

The Role of an Experienced Solar Installer

Choosing the right solar installer is one of the most effective ways to control soft costs. An experienced company does more than just mount panels on your roof; they act as your project manager, guiding you through every step and handling the complex administrative tasks. A seasoned installer understands the local landscape, from permitting quirks to utility requirements, and can anticipate potential issues before they become costly problems. This expertise is invaluable for ensuring your project stays on budget and on schedule, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

Improving Collaboration and Planning

A great solar project begins with a great plan. An experienced installer, like AMECO, brings deep expertise to the design process right from the start. By involving professionals early, you get a more accurate and realistic cost estimate, which helps avoid budget cuts or surprises down the line. This collaborative approach ensures that your system is designed not just for optimal energy production but also for a smooth installation. Because we also specialize in roofing solutions, we can assess your roof's condition and integrate it into the plan, preventing separate, costly roofing work later.

Navigating Local Permitting and Grid Interconnection

Dealing with permits and utility paperwork is often the most frustrating part of going solar. This is where a veteran installer truly shines. With over 50 years of combined experience in California, we know the specific requirements of different cities and utility companies. We handle the entire permitting and interconnection process for you, from submitting the initial application to securing the final approval to operate your system. This service not only saves you a massive headache but also prevents the costly delays that can arise from incorrect or incomplete paperwork.

Other Key Areas for Cost Reduction

Beyond local policies and installer expertise, a few other forward-thinking strategies are helping to make solar more affordable in the long run. These areas focus on building a sustainable and efficient solar industry from the ground up. By investing in the workforce and planning for the future, the industry can continue to drive down costs and ensure that solar remains a smart, accessible energy choice for generations to come. These efforts are vital for the long-term health and affordability of solar power.

Investing in Workforce Training

A skilled workforce is an efficient workforce. As the solar industry grows, so does the need for well-trained professionals who can install systems quickly, safely, and correctly. Investing in programs that train solar installers, electricians, and utility workers helps ensure high-quality work and reduces labor costs. When your installation team is highly skilled, they work more efficiently, which minimizes the on-site labor time—a key component of soft costs—and gets your system up and running faster without sacrificing quality or safety.

Planning for Solar Panel End-of-Life Management

Thinking ahead is crucial for long-term affordability. While today's solar panels are built to last for decades, it's important to have a plan for what happens when they reach the end of their useful life. The solar industry is actively working on creating clear and cost-effective processes for recycling and managing old panels. By establishing these end-of-life solutions now, we can prevent disposal from becoming a significant future expense, ensuring that solar power remains a sustainable and financially sound choice for the long haul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are "soft costs" in a solar project? Soft costs are all the expenses that aren't the physical hardware. Think of them as the services and processes needed to get your solar system running. This includes the cost of designing your custom system, filing for local permits, paying for inspections, and the labor for the installation crew. While you can't touch them like a solar panel, they are essential for a successful project.

Why are soft costs such a big part of the total price? While the price of solar panels has dropped significantly, the costs for services like engineering, project management, and navigating local government approvals have not fallen as quickly. Each home requires a custom design, and every city has its own permitting rules and fees. These necessary steps require time and expertise, which contribute to the overall project budget.

How can I, as a homeowner, help lower my own soft costs? The most impactful step you can take is to choose an experienced, full-service solar installer. A seasoned company knows how to handle local permitting and utility connections efficiently, which prevents costly delays. They also provide comprehensive quotes that account for all potential expenses upfront, so you avoid surprise costs later. This expertise is your best tool for a smooth and budget-friendly installation.

Are government programs actually making a difference in reducing these costs? Yes, they are. Programs like SolarAPP+ are creating a standardized, online process for permits, which drastically cuts down on waiting times and administrative work. Other initiatives, like SolSmart, encourage local governments to simplify their rules. These efforts directly tackle the bureaucratic hurdles that have historically driven up soft costs, making solar more affordable for everyone.

If I get a solar quote, will it include all the soft costs? A quote from a reputable, experienced installer should be comprehensive and include all anticipated soft costs. This transparency is crucial. Be cautious of quotes that seem unusually low, as they might be omitting key expenses like permitting fees or labor, which could lead to unexpected bills later. A good installer will walk you through a detailed breakdown so you understand the complete investment from the start.

Key Takeaways

• Understand what you're paying for: Soft costs are the non-hardware expenses like design, permitting, and labor that make up a large portion of your total solar project price. Working with a transparent installer who provides an all-inclusive quote is the best way to avoid surprise fees and budget overruns.
• Choose an experienced installer to manage the process: A veteran solar company handles complex administrative work, such as navigating local permits and utility interconnection, which prevents costly delays. Their expertise in planning and project management ensures your installation is smooth, efficient, and stays on budget.
• Know that costs are actively being reduced: Thanks to government initiatives like SolarAPP+ and the SolSmart program, the administrative hurdles that drive up solar prices are being streamlined. These efforts, combined with an experienced installer, make going solar in California more affordable and faster than before.

Related Articles

• Solar Installation Costs Continue To Fall
• Lower Soft Costs Key to Solar Industry Growth
• How Much Do Solar Panels Cost for a House? A Full Guide
• California Solar Rebates Lead To Major Growth In Renewable Energy
• AB 217 Brings Solar To Low-Income Californians

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.