SolarPowerSupply – Solar Power Supply

The electrifying rise of electric vehicles: Why you should make the switch?

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

As global environmental consciousness grows, so does the enthusiasm for electric vehicles (EVs). The automobile industry has not been left behind, with leading automakers launching futuristic EVs that don’t just promise zero emissions but also deliver robust performance and unrivaled convenience. But as more consumers transition to EVs, understanding the energy demands, cost implications, and the potential of solar-charged driving becomes essential.

Latest Electric Vehicle Models & Makes

Some of the latest and most sought-after EVs in the market include:

- Tesla Model 3

- Nissan Leaf

- Chevrolet Bolt EV

- Hyundai Kona Electric

- Ford Mustang Mach-E

- Volkswagen ID.4

- BMW i3

… and many others.

Why Should Consumers Consider Electric Vehicles?

1. Eco-Friendly: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing your carbon footprint.

1. Economical: Electricity costs less than gasoline, and EVs generally have fewer moving parts, which can lead to fewer maintenance issues over time.

1. Performance: Instant torque and quiet operations make driving an EV a unique experience.

1. Incentives: Many governments offer tax breaks and rebates for EV owners.

Advanced Features: Convenient, safety, and autonomous capabilities (assisted and self-driving)

Comparison of Top Electric Vehicles:

Vehicle Model	Battery Size	Mileage Range	Demand for Charging	Cost to Charge	Cents per Mile
Tesla Model 3	75 kWh	358 miles	32A	$10*	2.8¢
Nissan Leaf	62 kWh	226 miles	27A	$8.40*	3.7¢
Chevrolet Bolt EV	66 kWh	259 miles	32A	$8.90*	3.4¢

Note: *Assuming an average electricity rate of $0.14 per kWh.

Charging at Home & The Solar Connection

Charging an EV at home can lead to increased electricity demands. For instance, charging a Tesla Model 3 from 0% to 100% might add $10 to your electricity bill. But here’s where solar steps in to amplify the savings:

1. Reduced Electricity Bills: By generating your own electricity through solar panels, the cost to charge your EV diminishes.

1. Increased Savings: Combining solar panels with home battery systems ensures that excess energy is stored for future use, including charging your EV.

Going solar can significantly reduce the cost of charging your EV. For those considering installing solar panels primarily to charge their EVs, the system’s size can vary.

By generating your electricity, you’re not just saving money but also reducing your carbon footprint. An average EV consumes about 30 kWh per 100 miles. So, if you drive 15,000 miles a year, you’d need around 4,500 kWh annually. Depending on your location, a 3kW solar system could produce this amount. For instance, if you drive a Tesla Model 3 for about 1,000 miles a month, you’ll need roughly 5-6 additional solar panels.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles are not just a passing fad; they’re the future of transportation. By pairing them with solar energy systems, users can optimize savings and champion a cleaner, greener environment.

Sources:

- U.S. Department of Energy

- EV Database

Solar Energy Industries Association

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Establishing energy independence under NEM 3.0

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

Is it worth going solar under the new NEM 3.0 tariff? The resounding answer is “Yes!” By embracing solar power, you can achieve energy independence, steer clear of the ever-increasing costs of utility electricity, and save substantial amounts of money for years to come. The implementation of the net billing program should not deter you from taking the leap towards solar energy. NEM 3.0 has been specifically crafted to incentivize homeowners to generate and store their own energy through solar and battery backup systems. This approach reduces reliance on utility companies, thereby alleviating strain on the grid. Furthermore, by becoming self-sufficient, homeowners can minimize the impact of various scenarios such as power outages due to downed lines, unexpected or mandatory shutoffs, and scheduled repairs or maintenance. Thus, opting for solar power paired with a battery is a prudent choice, providing long-term benefits and ensuring consistent access to electricity for your home.

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However, the implementation of NEM 3.0 has had a profound impact on the solar industry, affecting both businesses and consumers. One of the major concerns raised by industry stakeholders is the diminished savings potential compared to NEM 2.0. Under the new tariff, prominent California utility companies such as Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric have significantly reduced the export rate by 75%. This reduction pertains to the compensation value for excess electricity fed into the grid through solar power systems. To overcome this challenge, consumers need to shift their perspective from solely focusing on “saving money” on monthly electricity bills to embracing the concept of becoming “energy independent.”

The Strain on the Utility Companies

The strain on utility companies is another crucial factor to consider. Aging infrastructure built decades ago is a pressing concern for all utility companies, necessitating continuous repairs and maintenance. In addition, the imperative to combat global warming through green initiatives calls for extensive infrastructure updates across the country. The demand for electricity is projected to surge exponentially as gas-powered products are replaced by electric motors, a realization already being administered by the automotive industry. As more car manufacturers produce electric vehicles (EVs) that require constant charging, the strain on the grid intensifies. These issues contribute to higher energy prices, which directly impact average consumers.

So, what can be done to mitigate the burden of skyrocketing electricity prices? One approach is to reduce consumption, particularly during peak times when electricity prices are at their highest. Unfortunately, this may not be feasible for many individuals who wish to maintain their current lifestyle. The alternative solution, as mentioned earlier, is to decrease reliance on the utility company for power. This can be achieved through the adoption of a solar and battery system, enabling homeowners to harness the sun’s power to generate their electricity and store excess energy for use during critical periods.

Optimizing savings entails significantly minimizing power usage between 4 pm and 9 pm, regardless of whether a solar and battery system is in place. Utility companies actively encourage consumers to alleviate strain on the energy grid during these peak hours, which coincide with exorbitant electricity prices. This necessitates a shift in energy consumption habits, such as adjusting the timing of activities like laundry, vacuuming, or charging EVs. It may also involve reprogramming timers for energy-intensive appliances like pool pumps and cooling the house before peak hours.

Under the new NEM 3.0 net billing system, it is crucial to store excess energy produced by a solar power system rather than selling it back to the utility companies at their extreme lower rates. This underscores the importance of coupling a solar system with home batteries. Batteries enable the utilization of stored energy during nighttime (and other times when solar isn’t producing any power), offering homeowners the opportunity to meet their typical daily power requirements without relying on additional power purchases from the utility company. However, it’s essential to note that the storage capacity of a battery and its ability to power a home over a given time period depend on the appliances being powered.

On average, a properly sized battery system should be capable of sustaining power for lights, televisions, computers, appliances, and more. However, excessive usage on days when all lights are on, the AC is running at full blast, and multiple appliances like washers, dryers, and vacuums are used simultaneously can deplete the stored energy within minutes, necessitating the purchase of additional electricity from the utility company. Being mindful of the battery’s capacity will help save money and prevent the frustration of unexpected energy expenses.

If you are considering alternative energy options like solar power, it’s important to note that it requires more involvement than simply determining your energy consumption. Previously, solar installers could calculate the appropriate solar panel system size based on the past 12 months of bills to determine the total annual kWh usage. However, with the advent of NEM 3.0, a deeper dive into when electricity is being utilized is just as critical.

Green Button Data

Accessing your Green Button data provides valuable insights into your energy usage patterns. Utility companies like Edison allow you to download and share your energy data, providing a detailed breakdown of your consumption at 15-minute intervals. This empowers you to make informed decisions about your energy usage and implement strategies to save energy and reduce costs.

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However, analyzing 15-minute increments over the course of 24 hours, multiplied by 365 days in a year, can be overwhelming. That’s why you have the option to share this data directly with your solar installer. They can utilize the information to generate a summary that presents your usage averaged out over a year and across the four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. A reputable installer will leverage this data to recommend the appropriate size of the solar system and the necessary battery storage to offset your energy bills. By incorporating Green Button data, the accuracy of designing a solar/battery system is significantly enhanced compared to relying solely on a year’s worth of energy usage.

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Furthermore, it’s important to inform your installer about potential future changes in your energy consumption. This could include plans to purchase an electric vehicle, expanding your home with an ADU, having more people at home, or working remotely. These factors add to the overall energy load requirement. By considering these future usage changes, you can future-proof your energy system and reduce the likelihood of needing to purchase additional power from the utility company.

Combining a solar power system with a battery, along with disciplined electricity usage habits, you can achieve significant long-term savings. If you are ready to explore solar energy, feel free to contact us at 951.338.8060. Our consultants are available to guide you through your specific needs and provide the best possible solar/battery system solution.

At Solar Power Supply, we firmly believe that achieving energy independence ultimately leads to substantial savings, aligning with the significant cost benefits associated with solar power under past net metering programs.

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Future proofing your solar system

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

If your current electric bills are off-the-roof then you’re probably wondering if solar is a good alternative energy source to consider. And, if solar is a consideration for you, then you should know some key factors to determine what’s right for you. In this discussion, we’re simply going to focus on one factor: properly sizing your solar power system for your needs today and in the future.

In most cases, the solar consideration and ultimate goal for everyone to go solar is often to simply “zero out” or “offset” the electric bills at 100%. And to determine the size of a system to meet this task, installers usually take your last 12-months of electric bills and add up the monthly kWh usage to recommend a system size that will produce the same amount of electricity for that year. That way you neither owe money or gain, in the form of credit from the utility company, when the “true-up” (also called settlement bill) arrives at the end of a one-year cycle.

So, is 100% offset the correct size system to obtain when you’re out shopping for solar? Before you say, “Yes,” we at Solar Power Supply suggest you think about the future. What we mean is that you should consider “future-proofing” your system to a certain degree at a size bigger than 100% offset. Ask yourself what lifestyle change(s) can, may, or will happen for you in the near future that can impact your energy usage.

For instance, is there a future electric vehicle (EV) purchase? An addition to your property such as a pool, spa, ADU expansion, etc.? A change like more people working from home, additional family members moving in, a newborn, or elderly that will be a part of the household?

Answering these questions will greatly help determine the true size you’ll need for many years to come because these all affect your lifestyle and will certainly add more to your energy consumption. Provisioning for such changes will seriously help to future-proof your system.

If a purchase of an EV is on the horizon, know that it takes an average of 3,700 kWh per year to charge one at home, and of course it will differ based on brand and model. You can somewhat offset future charging by adding a good percentage, say 25%, to the size of the solar system you’re shopping for, or fully offset an EVs electricity demand by adding its kWh energy yearly usage to the solar system. Adding a pool to a home and using a pool pump to circulate the water adds between 3,000-5,000 kWh per year according to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy.

And, if you expect a change in household or simply having more of your family members home more often like working from home, know that there will be a significant increase in energy usage. With more people at home, lights are turned on more frequently in restrooms and closets, refrigerators are opened more times than normal, usage of appliances like electric ovens, microwaves, and toasters rises considerably, and there’s an intensified increase in running the HVAC to manage the entire home’s temperature to a comfortable living level. According to PickHvac, the average central air conditioner uses around 2,475 kWh per year, and with more people at home, that kWh usage can quickly escalate.

It’s quite often experienced by current solar owners to wonder why they owe money at the settlement period when they have a perfectly working solar energy system. They’ve quickly forgotten about those “significant lifestyle changes” that weren’t considered pre-solar purchase, often shifting blame that their solar panels are not working or the technology is a sham because it’s not producing the energy to cover their consumption level. Keeping in mind changes in lifestyle and prepping for them is an essential part of the solar shopping process.

Another consideration for future-proofing is power output depreciation of a solar energy system. The highest energy output of any system will occur in the first year of installation. Like anything you purchase, whether it’s a car or an appliance or any technology for that matter, its best performance occurs at the beginning when they are new and tapers down as they get older. Same with a solar system with panel performance decreasing in output by a very small margin at an average of .5%, called degradation rate. Although minor, it does have some effect in the offset decision making.

For example, if you’re offsetting your average usage of 10,000 kWh per year, and you have a solar system that produces 10,000 kWh for the first year (100% offset), the next year it will produce 9,950 kWh (.5% less), and the third year at 9,900 kWh, and so on. As you can see, the decline will no longer cover that 10,000 kWh usage as the system gets older. A larger size solar system will compensate for the degradation rate to produce above that particular usage.

The effects of weather are also something to be considered with a solar power system. Because we can’t predict the weather, know that output performance can vary. Energy production is at a minimum when it’s cloudy and during rainy seasons and less on months with shorter days like in the winter. Even extreme heat has an effect on performance on days when temperatures are beyond 100 degrees. Energy output slightly declines with all solar panels when it passes its temperature tolerance at a percentage dependent on the solar panel’s coefficient rating.

Recognize that solar panels produce power by converting sunlight it receives, not heat! With a future-proof-sized system, sunny and longer California days like in summertime will more than make up for lower output on bad weather days.

Setting expectations and knowing key factors gives you a better experience with solar ownership. So, when sizing a system, if budget permits, a bigger size is encouraged for future-proofing. Give yourself a cushion with an offset size of a system of at least 10%-15% more. The increased size will definitely help on unexpected and expected slightly higher energy usage from the norm such as during longer summers, hotter days and lengthier family visits when air conditioning systems have to be kept on for longer periods of time. Oversizing a system is a sure way that you will produce more power, and more of the excess will be sent to the grid to establish a higher bank of credit that you will use for nights and bad weather. Ultimately, it’ll be great to possibly get a nice credit for the energy overage or to not owe the utility company at settlement time at the end of the cycle year.

One last thing to note is that expanding to an existing solar system can be quite expensive. Most people consider the thought of, “I’ll just add several more panels later on and get only what I need for now” but, unfortunately, this mindset gets pricier and the process takes just as long as when a system was first installed. Plus, the 30% federal tax credit incentive can’t be claimed for future solar panel additions because it only applies on the original purchase. The only exception is with the addition of a backup battery.Now that you’re more informed about future-proofing a solar system, call us at 951.338.8060 for one of our staff members to help you properly size a system that you will truly be happy with.

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The true face of solar

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

When it comes to solar, the energy production of a system varies based on where solar panels are installed on the roof and which direction they face. It’s common for today’s homeowners to get quotes for a solar power system with a diagram of where panels would be installed on their rooftop. Homeowners have differing reactions to quotes: some may not particularly pay too much attention, some don’t care, and some express where they would prefer solar panels to be mounted thinking production is all the same. The fact is, it’s quite important to pay close attention to where solar panels will be installed on your roof because it determines several key variables that eventually affect your pocket book.

Where solar panels will be placed on your rooftop actually depends on which direction your home is facing. Yes, your home’s direction makes a big difference ultimately affecting the suggested system size, the output performance, cost, and the electricity savings you’ll achieve for the life of your solar power system.

So, what is the ideal direction of a home that optimizes the performance of a solar energy system? In general, for homes located in the Northern Hemisphere like us here in the United States, a south facing home (or shall we say a roof facing that direction) is optimal. On average, our location being above the equator gets the most exposure to the sun throughout the entire year, and a south facing rooftop with solar yields optimal performance and power output.

That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if your solar power system isn’t perfectly facing south. It simply means panels pointed in other directions will generally output less than they’re capable of in comparison to those directly facing south.
The maximum energy output performance of a solar panel can vary by as much as 30% based on which direction it faces. With south being the best, east/west facing panels have an expected lower output of up to 15%, and north at 30% are the least desirable when it comes to direction. However, there are also advantages to the other directional options with east and west facing installations such as energy production required for the morning or the afternoon. For the most part, if achieving the best yearly power production level is the goal, then south facing is the most ideal.

Here are four illustrations of how size, performance, output, and cost will vary based on the direction a solar power system faces. Each system in these examples is designed to produce 10,500 kWh, the average household electricity consumption for 100% offset. You’ll notice the size and number of panels change to generate that same yearly 10,500 kWh output.

A south facing solar installation is what most solar installers pursue when it comes to residential applications here in Southern California. But in reality, it all depends on the below criteria where solar panels will ultimately reside on any rooftop.

Home orientation (where it faces),
Roof positions and shapes,
Available space on the roof to accommodate solar panels

It’s impossible for every single solar installation to face south like we want. If your roof perfectly faces south with ample space for solar, then you’re in luck to have a system that will perform and produce at its optimum level. Because roofs come in all different shapes and sizes, there are many solar installs that will face multiple directions to accommodate the size of the system and/or optimize the system by where they will perform best. And, if a solar system can’t face south for maximum sunlight exposure, then the lack in power output is compensated with additional panels.

Solar Power Supply uses a robust, sophisticated solar design software that analyzes the most productive position on every rooftop. Not only does it know where sunlight hits the roof best, but it also delivers true shading analysis that results in quotes with realistic and more accurate energy production numbers.

If you’ve been wondering what direction solar panels should face on your home for maximum performance, give us a call to discuss the details. We can put together an estimate for a system that will produce the power you need to offset your electricity bills. Let’s FACE IT, it’s time to find an alternative to expensive power from the utility company.

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Fueling an electric vehicle at home

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

In late August 2022, the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) Regulations were approved which means by 2035, gas-powered vehicles that include passenger cars, trucks and SUVs will no longer be sold in California. This is a huge step forward in the Zero-Emissions Initiative for cleaner air and to slow down the greenhouse effect that causes global warming. The approval not only means overall increased demand for electricity but also abruptly changes the mindset of those intending to purchase a new vehicle in the near future. For some, the announced regulations may even sway them to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) now, even at their higher prices.

The notion of never having to stop at a gas station, conveniently charging at home, less vehicle maintenance, and more advanced features like self-parking, autonomous driving capability, and high torque acceleration are surely drawing consumers to take the plunge into electric vehicles. However, current EVs in the market are coming with much heftier price tags. The overwhelming demand, short supply, and limited models available from every vehicle manufacturer continue to intensify their steep price. In addition, the subject matter of conveniences/inconveniences and overall cost-savings of charging EVs are also highly regarded discussion points.

If you are an early adopter of an EV, you already know what it takes to charge up around town and at home. And, if you’re considering the purchase of one in the near future, you’re likely already researching what it takes and how much electricity it will cost to charge one at home and on-the-go.

COST OF CHARGING ELECTRIC VEHICLES AT HOME

Charging an EV can take place at home, work, and at the growing number of charging stations around the country. There are also different speeds and costs associated with charging EVs depending on where you’re located. The information we put together here will provide you with a general idea of how much you’ll spend on electricity when charging an EV at home (only). The information is based on the latest electric rate charges in Los Angeles and the average miles driven in our state of California.

To calculate how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle, you will need four key pieces of information:

Battery capacity of the EV (think of this as the size of the gas tank)
Vehicle range (rated miles of the EV’s battery from full to empty)
Electricity rate (cost of electricity per kWh at your location)
Driving miles on average per year

Our chart below shows various data points and the formulas used (in red) to get the cost results for electricity associated with a variety of EVs today. For the cost breakdown, we used the latest average electricity rate for Los Angeles at $0.244 per kWh. You can change this rate to reflect the price in your city. We’re also using 12,500 miles per year which is the average miles driven in California. This criterion can also be changed to reflect your own driving miles per year.

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Compared to gas vehicles, EVs are definitely less expensive when it comes to the cost of fueling (charging) them at home. It’s more likely that a one-time gas fill-up at the pump will be more expensive than an entire month of charging an EV. In our chart, the least expensive vehicle to charge is a Tesla Model 3 at only $44 a month.

Our chart also includes a kWh usage per year column for fully charging at home. This way, if you purchase an EV and you’re looking at your electric bill, you’ll know a good portion of the kWh usage is associated with charging your EV.

And, if you’re considering solar power for your home, this column will also help in appropriately sizing a solar system that adds charging to an existing or future EV. Based on our calculations, you will need approximately an additional 3.7 kWh system on average to power most EVs today for an entire year. That way you can completely avoid the increasing price of electricity from your local utility company.

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What to know about solar investors

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

A solar power system is a sure way to save money by significantly reducing or completely eliminating your electric bills. But before you quickly jump in and purchase a system for yourself, we at Solar Power Supply suggest first to get familiar with some of the technologies involved in a solar power system. That way, when it’s time to pull the trigger, you’re aware of exactly what you are investing in.

A solar panel system consists of several parts which include the solar panels themselves, an inverter, the mounts, and optional battery. A crucial part of the system is the inverter because it is the mechanism that converts the direct current (DC) energy coming from the solar panels into the practical form of alternating current (AC) electricity that we use in our homes and businesses. You can simply consider the inverter as the engine of the solar power system. So, let’s check out what an inverter is all about.

There are three types of inverters used today: string, string with optimizers, and micro. All of them execute the same function in converting DC current into AC, but each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

String Inverter

A string inverter is the most widely used by solar installers today due to its simplicity and affordability. The wires from the solar panels are connected in “series” from panel to panel, with the last wire connected to the inverter. The DC power travels through the length of chained wires and into the inverter where it’s transformed to usable AC electricity from 110V-220V.

Advantage: Today’s advanced string inverters incorporate the latest technology for increased efficiency and are suitable in most home applications. A string inverter is also much easier to install and maintain because it is usually only one unit and positioned on the ground level, often installed near the property’s main electrical panel whether it’s indoor or outdoor. When it comes to servicing, string inverters can be quickly accessed and if needed, can be swapped out extremely fast. No need to go up to the roof at all, which is a big advantage especially if a home has fragile tile or aluminum roofing. And, out of the three choices here, they have the lowest cost making it more affordable for homeowners.

Disadvantage: However, there are some drawbacks to string inverters since they can only optimize energy output on the string level. So, if a home/business is prone to partial shading from trees, buildings or certain conditions such as cloudy weather, they might not be the best choice. Any type of shading lowers the output of power from the solar panels, and because they’re strung in sequence, lowers the overall output production of the inverter. A solar panel within the string that may not be functioning properly can hinder or totally stop power production altogether. Another disadvantage of a string inverter is the inability to expand an existing system without having to change the inverter.

String Inverter with power optimizers

A system using a string inverter with optimizers is a hybrid between string and microinverters. With this type of inverter setup, optimizers are installed with each panel so unregulated power from the solar panels is conditioned before reaching the inverter. The use of optimizers also allows for monitoring system performance at the panel level. Check out this video explanation of optimizers from Solaredge.

Advantage: Having optimizers on each panel enables DC power to travel freely to the inverter on an individual level. The optimizers control output at a steady state before it’s fed into the inverter. That means shading isn’t as big of an issue. In this case, highly functioning and performing solar panels within the system are not influenced by less productive ones. If a panel is not performing, then the panel can be quickly swapped without disrupting the functionality of the other panels. This is a big advantage of string inverters with optimizers and results in increased efficiency and optimal power output. With the optimizer option, it can also be easier to expand a system.

Disadvantage: Using this method does have the drawback of higher cost and longer installation process. Also keep in mind that power still isn’t converted at the panel level. In addition, although rare, optimizers add another layer of components to deal with when an issue arises with a system.

Microinverters

Microinverters are gaining more ground in usage due to its efficiency and conversion at the panel level. They are small devices that get installed directly on the back of each panel and don’t require a string inverter since the DC to AC conversion happens directly from the solar panels. They work independently from each other and are unaffected by the performance of the other panels.

Advantage: This method of conversion is ideal for systems that encounter shading. There’s also less resistance with microinverters because DC power produced by the solar panels does not have to travel through wires at great lengths. At the same time, there are no other components that affect the conversion since it takes effect literally right at the back of each solar panel. Compared to string inverters, higher efficiency of up to 15% can be expected since shading doesn’t affect other panels involved in the system. And, if there’s an issue with microinverters, it minimizes any downtime with a system since they’re working independently. A quick change of a microinverter can be done easily. Another plus to this method is monitoring which occurs at the panel level. A great video explanation can be found on Enphase, the most popular microinverter brand today.

Disadvantage: As good as microinverters are, there are also drawbacks. One is its much higher price. The use of microinverters can add 10%-15% more to the overall price of a solar power system. Secondly, troubleshooting the system has to be done at the roof level. If there’s an issue, technicians must get on the roof, and it can be problematic if the roof type is fragile such as tile, slate and aluminum.

Now that you have the scoop on inverters, you can make a wiser decision on which one works best for your particular needs and budget. If you still need more information on inverters, the staff at Solar Power Supply will be happy to go through them in detail. Just know that all of them work great in producing clean and more affordable power that you can easily get from the sun. Let’s get you started in Going Solar.

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Myths surrounding solar energy

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

Today’s energy crisis continues to be a hot topic with everyone looking at alternative energy as part of the solution. At the top of this mix is solar energy, which can certainly provide clean energy and save you money.

However, jumping into solar isn’t a blink-of-an-eye decision for most, and it shouldn’t be. If you’re in the market for solar energy, it’s essential that you gather as much information as possible. More importantly, don’t get caught up in many of the solar myths floating around that can leave you confused and muddle up your decision about the technology.

This is why we’re clearing up some of the most common solar myths so it can get you on the right path to deciding whether solar energy is a wise choice for you and your family.

Myth #1: Solar is more expensive in the long run than what I spend monthly – Many think that solar is too expensive but they don’t realize that paying for today’s conventional electricity bills over the same period of time is actually way more expensive in an apple-to-apple comparison. In addition, the payments made for electricity consumed are gone once they’re sent to the utility company. But with the purchase of a solar power system, those same payments go towards ownership of a product that will continue to produce energy years after the payment plan ends, if the system is financed.

It is difficult for many homeowners to see beyond the initial price of solar, but if looked at over time, they’re simply paying for electricity ahead. If they’re financing for purchase, they will quickly benefit after their break-even period which is usually around seven to eight years. Please note that we’re only talking about a purchase, not a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA).

For example, if your solar investment is $14,000 and it saves you $2,000 a year, then it will take seven years to get to your break-even point. If your average monthly electric bill is $200, then you end up paying a total of $2,400 for a year’s worth of electricity, then it’s forever gone. If you use that same $200 payment for the purchase of a solar system, that $2,400 goes towards your payoff and total ownership. When you get a quote for solar, you’ll see a steady payment graph against the normal rising cost of electricity, and you’ll definitely see that solar will save you in the tens of thousands for the life of the solar power system which is rated to last for a minimum of 25 years or more.

What makes a solar investment even more attractive is today’s available 26% Federal Residential Solar Energy Credit of the purchase price which includes roof repairs, electrical upgrades, and backup batteries. Unfortunately, this incentive will only last until this year and will drop to 22% in the year 2023. After that, the credit incentive may be completely gone.

Myth #2: Homes with solar panels are difficult to sell – This can be a bit confusing because there is a big difference between the purchase of solar versus a lease or a power purchase agreement (PPA) for solar. Homes with solar that have been purchased are extremely easy to sell because it’s part of the property like a shed or a remodeled kitchen. In fact, homes with a purchased solar power system sell for up to 4% more since the home will essentially include an energy producing system that lowers or virtually eliminates future electric bills.

Unfortunately, a home with a solar lease or PPA option may be more difficult to sell because the agreement is with the current owner of the home and must be transferred to the potential home buyer. That is where the complication occurs, and buyers would rather not take on an extra energy system payment that was not designed for their needs. As an example, the home seller may have a family of six with a large demand for electricity, and the potential home buyer may only have two people who don’t have that same electricity demand. And, if they have to take on an expensive solar lease or PPA agreement, they may opt out of purchasing the home.

This is why Solar Power Supply only offers solar for purchase.

Myth #3: When I have solar, I have a limitless amount of power – This is one myth that needs to be properly addressed. It is also what gets solar owners in a heap of trouble. The amount of energy a solar power system generates is limited to its size. It is often mistaken that once solar is installed, owners have the mentality that they have a limitless amount of power. At the beginning of any solar inquiry, every company will size a system based on average annual usage (100% offset) using their last 12-months of electricity bills. They often also provide different size options to choose from with increased offsets for times when usage is above average or are expecting a higher demand for electricity in the future.

It is EXTREMELY important to understand that a solar power system will only produce the amount of electricity based on their size. If the owner continually strays away from their average electricity usage, beyond the system’s production capabilities, then the additional power consumption is pulled from the grid resulting in a large utility bill at the end of their “true up” cycle.

Solar owners should pay attention to their electricity usage especially when lifestyle changes are made such as a purchase of a new electric vehicle, addition of a swimming pool, or as simple as setting the air conditioner at a much lower temperature for long periods of time. Monitoring a solar system’s energy production and household consumption is quite easy with a smart device app associated with a solar system. Checking to make sure a solar power system is working properly and knowing consumption levels will make a solar investment worth its price!

Myth #4: Solar doesn’t work during cloudy or cold weather – Today’s solar panels are quite advanced and will still generate a good amount of electricity even on cloudy days or when they’re obstructed by shade. Advancements in solar panels allow them to still generate electricity as long as there are photons that hit the panels. These photons (solar radiation) are what come from the sun and what make the cells on solar panels create electricity. On cloudy days, the direct solar radiation is diffused by the particles in our atmosphere. The amount of electricity solar panels will produce is dependent on the density of the clouds blocking direct sunlight.

Solar panels generate electricity based on the amount of sunlight they absorb, not the temperature. In fact, on cold days solar panels work more efficiently.

Myth #5: Solar produces the most power on super-hot days – There is a huge misconception that on super-hot sunny days, solar panels produce more electricity. The truth is, solar panels are actually more efficient in cooler weather. Solar panels work with the amount of sunlight they receive, not the sun’s heat. Solar panels have a temperature range where they work optimally, and they actually start to reduce their power output at extreme temperatures. This doesn’t imply product failure, but the expectation of more power production from a solar power system in extreme conditions is definitely false. All solar panels have an efficiency and temperature coefficient rating that will tell you how much wattage they’ll generate at given temperatures. Read our blog, All Solar Panels Are the Same. Not!, for more details on this subject.

Myth #6: Solar works to power my home when there is a power outage – When the sun is out, solar panels generate a great deal of electricity for your home or business. However, when a power outage occurs, a solar power system is automatically disabled for safety reasons. Whether the power outage was intentional or not, someone working on repairs or improvements can be seriously electrocuted by the flowing electricity coming from homes with solar panels. Remember, all excess power a system produces is diverted into the grid, and if someone is working on the power lines, they will be on the receiving end of that excess power. However, if a backup battery is part of a solar energy system, electricity will maintain flow into the home without interruption, and the solar panels will continue to charge the connected battery while the sun is out.

Myth #7: Solar panels damage rooftops – Solar panels do not damage rooftops; in fact, they actually protect the area where they are installed. Solar panels act as an umbrella for the area where they are installed, essentially minimizing the wear caused by long exposure to the sun. It also lowers the temperature of the area of the rooftop since the panels provide a great amount of shade.

Myth #8: Solar causes more harm to the environment than other types of energy – Like everything produced in this world, there are certain amounts of resources that are needed to produce solar panels. The key advantage of solar is the ability to generate clean energy from the sun for a very long period of time, in general 25 years or more. There are no moving parts or maintenance involved with solar panels so there are no additional effects on the environment. Once they are installed, they simply absorb sunlight which is then converted into the electricity that you use in your home.

With conventional means of obtaining electricity through the local utility company, power is generated by different ways including burning fossil fuels and coal or the use of nuclear energy. The natural resources used for energy not only deplete those resources quickly, but they also contribute to today’s green-house effects and other hazardous emissions that go up into the atmosphere. These issues are why the U.S. administration and other world leaders are looking for clean energy solutions that are readily available such as solar power.

Which of these two means for energy have a more harmful effect on the environment can be greatly debated for some. For us the assessment between a solar panel that produces clean power from the sun for 25+ years versus 25+ years of continual burning of natural resources is a very easy one.

Call us today to discuss the reality of getting solar energy for your home without experiencing any doubts.

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Charging an electric vehicle at home and your alternative for power

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

Let’s face it, electric vehicles are the future of transportation. Every time you hit the road you see more electric cars being driven from brands like Tesla, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Chevy, and more. Most vehicle manufacturers are now strategically planning to produce cars that strictly run-on electricity. And, there’s already a mandate in California for future sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles that will stop in 2035, according to an article on Engadget. Which makes us all wonder when it’ll be feasible to actually own one for ourselves. With today’s high cost of gas at the pump EV ownership may come faster for some people.

According to AAA fuel prices in Southern California are now averaging over $4.68 per gallon (November 2021) for regular unleaded. As for electricity, it’s also up at an average price of 23.9 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in the Los Angeles (October 2021) area. That’s three cents more per kilowatt than last year at the same time frame. For some, a three cents price hike may be minimal but multiplying that by the average home usage of 10,715 kilowatts per year equates to an additional $321.40. That totals to $2,560.88 for a year of electricity alone. According to energysage.com the average yearly rate increase for electricity within the past decade has been approximately 1.3% so you can only continue to expect costs to go up.

If an electric vehicle is in your future, it definitely makes sense to think about your home electricity bills. After all, part of having an EV is charging while at home so you’re able to forever skip going to a conventional gas station. But this also means obtaining electricity by conventional means from your local utility company like Edison, which will significantly increase your electric bills. You have to consider electricity rates that change quite a bit. In fact, rates change based on seasons, like summer and winter, as well as tiered rates and time of use. With tiered rate plans, energy price increases as you’re moved to different tiers based on your consumption level. Whereas in time of use, electricity is most expensive in the afternoon and evening times between 4pm – 9pm which are considered peak hours when more people are at home consuming more electricity for appliances, lights, and devices.

The exact cost to charge an EV at home and how much it will cost you every year will have many variables from vehicle to vehicle, mileage specifications, your driving habits, and when you’re actually charging. You’ll have to calculate that yourself based on the current utility pricing structure and charging times. This is why solar power and a back-up battery for your home should also be a consideration when it comes to future EV adoption.

A solar power system at home may be the only way to effectively combat the rising cost of electricity to power both your home and future electric vehicle(s). Technically a solar energy system enables the production of electricity at a set price based on the size of the solar power system and how much energy it will produce, as well as the payment plan you choose for ownership. At Solar Power Supply we believe the best way to obtain a solar energy system is to purchase one rather than leasing or committing to a power purchase agreement (PPA). That way, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the current (limited-time) 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit, additional discounts, and low financing rates available today. If you own a home now, it doesn’t hurt to get a free estimate on solar energy. You’ll at least be able to compare what you pay the utility company and what you’ll get out of solar energy to power your home and/or EV and determine if it’s right for your situation.

Call us today to discuss your alternative for power.

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Know your solar production

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply

There’s a misconception about solar power. Many people think that once you install a solar energy system you have unlimited power available. Of course, that’s definitely not the case. The point of getting solar is to replace the source of your electricity transitioning from your local utility company, like Southern California Edison, to your own clean power-producing solar panel system that’s installed usually on the top of your roof. However, there is a limit on how much energy the system will produce for you which is dictated by three factors: 1) the size of the solar power system, 2) performance aspects of the solar panels, and 3) exposure to the sun (includes weather and duration).

When you get a quote for solar energy, you’ll normally be given a recommended size shown in kilowatts and number of panels based on your overall goal of:

Reducing your bill (at a defined percentage),
Zeroing out your bill (matched to your one-year averaged consumption),
Zeroing out with excess (for expected and unexpected fluctuations).

Reduce Your Bill – This goal of reducing your bill is to lessen your monthly electric bill with the solar power system to produce a portion of the energy that you use. You’ll still get an electricity bill from your utility provider for the amount of energy you consume beyond the system’s power generation. For example, if you want to offset your utility bill by 60%, you’ll see a utility bill for approximately 40% of what you normally pay.

Zero Out – This goal of zeroing out (100% offset) your bill is what most people strive for. When speaking with a solar company, it’s extremely important to provide a history of your electricity consumption. A year’s worth of your energy bills is necessary to get an accurate quote which defines the size of the system and how many solar panels are needed to completely offset your bill. An appropriately sized system should closely produce the amount of energy you use in a 12-month period as long as your consumption and the seasons of sun exposure stays relatively the same.

Zero Out with Excess – A quote above 100% is generally the way Solar Power Supply quotes its customers recommending an offset of 15%-30% percent more energy production. Of course, you can install a much bigger system as long as the utility company allows for it. A larger system absorbs both expected and unexpected fluctuations in electricity usage. Lets’ face it, there will be periods when you will use more power. For example, needing to keep the AC on longer due to a party or accidentally leaving something on for an extended time. Or perhaps you need a much larger system for future plans to purchase an added appliance (like a second fridge), installing a new swimming pool that requires a pump to circulate water, or buying an electric vehicle so you can charge it at home.

SOLAR MONITORING
Monitoring is an essential part of owning a solar power system. With monitoring, you’ll know how your solar power system is performing relative to the size of the system you installed.

Conveniently, this can be done through a personal computer or on a mobile device. There are two main reasons why monitoring is so important: 1) to see the solar system’s performance level, and 2) to get an indication of how much power you’re consuming relative to the system’s production level. As long as a consumption meter is installed, you’ll be able to analyze usage data.

When sunlight is turned into DC (direct current) by the solar panels it’s the job of the inverter to convert it to AC (alternating current), the form of power that we use in our homes and businesses. When a system is installed, customers can download the associated inverter app to see the system’s overall production level and, in many cases, the amount of power the customer is using.
Solar Power Supply uses the two most popular inverters in the market today, SolarEdge and Enphase.

SOLAREDGE
SolarEdge, a company that’s been around since 2006, offers multiple inverter models that do an excellent job in converting solar energy into standard AC electricity. Their free mysolaredge app, available on Apple iOS or Android, provides users a complete performance analysis of their solar system. Once downloaded and launched the app, the user is treated to a variety of information about their system.

Whether it’s on a computer or their mobile app, the home page dashboard provides a complete system overview that includes the day’s production level, the current system’s performance level, how much power is being consumed, as well as power that’s charging the backup battery (if there is an existing battery). The SolarEdge app even features the ability to turn appliances on and off directly on the home page if they’re connected to their “smart energy devices”.

SolarEdge monitoring also provides power and energy charts showing daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. Bar charts show production levels and consumption giving you a quick visual understanding of solar performance. It gives real-time data of how much power is being used and what’s being exported to the grid. And because different data points are available, users are able to compare production levels at any period of time (month by month, year by year, etc.).

The SolarEdge monitoring platform is a powerful tool and easy to navigate through. Users also have the ability to see real-time performance data for each solar panel in the system to see if there are any production issues. If you’re trying to decide if SolarEdge inverter is the right choice, be confident that they have a great monitoring system platform.

ENPHASE
Enphase uses microinverters to convert DC energy into AC, and they utilize their mobile app to perform home energy monitoring. The Enlighten Mobile App, also available on both Apple and Android, is an effective and easy-to-use system that shows users exactly how their solar energy system is performing. As soon as the app is opened, the main status screen provides real-time analytics that include power production level, imported and exported power, and the user’s independence level. Displayed information on this screen varies depending on the existing system configuration which can include additional information such as backup battery power and usage (if a consumption meter was installed). There’s also an independence level which shows energy self-sufficiency indicating whether the system is supplying 100% of the user’s consumption or if electricity is still pulling a percentage of energy from the grid.

Like SolarEdge, the Enphase app displays energy production by day, week, month, year, and even lifetime. By clicking on the energy icon, a bar graph compares production to consumption. It also has the ability to compare a bar graph of imported/exported power which can easily be turned on and off with a touch of the slider switch.

The array tab on the app shows your solar panels in their exact configuration. The app displays power production by each solar panel which is quite essential because you’ll be able to see if they’re at optimal performance or if there’s an issue.

The Enlighten app includes very attractive graphics and the information within each menu is self-explanatory. A quick glance tells the user exactly how their system is working and if there are issues that need to be addressed.

With solar monitoring you can easily track performance of your system and know if you need to make adjustments to your usage behavior. Solar is an excellent solution in providing clean energy for your home, but it’s important that you still stick to your consumption routine since your system is planned and designed to your pre-installation specifications. If you’re starting to use more than what the system is capable of generating, it may be necessary to add more panels or make small adjustments to your routine. Turn off lights when you’re not in the room, unplug unnecessary appliances that sit idle without use, and adjust that thermostat a degree or two higher. Conserving power is always a great habit with or without solar, and it only involves minor changes to your daily routine. And, at the end of the yearly billing cycle, you may even have excess credits that give you money back.

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To battery or not to battery

April 1, 2025 SolarPowerSupply No Comments

Is a battery necessary with a solar power system? This is a question that often pops up when consumers are interested in a solar power system. And the answer to this depends on a few factors. For Southern California residents and for us at Solar Power Supply, there are a few questions we often pose in order to properly answer this specific question. The most important to address is, “are there any medical devices in your home that require them to be ON at all times?” If that answer is “yes”, then a battery is a definite need, especially with more occurrences lately in unexpected power failures or scheduled grid maintenance. There’s also the factor of storing medicine like insulin at a proper temperature making sure appliances like refrigerators are always working.

The Grid-Tied System For the most part, because Southern California weather is sunnier than most areas and the electrical infrastructure is in fairly good shape, a battery isn’t critical with a solar energy system. That’s because the grid acts like a backup battery from which your home can draw energy from when your solar system isn’t producing enough electricity. During the day a typical solar power system produces more energy than what’s being used. That excess generation of electricity is sent out to the grid where your utility company gives you credit through a process called net metering.

You’ll use that credit when the sun goes down or in bad weather conditions when your system simply isn’t producing enough energy to match your consumption. You then settle the exchange of credit with the utility company at the end of a one-year cycle. However, when a power outage does occur, electricity produced by your solar power system won’t flow into your house. This happens because this automated fail-safe system protects those working on the grid to repair or maintain the infrastructure.

Grid-Tied with a Backup Battery System A backup battery allows you to store the unused electricity produced by your solar system for later use. When the sun goes down and the solar system isn’t generating any more electricity, power from the battery kicks in to keep the lights on and appliances running. You’ll draw stored energy from the battery first until it’s empty, and then from the grid as your next back up. With a typical solar system plus battery set up, the stored battery power is ample to last you through the night under normal conditions and will be recharged by your solar system the next day as it simultaneously powers your home. When you experience a power outage, the backup battery becomes the only source for energy. In this scenario, the battery is set up to smartly kick-in as your primary device for electricity. Although the solar system is producing energy, it will only function to energize the battery, not to provide electricity for your entire home. Again, this is to protect anyone working on the grid.

So, the golden question is, “how long will the battery last?” This is quite a difficult question to answer in relation to “a period of time” due to many different factors. The complexity to answer this is due to variables that not only include the number of appliances/devices that are tied into the backup battery system but also the efficiency of these appliances and the battery’s (ies) capacity.

There are multiple brands and sizes of backup batteries, but let’s take a typical modern Lithium-Ion battery today (whether it’s an AC battery or DC battery) that has a rating of 9.8kWh such as an LG. With an energy star refrigerator that uses about 1-2 kWh in a day, a battery will last a few days assuming minimal usage during the power outage. When you start tying in more appliances to that battery, then you simply need to find out the consumption ratings of those appliances and devices to really figure out the current draw from the battery to provide a better indication of how long it will last during an outage. Also keep in mind that batteries do need to store a minimum charge of around 10-20% so in our example with a 9.8 kWh battery, your power capacity is more likely to be around 7.8-8.8 kWh. So, the more appliances connected, the more power drawn from that battery.

Thankfully during the day, the solar panels will recharge the battery at a certain rate. Again, based on the size of the solar system, regeneration speed will vary. Take for instance, a 9.8 kWh solar power system can recharge the battery within an hour. The larger the system, the faster the recharge and vice versa.

Back Up Battery Advantages and Disadvantages There are certainly advantages to having a backup battery with a solar system. In very simple terms, the battery significantly lowers your reliance for power from the grid. There’s usually enough power stored in a battery to get you through your normal routine at night, unless you have the air conditioner cranked up, the washer and dryer on, lights blaring, and so on, all at the same time. And, on occasional emergencies for power such as a black out, your essentials will operate for a period of time.

The biggest hurdle to a battery backup system is the price. Today’s Lithium-Ion batteries such as Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem are still fairly expensive and will run in the thousands of dollars. You’ll have to consider convenience and necessity against the cost for each battery. You can stack batteries together for longer backup time, but you’re also looking at a cost premium. There are rebates available for the purchase of a battery(ies) which does help offset the high price. The other good news is that the current 26% federal tax credit also applies to the purchase of the battery with a solar system. *Note, the federal tax credit is only available for a limited time so take advantage of it while it lasts.

One other consideration to a battery is its life-span. The warranty for batteries is typically 10 years. That doesn’t mean it will suddenly not work at the end of the 10th year, it just means it will not perform to that same capacity as it did in the first couple of years. Note that batteries are constantly working, charging and discharging so it is a work horse within a hybrid solar power system.

What’s it worth? In conclusion, is a battery worth it? For many it is. The peace of mind that you’ll have power in times of emergency as well as less reliance to purchase power from the grid is a great feeling. Is a battery necessary with a solar system? If you’re in So Cal, we would say not really. The outage downtime, although could last for a good period of time, may not merit the price of a battery. But if you can afford a hybrid system (solar plus battery) we say, “Go for it!”

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