Many Americans are unsure what to expect from the country’s political climate in the coming years, and worries over policy changes are widespread.

One big question that looms on the horizon in Santa Cruz, the Central Coast, and across the country is how changes to state and federal rules and regulations could affect alternative energy, specifically the solar industry.

If you’re wondering, “Should I install solar panels in 2024?” we’re here to help answer your questions.

Most people who live, work, and pay utility bills in California know that PG&E has been raising its rates steadily for years.

Unfortunately, the utility giant shows no signs of slowing down soon.

In fact, PG&E rates have increased nearly 50% in the last five years and a whopping 20% in the last 1-2 years. Recently, the utility introduced a campaign to establish “monthly base charges” of $24/month for all customers (solar and non-solar).

While the utility is trying to position this as a great deal for California customers, it could actually raise energy rates for many households.

Here’s what you need to know.

When you install a solar array on your home, you expect to have a good experience working with a solar panel company. You also hope that the “experts” will be reliable and professional.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

The solar industry has changed, and today’s consumers must know how to identify which solar panel companies to avoid.

In this blog, we share our top tips for identifying subpar solar companies and protecting yourself and your home.

Are you thinking about switching to solar? The benefits of powering a home with renewable energy add up quickly.

Since 2004, our teams at Sandbar Solar & Electric have installed residential solar systems all across Monterey County, including Carmel, Salinas and Monterey.

We’ve put together this guide that covers the process from choosing the right solar provider and evaluating your options to activating your home’s solar energy system.

Historically, California has been one of the best states in the country for solar power generation, but the landscape has changed.

In light of recent laws, regulations, and policy changes, you may be wondering if installing solar is still a good idea or if it will ever pay off for your home and property.

In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of going solar in California in 2024 and provide all the information you need to decide if solar is right for you.

Solar panels are efficient, inexpensive, and accessible, but many people wonder how they work and how they provide renewable energy reliably and safely.

Here at Sandbar Solar, we’ve been helping customers throughout the Central Coast and the Greater Bay Area design and install solar arrays since 2004. We have hands-on experience with just about every kind of solar panel in existence.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how solar panels work, what they’re made of, and how they’re manufactured.

Power outages are becoming more and more common all across the country.

Severe weather, unreliable grid systems, and aging infrastructure can all cause blackouts. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and cope with power outages: battery backup systems.

Here at Sandbar Solar and Electric, we’ve been helping customers install solar and battery backup systems for years, and we know what it takes to protect yourself and your family against blackouts.

In this blog, we’ll share a few of our favorite ways to prevent, prepare for, and navigate power outages.

Smart homes are becoming more popular throughout the US. According to recent data, as many as 63.43 million households are currently using smart devices, and that number only stands to grow in the coming years.

Fortunately, there’s virtually no limit to how “smart,” or how efficient a home can be.

If you live in or are interested in designing a smart home, solar energy is an excellent addition.

By helping smart homes run cleaner and more efficiently, solar energy enhances their comfort and makes them more valuable. It can also help decrease your electric bills.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how solar energy integrates with other popular smart home features and what you need to know about this winning combination.

Today, it’s common for homeowners to worry about the efficiency of their spaces. And for good reason. After all, we all want to live in comfortable, eco-friendly, and sustainable homes.

Fortunately, there’s a new technology on the market, and it can help you achieve all of those goals.

We’re calling this new tech solution Battery-Assisted Solar (BAS), and it’s a cutting-edge new way to power your home at night and during peak use hours.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what BAS is, how it works, and how it can make your home more comfortable and efficient.

Let’s dive in.

Recently, customers across Northern California received an unwelcome surprise when they opened their PG&E bills: the charges are higher than ever.

In fact, customers are paying about 32% more right now than they were this time last year, translating into an average increase of about $79 per month per customer.

But why are PG&E bills so high right now, and what can you do to save money?

In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons for the rate hike and discuss PG&E alternatives to help you keep more cash in your pocket.

Average monthly electric bills are going up. The grid in California has become increasingly unstable, and more people are looking for ways to ensure energy security – even in the event of a blackout.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to all of these problems: solar battery storage.

While solar panels can decrease your energy bills, they don’t store the excess energy you create for later use – unless you add a battery system.

Today, installing a battery backup for your home solar system can go a long way to save money and create additional energy security for you and your family.

Here’s what you need to know.

Imagine this: it’s a dark, stormy night, and you hear a large crack of thunder.

Suddenly, your home goes silent. Your air conditioner, refrigerator, and dishwasher all stop working. Your electronic devices stop charging, and your baby’s monitor shuts off.

The power is out, and you don’t know how long it’s going to stay that way. If you have backup power for your home, though, you don’t have to worry about it.

Recently, backup power systems have become a necessity for many homeowners – especially in California, where rolling blackouts and fires have left thousands of residents without power in recent years.

In addition to providing peace of mind as the grid is getting increasingly unstable, backup power systems increase your home’s value and allow you to keep living your life even if there is an unexpected outage.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of backup power systems and why you should consider installing one for your property.

If you’re familiar with California utilities giant PG&E, you know that the company raises its rates frequently.

In fact, the company has raised rates in 2018, 2019, 2021, and now, 2023.

While this most recent rate hike is unwelcome news for PG&E customers, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the most recent PG&E price increase and how to keep more money in your pocket.

Let’s start now.

Looking To Go Solar In The Near Future? Pay Close Attention!

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently voted to pass NEM 3.0, which dramatically reduces the value of solar energy for residential solar customers.

The NEM 3.0 changes went into effect on April 15, 2023.

The rate cuts enacted as part of NEM 3.0 represent the most significant cut of export rates in US history and stand to deal an unfortunate blow to new solar customers throughout California.

This article details the impacts NEM 3.0 will have on future solar customers, and what you can do if you missed the deadline for NEM 2.0.

Let’s get started.

If you’re considering installing solar panels on your home, you’re probably wondering how many panels you need.

How many panels should you install if you have a 3,000-square-foot home? What if you live in a smaller space? Deciding how many panels you need is a critical first step in your upcoming project.

Here at Sandbar Solar & Electric, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast determine the ideal array size for their homes. We’re experts in helping people design solar energy systems that help them meet their goals.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to select the appropriate number of solar panels based on your specific needs.

Let’s dive in.