Southern California Edison (SCE), one of California’s largest utility companies, is making news again due to new rate plans that are expected to raise customers’ bills, particularly for those in the hotter parts of the service territory. 

The new SCE billing plan charges customers different time-of-use (TOU) rates. While other utilities have used this method since the 2015 CPUC rate reform, SCE began rolling out their new billing structure in 2018, and continued through 2021. The TOU billing format is designed to promote energy conservation and also allow homeowners to choose the best option for their energy needs and budget. This blog post explains: 

• How SCE employs time-of-use (TOU) to calculate billing 
• Key differences between SCE and San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) TOU billing 
• How to determine which plan works best for you  

Understanding Time-of-Use Billing with SCE

With time-of-use rates, the amount you pay for electricity changes throughout the day. The TOU rates vary by time of day and season, as well as weekdays, weekends, and holidays. During times when both the cost of generating electricity and the usage demand are low (for example, in the middle of the night), the TOU rates are also low. 

This means that rates are much higher when demand is high and electricity costs more for utility companies to generate, like peak afternoon hours on a hot summer day. Using additional power during “peak” times, when demand is higher, places strain on the electrical grid—. TOU billing is designed to ease such extra pressure on the grid.

Conventional electricity plans charge customers the same rate for energy consumption regardless of the time of day. While TOU billing may seem complicated at first glance, it offers greater transparency for your electric bills. As utility companies adjust usage rates over the course of a day, week, or month, consumers can better understand their energy consumption habits. The TOU billing rates SCE introduced are:

• TOU-D-4-9PM: Most expensive energy usage during these hours (summer weekdays). Best suited for those who stay up late, with moderately-sized homes in coastal areas.

• TOU-D-5-8PM: Most expensive energy usage during these hours (summer weekdays). Aimed at consumers who are home during the day and prefer to end their nights early. 

• TOU-D-PRIME: Most expensive electricity rates between 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  Designed for customers who use clean energy technologies—like electric heat pumps and residential batteries—and can shift their energy usage to lower-cost times. Consumers pay a fixed daily basic charge irrespective of the season, which allows for lower off-peak rates. 

As an existing SCE customer, you can use the online calculator to determine the least expensive plan based on your past usage data. If the new plan ends up being more costly, SCE will also allow customers to switch back and get credit.     

Different Time-of-Use Billing Methods: SCE and SDG&E 

Utility companies use different definitions to determine peak hours and seasons, which are reflected in their time-of-use billing methods. The following are some key differences between TOU durations and seasons as defined by SCE and SDG&E:

Ultimately, SCE offers longer “winter” rates and a broader definition of “off-peak” hours. In comparison, SDG&E only offsets the parameters for summer and winter by a month, but they also include seasonal “super-off-peak” rates for a wider variety of options. You’ll need to contact utilities directly for up-to-date pricing information.

Acting as your own best advocate, be sure to conduct some independent research on your household’s electrical usage and budgeting needs, as well as alternate utility options, such as Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs). This kind of highly individualized information will help paint a real-world picture of utility pricing so you can choose the option that works best for you.

Whichever TOU billing plan you choose, all SCE and SDG&E customers who install solar home energy systems and connect them to the electrical grid are eligible for the current net energy metering (NEM 2.0) tariff. A charge levied by the utility companies, NEM 2.0 governs how utility rates are calculated for solar customers with photovoltaic (PV) panels that interact with the grid throughout the day. 

Pairing solar PV systems with home battery storage units enables consumers to store electricity for use during peak hours to reduce their utility bills. Home batteries also offer a measure of security and continuity in the face of rolling blackouts and wildfire season.      

Choosing the Best TOU Billing Plan 

Any TOU billing plan you choose for your utility company will work best when you switch to solar so you can save energy and lower electricity costs during peak hours. As a homeowner considering a solar home installation, you can maximize the benefits of the TOU plan you choose if you schedule your installation now, before NEM 3.0 becomes effective. 

Solar systems installed prior to NEM 3.0 will still be eligible for the benefits of NEM 2.0 for the next 15 years. This means that as an existing SCE customer opting for time-of-use billing, you can still enjoy the Net Surplus Compensation Rate (NSCR) for the electricity you produce in excess of your on-site load over a 12-month period.

Baker Electric Home Energy is a South California-based solar installer committed to educating homeowners in the area about the benefits of investing in solar systems and how to help you optimize your home’s energy consumption. For more information on time-of-use billing with SCE, contact us.  

While basic human needs still include “shelter,” today’s housing options have evolved well past simple grass huts. Beyond mere shelter, homeowners look for well-built structures that provide value and longevity—and also keep them safe and dry.

Although many people may associate a metal roof with industrial or commercial structures, more homeowners are turning to metal roofs for reliable, long-term solutions. Shingle roofs are much cheaper to install than metal roofs, but the lifespan averages about 15 to 20 years. 

With a longer lifespan of about 40-70 years, metal roofs are more expensive to install, but also  require little maintenance. This makes them more affordable in the long term, and also appeals to those interested in sustainability. 

Renewable home energy systems can also increase your sustainability, especially because solar panels are unlikely to outlive metal roofing. If you do plan to install solar panels on a metal roof—rather than asphalt or slate shingles—there are some key considerations to keep in mind.

How Metal Roofs Differ from Other Materials

Integrating photovoltaic systems with metal roofs can create confusion for some solar installers and roofers. While residential solar technology is becoming more common, the popularity of metal roofs has skyrocketed in recent years. As a result, a gap in knowledge may exist for some roofers between incorporating new roofing materials and installing solar systems.

Another important consideration for metal roofs is to make sure the installation team maintains your roof’s integrity to preserve its characteristic watertight qualities. While some kinds of metal roofs can use clamps to mount solar panels, other types will require specialized frames and mounts to retain the seal.

Understanding Different Types of Metal Roofs

In addition to the material itself, the way metal is formed into roofs differs greatly from more common roofs of slate or asphalt shingles. Three of the most common types of metal construction are corrugated, tile, and standing seam roofs. Each requires installers to use a different method for attaching photovoltaic panels, and each comes with a specific set of potential issues that could arise.

Corrugated Roofs

Corrugated metal has been around for centuries, but it’s become an increasingly common alternative to non-ferrous materials for economical roofing. 

Corrugated metal is fabricated by shaping a flat sheet into a wave pattern, similar to the inside of a cardboard container. The depressions of each trough allow for adequate drainage, and the structure is much stronger than a simple flat metal sheet.

While they are extremely lightweight and cost-effective, these constructions are not meant for significant weight loads. As a result, mounting systems must spread the force of the panels over larger areas. The existing solutions for corrugated roofs include installing rails with several mounting points, as well as brackets that mount on at least two high points to distribute the load across the roof.

Standing Seam Roofs

Standing seam designs offer some of the most flexible options for installing solar panels. They are distinguished by a raised bar, or seam, every couple of feet, bordered by a drainage channel. This design offers two specific ways to mount panels:

1. Thin-film panels can be installed directly and connected between the seams. This ensures minimal penetration of the roof and reduces the risk of potential leakage. However, this method also offers little flexibility in terms of angling the panels to capture the maximum amount of sunlight.

2. Some mount designs can use the seams themselves as mounting points via brackets that clamp. This provides slightly more flexibility for angling but still limits the need for screws and anchors that could affect the integrity of the roof.

Metal Tile Roofs

Metal tiles are the third type of metal roof construction and, as the name implies, they create a checkerboard-like layout along the roof. There are also two methods for mounting solar panels to this type of material, but they require a bit more customization and planning than those for standing seams:

1. Mounts that take the place of individual panels limit the need for drilling and using silicone or polymer sealants because they simply replace the tiles in the existing roof. Such mounts must be carefully designed to fit the measurements of tiled systems and may not always work with your specific materials.

2. The same rail mounting system used for corrugated roofs can also be used for metal tile roofs. Be sure that the installation company has enough experience with these systems to ensure that they can properly seal the mounts themselves so there is no gap in the roof’s moisture barrier.

Get Help Installing Solar Panels on Your Metal Roof

Installing solar panels on a metal roof is a great way to provide long-lasting energy savings with systems that will endure as long as the roof itself. With so many design options available for mounting photovoltaic systems onto metal roofs, it’s important to work with trained experts to help you find the best fit for your home.

Baker Electric Home Energy has served the Southern California area for over 15 years and provided clean energy solutions to more than 17,000 of your neighbors. Our way of doing business, The Baker Way®, which includes delivering extraordinary service and building customer confidence, is exemplified by being awarded the Torch Award for 2021. For more information on installing solar panels on the metal roof of your home, contact us. 

Yes. But wait: there’s more!

When asking “can solar panels be installed flat?” it’s important to consider the variety of available roofing styles and materials, which are sometimes determined by just how “flat” your roof really is. 

This raises a follow-up question: will you need brackets to install solar panels? The answer here also depends on your flat roof’s slope, as well as the materials used in its construction.

Before we get into mounting brackets, let’s look at some technical terms to help you understand how the whole thing works. 

Is Your Roof Really Flat?

Remember when you thought the day would never come when you’d actually use that high school geometry class? Well, it’s here now.

Builders measure a roof’s slope (or “pitch”) as rise over run, in terms of inches. This means a roof with a slope of 4:12 will increase vertically (rise) by 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal travel (run). 

In general, even “flat” roofs have slopes ranging from 0:12 to 2:12, and most still employ some amount of slope for water drainage. The same slope expressed in inches can also be expressed as an angle (in degrees), or as a grade (percentage). For example, a roof with a 2:12 slope has an angle of 9.46º, and a 16.67% grade.

All of this math is helpful for understanding the ultimate goal of your installation: to capture the maximum amount of sunlight with the panels. One reliable guideline suggests the angle from the rooftop’s surface should be roughly equal to the property’s latitude. In Southern California, this means the panels need to be angled at roughly 30-32 degrees. 

Finding an experienced solar installation expert, however, is probably the biggest consideration to ensure a successful home system: they should be able to overcome any hurdles to installing solar panels, whether your roof is flat or sloped.

Types of Flat Roofs

Common construction materials include: 

• Asphalt shingles 
• Clay or concrete tiles 
• Metal panels 
• Mineral-surfaced roll roofing 
• Built-up roofing 
• Modified bitumen systems 
• Other liquid applications that dry to form a seal 

A combination of factors, including the roof’s age, sunlight exposure (UV radiation), and a propensity for leaks, means flat roofs often reflect their wear and tear more easily than sloped roofs. For example, tar and gravel roofs have estimated lifespans of 25 years, which compares well to shingle roofs. However, the “life” is contingent upon regular maintenance to keep the gravel surface fresh, and firmly affixed to the tar. Adding solar panels to this roof type could possibly complicate—or otherwise change—the required maintenance regimen, so it is best to consult a professional solar installer.

For Flat Roofs

If your roof is parallel to the ground, installing solar panels can be a straightforward process. While installing photovoltaic (PV) shingles requires a minimum slope of 2:12, solar panels can indeed be installed flat on such a roof—as long as a slight angle still exists between it and the PV panels. 

To ensure success, your solar panel expert will likely make several design decisions prior to attaching the panels to your roof. These may include the use of mounting brackets or other devices to optimize the angle of your panels. 

While wind is generally not a major concern in Southern California, stronger gusts could cause some lifting of your solar panels. As a result, installers may compensate by incorporating extra ballast (weight), using anchors that drill into the roof surface, or a combination of the two.

For Sloped Roofs

Homeowners with sloped roofs—4:12 or more—can choose from a myriad of installation options. They can be mounted flat to existing shingles without special brackets for angling purposes, or installed with a greater slope than the roof on the southern exposure to capture more sunlight. Your solar expert can help you choose the best option for your particular home. 

Solar Shingles and Sloped Roofs

A key advantage of sloped roofs is the option to use solar shingles. These solar panels are designed to be installed either on top of existing roofs or in place of existing shingles. There are numerous benefits to solar shingles, but some of the biggest advantages include maintaining aesthetic cohesion with your home’s exterior and meeting homeowner association requirements.

Because they place no additional weight on the rooftop, and require no drilling into structural members, solar shingles present fewer installation issues. They also create fewer (if any) rooftop obstructions for antennas, dishes, dormers, and the like. 

Solar shingles may be best suited for homeowners who are already in the market for roof repair, or looking for a durable long-term replacement option. In addition, they may not necessarily be as efficient as a solar panel system at gathering sunlight without adjustment if the slope is greater than or lower than 8:12.

For Every Roof

You may want to ask your solar specialist to calculate the change in relative efficiency of photovoltaic panels, so you know your system is performing at maximum efficacy. You already know that roof slopes are measured in terms of inches as rise:run. In terms of solar shingle performance, converting those rise:run ratios into angles illustrates a significant variance. 

For example, the angle of an 8:12 roof is 33.69 degrees, but for a 4:12 roof it’s only 18 degrees. Since the ideal angle for solar panels in Southern California is around 30 degrees, this 12-degree discrepancy can make a significant difference in how much sunlight your panels are able to capture.

Selecting Solar Panels for Flat Installation

Many factors can influence how you select solar panels that can be installed flat. Understanding the mounting options for both flat and sloped roofs is a good starting point, as well as being aware of existing neighborhood design and planning restrictions for your home.

The best way to ensure a solar system meets your electricity generation goals, aesthetics, and your budget is to work with experienced installers whose designs encompass a variety of roofing styles and materials. Partner with experts who understand how to install solar panels at the optimal angle for sloped or flat roofs. 

Baker Electric Home Energy has served the Southern California area for over 15 years and provided clean energy solutions to more than 17,000 of your neighbors. Our way of doing business, The Baker Way®, which includes delivering extraordinary service and building customer confidence, is exemplified by being awarded the Torch Award for 2021. For more information on when solar panels can be installed flat on your home’s rooftop, contact us. 

Congratulations! You have finally decided to go solar. But now you’re wondering how long it will take to install the entire setup and start generating power for your home. Estimating a timeline for installing solar panels depends on several factors, including:

• Solar panel system size and type 
• Local permitting and approval 
• Construction and installation
• Inspections
• Utility interconnection

So, how long does a solar panel installation take? You might be surprised to learn that the actual rooftop installation—and any associated construction—is the quickest part of the process. Let’s take a closer look at an estimated timeline for each step of the process to get more clarity on the total amount of time it takes to install a solar system so you can realize the benefits of home renewable energy.       

How Long Does A Solar Panel Installation Take: An Estimated Timeline

Installing solar panels is not an overnight process. The timeline for going solar can vary depending on where you live, permit approval, and whether you are also installing a battery backup or an additional service panel. Most importantly, however, your timeline is contingent upon the solar installer you choose as a partner. The following is a breakdown of the solar installation process, including an average timeline for each step of the process:

Site Assessment (1-2 Wks.)

After teaming up with a solar installer, the first step is a site assessment. Site assessments typically take 1-2 weeks, during which the solar installer evaluates your roof angle or yard to determine the ideal placement for solar panels. The assessment also takes into consideration any shading concerns with your roof. If the analysis determines that any common upgrades are required, such as re-roofing, upgrading electrical panels, or reinforcing the roof, those projects would increase the timeline of your solar panel installation.   

System Design Engineering and Approval (3-4 Wks.)

The solar installer uses data collected on your roof angle and sun exposure to select solar components and design the solar array that supports your energy requirements. This is a critical step in the process, because you and your installer want to select a solar panel model and design that optimizes your system’s power efficiency and durability. 

The engineering design and installation plan for your solar array should also meet local code requirements. Post-design, you will confirm the layout to ensure that it meets your expectations. Each residential solar project is unique, and as a result, the design timeline varies. It can take anywhere between 3 to 4 weeks.          

Permits (2-8 Wks.)

This step is tricky, and it’s usually the longest part of the solar installation process. Solar permitting requirements vary based on your location and the type of solar installation you choose. To apply for a solar permit, including an electrical permit and a combination building permit, you need a long list of documents available from your solar installer. If you submit an application that needs corrections, it further extends your installation timeline. The estimated processing time for a solar permit application is 2 to 8 weeks or even more, though in some instances, Baker Electric Home Energy can help expedite the permitting process.   

Installation (>1 Wk.)

Once all the paperwork is approved, the actual installation of solar panels begins. Your solar installer will arrive on the scheduled day with all the required equipment—solar panels, solar inverter, wiring, cables, etc. Depending on the size of your system, the installation could be completed within a day, or it could be extended over a couple of days. How long a solar panel installation takes also depends on your solar installer’s expertise and experience, as well as the crew size.     

Inspection (2 Wks.)

Post-construction, your local county or municipality does a final inspection of the solar panel installation before your system is connected to the grid. The inspection ensures that the solar panels are properly wired as per the local codes, and that the electrical wiring poses no potential safety hazards. The inspection stage and timeline vary depending on the time of the year and the number of inspection backlogs throughout your local community, but we’ll add a conservative estimate of two weeks, for consistency.    

Utility Interconnection (1-4 Wks.)

Your local utility company inspects the solar panel installation before installing a bi-directional meter to track how much solar energy you produce, and then switches your household to solar billing. The wait time to get approval for Permission-to-Operate (PTO) from your utility company can take a week to a month.  

Based on these estimations, even though the actual installation process only takes a day or two, a best-case scenario timeline for going solar would be about four months in total. However, rising demand or unforeseen backlogs could extend this estimate. It would be wise to double the estimated timeline to an eight-month plan to help manage your own expectations and to give your installation team the time they require to do their best work for you.  

Homeowners often find the solar panel installation process to be somewhat overwhelming. Your best bet for navigating these complicated steps smoothly is by depending on an ethical, reputable solar installer.        

Why Should You Partner With A Trusted Solar Installer?    

An experienced and knowledgeable solar installer provides end-to-end, in-house expertise on the solar installation process. Whether advising you about the right solar panel model, conducting a pre-engineering site survey, design-engineering your solar system, applying for permits, or installing solar panels, your solar installer should be someone you can rely on. 

Even after the installation, you’ll need a trustworthy installer to deal with jurisdictional and utility inspections, notifications about utility approvals, and a final check-up of the installed system’s performance.

At Baker Electric Home Energy, we have guided over 15,000 homeowners through the journey of going solar. As solar experts, we have been serving the local Southern California community with clean energy solutions for more than 15 years, taking care of every step of the installation process and ensuring successful outcomes.

How long does a solar panel installation take? Baker Electric Home Energy can provide you with all the information. Our exemplary customer service and building customer confidence have earned us the Torch Award for 2021. Contact us to learn more about our way of doing business, The Baker Way®, and provide clean energy solutions.

Our society’s dependence on electric energy—once considered a significant problem—has prompted innovations for employing alternative renewable energy sources with virtually endless capacity. Human ingenuity has produced several options for delivering this energy to our homes. 

Understanding renewable energy products is key to making the best selection for your needs. For example, answering the question, “How do solar shingles work?” is helpful for determining whether this is your best option. 

What Are Solar Shingles and How Do They Work?

All solar power systems utilize photovoltaics (PV), which is the conversion of light into electricity. Solar shingles leverage the photovoltaic effect of some semiconductor materials, such as silicon and gallium arsenide, but they resemble simple asphalt roof tiles in appearance. Dow Chemical first proposed solar shingles as an alternative to solar panels in 2009; today, however, several other companies produce solar shingles.

Most homeowners have seen this renewable PV energy technology leveraged for residences via solar panels that are mounted to existing roofs. Another option is a solar roof, where sections or the entire roof are comprised of materials that can capture or absorb a given amount of sunlight directly. Solar roofs are typically made up of collections of interconnected smaller panels or solar shingles. 

Each solar shingle—or tile—functions the same way as a solar panel. However, their smaller size offers greater flexibility and control regarding installation, as well as how much energy your overall solar system can produce. 

In addition to flexibility, homeowners often choose solar shingles because they can be attached directly to standard roofing materials—much like asphalt roofing tiles—without the need for a specialized frame. This gives the solar energy system the appearance of being part of the roof itself, which has significant aesthetic appeal and can improve property value. Although unverified, some experts predict that solar shingles can outlast a comparable solar panel installation by up to a decade. 

Make Sure Your Solar Shingles Work for You

Because solar shingles have not been commercially available for as long as solar panels, they may present more challenges in securing an installation that maximizes their benefits. In fact, some installation companies may not have the necessary skill and experience that you should insist upon for this type of specialized solar system installation. Consult experts to ensure they follow the guidelines below to optimize your solar system installation. 

Suggestions for Optimal Solar Shingle Performance

• Strategic placement

The same rules that apply to solar panels for maximizing energy generation also apply to solar shingles. For example, shingles facing south generate the most electricity, while those facing north will generate the least. 

• Add a battery backup 

Only a solar system that includes a home battery backup can protect your home against power outages.

• Make use of all available rebates, credits, and discounts 

While the push for increased renewable energy usage is still in its early stages, seek out local and federal incentives and tax credits that can defray installation costs. For example, the federal tax credit can save many homeowners 26% off the cost of installation. 

• Blend shingles with roof appearance

If increasing property value is a high priority, then the more seamlessly your system integrates with the appearance of the roof and house, the more it will appeal to prospective buyers. 

• Consider joining a solar virtual power plant

A solar virtual power plant (SVPP) may be a good option if you want to support reliable energy availability for your local area, as well as lower your electric bill and avoid power outages. However, these benefits are only available if you include a battery backup with your system installation.

Following these guidelines will help you get the most out of your solar shingle system. However, the most important thing you can do to ensure that you fully enjoy the benefits of your investment in a home renewable energy system is to partner with an experienced installation company. Make sure that the company you hire is capable of completing a reliable solar shingle installation and is known for delivering quality products and services.

Baker Electric Home Energy has served the Southern California area for over 15 years and provided clean energy solutions to more than 17,000 of your neighbors. Our way of doing business, The Baker Way®, which includes delivering extraordinary service and building customer confidence, is exemplified by being awarded the Torch Award for 2021. For more information on how solar shingles work, contact us.  

Today, few resources have greater unseen influence on our lives than energy—until you open your utility bill, that is. Many homeowners have noticed the increasingly erratic costs for electricity. This has prompted more people to ask if solar energy is an option for them. For many in SoCal, the answer is “yes.” 

First however, you should know how traditional systems work to understand the importance of renewable energy. You also need to know your available options, as well as the benefits of home renewable energy to help you choose a system that will satisfy your family’s energy demands as efficiently as possible. 

What Is Renewable Energy?

Considering how many aspects of daily life depend on electricity, it seems obvious that electrical energy is our most important resource. Even if information, or more specifically, data, is today’s currency, transmitting that data still requires electric power. 

For the last century or so, powering household electricity has required the use of natural resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. As the geological by-products of once-living organisms, these fuels require millions of years to replenish. In addition, a hundred years of technological advances have left these resources severely depleted, leading to an uncomfortable conclusion: This is not sustainable. 

Types of Renewable Energy

This obvious scarcity, combined with the current climate crisis, rising gas prices, and other contributing factors, have prompted more people to seek new, renewable methods for generating and accessing electricity. Renewable power sources include solar energy, as well as wind, geothermal, and biomass energy, among others shown below.

Any of these sources could one day supply electricity to Southern California residents under the authority of California Independent System Operator (CAISO)—which includes San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). 

Rather than planning on “someday,” however, the most direct, reliable way to control your electricity costs is to install your own home renewable energy system. The most practical renewable energy sources for a residential system are solar, wind, or a combination of the two.

Home Renewable Energy Systems

Instead of drawing electricity from a traditional grid powered by fossil fuels, home renewable energy systems allow homeowners to generate electricity from renewable sources like solar and/or wind energy. The two most important factors keeping traditional utility consumers from exploring home renewable systems are usually available space and direct control.

Other than underground lines and grounding, drawing electricity from the grid requires no property space. The same is not true for home renewable energy systems. Regardless of the system type, you’ll need to decide where to locate your energy collection and conversion equipment. Depending on your energy goals, you may also need space for onsite battery storage. The issue of space becomes moot, however, if you opt to install rooftop solar panels or a solar roof. 

Allocating property space for a home renewable energy system can offer homeowners more direct control over skyrocketing utility bills. Batteries allow consumers to store excess energy and draw from them during peak times, or at times when your solar panels are producing less. The ability to tap into your own stored energy thus lessens your dependency on utility companies and saves you money.

The most versatile renewables, solar and wind installations, can be configured as standalone systems, or as tandem assemblies (solar and wind combined). For example, a home renewable energy system may consist of a grid-tied small-turbine wind system, stand-alone roof-mounted solar panels or a hybrid system that pairs panels with wind turbines on nearby poles. 

Benefits of Home Renewable Energy Systems

Whether you install a home renewable energy system out of environmental concern, to increase property value, or to reinforce security in the face of rolling blackouts and wildfires, these are all short-term concerns. The more households that use home renewable energy systems, the greater the long-term benefits we will see on a global scale in the future.

Economic

The number one reason most homeowners install renewable energy systems is to lower their electric bills. This is no surprise, as the costs for electricity in Southern California have steadily outpaced inflation over the past two decades with no change in sight. The added volatility of oil and gas prices makes renewables a great alternative. 

Environmental

Home renewable systems run on “clean” energy, meaning they help lessen environmental damage from toxic by-products. Therefore, the more people use them, the cleaner the air is. This is a big deal in a state where smog and wildfires annually threaten air quality, in addition to the greenhouse gas effects that traditional energy sources produce on a global scale.

Security

Another benefit that is not always a primary consideration for home renewal energy systems is security against power outages. As demand challenges available supply in SoCal, a home renewable system with battery backup can offer peace of mind during rolling blackouts, downed power lines, or other interruptions from the power grid. Reliable power also sustains essential medical equipment, home security systems, and offers general protection for you and your family, even during power outages when crime is more common.

This list is far from comprehensive. For example, charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home for free is another significant benefit. The optimal number of advantages you can enjoy with your home renewal energy system depends on many factors, including your home size, your energy needs, and the quality of your installation. 

Take the first step toward enjoying these benefits: Schedule a consultation with an experienced renewable energy system company today.

 
Baker Electric Home Energy has served the Southern California area for over 15 years and provided clean energy solutions to more than 17,000 of your neighbors. Our way of doing business, The Baker Way®, which includes delivering extraordinary service and building customer confidence, is exemplified by being awarded the Torch Award for 2021. For more information on home renewable energy, contact us.

Once, the barest mention of a “cloud” in Southern California would be nearly inaudible over the thunder of dashed hopes, as millions of people postponed outdoor plans for another sunny day. 

Two decades later, advances in technology have endowed “the cloud” with a more hopeful meaning, unrelated to weather. This evolved “cloud” is what gives us access to endlessly interconnected computers and mobile devices—and as part of a solar virtual power plant (SVPP), it can also help manage the electricity that powers our homes. 

What Is a Solar Virtual Power Plant?

Conventional power plants are best described as generating stations that convert raw materials such as coal, oil, natural gas, or uranium into electrical energy for distribution. 

A solar virtual power plant generates photovoltaic (PV) power from sunlight, but is not limited by  a central distribution station. Just as the virtual computing cloud is made up of multiple data storage units (computers), a SVPP refers to a group of energy storage units—or batteries—all interconnected via the cloud. 

A SVPP accumulates energy from ground-mounted solar panels, solar farms, and rooftop solar panel arrays—also known as insolation sites—and distributes the excess power where it’s needed within the utility’s coverage area via cloud. 

Participation in a solar virtual power plant is not automatic, however. It requires homeowners to commit a certain level of solar energy generation for your local utility’s usage, typically through a net energy metering program. In this way, virtual power plants benefit the rest of the solar user community, on top of the solar energy advantages for individual users. 

You can control your contribution by using batteries with your home solar installation to store energy. Set the batteries to allow the utility company access to stored energy after reaching the level you’ve projected for your home use. 

Every individual homeowner brings a unique set of circumstances. Before you join a SVPP, consult an industry professional who can help you choose the best solar energy components, provide expert installation, and will answer your questions even after the job is finished. 

Baker Electric Home Energy has served the Southern California area for over 15 years and provided clean energy solutions to more than 17,000 of your neighbors. Our way of doing business, The Baker Way®, which includes delivering extraordinary service and building customer confidence, is exemplified by being awarded the Torch Award for 2021. For more information on how you may benefit from joining a solar virtual power plant, contact us.

Clay roofs are especially popular in Southern California, as is leveraging the abundance of sunshine for solar energy. Many homeowners are making the switch to solar by installing solar panels on their homes. However, there are challenges to overcome when installing solar panels on clay tile roofs, specifically. If, like many homeowners in Southern California, you have a clay tile roof, it’s best that you consult with a company that has the experience and expertise required to carefully perform these solar installations. 

The Challenges of Installing Solar Panels on Clay Tile Roofs 

Clay roofs add a unique elegance to a house, which also increases market value. Additionally, these roofs are heavier than other common types, like asphalt, which makes them exceptionally resilient to inclement weather. They also are prized in Southern California for temperature control, which means you can keep your home relatively cool regardless of the heat outside. 

The prevalence of this roof type presents challenges that installers must contend with for solar panel systems.

Clay Tile Roof Characteristics and Challenges

• Fragility 

Clay tile roofs are tough enough to stand up to adverse weather, yet they are fragile and can easily break if walked upon, or some other pressure is exerted on them

• Risk of leakage

These roofs can remain virtually leak-proof for decades. But if they are broken, removed, or not interconnected properly, the risk of water leakage is high.

• Expensive

Clay tile roofs are expensive, and broken shingles can be costly to replace.

These characteristics pose a challenge when installing solar panels on clay tile roofs, yet industry professionals have devised methods to complete these installations successfully. 

How Solar Panels Are Installed on Clay Tile Roofs

It may not be a surprise that skill beyond what is typically required for other roof types is necessary for clay tile roof installations. Some common installation techniques are listed below.

Techniques for Installing Solar Panels on Clay Tile Roofs

• Solar Racks

This method removes parts of the clay tile roof where mounts are needed under the solar panel to install racks to which the panels are mounted. This is similar to interlocked solar panel installation in that the panel effectively replaces the roof for the section it covers. However, the inherent variations in the shape of clay roofs make it difficult to achieve precise alignment. 

• Comp-outs

This technique is a more extensive version of using solar racks, where the entire area underneath the panel is removed and is replaced with composite shingles. Then traditional mounting hardware is used. 

• Tile Replacement Mounts

With this method, only selected clay tiles are removed and replaced with mounts to attach the panel. These are meant to fit exactly as the original clay tiles to preserve the integrity of the roof.

• Flashing

Flashing also requires the removal of selected clay tiles to gain access to the wood 

frame. Hooks are installed, then attached to the frame that will attach to the panel. When the roof is reconstructed, any holes or areas where water may seep through are sealed with tar.

All of the above methods for installing solar panels on clay tile roofs are possible, but only by experienced professionals. Prior to moving forward with installation, you should consult an industry expert to ensure your house meets the criteria as a good candidate for a solar installation. 

Baker Electric Home Energy has served the Southern California area for over 15 years and provided clean energy solutions to more than 17,000 of your neighbors. Our way of doing business, The Baker Way®, which includes delivering extraordinary service and building customer confidence, is exemplified by being awarded the Torch Award for 2021. For more information on installing solar panels on clay tile roofs, contact us.

For most people, a home represents the investment of a lifetime. Not only is it a site for many enduring memories, but it also serves as a refuge from some of life’s uncontrollable events. For example, your home can offer you security during yearly power outages,  as well as extreme fluctuations in energy prices based largely on speculation. 

Fortunately, you can avoid these contingencies by using an alternative energy source. Over the past five years, the cost of solar energy has decreased by 11%, while the solar energy market has seen an average annual growth of approximately 42% in the last decade. These favorable trends, which are predicted to continue for the foreseeable future, are causing many homeowners to ask, “Will solar panels work on my house?” 

Misconceptions About Solar Power Generation

Prior to exploring whether your house is ready for a solar installation, it may be helpful to bust a few common myths that prevent homeowners from learning more about installing a solar power system. Common myths about solar energy include:

Now that some of the myths about solar energy have been exposed, let’s take a serious look at whether your house is suitable for a solar installation.

Why Will Solar Panels Work on My House?

Before you decide whether a solar installation is a viable option for your house, you should know a few things first about how solar works. The photovoltaic (PV) effect–the phenomenon of converting sunlight into electric energy–makes solar energy generation possible, similar to the way plants convert sunlight into energy using photosynthesis. Prior to researching panel installations for your house, there are five basic things you should know.

5 Things to Know About Solar Panel Installation 

1.     Solar panels can be installed on different roofing materials

Although shingles (asphalt or composite), concrete, and steel beams are considered the best materials on which to install solar panels, clay, stone and other composites can be used as well. To ensure solar panel safety and security, find an experienced installation company with a good reputation for installations on your roof type.

2.    Solar panels can be installed facing in multiple directions

For the best results, solar panels should be installed facing south. However, as long as your roof has a pitch (how much the roof slants upwards) between 18% and 43%, you will get solar insolation (the amount of radiant energy emitted by the sun) in Southern California for east- and west-facing panels. Due to the lower energy generation, installing panels that face north is not recommended.

3.    Solar insolation occurs on cold and cloudy days

Obviously, clear sunny days are best for maximizing the cost benefits of solar generation, but they are not a requirement. Energy can be generated from direct and indirect sunlight, which means your system still saves you money on cloudy days, when it rains, and if it’s cold.

4.    Trees and nearby buildings can prevent you from generating solar power

Shade from trees, buildings, and other obstructions prevent sunlight from reaching your panels, and therefore significantly reduce or prevent them from generating solar power.

5.    Roof replacement may be necessary, prior to solar installation

If your roof needs repair or replacement, it should be done prior to having solar panels installed. For nearly half of all solar installations, roof replacement is advisable to avoid the unnecessary expense of removing the solar panels prematurely to repair the roof within the warranty period for the installation.

As the list above shows, solar installations are possible for most houses, provided the roof is in good condition and there are no obstructions that can’t be removed. The question of how much you can benefit financially from a solar installation depends on additional factors, such as how much energy you currently consume, what you pay for energy, your roof’s surface area, and other specifications. You should consult with a reputable solar installation company with a track record of excellent service in your area to help you answer these questions accurately,. 

Baker Electric Home Energy has served the Southern California area for over 15 years and provided clean energy solutions to more than 17,000 of your neighbors. Our way of doing business, The Baker Way®, which includes delivering extraordinary service and building customer confidence, is exemplified by receiving the Torch Award for 2021. If you are interested in learning about potential solar savings, a free consultation, or more information to help you decide if solar panels will work on your house, contact us.

Understanding Net Energy Metering

Net energy metering (NEM) is a billing system that credits a solar customer’s electric bill for surplus energy they send back to the grid. Just like the “net pay” amount on a pay stub shows how much you get paid after taxes are deducted, “net metering” was once a simple mathematical formula to reconcile how much residential solar customers still owed the utility company after selling back their extra energy.

How It Started

It was first introduced as legislation in California in 1995 as Senate Bill 656, and has been available for all solar customers of three major utilities—Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E), and Southern California Edison (SCE). The most significant result of NEM has been an accelerated transition to solar by California homeowners.

With NEM 1.0, customers could sell their excess solar energy back to the grid, but the utility companies—in agreement with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)—limited the number of California homes that could go solar. Under NEM 1.0 policy, only 5% or more of the utility’s grid could run on solar. NEM 2.0 removed this cap, allowing all homes in California the opportunity to go solar. 

While it sounds like a step forward, NEM 2.0 essentially allowed the state’s investor-owned utilities to add on various “service fees,” like interconnection charges, and tariffs per every kWh to fund state programs for low-income households and energy efficiency initiatives.

How It’s Going

Utility companies are now pushing for a third iteration of the law—NEM 3.0—which would substantially reduce potential savings for new solar installations when the new law is in effect. This blog post discusses how California net energy metering works, the basic math involved, how it can translate into increased savings, and why you should consider installing a solar PV system at the earliest opportunity.

What is net energy metering?

If you’ve been looking into solar energy, you’ve probably heard the phrase “spin the meter backward.” Net metering does precisely that: pushing surplus power back to the grid for credit that lowers the amount of your energy bill. The original net metering policy, or NEM 1.0, was very simple: for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar electricity you fed back into the grid, you got a bill credit of one kWh of utility-generated electricity.

Here’s how it works: You send surplus energy to the grid. The utility company sells it to other customers and credits your bill for the amount you sent. You pay only the ‘net’ amount after applying for your credit.  

NEM 2.0 introduced a few changes to the original net energy metering policy. The key differences between NEM 2.0 vs NEM 1.0 are:

• Time-of-Use rates: NEM 2.0 embedded a time-of-use (TOU) structure that priced electricity used or generated during peak hours at higher rates than off-peak hours. This translates to higher net metering credits for energy sent back to the grid during peak hours. Under NEM 2.0, homeowners installing solar PV systems have been automatically switched to TOU rates for their electricity bills. 
• Interconnection fees: Homeowners with solar PV systems under 1 MW capacity must pay a pre-approved, one-time interconnection fee. The fee amount varies based on the utility company: the fee charged by SCE is $75, by SDG&E is $132, and by PG&E is $145. For PV systems over 1 MW capacity, customers pay an $800 interconnection fee, plus additional fees to upgrade distribution and transmission systems. 
• Non-bypassable charges (NBCs): Non-bypassable charges are for every kWh of electricity consumed from the grid. They add up to approximately 2-3 cents per kWh and go toward funding low-income and energy-efficiency programs.  

Homeowners switching to solar under NEM 2.0 still come out ahead, despite the slightly reduced solar credit rate, compared to NEM 1.0 rates (around 2 cents less per kWh). However, the changes proposed for NEM 3.0 are expected to impact solar savings significantly more than past modifications.

California Net Energy Metering 2.0 vs. NEM 3.0

The changes proposed by the CPUC renames California net energy metering as ‘net billing’ and covers all customers of PG&E, SDG&E, and SCE. Let’s look at some key takeaways of the proposed NEM 3.0 and how it could impact your solar savings. 

• New Time-of-Use Plans: Homeowners considering a solar PV installation would be required to sign up for a special rate plan that makes electricity very expensive during on-peak hours (highest grid usage times) and less expensive at other times. The proposed changes would allow customers to select one TOU rate from the three main utilities as follows:

• Monthly Grid Participation Charges: NEM 3.0 would add a monthly grid participation charge of $8 per kW of solar (system capacity, not usage) to bills. For a homeowner with a 7 kW system, this would add $56 to each monthly bill. The proposed charge significantly impacts the savings of installing solar panels with no way to recuperate. It is worth noting that low-income households are exempted from grid participation charges.
• Reduced Energy Credits: Solar customers under NEM 2.0 save an average of 22-36 cents for every kW generated by their systems. The credit for excess generation under NEM 3.0 is expected to go down to 4.7-5.8 cents. 
• Reduced Term of NEM Agreement: For customers with solar credits under NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0, the proposed NEM 3.0 changes would reduce the agreement terms from 20 years to 15 years. Once NEM 3.0 goes into effect, homeowners with rooftop solar panels would have 120 days to complete a non-deficient, interconnection agreement to stay on NEM 2.0 for 15 years.    

Rooftop solar installed today benefits from NEM 2.0 terms and will continue for 20 years, even if the proposed changes under NEM 3.0 are introduced. All new solar systems installed before NEM 3.0 goes into effect will operate under NEM 2.0 terms.

The following chart reflects the content of proposals made to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) from Dec 2021 as a starting point for discussing NEM 3.0. It’s possible that the finalized utility rates, fees, and credits will differ from these projections, if and when the bill does pass into state law; however, it’s safe to say that any financial advantages under NEM 3.0 will not be as beneficial as those under NEM 2.0.

NEM 2.0 Terms (current) 

NEM 3.0 Terms¹ (proposed: actual rates are still pending) 

What’s the deadline to beat NEM 3.0?

The CPUC released its proposed decision in December 2021 and is still in the process of finalizing that decision. Meanwhile, the Commission advises that customers who install solar under NEM 2.0 will not be subject to NEM 3.0 terms for the first 20 years of the system operations. 

To do this, you’ll need to have submitted an initial interconnection application before NEM 3.0 is in effect. Keep in mind that it is one of the last steps in solar installation. 

*NOTE: As of August 16, 2022,  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, restores the Federal Investment Tax Credit from 26% to 30% for home solar installations, home batteries, and other hybrid renewable systems and extends the credit until 2032. The new federal legislation may affect NEM 3.0 in CA, but the details remain unresolved.

So what does that mean? Start now. Our professionals can help you schedule your complete installation before the end of the year.   

How long does it take to install a solar energy system? 

As a general rule, we recommend planning for at least 16 weeks from start to finish. 

Sixteen weeks? Yes. The process involves everyone from your HOA, city permitting inspectors, to your utility, and more. It could take even longer for someone who’s not an expert, so working with a trusted provider with established relationships is vital. 

Want to learn more about going solar? We’ve got everything you need to know here.

What will happen if I wait to go solar? 

You’ll likely pay more for solar energy over the next 20 years. Take a look at this example: 

Average-sized solar system installed under NEM 2.0

• May save around $200/mo
• Expect the system to pay back its cost in about 5 years

The same system installed under NEM 3.0

• May save only $70/mo

System payback time would likely more than double

How can Baker Electric Home Energy help me?

We are committed to saving you from high energy costs—especially before they get even higher. Call us today and our qualified specialists will help you:

*All NEM 3.0 information is based on proposals published to date. Monthly fee calculations are based on an average SDGE customer with a 7-kW system. Fees are expected to start at $56/month and increase based on system size.

1         Solar Rights Alliance: Fact Sheet

2         Save California Solar: Consumer Info

Contact Baker Electric Home Energy for more information on California Net Energy Metering to see how much you could save by going solar.