Residential Solar Power Is Thriving In Middle Class America

residential solar power graph

source: http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/RooftopSolar-4.pdf

Middle Class Leading The Solar Revolution

Between helpful rebates and advancing technology, residential solar power has really come a long way. Due to its lower cost and the abundance of solar financing options, solar power is now more accessible than over, as shown in a recent report released by the Center for American Progress.

The report indicated that homeowners across America have begun to lead a “solar revolution” of sorts, citing the fact that, “Since 2000, more than 1,460 megawatts of residential solar installations have been installed across the country, and more than 80 percent of that capacity was added in the past four years. In 2012 alone, rooftop solar installations reached 488 megawatts, a 62 percent increase over 2011 installations and nearly double the installed capacity added in 2010.”

The study took a look at solar installation data from Arizona, California, and New Jersey, and found that a large amount of new installations were occurring in middle-class neighborhoods, with median incomes ranging from $40,000 to $90,000. According to the report, “The areas that experienced the most growth from 2011 to 2012 had median incomes ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 in both Arizona and California and $30,000 to $40,000 in New Jersey.”

This is great news for homeowners, and it shows the continuing accessibility of residential solar power for the middle class. Gone are the days when solar was only limited to the wealthy.

The report concluded that, “Middle-class homeowners are leading the rooftop solar revolution. This finding will have far-reaching implications as utilities across the country consider revising their solar programs and rate structures, which benefit lower- and middle-class people—who are increasingly installing solar—and not just wealthier people.”

As America’s middle class continues to embrace residential solar power, we can hopefully look forward to more financial programs and incentives for homeowners of all income ranges who are looking to go solar.

Mohler Solar has worked with countless homeowners of varying income levels, who need help taking the next step. In fact, we work primarily with San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union, who provides a variety of flexible solar financing options for San Diego homeowners. To get started on your residential solar project, contact us today for a free quote!

How Will The Solar Industry Fare in 2014?

Solar Industry

The San Diego solar power industry has already seen significant growth in recent years, but after last month’s report on solar industry growth for 2013, what’s in store for the solar industry in 2014?

The Solar Foundation’s annual report has optimistic projections for the coming year. The survey reports that “over the 12 months following the Census 2013 survey period, 44.5% of solar firms expect to add solar workers, while fewer than 2% expect to cut workers. With the expected addition of over 22,200 new solar workers over the next year, employment in the solar industry is expected to grow by 15.6% during a period in which employment in the overall economy is expected to grow by only 1.4%.”

This good news comes as no surprise to those lucky enough to work in this burgeoning industry.

The report also indicated that “the majority of these new opportunities are expected to be added in the installation sector (projected to grow by 21.1%), in “other” jobs that provide ancillary support to the solar industry (16.1%), and in solar sales and distribution (14.2%).” In addition, the report expects domestic solar manufacturing to get a boost by about 8.6%.

The total number of solar workers projected for employment during 2014 is 164,938, in the following sectors:

  • Installation – 84,331
  • Manufacturing – 32,429
  • Sales and Distribution – 22,585
  • Project Development – 12,529
  • Other – 13,064

The solar industry is enjoying success all across the nation, not just in abundantly sunny states like California. In fact, the report states, “The U.S. solar industry continues to remain a bright spot on the nation’s employment landscape, providing opportunities for more than 142,000 workers at 18,000 locations in all 50 states and creating jobs at a rate ten times higher than employment growth in the overall economy.”

From these findings, it’s become clear that the advantages of solar power are not limited to only environmental benefits. In an otherwise sluggish economy, the solar industry is helping to create thousands of new jobs for eager Americans who are looking to get back to work.

The next time you need comprehensive solar installation in San Diego, be sure to help out the local economy and contact Mohler Solar for all of your solar needs.

 

U.S. Solar Jobs Have Increased Nearly 20% Since Last Year!

Solar worker

According to an annual survey released by the nonprofit organization The Solar Foundation, jobs within the U.S. solar energy sector have increased by 19.9%, which represents a whopping 23,682 additional solar workers. “Seventy-seven percent of the nearly 24,000 additional solar workers are in newly-created positions, rather than existing jobs that have added solar responsibilities,” the report said.

Released on January 27, 2014, The National Solar Jobs Census 2013 indicated that there are currently 142,000 Americans working in the U.S. solar industry. The study found that solar employment increased 10 times faster than the national average employment rate, which is around 1.9%. The findings showed that the solar industry not only demonstrated remarkable growth, but it exceeded growth projections make in the prior year’s report.
Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a statement of support that this is an “exciting time for the solar industry in the United States, made even more clear by the latest industry job figures.”

Moniz further applauded the success of the solar industry:

“President Obama has set an ambitious goal to double electricity generation from renewable sources once again by 2020, and a vibrant U.S. workforce is vital to achieving this. To support a growing workforce and a new generation of clean energy leaders, the Energy Department is providing training and education opportunities for engineers, utility workers and students, as well as supporting projects across the country to ensure America’s continued leadership in clean energy innovation.”

The study also revealed that most workers in the solar industry are enjoying healthy wages, with the average solar installer earning between $20-$23 per hour. According to the study, veterans of the U.S. Armed Services constitute 9.24% of all solar workers, compared with 7.57% in the national economy. In addition, the solar industry employs a slightly larger amount of Latino/Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander workers than the overall economy in the U.S.

Looking forward, the study projects that solar employment is expected to grow by 15.6% over the next year, which translates to approximately 22,240 new “solar workers,” who are defined as workers who spend at least 50% of their time support solar-related activities.

While Mohler Solar has long enjoyed the benefits of working within the solar industry, it’s great to see that solar is picking up speed elsewhere in the country. For your next San Diego residential solar power project, support the local economy and contact Mohler Solar for their comprehensive array of solar services.

Installing Solar Panels and Solar Tiles – What’s the Difference?

Solar Tiles or Solar Panels

Since its inception, solar power has come a long way in terms of technology, effectiveness, and aesthetics. These days, you have a variety of choices when it comes to installing solar power for your San Diego home. If you’re exploring your options for San Diego solar power, you may have come across solar tiles. But what exactly are solar tiles, and how are they different from solar panels?

Solar Panels and Solar Tiles Explained

Efficiency

Many years ago, solar tiles were thought to have been much less efficient than their traditional counterparts. Specifically, they had a lower conversion efficiency, which means that the percentage of sunlight that gets converted into electricity was lower in tiles than in solar panels. However, recent technology has boosted the ability of solar tiles to convert sunlight into energy, bringing them to an almost 20% conversion rate, which is nearly on par with regular solar panels. Traditional solar panels still hold strong in terms of efficiency, but technological advancement have made solar tiles an attractive option as well.

Installation

The installation and implementation of solar tiles is probably where they differ the most from solar panels. While solar panels are typically mounted on the roof or elsewhere on the property, solar tiles are individually integrated into the roof like the rest of the shingles or tiles. When installed, solar tiles are certainly less obtrusive than solar panels, but the tiles on your roof have to be replaced. If you’re planning on building a new house, then installing solar tiles on your home might be a good option. However, some homeowners may find it to be less cost effective if their house is already built, or they don’t plan on replacing their roof anytime soon.

In addition, many solar panels have the added benefit of being positioned at the perfect angle to receive optimum sunlight needed for conversion. On the other hand, solar tiles work well only if your roof is already positioned to receive ideal levels of sunlight. Other

Solar Panels vs. Solar Tiles:

Solar Panels

  • More flexible when installing to receive optimal levels of sunshine
  • Can be replaced easily without having to replace your roof
  • Overall installation process is much easier and low-maintenance, with no need for structural modification

Solar Tiles

  • More visually appealing, since the solar tiles blend in seamlessly with your shingles.

Overall, traditional solar panels offer the most in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and cost, but solar tiles are still a viable option for homeowners who want an aesthetically pleasing method of solar energy.

When you’re ready to make the jump to solar on your San Diego home, be sure to consult with a licensed San Diego solar power company.

How Solar is Helping Agribusiness in California

agriculture and california solar power

California may have perfect weather and picturesque beaches, but we also have notoriously high energy costs. In this high-energy cost state, solar power and agriculture have recently come together to lessen the burden for growers across the state. In fact, many in the agriculture industry in California have found that installing solar panels might be the answer to their sky-rocketing energy costs due to various policy mandates and resource limitations.

Like homeowners, farmers also have access to rebates and incentives for solar panel installation, making solar power a viable option for supporting the robust energy requirements of both small and large-scale agricultural operations. In addition, solar project prices have fallen in recent years, causing many to choose solar power instead of traditional options.

At the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers’ annual meeting, Tom Millhoff of HelioPower stated:

“There’s a very good chance that if you’re in agribusiness you can save a lot of money with solar. And a lot of people who looked at solar two or three years ago and found that it didn’t pencil for them should probably think about reconsidering. Project prices have fallen about 20 percent in that time, and new policies such as meter aggregation are allowing growers and food processors and food handlers to install solar in creative ways and reduce loads in ways they might not have been able to previously.”

An added benefit for those in the agriculture business is the ability to sell expensive energy and buy back cheap energy, by becoming a “net generator.”

As Millhoff explained, “Today you could put a solar facility on fallow land or on a roof at one location, and you can generate a bill credit or offset your energy load at a remote location without sacrificing those crops. A common approach in California is for a producer to become a net generator of energy and send electricity back on to the grid during the day when energy is expensive and buy them back at night.”

From food producers to “agritourism,” those within the agriculture industry have finally found an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution to our state’s high-cost energy problem.

Whether you’re transitioning your agritourism business to solar energy, or you’d like to install a residential solar system on your San Diego home, contact Mohler Solar today for a free quote to get started.

Should You Lease or Buy Solar Panels For Your San Diego Home?

Lease or Buy Solar Panels in San Diego

When it comes to San Diego solar installation, you may be exploring the option of leasing solar panels versus purchasing them for your home.  While leasing solar panels may have some benefits in certain circumstances, for most homeowners, purchasing solar panels is typically a better fit and less of a hassle in the long run.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Solar Panel System


Cost for Leasing Solar Power

For San Diego homeowners considering leasing a solar panel system, the most common reason is typically the issue of up-front costs.  Deterred by the purchase and installation costs of a conventional solar power system, some choose to explore leasing solar panels in the hopes of decreasing their out-of-pocket expenses.  The commitment factor and initial costs can indeed be intimidating, but due to the variety of San Diego solar financing options, many people can actually get their new solar power system up and running with a flexible payment plan and minimal out-of-pocket expenses to start.

With most solar power leasing situations, the solar leasing company owns the panels and the homeowner pays a monthly payment for the duration of the lease.  In other words, for homeowners who plan on living in their homes long term, you will always have to pay a monthly bill for your leased solar power system. Simply put, leasing a solar power system for long-term homeowners just isn’t practical.  When you purchase and finance solar panels, you will likely be able to break even in less than 10 years.

Why continue paying your solar leasing company, when you can eliminate your monthly obligation within as little as 10 years? Think about it in terms of leasing a car: most car owners purchase and finance their car with the hopes of eventually owning it and no longer having a car payment.  Would you want to lease a car forever? Probably not.

Solar Tax Incentives

If you choose to lease a solar power system, you are missing out on numerous tax incentives that are only available to those who purchase their systems.  Until 2016, the U.S. federal government is offering a tax credit equal to 30% of the total cost of your solar energy system.  In addition, the state of California also offers incentives, and San Diego’s solar rebate program was also extended to include and an additional $5 million for residential solar power systems.

But, if you choose to lease your solar power system, you have to forfeit all of these rebates and incentives.

Issues Selling Your Home

If you decide to sell home during the duration of your lease, you will likely run into issues with potential buyers.  Most home buyers are not too keen on the idea of assuming a solar lease along with the purchase of their new home. In most cases, the buyer will need to qualify for the existing lease, if he or she is even willing to take it over.  If the buyer is not interested in taking over the lease, you still remain responsible for the remaining payments, and typically cannot break the lease without paying a hefty penalty.

Whether you choose to lease or purchase when installing solar panels in San Diego, it’s important to work with a qualified, licensed solar installation company.  Contact us today to get started on your new solar power system.

Good News San Diego! Funding Renewed for Residential Solar Power Rebates

San Diego Solar Power Rebate Program Extended

Last month, the California Center for Sustainable Energy announced on their website that they were successful in petitioning the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to modify the San Diego CSI fund allocation, which means an additional $5 million to residential solar projects in San Diego.

According to the article, the CCSE had been petitioning the CPUC to modify the allocation of funds in the CSI program in order to “shift some money in the nonresidential solar project budget to be available for homeowners.”  Approval for the modification was given on October 23.

Since its inception in 2006, The San Diego CSI (California Solar Initiative) program has helped to provide rebates for residential and nonresidential San Diego solar power systems.

What This Means for Solar Power Rebates in San Diego

Per the CCSE’s website, the CSI program has incentivized approximately 15,000 solar photovoltaic systems installed on San Diego homes, which has produced over 75 megawatts of sustainable energy.

With the revised allocation of funds, San Diego will now have access to an additional $5 million in solar rebates for residential projects, and about $13 million for nonresidential solar projects.

According to the article, CCSE executive director Len Hering stated that the removal of “the specific allocation of two-thirds of the program’s 180 megawatts for the nonresidential sector will allow the program to more effectively reach its overall goals and encourage more San Diego homeowners to install rooftop solar.”

Hering added, “The return of CSI rebates for residential solar energy systems in the San Diego region, together with the recent passage of Assembly Bill 327, which extends California’s net energy metering program, will help ensure continued growth for the state’s thriving solar market.”

In addition to the additional funds for solar rebates, the CCSE also reported in the article that the CSI program has helped to decrease San Diego solar power costs by a whopping 45%.

Between state initiatives and federal tax breaks, San Diego solar installation is now more affordable than ever.

 

Can Solar Panels Increase the Value of Your Home?

In addition to eliminating their electric bills, many homeowners have opted for solar panel installation in San Diego in the hopes of increasing the value of their home. It has been debated whether or not solar panels actually increase the value of a home, and it is difficult to measure due to the many factors that may affect the value of a home, including neighborhood and demographics. However, recent studies have found evidence that solar panels can, in fact, boost the selling price of your home.

Evidence Linking Solar Panels to Increased Home Value

A recent study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory analyzed “a data set of approximately 72,000 California homes, 2,000 of which had PV systems installed at the time of sale.”  In a two-page summary of the report, findings indicated:

“The research finds strong evidence that homes with PV systems in California have sold for a premium over comparable homes without PV systems.”

The summary further stated:

“The average sales price premiums also appear to be comparable to the investment that homeowners have made to install PV systems in California (after applicable state and federal incentives), which from 2001-2009 averaged approximately $5/watt…and homeowners with PV also benefit from electricity cost savings after PV system installation and prior to home sale.”

Analysis of Solar Panel Installation and Home Value in San Diego

Another study, conducted by the UC Center for Energy and Environmental Economics, analyzed a large sample of homes specifically in San Diego, to take a detailed look at the resale value of homes with solar panels compared to those without.

The study found that “solar panels add 3.3% to the sales price of home after controlling for observable characteristics and flexible neighborhood price trends…This corresponds to a predicted $16,235 increase in price for the average sale with solar panels installed.”

The study also examined prices in repeat sales, again finding positive results.

“…our average capitalization estimate of 3.6% applied to the average price at the first sale in the repeat pair of $558,100 implies an average additional $20,194 in the subsequent sales price due to the installation of solar panels. This value suggests that households that install panels recuperate more than their costs in subsequent sales…”

From these studies, it is clear that a San Diego solar power system can prove to be a solid investment for your home, in addition to saving thousands on your electric bill and helping out the environment.

Installing Solar Panels in San Diego

Installing Solar Panels in San Diego

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels on your San Diego home, the process may seem a bit overwhelming. In addition to being a large financial investment, there are many things to consider when planning your San Diego solar panel installation.

From solar financing loans to choosing the right equipment for your home, our helpful guide will put your worries aside and get you ready to go solar in San Diego.

Things To Consider When Installing Solar Panels in San Diego:

Solar Panel Manufacturers

There are many companies that make solar panels and related equipment, but not all are created equal. For a solid investment, be sure to use solar panels from reputable manufacturers, like LG Solar, Panasonic, Hyundai, or Helios Solar Works.

Mohler Solar uses only the highest-quality equipment when installing solar panels on your San Diego home or business, many of which come with warranties of up to 25 years. In the long run, high-quality solar panels will provide you with increased efficiency and durability, and they are typically easier to install.

Financing your San Diego Solar Panel Installation

Don’t have enough up-front cash or equity to fund your solar panel installation? Don’t have perfect credit? No problem! With a variety of flexible programs available, homeowners are in luck when it comes to San Diego solar financing options.

Mohler Solar works with lenders who have crafted financing programs that are specifically designed to help homeowners install solar power systems in San Diego. Some of these loan options offer rates starting at 4.9%, and they even accept FICO scores as low as 650.

In addition to solar financing programs, don’t forget that the Federal Government is offering a 30% tax credit (until 2016) for homeowners who have installed solar energy systems.

Obtaining Solar Permits From The County Of San Diego

When planning your San Diego solar panel installation, keep in mind that you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits. Regulated by the San Diego Zoning Ordinance, you will need to supply the following information to the county in order to obtain a permit: zoning, building, cost, and timeline.

Fortunately, Mohler Solar will assist you every step of way, from drawing up the structural plans to obtaining the proper permits, allowing you to have a hassle-free transition to solar power.

Ready to go solar? Contact us today to get started on your San Diego solar panel installation.