In many ways, Solar is as simple as installing a solar array to start taking advantage of the free energy the sun provides, but when you go solar, you must consider HOW you’re going to go Solar. Will you go with roof-mounted solar to optimize your space and make the most of the property that you have, or will you opt for ground-mounted solar to take advantage of the positioning freedom that isn’t afforded to roof-mounted systems?

No matter the mounting option you decide to go with, there is an abundance of benefits that come from going solar that are not exclusive to the type of mount you install; however, it is important that you make an educated decision that is best for the needs of your home or business. We’ll be looking at the advantages and disadvantages of ground-mounted solar arrays compared to roof-mounted solar arrays, and at the end of this article, you should have all of knowledge you need to make a decision for your upcoming solar project.

Ground Mount:

Roof Mount:

A Quick Comparison:

Ground-mounted systems take up a bit more space and require a sizable amount of property available to dedicate toward your panels, but they also offer easy access for installation and repair. Roof-mounted systems are less expensive as they utilize the existing roof as a foundation for installation. When you use your roof, you eliminate the need to take up precious property space for your solar installation, however, you are limited to the space that you have. When you install a ground-mounted system, you have the freedom to orient your solar panels in a way that maximizes your energy production, which isn’t necessarily afforded to roof-mounted systems due to roof obstructions.

Benefits of Ground Mounted Solar Systems:

The greatest freedom offered by ground mounts is the flexibility of placement. When you install ground-mounted systems you can align your panels to get as much sun as possible and the more sun you have, the more energy you’ll be producing. Ground-mounted systems produce optimal performance that outmatches rooftop systems, largely because of this. Another great advantage of a ground-mounted system is the ease of access it provides.

Instead of requiring a team to scale your home whenever you’re first installing your system or later when you’re upgrading/repairing the system, everything is on the ground and far easier to access. Having that ease makes upgrading your system in the future far less labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Ground mounts also make it simpler to clean your solar panels. Cleaning your system regularly is important. Dust, dirt, smog and sand can accumulate over time and affect the efficiency of your solar panels. Having your system on the ground eases the cleaning process and doesn’t necessarily require a team to do the work for you.

Benefits of  Roof Mounted Solar Systems:

When space on your property is a constraint, then rooftop-mounted solar is an excellent choice. Roof mounts make use of the foundation that is already available to you. You won’t have to construct another structure on your property to house your solar panels, making rooftop-mounted systems less expensive. Installing a roof-mounted system also frees up precious space on your property that would have otherwise gone to solar.

Roof-mounted systems are also less expensive. You don’t have to create a racking system to house your solar panels, so the upfront cost is typically less than that of a ground-mounted system. Less metal = less costs. You’re working with a pre-existing structure which means you won’t have to purchase costly materials like poles or concrete, and you won’t have to have your soil surveyed before installing. Roof-mounted systems can be both more convenient and more affordable than ground-mounted systems.

Things to Consider When Making your Decision on Solar:

Ground Mounted

· Requires open property space for installation

· More expensive upfront cost

· More labor intensive

· Can be less aesthetically pleasing than roof-mounted system

Roof Mounted

· Difficult to repair, replace and restore

· Difficult to access

· Installer is limited to the space on their rooftop

· Roof holes lead to leak potential

· Potential to reroof

What is best for me?

Whichever solar energy solution you opt for is a good choice, but it’s important that you make the best decision for your home or business. If you are limited on space and looking to spend less up-front then roof-mounted solar is the way to go. If you have the property to spare and are looking for the most efficient solar energy solution, then ground-mounted systems are definitely your best bet.

Whichever system you decide to go with, our team at SolarTech is happy to help get you the information you need to get the job done. With over 20 years of experience in solar, we’re experts who ensure that every project receives the focused attention it deserves.

For more information about going solar with SolarTech, give us a call today at (619) 743-9193 or click the link below to receive a free quote!

Start Saving – Receive a FREE Solar Quote

SolarTech is a proud Sponsor of Sportsplex USA, Santee.  We love to be involved with our community. This long-standing relationship has helped save money for the city of Santee by constructing a Solar Carport that produces 1 megawatt of power per day, 411.720 Megawatts of power annually. Sportsplex USA Santee is a premier sports and recreational facility that hosts a variety of league and tournament events.  With 3 tournament quality fields, two indoor soccer arenas and an inviting sports pub. SolarTech is proud to support the youth and adult leagues at the Sportsplex USA, Santee.  See you at your next event, stop by our table with your solar questions.

Installed Solar Carport in 2018
238.56kw DC-STC
(672) Solar Panels
(336) Optimizers
(6) Inverters

System Size: 213.56kW
Output: 1,128kWh/day
411,720 kWh annually

Located at 9951 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, CA, 92071
https://www.sportsplexusa.com/santee

Save & Play Today!
Receive a Solar FREE Quote

Solar Carport Installed by SolarTech

Before Solar

We support our local communities through Solar – Play On!

Solar power customers can make a big impact on legislation pending in Sacramento because they understand the overall benefits. It’s our everyday customers who best tell their solar story. Make your convincing and powerful voices heard in expanding the independence of renewable energy legislation. History shows your voices make a difference!

California Legislature is considering a Bill that would dramatically reduce the electricity bill-savings benefits of solar energy.  Assembly Bill AB 1139 tries to end Net Energy Metering. Take the steps outlined in the Stop Anti-Solar Bill AB 1139 Toolkit, which includes a sample letter with a link to contact your legislator.  AB1139 Status  SolarTech experts are educating policy makers in Sacramento with industry information and analysis.

Join in the Opposition to STOP Efforts to End Net Energy – CLICK HERE

Further Steps in Defending Net Metering:

• Become a member of the Solar Rights Alliance and Solar United Neighbors, independent non-profit organizations representing solar energy customers in California and nationally.
• Write a letter-to-the-editor to your local media outlet.
• Utilize social media to make your opinion heard.

Join SolarTech in defending your solar rights and stand up for net metering benefits. Stand up for your rights against the utilities.  Join us in having your voice heard – click here to be heard.

References:
https://us.sunpower.com/blog/2021/05/13/solar-energy-advocacy-can-make-difference
https://sunwork.org/net-energy-metering-proposal-jeopardizes-rooftop-solar-in-california/

System Down, Not Producing, WiFi Problems, Shaded, Electric Issues, App Not Reporting

Customers tend to misunderstand the way SolarTech monitoring works.
SolarTech is only alerted after the system has been down for 24 hours.  SolarTech normal business hours are 8 am – 4:30 pm Mon. – Fri., once staff is in the office alerts are tended to on a first come first serve basis.  Once the system has been down, we are then alerted, and can schedule a service call to have a technician review the system to find the faults.  We understand clients can be frustrated when scheduling service, sometimes we have calls scheduled out weeks in advance because the service demand at that time is so high.  It is understandable that customers feel upset having to wait in line for service when their products are under warranty.  Just like a normal product process, we must work with our dealer to remedy customer problems.  Sometimes this is software updates, hardware issues or replacements.

The good news is how your solar system is designed to work.  Your solar system is designed to reset as necessary in the event of a power failure or issue with WiFi.  Your solar array is designed to produce energy over-time.  You average out the credits you earn with the amount of energy you use over the year with your true up bill.  Normally a solar system is sized to 100% to about 110% to offset the energy the home of business uses.  This being the case, usually the true up bill credits will average out with the loss of production to come to a zero bill, even if you have had issues with the solar system throughout the year.  The even better news is SunPower has been known to work with customers and if they are at fault will work to remedy the situation and, in some cases, may reimburse if they are at fault.  SolarTech stands behind SunPower products and service.  We love hearing from our clients how much money they are saving from the premium solar array we have installed for their home or businesses.  Be part of the money saving crowd with Solar by SolarTech.
Ask for a FREE Quote Today!

SolarTech is not automatically alerted to down systems or system changes right away to allow for system inaccuracies to happen.  For instance, we are not alerted when the system is shaded abnormally for the day.  Instead, we are alerted after a period of time (24 hours) if the system is still not producing as it should we will then schedule a service call.  Of if WiFi goes down, which happens frequently, we are not instantly alerted, we are alerted after 24 hours.  This allows the system to restart and reconnect to WiFi without producing a service action item for SolarTech.  Since some of the issues tend to self-rectify the situation, there is no need for service to be alerted instantly.  There are also firmware updates which are controlled by SunPower.  These can be done remotely and can take time or be very quick.  We are not told when updates happen from SunPower.  So, when we say SolarTech monitors 24/7, we do, and we are here for service if you need it.  We appreciate the SunPower service structure and work within the confines of the SunPower Service Process as it is set up.

SolarTech customers understand how monitoring of their systems work and continue to provide accolades and approval.
Understanding how premium solar products work in conjunction with service is key to a happy customer relationship. 

SolarTech installs premium solar products that save the most money for our customers.
Experience the SolarTech Difference!

HURRY & SAVE BIG!
Up to $2000 on New Solar Energy System Installation
& Up to $500 on New Solar Pool Heating System Installation

SolarTech is proud to be Celebrating 20 Years Powering California homes and businesses.
Learn more.

We are excited to offer New Moon Panels.  Moon panels are the newest premium solar products we have.  They offer maximum energy savings day or night and help you maximize your electricity so you can rest with more peace.

You question – Moon Panels?  Yes! They reflect the sunlight from the sun to the moon and the light falls back to the earth.  The moon reflects 12% of the sunlight back to the earth.  Although there are no photons so no charging is happening.  You can relax knowing your solar array is brightly lit, highlighted on your roof, showing off your smart energy decision.

Learn to enjoy the moon more often, especially when it’s full. Full of energy and full of peace of mind that when you wake up your solar system will be working great and producing exactly what our analysts quoted the system to produce.  Learn the pros of new moon panels today!

Ask for a FREE Moon Solar Panel quote.

Discover your own April Fools!  Not just that you have Moon Solar Panels!  A.k.a. – Premium Solar installed by SolarTech. The joke is on the neighbors!  They are still paying those high utility rates.  You will be paying lower prices for your energy for years to come.  Discuss the process with a solar analyst and see how easy you can start saving today.  Learn more.

SolarTech is Celebrating 20 Years of Powering California!
We are over the moon with our premium solar product line.
Quality and savings you can trust from a reputable, longstanding solar company – SolarTech.

Hear from our satisfied clients.

Celebrate 20 years – Learn more

References:
https://www.universetoday.com/19946/light-from-the-moon/
https://energis.com.au/2015/11/can-solar-panels-produce-electricity-by-moonlight/

Learn to LOVE Solar like we do!

We LOVE Solar because it is easy on the environment. There are no moving parts that need lubricated over time requiring petroleum-based products.  Solar does not require maintenance, unlike a generator that needs monthly preservation. Solar is sustainable, the only monitoring is through an app you will LOVE, much less hassle.

Recently state governors have announced a push towards alternative fueled vehicles, specifically electric cars.  We LOVE electric vehicles.  We see this already happening with semi’s and electric vehicles readily available. Adding a Solar Energy System to your home or business will stop the high bills and help you take back control of your power all while powering your electric vehicle.  SolarTech will size a solar system you will LOVE that is specific to your needs.

Solar is reasonably priced.  We LOVE solar because when you break down the costs overtime and realize how much the power company gouges you.  The advantage of going SOLAR now is obvious.  LOVE Solar the way we do, ask for a FREE solar consultation for your home or business.  LOVE your power bill again. Learn what it means to “ZERO OUT” your electric bill.  LOVE solar.

SolarTech is excited to be Celebrating our 20^th Year Powering Homes & Businesses in California.  Since 2001, we have been installing premium solar, solar storage, solar pool heating and roofing systems.  Take advantage of the LOVE we are celebrating with up to $2000 OFF a New Solar Energy System & up to $500 OFF a New Solar Pool Heating System.  Ask for a FREE Quote today!

Celebrating 20 Years!

Looking into solar electricity?

You may have some questions?

Are you starting to read into solar and seeing more terms then you know what they are?

Here are some everyday solar terms that will help in your research.

Array – Also a “Solar Array” is when multiple solar panels are strung together to form an array.  The more panels you wire together the more power you will capture from the sun to power you home or business.

AC / DC – Alternating Current & Direct Current – the types of electricity used to power your home, before and after the solar microinverters if you have solar installed.

Kilowatt – abbreviated (kW), a measure of 1,000 watts of electrical power. . . so a saw needs 1,000 watts to run it needs 1kW to work.  Solar panels are defined by the watts they produce, they higher watt panel, the more power it produces.

Kilowatt-hours – abbreviated (kWh), a measure of electricity equivalent to a power consumption of 1,000 watts for 1 hour.

Microinverter – a solar micro-inverter is a plug and play device used in solar electricity that converts direct current to alternating current. The idea of microinverters is that they isolate the panel so weather, shade, snow do not effect the whole array, rather just one panel.

PV – Photovoltaics is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials.  Electrons in these materials are freed by solar energy and can be induced to travel through an electrical circuit creating power.  That power can be used in your home or business.

Solar Azimuth – This has to do with the position of the sun relative to the positioning of the solar panels.  The azimuth refers to the compass angle of the sun as it moves throughout the day.

Solar Zenith – this refers to the angle of the sun looking up from the ground.  These angles are important when determining the correct angles your solar panels should be placed for optimal solar generation.  Be sure to have a solar analyst create an array that works for your home or business.  Request a FREE Solar Quote Today!

True-Up Bill – Any remaining credits or kilowatt-hours (kWh) you return to the grid exceeds the amount of kWh’s you have purchased, you will be compensated for the difference.  The amount you are compensated is usually less then what you pay for the energy from the utility but be sure to check with your utility for specifics.

Shading – When talking about solar energy, shading refers to the lack of sunlight reaching the solar panels, not creating solar energy.  Caused by trees, canopies, snow, other buildings, etc.  A solar array needs to be placed strategically so the shading does not impede solar production.

Solar Monitoring App. – This is a system that can help monitor you solar system production to help ensure your system produces the electricity you need for you home or business.  Ask for a FREE Solar Quote Today and experience solar monitoring for yourself.

A Solar Analyst can help answer any questions you may have and provide you with a custom solar quote for your home or business.

Give us a call today 619-743-9193.

References:

https://us.sunpower.com/solar-array-definition

https://www.seia.org/initiatives/photovoltaics

https://www.sdge.com/residential/savings-center/solar-power-renewable-energy/net-energy-metering/billing-information/excess-generation

https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-glossary

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_micro-inverter

Will Solar Power Save Me Money?  Yes, utilities have and will continue to increase the cost of power.  Going solar allows you to produce your own energy, harvesting energy from the sun. Put a stop to the increasing electric rates.  Stop the peak electric bills and start saving your hard-earned money.  By looking at cost comparisons from a solar array vs the utility over 25 years we can determine a savings estimate based on your individual needs.

Receive a FREE Solar Quote

Can Solar Power Be Stored?  Yes, solar power can be stored if paired with a solar battery.  Solar batteries are a good way to ensure you are not left in the dark.  Batteries can offset your homes power consumption, so you don’t end up with peak energy bills anymore.

Learn more

Can Solar Power Run AC? Air Conditioning is a huge consumer of power when it is being used.  Solar arrays can be sized to offset the power consumption used by your AC.

Start running your air with no care, receive a FREE Solar Quote

Can Solar Power My Whole House?  Yes, solar arrays can be sized to power 10%, 50% or 100% of your homes power consumption needs. A Solar Analyst will help you create a unique solar array for your home or business based on your needs and existing power consumption.

Learn more

Do I Have to Go Off-Grid When I Go Solar?  No, and, you probably don’t want to.  This is known as “islanding”.  Connecting your solar array to solar batteries will allow you to power your home independently while staying connected to the grid.  Staying connected to the grid allows you to generate credits with the utilities which can lower your bill, this is known as net metering.

Speak with a Solar Consultant to learn about your energy options

Do Solar Panels Work During A Blackout?  Technically the panels are working, but you cannot harness that power through the meter. For safety this is so the power lines are not backfed in case of emergency.  The solar array is not metered, stopping power into your home.  If your solar panels are paired with a solar battery, they can be used to power your home or business during a blackout.  The array will charge in the daytime allowing the battery to charge or be used.

Learn how to stop blackouts

How do I decide how many solar panels I need? Solar arrays are created unique to each customer’s power consumption needs. There are a few factors that need to be discussed when deciding on a solar array.  Roof age and roof placement need to be factored into the decision.  If there is not a lot of room on the roof, higher watt panels may need to be used to achieve the optimal output for your array.  Reviewing your annual electric bill will also be part of the process to be sure the new solar array will achieve the output of power you need at your home or business.  A SolarTech Solar Analyst can help you design an array for your home or business needs.

Ask for a FREE Solar Quote Today!

Do electric vehicles run off solar? Yes, an electric vehicle can run from solar power.  When you have solar installed at your home, the costs over time are much cheaper than the utilities high power costs. The cost of power from the utilities has not ever gone down.  Solar on the other hand, has become cheaper to install.  Learn how much you can save with solar and a solar charging station at your home.

Receive a FREE Solar Quote Today!

References:

https://www.energysage.com/solar/solar-faq/

https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/go-solar/faqs/

https://1stle.com/20-common-solar-questions-answered-explained/

https://getsimplesolar.com/25-common-questions-about-solar/#q14

The Photovoltaic effect – the science of generating electricity with solar panels.

The Solar Process:

1. The solar cells absorb solar radiation

2. The suns rays begin to interact with the silicon cell, electrons move creating electric flow

3. Wires then capture and feed this direct current (DC) to a solar inverter to converted into alternating current (AC) energy

4. The AC energy is fed into your home or business

5. A net meter measures electricity usage

If you are producing more energy than you are using, then the power will feed back into the grid.  When this happens, you will receive credits towards your power bill. You can also purchase a solar battery.  A battery will charge from the solar array and will also help in the event there is a power failure.  The battery can be set up to power critical loads or more depending on the power usage and battery count.

If you have a solar system that is not producing enough power, your demand for electricity is higher than your systems production, you will begin to draw power from the power grid as normal.  Solar allows home and business owners to power their lives at a lower cost. When you calculate the savings over a 25 year period compared to rising electric costs, going solar tends to be an easy decision.

Learn how to benefit from the power of the sun today! Request a FREE Solar Quote!

Solar Benefits:

• No Noise – No generators or loud noises, no moving parts
• No maintenance – little to no maintenance associated with solar, annual cleaning with soap and water
• Environmentally Friendly – 80-90% glass and aluminum by weight, solar panels can easily be recycled, sun powered
• Save Money – STOP peak electricity bills, 25 year savings > paying SDG&E

SolarTech provides full-service solar solutions for residential, commercial, and non-profit customers in Southern California. As a leading San Diego solar company, we’ve been designing and building solar panel systems since 2001. We are committed to complete customer satisfaction, which we achieve by offering quality products, professional installation, and outstanding value.

References:

https://www.certainteed.com/solar/solar-101-abcs-solar-power/

https://news.energysage.com/solar-panels-work/#:~:text=Solar%20panels%20work%20by%20absorbing,panel%20and%20is%20distributed%20accordingly.

https://us.sunpower.com/solar-array-definition