Happy Holidays from Solaire, your Solar San Diego Experts!

Happy Holidays from your solarSan Diego experts, Solaire Energy Systems! We hope you spend this holiday season with your friends and family while enjoying the solar power.

Here at Solaire Energy Systems, we have so much to be grateful for this holiday season. It’s been such a terrific year, and of course, we could not have done it without our valued customers, our employees, and all of our friends and family!

2012 has been great year not only for us, but also for San Diego. This year, our city was named the #1 Solar City in California for the second year in a row by the California Center for Sustainable Energy, making it not only the top city in the state, but in the country. We are proud to have been part of the solarpanels San Diego success!

Building off of this year’s excitement and promise, we are extremely optimistic about California’s renewable energy future. 2013 stands to be a remarkable time for green energy, and our beautiful state is expected to maintain its position as leader of the solar race in the year to come.

We look forward to keeping you and your loved ones informed and engaged about solar power as well as energy efficient home installations in the New Year. From all of us at Solaire Energy Systems, have a safe and happy holidays! 

Interested in Solar in San Diego: Meet Face-to-Face With Our Representatives

If you’re interested in greening up your home and have questions about solar power in San Diego, HVAC or the latest energy efficient products on the market, our knowledgeable team of representatives will be happy to address all your concerns.

At Solaire Energy Systems, we believe in working with people on a one-to-one basis to best inform those looking to upgrade to green energy. Our friendly staff is readily available in many local farmers’ markets on a weekly basis and can also be found at a variety of special events in the San Diego area.

We’re here to help! Below is a list of places and events where you can find Solaire's representatives:

Every Wednesday

Santee Farmers’ Market

Abandoned School Parking Lot. 10445 Mission Gorge Rd. 92071

Event Hours:  3:00pm – 6:00pm (Winter)        

Every Thursday

Oceanside Sunset Market

Tremont and Pier View Way, Oceanside CA 92054

Thursday:  5:00pm – 9:00pm

Every Sunday

San Marcos Farmers’ Market

San Marcos – Cal State University, Parking Lot B

333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos CA 92078

Event Hours:  10:00am – 2:00pm (Winter)

North San Diego (Sikes Adobe) Certified Farmers Market

12655 Sunset Drive, Escondido, CA 92025

Event Hours:  10:30am – 3:30pm

Specific Dates

December 8, 2012

Vista Farmers Market - Second Saturday Event

County Courthouse Parking Lot -- 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA

Event Hours: 8am - 12 noon

December 22, 2012

Vista Farmers Market – Earth Expo Event

Green, sustainable and otherwise good-for-the-planet products and services

County Courthouse Parking Lot -- 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA

Event Hours: 8am - 12 noon

Solar Power Peer Pressure & How Solar Companies in San Diego can Benefit

According to a joint Yale and New York University study, homeowners are more likely to install solar panels on their homes if one of their neighbors have them. The study, titled “Peer Effects in the Diffusion of Solar Photovoltaic Panels”, examined solar installation patterns in California between January 2001 and December 2011.

The researchers found that a resident living in a particular zip code was more likely to install solar panels on his/her roof if their neighbors had already installed solar panels. To put it in numbers, for every 10 additional solar panel installations in a zip code, the probability of solar panel adoption for a household increases by 7.8 percent.

There were two other factors that confounded the increase in solar panel adoption: 1) how visible solar panels were, and 2) word-of-mouth among the area residents. It seems that people were too nervous to embark on installations alone, but when they saw that their friends and neighbors had done it, they felt more comfortable and went on to install solar panels on their own rooftops.

The researchers hope that information from this study will help policy makers and marketers develop appropriate subsidies for solar power and improve the diffusion process. Solar companies in San Diego will surely benefit from the study’s findings, as they have implications for community involvement. Another benefit from these findings; knowing that installing solar panels within a certain zip code can lead to more referrals and solar projects, especially since word-of-mouth is such an important contributing factor.

Have you installed solar panels after seeing your neighbor do so? Are you inspiring others to go solar? Let us know!

If you’re interested in more information regarding solar panel installation in California, please contact Solaire Energy Systems.

California Solar Initiative to end for Solar Power in San Diego County

The California Solar Initiative’s (CSI) solar panel subsidy program will end for San Diego County residents by the end of the year. Solar panel installers and CSI program officials say that end of the program will not negatively affect solar panel San Diego sales.

The CSI program was introduced in 2007 to provide subsidies for solar panels – it offers cash back to those who installed solar panels on their home or business. As more people purchased solar panels, the subsidies offered dropped through a series of levels of decreasing prices. The project, with a budget of $2.167 billion, was initially planned to last until 2016. However, the state’s solar panel purchases exceeded the program’s expectations, causing the program to end early.

As the subsidy declined, the cost of solar panels decreased. In fact, the cost of solar panels decreased so much so quickly that some companies prefer to just discount a customer's bill rather than fill out the detail application for the subsidy. The solar leases, which are owned by third parties, have stolen the market from traditional solar installations under the CSI.

Traditionally, a person would buy solar panels and then get paid back when their panels produced more power than they used, usually taking around seven years. With a solar lease, companies like Solaire Energy Systems are contracted to install the solar panels and keep ownership oft hem. Then the company, not the home or business owner, collects the subsidy and is able to take advantage of a federal tax credit – which should be available until 2016. In result, the home or business owner gets a lower electric cost compared to the cost without using the panels. According to the CSI, solar leases made up 76 percent of all installs in the San Diego area last year.

California is known for their progress in solar energy – in 2006 the CSI program made international news. With the solar panel subsides decreasing as popularity for solar leases increases, a solar market is being created that can sustain itself without government help.

San Diego Zoo to Provide Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Thanks to solar electricityin San Diego, CA, electric vehicle (EV) owners can soon add another reason to their list of why they should be happy for purchasing an eco-friendly car. In addition to reducing both their fuel cost and their dependence on fossil fuels, they can now keep their minds at ease while they visit the San Diego Zoo.

The San Diego Gas & Electric's sustainable communities program will initiate their project to supply a section of the San Diego Zoo’s parking lot with solar panels this fall, installing enough solar panels to supply five EV charging stations. Renewable sources, such as solar power, will thus provide a more efficient way to travel around the state. In addition to the electricity generated, the panels will also provide shade for up to fifty vehicles – a positive externality of solar power to say the least.

Each of these solar electric SanDiego Zoo panels is projected to provide approximately 90 kilowatts of energy. The local power grid will purchase any surplus electricity generated, which can then be used for the local community – so no need to worry about waste.

Here at Solaire Energy Systems we are thrilled by the San Diego Zoo’s decision to support individuals going solar. For more information, check out this supported article on the San Diego Zoo going solar.

Bringing Solar to San Diego Pools with Bill 2249

A bill passed by the California State Assembly in August will amend the 2007 California Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act to provide an incentive to commercial pools choosing to install solar water heating systems.  Bill 2249 is part of a series of three bills recently passed by the California legislature designed to improve access and financing for solar energy in California, particularly for businesses and large-scale commercial properties.

Authored by Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo), Bill 2249 seeks to expand on a state incentive program that was designed to encourage California residents to choose solar pool heaters over traditional gas or electric heaters.  The bill will expand access by making certain businesses that may not have been eligible before eligible – in particular, it will expand the state’s definition of a solar water heater to include solar pool heaters.

The bill will also expand the qualifications to be eligible for government financing for a solar pool/water system to include schools and non-profit organizations, which allows school systems in San Diego and all over California with swimming pools to enjoy the same cost-saving benefits as private residences.

In spite of warm summer California temperatures, pool water can often be unpleasantly cold year-round.  It’s especially important for community pools and schools to be able to heat their pool water –maintaining the water at swimmable temperatures during the entire year facilitated school water sports and P.E. classes as well as motivates students and community members to be active and use the pool.  San Diego solar pool heating systems can reduce costs associated with heating a pool immediately and significantly increase use of the pool whether installed in a residence or a school.

Solaire Energy Systems is one of the leading solar pool installers in in San Diego. Contact us to find out more!

San Diego Could Save Big with Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows

Hot weather plus large, thin-paneled, or poor-fitting windows means a lot of unwanted heat entering your home during the warm summer months.  With temperatures rarely falling below sixty in winter and rising over 100 in summer, San Diego windows need to be especially well-installed and suited to the weather to protect homeowners from extreme heat (and even more extreme energy bills).

Replacing your old windows with a more energy-efficient variety is one of the absolute best ways to conserve energy and keep your home air conditioning or heating costs down.  There are a number of reasons that old windows can cause hot air to enter a house in the summer, and with new replacement windows, San Diego residents can enjoy a comfortable house and significantly lower energy bills year-round.  Consider the following:

• If you find that you’re cranking up the air conditioner and your house can never get as cool as you like, older-model single- or double-pane windows are usually the culprit.  These windows let air pass easily – even more so if they’re over fifteen years old.  You may also find that your energy bills are higher every year, and your windows could also be to blame.
• The sealing and caulking around a window frame is crucial to preserving cold air inside your home.  Older windows with wooden frames can easily warp with years of changing weather and humidity, and it’s easy to miss caulking that’s come undone or falls loose on the outside of the window.
• Love opening the curtains, but hate how warm it makes the room?  It’s not just harmless light entering the house – any increases in the temperature of a room can kick your A/C into high gear, increasing your home’s energy expenditure and raising your bills.  Special energy-friendly coatings on new windows can actually block solar radiation from coming in through your windows. 

Vote for Solaire as San Diego's Best Solar Panel Company

Solaire Energy Systems is proud to announce that we have been nominated in the San Diego Union-Tribune's “Best of San Diego” contest for the category of BEST Solar Panel Company. Please take a brief moment out of your day to vote for us. We would truly appreciate it!

Below are the quick and easy steps to submit your vote:

1) Please click HERE to register (or go to this web address:  http://www.utsandiego.com/accounts/register/?next=/bestof/2012/vote/for-the-home/best-solar-panel-company/)

2) Please fill out the quick registration page and click “Sign Up”.

3) Go to your email and activate your new account by clicking on the link the San Diego Union-Tribune will send you.

4) Login using your created username and password, then click on…

• “VOTE NOW” at the top right corner of the screen or click here http://www.utsandiego.com/bestof/
• At this point the SAN DIEGO'S BEST U-T READERS POLL 2012 page will appear. Please click on “For the Home”
• Then click on “Solar Panel Company”
•  Then click on "Solaire Energy Systems".... WATCH OUT!!! There is another solar company by the name of 'Solar Energy Systems' on the ballot. PLEASE double check the spelling of our company to include the “I” and “E” (Solaire Energy Systems) and click on us!

The rules dictate that registered voters are allowed to vote once a day all the way till July 3rd! So feel free to vote more than once. 

Thanks for your support!

Solaire Energy Systems
Go Green, Go Solar, Go Solaire!

High Hopes for Solar Energy International Survey Reports

The results of the fourth annual international solar energy survey have been released just in time for the summer solstice on June 20, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. This survey, conducted by Applied Materials, Inc. targeted consumers in China, India, Japan, and the United States, four countries that have promising outlooks for solar power growth, and was designed to measure awareness and general understanding of solar energy.

While San Diego solar energy systems and other high-tech home heating and cooling solar methods have been available for years both here and around the world, this international survey revealed a recent shift in how consumers view and approach solar energy. There is a new optimism about the potential of solar power to help solve the world’s energy crisis and alleviate the adverse effects of fossil fuels on the world's climate.

On the other hand, the survey also showed that many misconceptions about the current cost of solar energy technology adoption still persist today even as efforts are made to better educate the public. Approximately 35 percent of survey participants still believed that solar power is currently more expensive than traditional energy sources.

In fact, solar energy is getting less expensive by the day. According to Dr. Charlie Gay, president of Applied Materials' Solar division, solar panels are now more affordable as a result of cost reductions in the supply chain. Additionally, further advances in technology and innovation will only continue to moderate costs.

Approximately half of all survey respondents (46%) recognized that solar market would create jobs. Of the four countries, United States participants were the most optimistic with 58% sharing this outlook.

Undoubtedly, solar energy is still a largely untapped resource. Solar hot water in SanDiego, for example, are a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need to waste fossil fuels on heating water. Continued focus on educating consumers on the many benefits of solar energy will help accelerate the growth of the solar market as we work towards alleviating our global energy crisis.

San Diego Solar Company Solaire Awarded Elite SunPower Dealer Status

May 15, 2012 (San Diego, CA) - San Diego solar panel provider Solaire Energy Systems is proud to announce its April 2012 promotion to Elite Dealer status by leading solar panel manufacturer SunPower.  Recognized industry-wide for its quality, efficient energy production, and extreme durability, SunPower awards Elite status to its highest level of solar panel dealers.

In December of 2011, Solaire was named the #1 SunPower dealer in San Diego since partnering with SunPower – and their consistent quality installation of solar energy systems from SunPower has fueled their continued success.  The “Elite Dealer” status is awarded to distributors who adhere to a strict set of performance standards set in place by SunPower and designed to ensure that those companies offer an extremely high level of customer service and product expertise.  Elite Dealers must also complete a training program, and their installations are inspected regularly by SunPower representatives to ensure that quality standards are being met.  Elite Dealers must also reach a consistent customer satisfaction score of above 90 percent.

“Solaire Energy Systems is very excited that our commitment to superior workmanship and dedication to customer service is being recognized within the solar community,” says Trey McCann, Solaire’s Chief Operations Officer.  “We are excited to continue providing our customers with an excellent product at a great price.”

Solar panel systems produced by SunPower are proven in independent third-party studies to produce up to 50 percent more power per unit than conventional solar panels.  They can also provide up to 100 percent more energy per unit than thin-film solar panels, making them one of the most efficient choices on the solar market.  In addition to their extreme energy production capabilities and long-lasting durability, SunPower panels feature a sleek black design that matches any color of residential rooftop without looking awkward or unpleasant.

A study by the U.S. Department of Energy showed that installing a solar energy system increases the sale value of a home by an average of $17,000 – an enormous benefit to homeowners given the difficult 2012 housing market.  With a quality solar panel SanDiego residents can increase the value of their home, reduce or eliminate their energy bills, and contribute to environmental efforts in an affordable and forward-thinking way.

About Solaire Energy Systems
Solaire Energy Systems is a leading San Diego solar panel provider specializing in solar panel installation, high-efficiency HVAC, solar hot water systems, and solar pool heating systems.  Their recognition as an Elite SunPower dealer reflects their commitment to quality and customer service.  For more information, visit www.solaireenergysystems.com/.

Solar Pool Heating Systems in San Diego: Four Advantages

Unlike a traditional pool heating system, solar pool heating San Diego use the sun’s energy to heat pool water to a comfortable temperature. It’s an excellent supplement to a home solar energy system, and it can help pool owners save a huge amount of energy costs.

Pool solar energy systems function much the same way solar water heaters function.  The central feature is a solar collector, a device similar in appearance to a solar panel. Water flows through a series of coils, and the heat from the sun heats the water.  It then flows back into the pool.  A differential temperature control can be used to regulate water temperature.

This system offers a number of advantages.  Though it’s by no means an exhaustive list, here are the top four benefits of choosing a solar energy San Diego pool heating system from Solaire Energy Systems.

1. Less maintenance.  You’ll spend far less time and money cleaning, servicing, and repairing your solar pool heating system than you would with a traditional pool heater.
2. Save more than you spent.  You won’t be seeing any additional charges to your energy bill from a solar pool system – so don’t feel guilty about the cost of replacing your pool heater with a solar model.
3. Less worry about rising energy costs.  You’ll be immune from increasing gas expenses.
4. Help protect the environment.  Unlike gas energy heaters, solar pool heaters don’t pollute or waste energy. 

Five Ways to Save Energy in Honor of Earth Day

Here at Solaire Energy Systems, we are proud to honor Earth Day on April 22nd. As part of our commitment to help you choose a greener, more sustainable lifestyle, here are five ways you can save energy by reducing your overall energy consumption.

1. Ride your bike. Enjoy the beautiful Southern Californian weather by hopping on your bike. Your body will be happy that you are exercising and the earth will be happy that you are reducing your carbon footprint.

2. Turn off office lights at night. How many times have you seen office lights shining brightly at midnight? Either there are a lot of workaholics in San Diego or someone is wasting a hideous amount of energy. Don’t let either one be you.

3. Conserve water by only washing full loads of dishes and laundry. This small step can help you save thousands of gallons of water every year. It’s as simple as that.

4. Adjust your thermostat. Sometimes it is all too easy to search for the ‘just right’ temperature. However setting your thermostat at an unreasonable temperature wastes energy and your money. Pick a moderate temperature and stick with it.

5. Go Solar! This Earth Day, contact solar companies in San Diego and show your commitment to the planet by using solar energy every day of the year.

Happy Earth Day from your favorite San Diego solar panel installers, Solaire Energy Systems.

Six Myths About Home Solar Panels

1. Solar panels are expensive, and the average family simply can’t afford them.  Solar is more affordable than ever due to rebate options from the State of California, a 30% tax credit from the federal government  and Solaire’s  ability to make San Diego solar energy systems affordable with multiple low interest financing options.
2. The system will never pay for itself.  Solar is more than clean energy – it also makes good financial sense.   In many cases, a new system can start saving you and your family hundreds of dollars in the first year and eventually save you tens of thousands over the life of the system.
3. My house won’t have power at night!  Excess energy produced during the day is sent back to the city power grid, where you will receive a credit for nighttime power when the solar power San Diego system is not producing energy due to the lack of sunlight.
4. Solar doesn't work on cloudy days.  Though solar systems can produce more energy on sunny days, clouds don’t mean that solar panels can’t work.  Even if it’s cloudy, photovoltaic solar panels from Solaire Energy Systems will pick up enough sun light to help your home offset your large utility bills.  
5. Solar systems don’t work in cold weather or in the winter.  As long as excess snow is cleared off of the panels, they will continue to work in cold and snowy climates.
6. Solar panels require a lot of maintenance.   Solar systems require a very low amount of maintenance.  Rinsing off the panels once or twice a month and cleaning them once or twice a year will be sufficient to keep your system working efficiently.