After investing in a home solar panel installation, it’s helpful to know what kind of return it’s generating. Fortunately, you don’t have to be content with relying on someone else’s word when it comes to your system’s performance. Modern solar panel monitoring methods give you plenty of convenient options for tracking everything from efficiency to long-term usage and hardware settings.

Are you the type of person who prefers taking a hands-on approach to your favorite gadgets? PV system monitoring is a good way to get more involved. Here’s why you should be excited about the benefits of proactive solar panel ownership.

Are you taking advantage of every stimulus initiative available for your solar power upgrade project? If not, then you may be missing out on significant financial benefits.

The California Self Generation Incentive Program, or SGIP, isn’t specifically geared towards solar. Make no mistake, however, because this rebate has the potential to reduce your upfront costs. Here’s how you might benefit.

From protecting the planet to lowering your energy bills along with your carbon footprint, solar panels are appealing alternative energy options. Of course, it’s easier to justify making the change when you have a firm grasp on the cost of solar panels. Although you can obtain quotes for your home solar power system with minimal effort, this is only the first step.

Are you confident in your understanding of what your estimate actually entails? These tips will make it easier to decipher the content.

Could you simplify your daily routine by putting the sun to work?

You might be surprised at just how many practical uses of solar energy there truly are.

From the residential solar panel installations that you’ve seen around town to agricultural production systems, renewable energy has the potential to change your life in more ways than one.

Here are five incredible applications of solar energy.

The Monterey Bay Community Power project has been making headlines lately, but what does it mean for your family or business? Californian pioneers of the renewable power industry believe that this initiative represents a chance to make major strides in clean energy, especially for citizens and business owners who’re considering purchasing solar panels in Monterey.

Installing solar panels to generate power is an important investment and a big step forward. Although there are many potential advantages, it’s worth taking the time to consider your options as thoroughly as possible. Instead of just obtaining competing prices, you need to know how to compare solar system quotes in the appropriate context.

As with any purchase, however, picking the best home solar systems is easier said than done. Here are ten tips for shedding light on your decision-making process so that you can finally take advantage of the power that the sun’s been providing for free all along.

What You Should Know About PV Panels and the Tesla Solar Roof

If there’s one trend that’s worth paying attention to, it’s the evolution of consumer-ready alternative energy technology. Solar panel options for homes are constantly changing, and the Tesla solar roof has garnered lots of attention following its 2016 introduction.

Traditional panels and Tesla’s integrated shingles both have their own unique appeal. As a practical homeowner, however, you’ll want to know what you’re paying for by choosing one option or the other, so we’re offering a few helpful insights.

Making a More Informed Choice About How You Consume Power

Could you benefit from considering alternative energy? Like any property modification, installing solar power for home use can be a big decision. The wisdom of upgrading your residence ultimately depends on which options you choose. Consider the following questions as you ask yourself if you should get solar panels for your home.

Millions of Californian property owners are considering solar panel installations. What they may not know is how adding a solar home battery to their systems could make them even more functional and cost–effective. Here are some ways your setup choices might impact your solar future.

If you own a solar panel system or are considering installing one, you may be wondering, “How does net metering in California work, and how can I benefit from it?”

These questions are critical now that NEM 3.0 has passed and been implemented, which changed the landscape of solar power in California.

We explain what net metering is and how it can benefit you, and we also provide a breakdown of recent changes to California net metering laws.

If you have solar panels on your home, or are considering solar for your home in the future, you may be asking yourself, “What type of solar panel maintenance and cleaning do I need to do?” You may also be wondering, “Will maintaining my solar panel installation require contractors or specialists?”

Once you’ve had a solar panel installation completed for your home, these are likely to be the questions you’ll want answers for. There are some basic tasks that you’ll need to do to keep your solar panels in good condition, but in most cases, maintaining your solar panels is simple and something you can do on your own.

How frequently you’ll need your solar panels cleaned will depend on the climate and area you live in. It is also very seasonal. Rain naturally rinses your panels, so late Spring or Summer would be a good time to clean them, after pollen may have settled. If they appear dirty, making sure your solar panels stay clean is important. According to the US Department of Energy, cleaning panels when they’re dirty can significantly improve how much energy your panels can collect.

Are you considering installing solar panels for your home or business?

Congratulations, you’ve made a great decision.

But you’re probably wondering:

“How do I choose the best solar installer for my project?”

The quality of work a solar panel contractor provides is essential to any installation in relation to the system’s reliability, safety, longevity, and overall performance.

That said, this guide is designed to help you determine how to choose the ideal solar company.

Read on.

Are you a homeowner who wants to save money and reduce your dependency on local power companies? Would you be interested in improving the value of your home along with taking advantage of tax credits? If so, you may want to consider home solar panels. They are an increasingly popular way to save money on energy.

When it comes to having solar panels installed in your home, you can either do it yourself or have a professional solar company handle it for you. DIY solar panels can save you some money, but they could cost you more than having a professional install them in the long run.

To help you understand not just why solar panels may be a great idea but the best way to install solar panels, we’ve compiled some basic information as well as a list of pros and cons for DIY solar panel installation.

Sandbar Solar is continuing its commitment to the Santa Cruz community into 2017 and beyond. We’re proud to be an integral part of the innovative University Business Park (UBP) on the city’s west side. The re-purposed building has become a hub of sustainability thanks to its new carport-mounted solar panel installation from Sandbar Solar.

If you’ve decided to make a positive environmental impact and reduce your dependence on the power grid by installing solar panels at your home, congratulations.

Investing in solar panels is a solid choice, but you may have lots of questions when it comes to the technology, such as:

• Which types of panels are best for my home?

• What is the cost of a solar energy system?

• Should I buy or lease solar panels?

• How does a solar lease work, anyway?

Here at Sandbar Solar, we believe that buying is the best option for the majority of homeowners. Buying solar panels for your house means you’ll start saving money from day one. Here’s why.