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.

Homeowners in Capitola, California share a strong sense of responsibility for the environment.

Energy conservation plays a vital role in that commitment. It’s one of many reasons why more and more Capitola residents are installing home solar systems.

If your home is powered by a rooftop solar array, you enjoy lower electric bills, cleaner energy, and less reliance on the grid.

However, when the panels generate more energy than you need, they don’t store the excess for later use. That’s where a solar battery backup comes into play.

Our team of solar experts in Capitola have put together this blog outlining everything you need to know about solar battery storage.

Let’s dive in.

In California, utility customers know a thing or two about PG&E rate increases.

The utility giant has increased its rates regularly. In fact, there were rate increases in 2018, 2019, and 2021.

It should come as no surprise, then, that PG&E customers could face another round of price hikes this year.

In April, PG&E sought state approval to increase its rates to float expenses related to its facilities, operations, and estimated capital costs.

While this is unwelcome news, you don’t have to face it alone.

In this blog, we’ll discuss everything we know about the new PG&E rate increase and what you can expect in the coming year.

Let’s dive in.

The cost of electricity in California continues to rise. Outages occur more frequently than ever in San Jose and the San Francisco Bay Area.

As confidence in the grid goes down, interest in residential solar power increases.

At Sandbar Solar & Electric, we regularly install solar panels on San Jose homes, so we’re familiar with the steps required to go solar.

We put together this guide to help guide you through the process.

Let’s get started

Tracking home electricity bills over the course of a year is usually predictable.

The cost per kilowatt-hour continues to creep up, and it hits the home budget especially hard during the summer months. When the weather finally cools off, you look forward to lower electric bills.

That pattern is changing, though, and it’s not good news for homeowners.

The factors driving this historic shift are centered around our current reliance on natural gas for electricity production.

The results are an expected surge in winter heating bills and even higher costs per kWh when temperatures warm up.

Here at Sandbar Solar & Electric, we’re committed to helping you control your energy costs. Our solar panel installations allow thousands of residents along the Central Coast to dial down their reliance on the grid and lower their electric bills.

We’re always happy to share our expertise, so we’ve developed this list of smart ways to reduce electricity consumption at home.

Let’s dive in.

If you’re considering installing solar panels, you might be wondering about the costs.

And if you’re worried about being able to afford solar panels, don’t worry – there are ways to reduce your out-of-pocket investment.

Thanks to a few prominent Cupertino solar panel rebates, you can save money on the installation of your Cupertino home solar system.

In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the most popular solar panel incentives you can take advantage of today.

Let’s dive in.

Scott Laskey Presents Proven Microgrid Solutions for California Grid Problems

Here in Salinas, energy conservation plays an important role in municipal operations.

The city’s investments are expected to lower energy costs for taxpayers by more than $22 million over the next 25 years.

Many Salinas businesses are also cashing in on projected savings by switching to solar. One local high school made solar news with solar panel installations that continue to reduce campus energy consumption.

If this has you thinking about a home solar energy system in Salinas, let us share some information on where you can start.

With so many solar providers in Salinas and the surrounding area, there are some important things you’ll want to look for.

You’re ready to go solar, bring down energy costs and enjoy grid independence. You see neighboring homes in Morgan Hill with rooftop solar systems, and you’re excited about making the switch. Like most property owners, you have questions about installing solar panels on your Morgan Hill home. Our guide covers each project stage, from evaluating your existing system to lighting up your home with clean, renewable energy.

It’s one of the best places to call home in Santa Clara County.

Los Gatos balances its position as a hub for high-tech industry with a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle. The local economy, driven by innovations in multiple fields, serves residents with a variety of earth-friendly options.

Solar energy initiatives here have been ongoing for years.

In 2016, the community joined surrounding municipalities to form the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Agency. Many public facilities have switched to solar power.

Residential solar energy systems in Los Gatos play an important role in building a sustainable foundation for energy independence. Every home here that converts the sun’s energy into electricity helps ensure a greener future.

You don’t have to look far to see how well solar technology fits the community. You’ll find solar installations on existing houses and new residential construction. This is a place that cares about the environment. We know you do too.

On December 15, 2022, the CPUC voted unanimously to pass NEM 3.0. The changes went into effect on April 14, 2023.

In this post, we’ll provide an overview of net metering 3.0 in California and what you can do now to maximize your solar savings now that NEM 3.0 is in effect.

Let’s dive in.

Dear Sandbar customers and local solar stakeholders,

Our local solar industry in California and the 3CE region is being aggressively challenged by the Investor Owned Utilities (IOU’s – PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) and our very own Central Coast Community Energy (3CE).

We need your help in raising awareness and working to save Net Energy Metering (NEM) and preserve the local solar industry.

If you live in California, you know that PG&E has experienced a tumultuous couple of years. The utility provider has continuously raised its rates, faced lawsuits over its role in several deadly wildfires, and ultimately paid a $13.5 billion settlement to survivors and families, just to name a few of the highlights.

Unfortunately, things don’t look like they’ll be much smoother in 2021.

Recently, Pacific Gas & Electric announced that it would raise rates again in the coming year. According to the utility, the rate increase will help upgrade equipment, implement new safety measures, and help avoid deadly fires in the future.

If you’re a PG&E customer, you’re probably wondering what the rate increase means for you. In this post, we’ll discuss what the future looks like for those in the PG&E service area, and what the alternatives may be.