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.

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