4 Facts about Solar Panels That Will Change the Way You Think About Clean Energy Forever

Residential solar energy systems are at the forefront of efforts to switch to clean energy – not because they’re popular among people who want to conserve the environment, but because they’ve become an affordable and money-saving alternative to powering homes.  These four facts will broaden your perspective on how tremendous of an impact solar panels can make in your life.

1. The working and middle-class accounted for over 60% of solar panel installations in California last year.  Homeowners with median incomes ­ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 are leading the rooftop solar revolution: middle-class neighborhoods make up the fastest growing areas for solar panel installations in California.  Why is this?  Protecting the environment is not the only reason that people “go solar.”  In one poll by a California solar company asking why homeowners purchased solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, 74% of them said that they did it to save money, not to make a statement about being environmentally friendly.  Saving on power bills can be a deciding factor for those who are especially concerned about rising electricity costs.

2. A home solar power system can raise the value of your home.  A study performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that solar homes sell 20% faster and for 17% more than non-solar homes in California.  New homes with PV cells, costing $380,000 to $500,000 sold for as much as $600,000.  And although they were expected to sell in 3 years, they sold within just one.

3. Solar panels require minimal maintenance.  97% of Americans overestimate the cost of installing a solar energy system, including the cost of maintenance and repairs.  Other than a semi-annual cleaning, solar panels don’t require a lot of maintenance because the PV modules have no moving parts, and they are also designed to hold up against all weather conditions.  Although most solar companies offer a manufacturer’s warranty of 25 years for the panels, some systems may last 40 to 50 years.

4. Installing the right solar system can result in a $0 electricity bill.  California home owners can save hundreds of dollars each month by installing a residential solar system.  Many local energy companies, such as Solaire, report that their customers end up with a $0 power bill by eliminating electricity costs.   It can even take as little as 5-7 years for the solar system to pay for itself.

Are you weighing your options for the right solar system? We’re here to help - contact us for more information on solar panel installation.

Photo Sources: 1, 2

6 Ways to Make Your Air Conditioner More Efficient

During the summer months, the air conditioner is probably the busiest electrical machine in your home. Regular maintenance is key to ensure that it runs well without running incredibly high energy bills. Most units (with regular home maintenance and an annual professional service) will last around 8-12 years. After this, it may be time to consider upgrading for a more modern machine that uses the latest air cooling technology with maximum energy efficiency.

Here are a few maintenance tips that’ll help keep your current air conditioner in working order this summer.  Caution: before performing any home cleaning or maintenance on your central air conditioning unit, be sure to power it off.  

1. Keep filters clean and well-maintained.

Regular maintenance of your air conditioner’s filters will ensure that it runs efficiently. Filters should be

cleaned at least once a month to make sure they’re not getting dirty and clogged. Dirty filters obstruct airflow; any air that manages to bypass the filter will carry dirt into the evaporator coil and damage the coil’s ability to absorb heat. This can increase energy consumption from 5%-15%.

*Tip: if you have any pets in your home, you may need to clean your filters more often.

2. Clean your air conditioner coils every summer.

The job of the air conditioner coil is to cool by absorbing heat. Remember how we mentioned above that dirt damages this function of the coil? Even with regular filter cleaning, after a few months of use, dirt will make its way onto the coil and reduce efficiency. So, in addition to cleaning your air conditioner filters, you also need to clean your air conditioner coil to remove dirt and dust. You should clean your air conditioner coil annually or more often if the environment around the air conditioner is particularly dusty or dirty.

*Tip: Sometimes the coil will be outdoors. You’ll be able to tell if dust is building up on an outdoor coil by seeing if there’s a collection of dirt on its fins.

3. Clean the fins.

Cleaning the fins outside your air conditioner will also improve efficiency. You can easily clean the fins with a small soft brush (a toothbrush, for example, works well). Using the soft brush, brush each fin individually, taking care not to bend the metal.

4. Have your machine serviced by professionals.

To get a long life out of your air conditioner, get an annual maintenance check by professionals who can give it a professional cleaning and service. They’ll be able to get your machine working efficiently so that your energy bill stays reasonable. At Solaire Energy Systems, we provide HVAC machine service and maintenance. Get in touch here (or call us at 1-800-847-7751), and we’ll provide you with a free estimate.

5. Clear the condensation lines.

The condensation lines carry condensation away from the air conditioner. If you don’t regularly clean these lines, they can slowly build up with dust and dirt, which gradually makes its way up the pipe back into the air conditioner. Needless to say, when this humid debris reaches its way into the air conditioner, it can cause a nasty mess in your home (not to mention an expensive repair bill). An easy way to avoid this is to pass a firm wire through the lines on a regular basis.

6. Check the seals on your home’s windows and doors.

Check that all the seals around the windows and doors in your home don’t have any breaks. Breaks in the seals will allow cool air to escape, which overworks your machine (and in turn will increase your energy bill).

At Solaire Energy Systems, we’re experts at installing and maintaining HVAC systems. Our energy-efficient air conditioning systems keep your home cool while keeping your energy costs down.

If you’d like to learn more about air conditioning options, contact us online.

SunPower’s X-Series Delivers the Latest Solar Power Technology

“This is our moment in time. America's solar energy industry stands ready to do our part to help fight climate change and usher in a new era of clean energy in America and around the world.” – Rhone Resch, Huffington Post, 2013

We couldn’t agree more – the time for solar power is now.

Thanks to SunPower’s new X-Series solar panels, delivering efficient electric energy to your home has never been more cost-effective. Released in April of this year, the X-Series is the energy experts at Solaire’s new preferred choice of residential solar panel. These new panels deliver more energy, are highly reliable and have superior aesthetics to previous models.

The X-Series’ efficiency is a world record breaker and makes them the most efficient residential solar panels on the market. Efficiency in solar panels is measured by what percentage of the sun’s energy they’re able to convert into electricity.  Standard solar panels have an efficiency of around 15%, while the X-Series work at an impressive 21.5%. 

Their top-of-the-line features include:

• A high-energy output with no light-induced output degradation. Output degradation sometimes happens with older solar panel modules – the solar cells lose efficiency after being exposed to sunlight. Over time, this degradation by sunlight can substantially decrease solar cell efficiency. SunPower’s X-Series solar cells have, by far, the lowest degradation rates of any solar panel in the industry.

• SunPower’s X-Series are hardworking, too. With their better low-light and spectral response, they’ll be at work before you get up in the morning and still be generating electricity long after you’re home in the evening (especially with California’s long summer daylight hours).

• Some rooftops have higher temperature than others. X-Series panels make the most of this. They are low temperature co-efficient, which means that even under the highest heat condition,  SunPower’s X-Series solar cells will produce more power than any other product on the market.   

• The X-Series is available for the residential market with its standard (335 watt) and smaller (250 watt) formats. The cells’ sleek black design makes them ideal for house rooftops, as they blend in smoothly with outdoor décor and look much more attractive than traditional home solar systems.

Here at Solaire Energy Systems we are an Elite Sunpower Dealer, which means we are experts in supplying and installing SunPower’s new X-Series Model, and we are national leaders in customer satisfaction and sales. If you’re interested in getting this new solar panel model for your home, or you’d just like to know more, contact us online.

Solaire Gives Solar Education Seminar for Shadowridge Rotary Club

As part of our mission to promote clean energy sources and environmentally-friendly technologies, Solaire Energy Systems recently held a solar education seminar for members of the Shadowridge Rotary Club in Vista, California. The seminar was conducted by our Director of Sales and Marketing, San Diego solar panel expert Peter Stern during a lunch meeting at the Rotary Club on April 9.

During the meeting, Peter talked to Rotary Club members about solar energy, including actions the government is taking to fight the threat of climate change, such as promoting sustainable energy sources in businesses and private homes.

The California Clean Energy Act, for example, has allowed utility companies to install their own wind and solar farms and pass the costs on to consumers. The California Solar Initiative program, on the other hand, provides rebates to state residents who install solar panels on their home property or business. Additionally, homeowners in Riverside County a solar loan through the County’s HERO program, which is a form of PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing that requires no income or minimum credit score requirements if the homeowners have at least 10% equity in their home and meet a few other conditions. PACE financing is repaid by the homeowner through their property taxes.

Actions such as these have helped the state of California set an example as a leader in solar projects and wind installation throughout the country. However, many Californians are unaware of the incentives for installing solar panels and other energy efficient technologies.

After sharing our solar panel knowledge with members of the Shadowridge Rotary Club, we got great feedback, including these kind words from Luene Corwin: “[Solaire] was well prepared, the information was accurate and informative, and it was presented in an entertaining manner that everyone enjoyed. It was well worth our time, and I would recommend the presentation to anyone interested in solar energy.”

To schedule a clean energy seminar of your own or to learn more about the benefits of using solar panels for San Diego homeowners, contact us by calling 1-800-847-7751.

San Diego Solar Energy Company Solaire to Speak at 8th European-American Business Mixer

March 6, 2013 (San Diego, CA) – San Diego solar panel installation company Solaire Energy Systems is announcing its participation in the 8th European-American Business Mixer on Thursday, March 14th, 2013.  Centered on green technology as the future of the economy, the event will take a special focus on “How Obama’s Green Energy Initiative will affect economic growth and job creation in San Diego.”

The European-American Business Mixer is a series of combined business mixer events held in the San Diego area by the French American Chamber of Commerce and the German American Chamber of Commerce California.  As sustainable and environmentally-friendly technology grows increasingly important to businesses even outside of the energy industry, the Mixer is recognizing the influence of green technology on all types of companies and the need to open local business owners’ minds to networking with green energy companies.  In addition to offering the French and German Chambers of Commerce an opportunity to promote trade and best business practices between the United States and Europe, the event is also a popular business networking opportunity and a way for local business owners to increase their company’s visibility.

The event’s guest speakers will include Jarrod Fisk, founder and CEO of Solaire Energy Systems.  Experienced in solar and electrical contracting, Fisk founded Solaire in order to provide consumers in the San Diego area with a way to use high-quality renewable energy to power their homes while reducing their carbon footprint.

Now one of the leading residential solar energy companies in San Diego and Riverside counties, Solaire is proud to speak at an event highlighting the positive influence of solar power on the economy and job creation.  “Solaire Energy Systems is honored to be invited to participate as a keynote speaker,” says Fisk.  “We feel this is an important topic and a sector of our economy that will continue to be vital to the economic recovery, energy independence, and environmental stewardship of our local community and our country as a whole.”

Also speaking will be Clark Crawford, manager of Soitec Solar’s US headquarters in San Diego; and Tristan Grimbert, head of the EDF Group’s renewable energy operations in North America.  The event will be held at the Mintz-Levin Facility at 3580 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 300, in San Diego from 6:00 to 9:00pm (doors will be closed at 7:00).  To register online, visit http://crm.france-sandiego.org/index.php?q=civicrm/event/register&id=8&reset=1. 

About Solaire Energy Systems

A leading installer of photovoltaic solar panels for residential use in San Diego and Riverside counties, Solaire offers a wide range of solutions that help homeowners improve the efficiency of their homes – including photovoltaic solar, thermal hot water solar, pool solar, high efficiency HVAC, and high efficiency windows and doors.  For more information, visit http://www.solaireenergysystems.com. 

Read the original post on PRWeb.com here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/solarenergysandiego/europeanamericanmixer/prweb10498914.htm

California Sets Another Solar Power Record

California is becoming known for its solar power, and this winter the state set a new record in solar power generation during not only the winter months – but during the shortest day of the year.

Winter days deliver about four fewer hours of daylight in California when compared to the summer days, but that’s not stopping the state from setting peak solar power generation records.

In August of last year, California passed the milestone of 1,029 megawatts (MW) of solar power production. To the surprise of many citizens in California and around the world, the state nearly reached that peak August generation level during the week of the Winter Solstice, which is the least-sunny time of the year, setting a new winter solar power generation record.

On December 19, solar power generation reached between 950 to 1000 MW. It’s an important milestone because during the Winter Solstice, the sun is lower in the sky than at any other time of year, which means that there is much less solar energy available for solar panels to utilize.

Just a few days later, on New Year’s Eve, the California Independent System Operator tweeted early that solar output had set a new record of 1,122 megawatts, and on January 2 hit 1,235 MW. Solar power companies in San Diego were excited to hear the news of this record, and even more excited to help the state reach more solar milestones in the coming year.

The significant point here isn’t just the about of MW generated, but also how California’s solar energy generating capacity has grown significantly since the August record was set; and when compared to last year, the growth is especially impressive. In December 2011, for example, there was a maximum of only 200 MW of solar power production generated.

California has one of the country’s most determined renewable energy programs. By 2020, the state aims to generate 33 percent of its power from renewable sources, including solar power.

Throughout the state, San Francisco to San Diego solar panel installations are becoming more common, and the growth is expected to continue – or even increase – in 2013. What a great way for California to start the New Year! 

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!