This is not a good look for Tesla customers who have spent significant amounts of money investing in the Tesla solar division only to be refunded and must start from square one. In 2016, Tesla acquired its solar business by taking over SolarCity. Since then, Tesla has gained much momentum with a record-breaking quarter in Q2 of 2022. Their energy storage division delivered a record number of batteries in Q3 2022 as well. So why would Tesla make the announcement to cancel many solar projects in some markets, even some that have already begun?

In Q3, Tesla decided to stop scheduling solar roof projects in most markets. With the world’s first Tesla solar neighborhood becoming a reality in Austin, much of the focus will be put here. This unfortunately means much smaller-scale residential projects in specific areas will begin to be shut down in some markets. Tesla explains that these specific areas include: the greater Los Angeles area, northern California, Oregon, and Florida. This is very monumental for third-party installers, especially since Tesla has mentioned they will refer customers to certified installers.

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LG Too?

LG decided to pull out of the solar panel business in June of 2022. Their official statement is below:

“The decision was based on factors like increasing material costs, increasing logistics costs, and supply chain constraints. This announcement looks ahead as LG concentrates on other high-value products and services like energy storage systems and energy management solutions. “(2)

The company has stated that they will continue to honor and support all limited warranties in the US as well.

While both multimillion-dollar companies are reducing their residential solar divisions, SolarTech offers a wide range of products for homeowners and even business owners. From residential solar panels to energy storage to even pool heating panels.

Call today for a FREE solar quote and up to $2,000 off!

www.solartechlive.wpenginepowered.com (619) 743-9198

References

SolarTech is a Proud SunPower Master Dealer

We partnered with SunPower to become one of the few Elite Master Dealers of SunPower in California. This means that we have the privilege of being one of the few places in California where you can purchase SunPower solar panels. Partnering with SunPower was a no-brainer.

Their panels are built to weather any storm and perform at peak efficiency. Compared to conventional solar panels, SunPower panels outperform the average efficiency and they do so with longevity in mind. SunPower solar panels are built to last, which is why we trust installing this brand for our customers. There are very few all-in-one solar panel service providers and SunPower is one of them. Everything that goes into their solar energy systems is manufactured by SunPower. From the racking to the panels and inverters, the entirety of the solar energy system comes from SunPower, which means if you ever have an issue, you know exactly who to call.

Other solar companies get their parts from multiple manufacturers, meaning that if you have trouble with their installation, it could potentially take an unknown amount of time to have your solar energy system serviced. If and when an issue arises, your installer will have to contact multiple manufacturers for parts. This can extend the timeline for your service, creating complications and unnecessary work, not to mention higher electric bills.  If SunPower is at fault for the service issue they will reimburse your for your electricity while your are down for service.  With supply chain issues continuing to run rampant into 2021, relying on assistance from someone who relies on parts from someone else is very impractical and can lead to even greater concerns. When you invest in SunPower you’re investing in ONE reliable and trusty solar supplier.

Intelligent Design

We are proud to be a SunPower Master Dealer because their solar panels improve curb appeal and do so with power. Not all roofs are equal and not everyone has a roof that can’t be viewed from the street, so when you’re investing in solar it’s important to take into consideration how those solar panels will impact the curb appeal of your home. SunPower solar panels are constructed with Maxeon cell technology.  The connection points, solid metal backing and lack of grid lines create a better curb appeal wherever they are.  Not only do the cells on their solar panels look sharp, they’re also built smart!

Unlike conventional cells, the Maxeon cells that make up SunPower have a solid copper backing that adds incredible strength, making them virtually impervious to corrosion. Conventional cells offer little to no strength and lose power over time as they crack and succumb to temperature swings. Their cells are built to last and withstand changing temperature environments. Thick connectors in the copper backing of their cells allow the cells to expand and contract from daily temperature swings with ease. Conventional cells are typically built with thin and week connections, leading them to often fail over time.

All-in-One System

As we’ve mentioned, another incredible benefit about SunPower is that their solar panel systems are all-in-one, meaning the racking, the panels, inverters and everything else that goes into installing their solar systems comes from SunPower. Other companies outsource their products from other manufacturers, meaning that if anything goes wrong with a competitors’ panels it could take ages to get replacement parts in as there are heaps of hoops to jump through to figure out where to get those parts. SunPower on the other hand manufactures every part of their solar panel systems in house, never outsourcing, meaning that you know EXACTLY who to contact.

SunPower’s 25-Year Warranty

SunPower is built to last, offering industry leading warranties where they cover your system for 25 years! Most solar panel providers only offer a measly 10-year warranty for their panels. Not only that, but most conventional solar warranties only cover parts of your solar system. SunPower offers one warranty that covers your entire solar energy system.

Why go with SunPower?

There are plenty of reasons to go solar and PLENTY of reasons to go solar with SunPower. SolarTech has been powering California for 20 years and we don’t put our faith in any run-of-the-mill solar panels. Becoming a SunPower Master Dealer was like a match-made in heaven. Their product offers superior design, incredible efficiency and an unbelievable warranty. We can also trust that if anything goes wrong, getting serviced will be simple and easy. If you are going solar you should go with SunPower installed by SolarTech.

You can learn more about the SunPower solar panels that we offer below and reach out to us for a FREE quote today on your new solar energy system.

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 was recently contacted by the Scheiner family to assess their energy consumption and to advise on a solar energy solution for their home. After visiting with the Scheiners, they decided to add a SunPower 8.3kW Equinox Solar System paired with NeoVolta NV14 Energy Storage and upgrade their solar pool heating system to a new SwimJoy system.

SolarTech was able to maximize the roof planes creating an optimal layout for the solar array and the solar pool heating panels creating a longer swim season for the family while achieving maximum energy savings.  Installing the energy storage system allows the Scheiner family to maintain their critical loads (IE: refrigerator, kitchen lights, bedroom lights, garage door) in the event of a blackout.  With these recommendations, they are saving more money compared to paying the utility and achieve energy independence.

Before & After Solar:

Scope of Work:

• Remove Old Solar Pool Heating System
• Install New SunPower Solar PV System on Concrete Tile Roof 20 SunPower A415 panels = 8.3kW
• Install NeoVolta NV14 Battery +240V Outlet
• New 400 sq ft SwimJoy Solar Pool Heating System Installation

Utility Usage and SDGE:

Project Proposal:

After Solar:

SwimJoy solar pool heating system:

SunPower 8.3kW Equinox System:

NeoVolta NV14 Energy Storage:

“SolarTech did a great job installing a home solar system and a pool solar system. Great staff, courteous and efficient. They explained everything clearly, answered all questions and were quick to respond to any questions. Particularly helpful, was how they explained the app used to monitor the system. Our initial meeting with Ali was straight forward. He was extremely knowledgeable and helped us through the process of determining our needs.”
– R. Scheiner

Learn how to Go Solar today!

Start Saving – Receive a FREE Solar Quote

a SolarTech Customer

“After being referred by 2 of my brother-in-law’s, and further doing my own research, I decided contact SolarTech.  I felt the compelling case that SolarTech was going to be around if something goes wrong, that was the number one concern.”

Why Dave
Installed
Solar

– Tesla Electric Car
– Large 4k sq ft home
– Both work from home
– Peak Electric Charges­
– Pool & Spa Equipment
– Summer AC Usage
– Kids Laptops/Tablets

Before Solar
Average Electric Bill

~$500

Recently Installed:

38 – SunPower 360 Solar Panels = 13.68kW

After Solar Bill

~$200

Dave says, “In the past when you don’t see numbers you don’t care, you just know this is your lifestyle. Now that I start to see things measured, calculated in a kilowatt hour, from an hourly, daily, weekly perspective, now I am invested in conserving, you start to pay attention.”

Learn how to Go Solar today!

Start Saving – Receive a FREE Solar Quote

Do you manage your critical loads in a power outage?
Do you worry about Black Outs or losing power?
Do you want to achieve energy independence?

Learn how SolarTech can give you peace of mind knowing your home or business is energy independent with premium solar storage by SolarTech installed.

SolarTech has been in business for over 20 years focused on bringing premium solar to our customers.  We offer a high-quality line up of Solar, Solar Storage, Solar Pool Heating and Roofing options.  Customers have learned that SolarTech offers a unique difference, one-stop shopping for saving money, best warranty and one quality installer for all your Solar projects.  SolarTech is a SunPower Master Dealer, meaning we are trusted by our Solar panel manufacturer and we are trained in high quality installs.  Further our expansion into Solar Storage allows customers the option to pair premium storage with solar for the ultimate in energy independence and money savings.

Ask for a FREE Solar + Storage Quote Today!

SolarTech Solar Storage Offering:

SunPower SunVault 13 & SunPower SunVault 26:
In 2019 SunPower introduced an All-In-One Solar + Storage solution – SunVault.  One app can provide critical data on all the parts produced by SunPower and one warranty to back it up.  SunPower is the leading solar panel manufacturer, customers experience more peace of mind choosing one installer for all their home improvement projects.

NeoVolta 14 & NeoVolta 24:
NeoVolta fits the lifestyles of our customers how ever they choose to set up their storage solutions, this battery can handle the day-to-day peak load offsetting or whole home back up.  NeoVolta is a powerhouse storage solution with a great price.

Tesla PowerWall:
Founded in 2016, Tesla customers are devoted to the brand.  The PowerWall Storage solution offers a lot of flexibility, it can be paired with most solar arrays.

NeoVolta Storage

SunPower SunVault Storage

Tesla PowerWall Storage

All of the solar storage options that SolarTech offers will work during a black out or as full home back up. By identifying the critical loads, customers can rest easy knowing their home or businesses are still powered during a power outage.

Contact us today to learn how storage can provide you better peace of mind.  Stop worrying about your power, learn to be more energy independent.
Go Solar with Storage today – 619-743-9193.

What To Consider When Adding Solar Storage?

Power Rating – how many appliances your battery can power at once and what they are.

Usable Storage Capacity – how long your battery can power parts of your home.

Roundtrip Efficiency – how much electricity you get out for how much you put in.

Battery Lifetime: Throughput and Cycles – how many times you can charge and discharge. How much electricity you can move through the battery over its lifetime.

Contact us for a FREE Solar Storage quote.  Learn more about the technical specs of each storage solution and installation requirements. Learn what storage solution will work best for your home or business.  Charge 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/