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What Are The Environmental Benefits of Solar Panels in 2020?

September 30, 2019 by Sepehr Nozari Leave a Comment

One of the main reasons that people want to look at installing solar panels is to save money. However, for others, a big reason is that they believe it will have a positive impact on the environment, and the future generations of the planet.

It is true that solar panels have both financial and environmental benefits, and here are some significant ways that solar panels are having a positive impact on the environment.

Fossil Fuels still create most of our electricity supply

Did you know that approximately over 60 percent of the electricity generated in the United States comes from fossil fuels?

When burned, these traditional energy sources are used to produce electricity. However, they simultaneously produce substantial amounts of greenhouse gasses. These are gasses that get released into the atmosphere and trap heat within the earth’s atmosphere. The most prominent of these gasses is carbon dioxide.

As well as this, the way that fossil fuels are extracted from the earth can be devastating for the local environment. Practices such as strip mining, drilling, and fracking all have negative impacts on the local environment. For example:

  • Strip mining leaves ecosystems more vulnerable to catastrophic flooding.
  • Drilling can unearth toxic minerals and also contaminate fresh groundwater.
  • Fracking for natural gas releases toxic chemicals and minerals into the surrounding area and can cause seismic events.

In addition to these extraction processes, searching for oil can have its own negative effects. Seismic techniques for searching for oil under the ocean floor can do serious harm to fish and marine life, not to mention when there are oil leaks, such as the Gulf Oil Spill in 2010.

In contrast, the benefits of solar panels do the reverse to the environment. They provide clean, efficient energy, using a resource that is not reducing the resources of the planet.

Here are three significant environmental benefits of solar panels:

Solar panel technology reduces air pollution

Generating electricity with solar panels produces no greenhouse gasses. The current solar capacity currently installed across the United States offsets as much as 16.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. This is a massive step towards mitigating the human impact of climate change.

Solar energy reduces water pollution

Most power plants today need a significant amount of water to produce steam to spin turbines and cool down the system afterward. The amount of water used in the process makes up almost half of all freshwater withdrawals in the United States, which adds up to billions of gallons every day.

This is one of the biggest, yet least talked about the environmental benefits of solar panels. Solar photovoltaic cells don’t need water to generate electricity. Solar energy creates no pollution of local water sources and does not strain domestic supplies through the competition with agriculture, drinking systems, and other vital water needs of each community.

Solar technology reduces the need for finite resources

The sun is the world’s most abundant energy source, creating an incredible 173,000 terawatts of solar energy every second. To put that into perspective, that is more than 10,000 times the world’s total combined energy use! Best of all, this resource is renewable, meaning it doesn’t deplete after one use.

In contrast, all fossil fuels are non-renewable, meaning once they are used, they can’t be reused a second time. While fossil fuels seem in abundance today, it’s a fact that they will deplete and eventually run out.

The financial and environmental cost of finding and extracting fossil fuels is proving very expensive. Solar energy is the opposite, the more we use it, the less it costs us. It actually begins to reward us for using it over time, through healing the environment and lowering energy costs.

If you are looking to work with the best solar company in San Diego, look no further than G C Electric Solar. We are known as one of the top San Diego solar panel installers in Escondido, Temecula, Oceanside, Del Mar, and Poway. We employ experienced engineers to perform our solar installations, to ensure that your system will be installed according to the highest quality of workmanship available in the industry. We custom design each project based on your needs and pay close attention to all details. Call us today to learn more about our Solar panel systems and how we can help you.

Filed Under: GCE ELECTRIC Tagged With: homeowners, itc, PANEL, Roof, savr money, SOLAR, solar panels, tax credit

The 5 Components of a Solar Panel System

September 30, 2019 by Sepehr Nozari Leave a Comment

Ever wondered how Solar Panels work? How does that light get stored, converted, and even sent back and forth to the Utility company?

Here is a basic guide to help you understand how the sun on your roof turns into savings and free energy for you.

To make it simpler, each solar panel system has five different components

1) Solar Panels

These are sometimes known as solar modules and are made up of silicon cells that absorb photons (sunlight) to create a ‘photovoltaic’ effect. This is the process that converts sunlight into electricity. When the panels are connected together, they are called a ‘solar array’. This solar array is then connected to your home via an inverter, delivering the electricity you need.

2) Solar Inverter

A solar inverter is an electrical box that turns the direct current (DC) electricity that is produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that is used in your home. When solar inverters are connected to the grid, this allows the AC electricity to be sent back to the grid if you solar panel system produces more energy than you use.

3) Solar Meter

A solar meter monitors the electricity your system produces to ensure it is working well. With most solar meters today, you will have access to assess your solar system’s performance, both online and from your mobile device.

4) The Grid

The ‘grid’ is basically the network of power lines that carries and transmits electricity from power plants to individual homes. A lot of systems today are grid-tied (ie. connected to the grid), so you are still able to power your house when the sun doesn’t shine, and take advantage of tax incentives and rebates.

5) Utility Service

Depending on where you live, either a local municipality or a large power producer will send power to you via the grid. At the end of the year, if you’ve produced more energy than you used, some utility services may compensate you for this extra power. To find out if this is an option where you live, contact your local utility service provider or visit their website.
Of course, as a solar-enabled home, it is unlikely that you will need to be dealing with any of these components, except to engage a solar panel installer. They will set up and connect your home, and arrange all the paperwork for you to connect to the grid.

If you need help getting started with Solar Panels, you can trust GCE. We are known as one of the top San Diego solar panel installers in Escondido, Temecula, Oceanside, Del Mar, and Poway. Our experienced engineers and solar panel installation team will ensure that your system is installed according to the highest standards of workmanship available in the industry. Speak to us today to learn more about Solar panels installation for your home.

Filed Under: GCE ELECTRIC Tagged With: homeowners, itc, PANEL, Roof, savr money, SOLAR, solar panels, tax credit

Do I Need A Permit To Install Solar Panels In California for 2020?

September 30, 2019 by Sepehr Nozari Leave a Comment

If you’re considering installing solar panels in your San Diego home, or anywhere in California, one of the biggest questions is whether you need a permit to install. The short answer is yes.

But the good news is that it’s relatively simple and straightforward to do, especially when you work with a licensed San Diego Solar Panel Installer.

It is essential to speak with an experienced professional, as installing photovoltaic panels without applying for the proper permissions can have serious consequences. In some instances, there can be fines, or you may be required to remove the panels.

Permit requirements for Solar Panel installation in California

A great resource to review is the California Solar Permitting Guidebook, produced by the Center for Sustainable Energy.

Since 2015, the requirement for installing solar panels has been somewhat expedited for homeowners.

The Assembly Bill 2188 (Muratsuchi, 2014) requires local governments to adopt an administrative ordinance that creates a streamlined permitting process for small rooftop solar system installations on or before September 30, 2015. It also limits the number of inspections that may be required.

To comply, you must ensure that your solar panel system meets the following criteria.

1. Are no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal

2. Conform to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city, county or city and county and paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code

3. Are installed on a single-family or duplex family dwelling

4. Do not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction

Most solar panel installers will know about and abide by these conditions, which will ensure the process for application is relatively straightforward. They will guide you through each step and explain what is possible for your home.

If you have questions about getting a permit for your home for solar panel installation, you can contact GCE, based in San Diego, California. We employ experienced engineers and solar installers to ensure that your system will be installed according to the highest quality of workmanship available in the industry. We custom design each project based on your needs and pay close attention to all details.

We offer expert California solar panel installation services all over:

  • Solar San Diego
  • Vista Solar Panel Installation
  • Carlsbad Solar Panel Installation
  • Coronado Solar Panel Installation
  • Encinitas Solar Panel Installation
  • Chula Vista Solar Panel Installation
  • Poway
  • Mira Mesa
  • Pacific Beach
  • Rancho Santa Fe
  • Scripps Ranch
  • National City
  • Del Mar
  • Ocean Beach
  • and more

Filed Under: GCE ELECTRIC Tagged With: homeowners, itc, PANEL, Roof, savr money, SOLAR, solar panels, tax credit

First LG CHEM Battery Backup System in the U.S.

September 30, 2019 by Sepehr Nozari Leave a Comment

On July 2017, G C Electric Solar has installed the first LG Chem fully automated battery back up system for Fisk the residences in Tierra Santa.
G C Electric Solar is a certified LG CHEM battery back up system (Energy Storage) installer and has been installing LG CHEM battery backup systems in San Diego since. The first battery backup system was shipped to the job site directly from New York.
G C Electric Solar is a solar panel contractor in San Diego. We use our experience in helping to solve the energy crisis that many are experiencing. Our experienced engineers and solar panel installers to ensure that your system will be installed according to the highest quality of workmanship available in the industry. We custom design each project based on your needs and pay close attention to all details. Call us today to learn more about our Solar panel systems and how we can help you.

Filed Under: GCE ELECTRIC Tagged With: homeowners, itc, PANEL, Roof, savr money, SOLAR, solar panels, tax credit

Is Your Roof Ready For Solar Panel Installation This Year?

September 30, 2019 by Sepehr Nozari Leave a Comment

Many people who live in Southern California realize that having solar on their roof can be a great way to save money, increase the value of their home, and reduce energy consumption. However, with the shrinking size of homes in the US, it can sometimes be confusing whether solar panels are an option for houses with small roofs.

Is my roof too small for solar panels?

The average size of a solar panel installation used on rooftops is approximately 65 inches by 39 inches (165cm x 99cm). Photovoltaic cells come in a standard size of 156 square millimeters, (approx 6 inches x 6 inches).

The average solar panel system in the U.S. is 6 kilowatts (kW). Therefore, if you install a 6kW system with 20 average-sized panels, your system will measure approximately 352 square feet (32 square meters).

To measure square footage multiply the length by the height. So for example, a 15’ x 20’ roof has 300 square feet. This amount of space is generally enough to manage a solar panel system.

Of course, not all roofs are rectangular, so it can make sense to have a licensed professional solar installer take a look.  Most solar panel installers can design solar energy systems for all kinds of roof configurations.

Dormers, vent pipes, chimneys, and skylights take up roof space and can also cast shade on panels. However, the good news is solar panels still often works on those homes.

Is my roof too old for solar panels?

If your house is older than say 30 years, then the roof itself may need repair before you can install panels. It may be worth checking with a licensed builder to determine the lifespan of your roof.

If your roof doesn’t have at least ten years of lifespan left, meaning the shingles are cracked or in poor condition, you should consider replacing your roof before installing solar.

These are usually the two biggest reasons why people cannot install solar panels on their roof. However, with planning and the assistance of a licensed and experienced solar panel installer, this can easily be overcome.

If you are looking to install solar panels onto your southern California home, then look no further than GC Electric Solar. We are one of the top rated solar panel installers in San Diego and have been installing solar for over ten years.

Filed Under: GCE ELECTRIC Tagged With: homeowners, itc, PANEL, Roof, savr money, SOLAR, solar panels, tax credit

Do Solar Panels Increase The Value Of A Property In 2020?

September 30, 2019 by Sepehr Nozari Leave a Comment

The verdict is in: an increasing number of San Diego homeowners are installing solar panels to save money. But on top of this, there is another type of value that is worth considering.

One question we as solar panel installers often get is, do solar panels increase property value?

The good news: yes they do.

According to a study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBL), installing solar panels can significantly increase your property’s value. according to their 2015 study from over 3,000 homeowners with solar panel systems, “We find home buyers are consistently willing to pay PV home premiums across various states, housing and PV markets, and home types.”

This builds on previous research which concluded that California homes with solar panels sold for more than those without solar. In some cities, the retained net value was 46$% higher than the actual cost of the solar panel installation.

Even better news – if you own a commercial building, installing commercial solar panels can also increase the value of your property.

How much solar panels can increase home values depends on some factors:

  • Whether the solar panels are owned
  • What area of the country you live in
  • The type of home you own, and the appearance
  • What the starting value of the home already happens to be. (Higher-valued homes will tend to receive more value)
  • How much energy you will be saving (can be a drawcard for future owners)

1 Kilowatt in energy savings can grow home values by $5,000

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory also offers a handy guide to determine how much a property’s value will increase. Their research shows that each additional $1 in energy bill savings (from a solar installation) adds $20 to a home’s total value.

Of course, the exact numbers vary with each property and installation. However, in a state like California, a small 3.1-kilowatt (kW) system could add an average of $18,324 to the value of a medium-sized home.

The property value advantages of solar energy will increase as you scale up. Installing 5kW of solar panels adds an average of $29,555 to the retail value of a medium-sized home.

With all these numbers, it’s important to note that these statistics only apply to today’s current housing prices and current utility rates. But of course, as electricity prices go up, the savings potential of solar energy rise will continue to rise as well.

G C Electric Solar is one of the top San Diego solar panel installers in Escondido, Temecula, Oceanside, Del Mar, and Poway. Our solar panel installers will ensure that your system is installed according to the highest quality of workmanship available in the industry. We custom design each project based on your needs and pay close attention to all details. Call us today to learn more about our Solar panel systems and how we can help you.

 

We offer expert California solar panel installation services all over:

  • Solar San Diego
  • Vista Solar Panel Installation
  • Carlsbad Solar Panel Installation
  • Coronado Solar Panel Installation
  • Encinitas Solar Panel Installation
  • Chula Vista Solar Panel Installation
  • Poway
  • Mira Mesa
  • Pacific Beach
  • Rancho Santa Fe
  • Scripps Ranch
  • National City
  • Del Mar
  • Ocean Beach
  • and more

Filed Under: GCE ELECTRIC Tagged With: homeowners, itc, PANEL, Roof, savr money, SOLAR, solar panels, tax credit

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Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur. The information contained in this website is subject to change at any time without notice. We give no assurance or warranty that information on this site is current and accurate, and take no responsibility for matters arising from changed circumstances or other information or material which may affect the currency or accuracy of information on this site. © 2023 G C Electric Solar · License #995108