The sun is always shining somewhere in the world. There’s plenty of light in the sky, but does solar catch it all? Does solar power live up to its reputation? Understanding the truth about solar panels means knowing that production isn’t always optimal. Depending how your system is built, or what type of panels you buy, it may not. To better understand how solar energy systems work and what factors can impact their performance here are a few reasons this might happen:

• Panel placement. When installers propose a design, it’s based on maximizing production for the whole system. Every roof is different as far as sun exposure. Some panels will be star performers and others will lag, simply because they can’t all squeeze into the prime sunny spots. Annual production is what matters, not panel-by-panel, because it all adds up to what your home needs.
• Manufacturing margin of error. Panels come with a nameplate rating of how much power they are able to produce when hit with direct sunlight. For instance, our go-to high wattage model is expected to crank out four hundred watts per hour of direct sunlight any given day. But, some panels might come off the factory line able to produce a few additional watts above their stated power rating. This could create the impression that some of your 400W panels are “underproducing” compared to their immediate neighbors, but that’s not the case. Miniscule differences like this will rarely be noticeable, let alone impact your power bill, but it is something to be aware of if you’re watching your monitoring app like a hawk. 
• Expected losses through wiring. A good solar installer plans out the optimal wiring path for safety and efficiency. But, electricity doesn’t like to travel long distances, and will always drop a little during the DC to AC conversion before you can use it. This is planned for in the design prior to installation, but real-world circumstances have to be adjusted for, so keep that in mind if you have large roof spaces for conduit to cross, or trenching across long distances between separate structures that hold your arrays.

With a partner like ESP, you’ll find that our design team and install crews are second-to-none for efficiency and know-how. You’ll get a highly-performing system on the roof, with lifetime access to monitoring and customer service. So you don’t have to wonder if it’s working – you can see for yourself anytime and get help if you think something is off.

2: Are Solar Panels Ugly? Debunking the Industrial Roof Aesthetic Myth

One of the worst feelings is hiring a contractor to work on your home, and ending up with something you can’t be proud of showing off.

Like we said, not all solar panels are created equal. Check out this circa-1979 solar panel, one of the first to be deployed en masse in the United States:

Yeah, sure, vintage is “in”, but… you might not want a couple dozen of those on your roof. 

Now let’s take a look at a generic solar panel used in modern commercial or utility-scale installs. Check out how those aesthetics stack up:

Maybe a little better, but… is it going to match your roof? Do you have blue shingles?

Now compare that to a black-on-black residential solar panel similar to what we’ll install on your home today:

Big improvement, right? Sleek and sexy for the win.

A common misconception is that solar panels make homes look unappealing. This is far from the truth. Modern black-on-black residential panels integrate seamlessly into rooftops, providing both efficiency and style.

When considering solar pros and cons, aesthetics is often mentioned, but this myth is easily debunked by advances in panel design. Choosing sleek panels that enhance curb appeal proves that solar doesn’t have to compromise your home’s appearance.

We’ll tell you where the panels will work the best, and then work with you on where they’ll look the best on your home. Your roof cannot be in better hands than with ESP!

3: Is Solar Power Expensive? Breaking Down Costs and Debt

No matter what ads on the internet tell you, solar isn’t free. And trying to get away with cheap solar always ends up costing more in the long run, to clean up after corners get cut. The question of “is solar power a good or bad thing to buy” hinges on long-term savings. Over the years, solar pays for itself by drastically reducing electricity bills, often within 5 to 10 years. Plus, financing options make solar accessible without requiring large upfront payments. Recognize the importance of investing in “solar done right” from a company that will stick around. And the truth is, it can sometimes seem like a big number.

Consider this: how much money are you going to spend on your electric bill? Think of your last year’s worth of power. How much did it total up to be? Do you know how much the power company has raised everyone’s rates in the last 5 or 10 years?

What would you rather have done with that money? What would you do with over 20 times that number saved up?

You bought your home so that you could stop paying a rent check. A mortgage isn’t “bad debt” because it’s something you use every day, and it has a final payment somewhere down the road. Solar is the same thing. Stop paying a power bill and start investing in your home.

4: Solar Panels and Home Value: Do They Really Make It Harder to Sell Your Home?

As we’ve said before, not all solar is created equal. If the installer did a sloppy job, it could detract from the visual appeal for potential buyers. Or, it could be something you can’t see from the outside, like the fine print on a lease. And sometimes appraisers or inspectors simply don’t know how to calculate what solar does, so they just write “zero”. These will all do more harm than good, as far as resale value goes.

Here’s the good news – the real estate industry is getting more savvy about solar. There are a number of studies that show solar improving home value. Best of all, the value is often proportional to the investment or higher, unlike other renovations such as tearing up your kitchen or bathroom. Ask your lender if they have a green-certified appraiser to properly evaluate your home with all the energy-efficiency upgrades. We may be able to refer you to one if needed!

Another truth about solar panels is that they can significantly increase home value. Buyers today are more environmentally conscious and appreciate the reduced energy costs that come with solar-equipped homes.

For those debating “solar pro and con,” it’s important to remember that quality installation makes solar systems a strong selling point rather than a liability.

Furthermore, ESP is part of the exclusive Pearl Certification network. Every installation comes with documents you can hand off to a realtor or appraiser if you’re refinancing or selling. Many of our customers who have sold their homes paid off the remainder of the solar loan, with cash to spare.

5: Solar ROI Explained: Does Moving Before Breaking Even Make Sense?

In the past, solar systems took 25 years or more to get the numbers to jive. Even today, if you live in an area with very low utility rates, it could take a while for the math to look good. If you plan to move in the next year or two, it’s unlikely that solar is the best use of your money.

Now, when it comes to calculating return on investment, you have to consider apples to apples. So, what’s the ROI on a rent check? That’s a 100% bona-fide never. Even those old solar systems have a positive ROI as opposed to a nonexistent one.

Because of incentives and improved technology, the average solar customer can expect a payoff in 10 years or less. If you pay a high power bill, it’s probably closer to 5 to 7 years. Either way, your savings account will thank you while your solar-less neighbors are paying even more in a few years.

6: Are Utility Rate Increases Exaggerated by Solar Companies?

In most parts of the country, the power company is either a corporation or a co-op. As demand grows, they will adjust to remain operational, but they aren’t going to double your rates overnight. And if you don’t use gigawatts of juice, you may not have much to worry about, in the grand scheme of things.

But let’s get real. Has your power bill ever gone down? (That is, without you turning off every breaker in the house.) How many times in the last 10 years have you been notified of impending savings from the power company, as opposed to impending rate hikes? Do you want to pay 5-10% more on your bill every year, or do you want to get rid of it entirely?

The utilities in California are among the most expensive in the entire country, and they will continue to request rate hikes from the Public Utilities Commission as often as they can. If you’re keeping the lights on with rates like these, you can definitely afford solar. Reinvest in yourself instead of letting a corporation extract from you to line their investors’ pockets.

7: Can Renewable Energy Destabilize the Grid? The Truth About 100% Solar Power

It’s true – we have an infrastructure problem in the United States. Over 120,000 thousand miles of power lines criss-cross the country. The primary expected use for many decades was, and still is, to distribute power from huge plants over hundreds of miles. Solar is intermittent and sometimes unpredictable, and will catch the power companies off-guard when they have to move all that sunshine somewhere.

The truth about solar panels contributing to grid instability is often misunderstood. While challenges exist, advancements in solar technology and battery storage are enabling homes to act as micro power plants, supporting grid stability rather than harming it.

But here’s the thing: if your house becomes a micro-power-plant by installing solar, especially with a storage system, you’re reducing the strain coming and going. Your home uses power during the day and provides a little extra to your neighbors; you’re keeping it local. With battery storage, you can keep most of it for your own use, and only provide it to the grid when they ask for it, so they know what’s coming.

Realistically, fossil fuels will be in the mix for a while, but its not an “all or nothing” proposition. Even if we can’t go 100% green as a society today, it’s still better to aim for 90% tomorrow, than sit around and wait for things to get worse.

8: Solar Incentives: Do They Cover Costs or Fall Short?

The Renewable Energy Tax Credit (IRS Form 5695) returns 30% of the total system cost as a tax credit. That’s assuming you still pay income taxes – the ugly truth is, you might not be able to claim anything. There are very sad stories of unscrupulous companies selling large solar systems to people on Social Security or disability, making them think they were getting tens of thousands of dollars. When the truth came out and the customers ended up with no tax money back from Uncle Sam, those salespeople could be long gone. Check with an accountant and get second opinions if you’re not sure how your taxable income situation will pan out.

In short, the average homeowner needs to have some way to pay for the remainder of the cost. But that’s where financing comes in, or looking at a lease or PPA option. As long as you qualify, you’re looking at a worst-case of paying around the same average monthly bill (a “bill swap”) or usually much lower. No change in your budget or lifestyle to go green.

Imagine the chance to buy your dream car for 30% off. And you’re getting a package where that car continues to save you thousands of dollars every year, without any maintenance. We did say it’s kind of a no-brainer already.

9: Will Advances in Technology Make Current Solar Panels Obsolete?

There is really, really fascinating research happening all over the world. Right now, scientists are working with materials you can hardly pronounce to build a future we can barely conceive of. Are we close to someone inventing a spray-on solar cell that instantly powers anything it touches? We’re right around the corner from flying electric cars, so who knows!

That being said – why wait and see?  In 10-15 years, even if solar costs half as much or is twice as efficient, you will spend 10-15 years paying power bills for no reason. That’s tens of thousands of dollars for the average Californian.

Solar technology today is stable and will last for decades. Incentives are good right now. And it doesn’t look like Mother Earth has much wiggle room left for human society to drag its feet on cleaning up after ourselves. Now is the time to go renewable and sustainable. So let’s do this together!

Waiting for “better” solar technology often results in years of wasted potential savings. For those wondering “is solar power a good or bad thing to buy,“ the best time to invest is now, especially with existing incentives and stable technology.

We hope you enjoyed reading up on the facts about solar. ESP is ready to get to work with you – partner with us today for a quote on your new solar system!

Here are some tips for creating a perfect solar sales pitch.

1. Understand Your Market

It’s essential to define and understand your target demographic in order to execute the perfect pitch. You’ll want to break your customer profile down into personas so that you can fully know their wants and needs. For example, at Energy Service Partners, the customers we seek are: 

• • Homeowners. This one’s obvious – they need to own the roof over their head if we’re going to work on it.
  • Financially secure. Good credit scores of the mid-600’s and above help you access the widest range of solar financing from our lender partners, and let the customer lock in great rates. 
  • Ideally situated. The roof should have good sun exposure and be in good condition (remember that we can provide re-roof quotes). The home’s electrical system should be up to code (we can upgrade the main service panel if needed too) and have sufficient room for the solar components.
  • Motivated. Many customers have an interest in protecting the environment, but typically all of them are thinking ahead when it comes to savings and cutting out rising utility costs.

Now, it’s up to you to create profiles of your ideal customers and study them. What other behaviors or ways of thinking do your customers share? Think about what questions to ask during your solar sales pitch so that you can understand the challenges they face and what their priorities are so that you can speak to those directly.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Once you’ve done #1, develop a discovery process that lets you engage and focus on what matters to them the most. Every customer will have their own story that led them to seek out a solar solution – if you ask the right questions, they’ll be excited to go solar and get their “happily ever after” moment. 

• • Why are you looking into solar?
  • What are your expectations or understanding of how solar works?
  • How much has your power bill increased over the last few years?
  • When do you tend to use power the most on a given day? Do you work from home and use power while the sun is up, or do you use more power when you get home in the afternoon or evening?
  • Have you experienced power outages? If so, how often for how long? Were they insignificant or did they cause major inconvenience?

These are important questions to know the answer to, in order to build the right solar configuration. The major California utilities operate on time-of-use charges so helping your customer grasp how their own habits impact their power bill and solar function is crucial.

3. Be Professional and Prepared

Strive for the utmost professionalism while working with prospects. Solar panels are a serious investment that your customer will live with for a very long time – don’t shoot from the hip. When pitching potential solar customers, be friendly and accessible, but remember the Three C’s: Confidence, Competence, and Concern. Show confidence that you’re giving them the best recommendations. Take the time to emphasize the competence and dependability of the installation. And lastly, the customer’s concerns are your concerns – their needs and overall experience are your focal point. Combine these with your natural rapport-building abilities and you’ll thrive in the solar sales domain.

4. Engage the Customer

Use the questions you ask customers to make them feel heard—and be an engaged listener. This will help you know what they care about most so that you can focus on that. Use easy-to-understand language, and meet them where they are. Stats and visuals help some people, while stories and analogies will be more impactful to others; figuring out which matters more to your current prospect will help them understand the benefits.

5. Create Urgency

The more urgency you can create, the more successful you will be in crafting the perfect solar pitch. The good news is, there are always external factors creating that “now is the time” feeling that you can tap into when it comes to solar energy. Here are some examples of factors that create urgency:

• • The cost of utilities continues to rise, predictably upwards but sometimes in big surprise jumps.
  • Incentives are on a “glide path”, meaning that the longer someone waits to get solar, the lower their payback rate is for exported energy.
  • The price of solar panels and installation is better than ever, but might not have much further to drop in the near future, especially given recent supply chain issues. 
  • Solar technology is exceptional right now, and anyone waiting for “the future” is throwing thousands of dollars away on their power bill every year.

The number one benefit of solar is how it will protect homeowners from utility costs that are always on the rise, but you can discuss all the other benefits that matter to them. Explain that the time is now to install solar panels because incentives are constantly changing, and benefits here today could be reduced in the future. Share the company’s values and commitment to quality, reliability, and providing an exceptional customer experience when asked what sets us apart. Identify what you think are the company’s greatest strengths and use those in your pitch.

Follow these tips to help improve your solar sales pitch and become a driving force in the industry. As one of the top solar companies in California, Energy Service Partners is ready to get to work with you.

Solar Panels Increase Property Values

Solar panel installation improves property values and boosts overall appeal. According to the American Association of Appraisers, homes and buildings with rooftop solar have a higher market value and resale value than those without. Many studies point to increased home value, as well as speed of sale – sometimes up to 20% faster than homes without solar or other energy-efficient upgrades. Solar panels also protect your roof from damage and wear-and-tear caused by the elements. It makes perfect sense that buyers will pay a premium for a home with solar panels, especially in California and other sunny states.

Reduced Energy Costs

Going solar dramatically decreases utility bills. Electricity costs can be daunting—but the energy produced by solar panels offsets electrical usage right at the source. Depending on your roof layout and energy habits, solar might even eliminate your entire electric bill (outside of basic utility account fees). The money saved makes a significant impact on your monthly budget that can be seen as soon as solar panel installation is fully functional. Solar panels generate power year-round, even when the weather is cold, so you’ll see the benefits every day.

Going Solar Helps Avoid Rising Utility Rates

Another huge advantage associated with solar power is stability. The cost of electricity has blown up in recent years, and utility rate increase requests are more frequent and more egregious than ever, with some areas seeing costs surge more than 70 percent over the last decade. Your local utility probably already changed your rates as of the start of 2023! Once you’ve installed solar panels, you will no longer be subject to the impact of inflation on your energy costs because of locking in your Net Metering Agreement at the time you start. It’s never too late to go solar, because otherwise you’re just paying a rent check to the power company for life.

Tax Incentives

The federal government offers a tax incentive that compounds the savings mentioned above. The Federal Tax Credit for Residential Solar Energy programs incentivizes the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system between 2022 and 2032 with an Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of up to 30% of its total cost. That often comes out to thousands of dollars for most homeowners. This credit will decrease to 26% for PV systems installed in 2033, and to 22% for those installed in 2034. This credit will expire in 2035 unless Congress renews it.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

We saved the best for last – good old Mother Earth! Who knew you could save the planet from the comfort of your couch? Solar energy use benefits the environment in a variety of incredible ways. This clean, renewable source is the most abundant source of energy on Earth—without any of the damage that fossil fuel causes. Once installed, solar energy generates no carbon emissions or greenhouse gases, and consumes no natural resources. It’s the most powerful and efficient way to help the planet and reduce your carbon footprint.

The environmental benefits, coupled with the return on investment provided by solar panels, make them an efficient and effective way to save money while helping build a more sustainable society for our future generations.

To get in touch with Energy Service Partners and begin your journey of going solar, contact us on our Support page.

Seek Consensus

It’s important for everyone involved in a negotiation—both clients and salespeople—to feel like they’re in agreement. Use words that convey partnership, such as “agreement,” instead of those that instill the feeling of pressure, like “contract.” Let clients know that you’re there to “support” their decision, not just sell them the product.

Focus on Value & Fairness

The solar industry is competitive, which has caused prices to decline in some regions. While you may be tempted to focus on providing the best price possible, you don’t want to escalate the competition—this could cause prices to drop even further. A race to the bottom is a no-win scenario. Plus, the majority of customers don’t necessarily want or need the lowest price option—they’re more likely to choose value. Focus on the value that both you and the service will provide, rather than presenting as the least expensive option. All clients also want to be treated fairly, and they want to get the best bang for their buck, so use words like “value” and “fair” when pitching and closing. They’re both powerful words that can help get the deal done.

Create Solar Scripts to Close

Creating a great solar sales script involves understanding your audience and highlighting the key benefits of solar energy that are relevant to your customer’s needs. Start by introducing yourself and establishing rapport, then transition into educating the prospect about the advantages of solar, such as cost savings, environmental impact, and energy independence. Use relatable statistics and success stories to build credibility, and anticipate common objections with well-researched responses. Incorporate questions that engage the prospect and encourage them to visualize their own savings and benefits. Finally, end with a strong call to action, inviting them to take the next step, whether it’s scheduling a consultation or a site assessment. A successful script is adaptable, allowing for a natural conversation that feels personal and informative.

Say “You” and “I”

While saying “we” is great for establishing a connection, it’s not ideal for talking numbers. Be direct: say “I’M pleased to offer YOU this package price.”

Imagination is Everything

When issues or objections arise, don’t just push a solution forward. Instead, ask prospective clients if you can “run something by” or “bounce an idea off” them. This language will promote openness rather than build resistance. Your clients will want to hear what you have to say, and be inspired to imagine the solution rather than focus on the issue.

Opportunity

Turn problems into opportunities. Never dodge a client’s concern. Instead, re-frame any concern as a challenge or opportunity to overcome. Use positive, confidence-boosting language to show that you’re flexible and adaptable. Here’s an example – when someone says “I’m concerned about how it looks on my house. I don’t want it to hurt my curb appeal.” You can respond with a double-whammy – not only will we work with the homeowner on panel placement and aesthetics (though overall production is paramount), you can let them know that ESP is an Elite Pearl Certified Solar Contractor. That means they’ll get documentation they can share with a realtor or appraiser showing the true value of the energy-efficiency upgrade they’re about to roll out.

How?

Asking clients “how” gives them control. When they want extras, you can ask them “how” to help them see your point-of-view. For example, you can ask “How can I give you this X% discount while still giving you all X of these add-ons you requested at no charge?” This puts the client in charge and helps them understand your position. Simply asking “how” can help move you towards the most mutually beneficial arrangement.

Because

Use “because” when you’re giving them an opportunity to act. People are more willing to move on something when there’s a good supporting reason. “Because spots are filling up, I can only schedule you for install this month if you sign today—we’re ready, are you?”

ABC: Always Be Communicating

ABC is an acronym for “Always Be Closing” that you may remember from the iconic “coffee” scene in Glengarry Glen Ross. While it may sound like an old dusty cliche, it has stood the test of time and is a tenet of highly-successful salespeople. However, here at ESP, we believe that communicating effectively is the best technique you can have in your arsenal. Practice the ABCs by listening and building rapport while helping customers focus on value as you lead them to the finish line. You can set up a much better experience for your customers through open, humanizing communication rather than pushing for a signature. We’ll be communicating with them regularly throughout the solar installation process, so it’s a great way to set the tone!

Take advantage of these solar sales tips and closing techniques during your next pitch. For further sales tools and tips, as well as support fulfilling your solar operation’s needs, inquire about our Solar Dealer Program today!

Change is Constant, Progress Must Be Too

We acknowledge that NEM must change. Balancing the needs of everyone is important, but ham-fisted attacks from the utilities on solar rights must end. Utility companies rely on an outdated model – “the way it’s always been” – and we can’t let them block progress to achieve “the way it should be”. The time for brilliant forward-thinking innovation is now, and we have to work together to protect consumers and the earth, not the profits of (already plenty wealthy) utility shareholders.

We’re Not Alone

We side with Solar United Neighbors, Vote Solar, Solar Rights Alliance, and other pro-solar groups in calling on our elected officials to actually represent the desires of their constituents. Most Californians love solar – between 60-80%, depending how past surveys were phrased – and want to see more of it. We encourage the public to be wary of “grassroots” organizations that are really “astroturf” (funded by utilities and fossil fuel lobbyists in the guise of organic popular movements).

Follow the Money

Let’s take a quick step into the past for reference. How have utility rates changed over the past few decades? How have they changed even in the past few years? How is that impacting families? Utilities are doing good things – such as allowing NEM in the first place and weighing how to get more storage on the grid with fair compensation – but it’s hard to ignore their itchy trigger fingers hovering over the kill switch. They fulfill a vital need for society, but ultimately they need to respond to their customers’ desires and adapt to changes in the playing field – if they’re more interested in making money than in making solutions, then it’s time for change.

With this recent proposal, the utilities are trying an age-old tactic of trying to change the rules mid-game so they stay on top, and consumers and small businesses pay the price. As solar expands, utilities want to own it for themselves and keep it out of consumers’ hands, so their overall “provider-consumer” model remains intact and they can continue to dictate unilateral fee increases. We can’t fault them for wanting to stay in business. But it’s so shortsighted. Evolving our clean energy economy, and sharing ideas and sweat-equity, and making a collaborative effort to transition to a better system is long overdue. Storage, microgrids, local community solar; all of these things can be accomplished if everyone is represented properly at the table.

We are going to continue installing solar no matter what. We know full well that every panel that we install isn’t going anywhere for a long time. And we’re always looking for people who are excited to build the future with us. So whatever you can do, as a constituent contacting your elected officials or as a solar professional who wants to partner up, we thank you for taking action.

Read Solar 101 for more information about solar energy.

While all alternative sources yield benefits, solar energy is proven to be the best and safest way to fight climate change while ultimately saving money. We want to share some of the reasons why solar energy is the most ideal alternative energy source for California residents.

Environmental Benefits

Solar energy is one of the cleanest, greenest choices you can make for powering your home while reducing your carbon footprint. Because of their high efficiency, solar panels pay back the “energy debt” created in their production within a couple years. Solar energy production requires little to no maintenance, and therefore, generates almost no waste. Solar power creates zero noise pollution, an essential benefit for those living in urban areas. Solar panels are also very long-lasting—manufacturer warranties are 25 years or longer—and are designed to withstand the impact of extreme weather conditions and other environmental stressors. By making use of the near-limitless power of our primary life-giving  resource—the Sun—solar panels provide an ideal way to combat climate change and protect our environment.

Increased Home Values

Research shows that homeowners will pay a premium for a solar home. Solar panels significantly improve resale values, especially those with Pearl Certification, which includes documentation that realtors and appraisers are obligated to use when considering home value. A study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory showed that, on average, solar installation increased the value of a home by approximately $15,000. The same can’t be said definitively for any other home energy project—sorry windmills, nobody really wants you in their backyard.

Financial Savings & Quick Payoff

Clean solar energy significantly reduces costs by lowering your utility bills. The Sun provides enough energy to power the entire world—and we will never run out of it, so costs won’t increase over time. While the initial investment for a solar installation is significant, this cost is offset by tax incentives and immediate savings. Since solar energy is free and independent of an outside supply, its maintenance and energy production costs are practically zero. This means that with a solar panel installation, there are no more egregious utility bills and unpredictable rate increases.

Improved Grid Security & Energy Independence

Solar panels on your roof serve as a small power plant that can provide enough energy for your entire home while improving grid security. This is extremely beneficial during common situations like blackouts and voltage dips. An unlimited supply makes solar energy more resilient in the face of market fluctuations – namely, conflicts involving countries whose main source of income is fossil fuel exports. You’re making your own clean electricity every day rather than piping it in from a power plant in a distant location and relying on unsustainable, potentially unethically-sourced energy. This also helps ease grid strain and reduces transmission costs.

Extended Roof Life & A Cooler Home

Replacing your roof and adding solar panels can also protect your roof from the elements, such as the sun itself, wind, hail and debris. This extends the lifespan of your roof and shields against other costly damage to your home. Solar panels also absorb heat better than a naked roof, which keeps the temperature of your house cooler and more comfortable.

Versatile Installation

Solar panels can be installed almost anywhere, taking advantage of spaces with no specific use. This aspect, coupled with the modularity and flexibility of the system, facilitates the installation of small-scale solar projects with the added advantage that the installation can be expanded, depending on household needs, at any given time down the road.

Economic Impact

Another benefit of solar energy is the direct impact it has on the economy. Solar panel installation promotes the creation of jobs, which positively impacts the local economy. Most residential solar installers live where they work – right down the street! You’re “keeping it local” in so many ways when you go solar.

The Takeaway

Solar power is an unlimited energy resource that can power your entire home, effectively and efficiently. It’s the cornerstone of a cleaner, more sustainable future. Using solar energy will help improve the future of our planet and your household’s bottom line.

If you’re ready to get started selling solar, become an Authorized Dealer today!

Cost is an easy enough benefit to explain and justify. Who doesn’t want to save money? For many, solar energy is a simple equation of dollars and cents, and if the math comes out favorable, there’s no reason not to do it. But the other factor, eco-friendliness, is a bit more nebulous to the average person.

We talk all the time about how solar energy is eco-friendly. We frequently refer to solar power as renewable energy. But you might be asking yourself, what does that actually mean? It’s a good question, and we’re here with some answers. You’ve heard that solar power helps out our environment, but here are the actual reasons why:

While there are a few reasons why solar energy is helpful to our environment, none of them are as important or all-encompassing as this one. In a nutshell, solar energy allows us to be less dependent on nonrenewable energy sources, which have a bad habit of polluting our air and earth with carbon emissions. But that’s not exactly a world-class explanation, so let’s dive a little deeper.

To understand why solar panels are better for the environment, it’s important to understand what the alternative is. Most homes depend on grid electricity for their power. Their home is connected to underground power lines, which are part of a much bigger system that’s interwoven all throughout the cities and infrastructure of California. Electricity is fed through these lines, providing your home with a constant supply of sweet, sweet electricity.

Breaking Free From Power Plants

However, that power needs to come from somewhere, and that’s where power plants come into play. Power plants burn fossil fuels to create enormous amounts of power, which is converted into electricity and fed to the grid. And that’s where the problem lies — power plants produce a staggering amount of pollution and carbon emissions, which are pumped into our air, degrading air quality and contributing to the ever more worrisome problem of climate change. Even the water supply doesn’t go untainted, as tens of thousands of gallons of water are regularly used to cool the power plants.

Long story short, when you switch to solar, that’s one less house that the grid has to feed. Sure, on your own, it won’t make a huge difference, but what if a million Californians do it? Ten million? With that many homes no longer relying on the grid, these big power plants won’t have to burn as much fuel, thus reducing carbon emissions.

There are two major problems with the fossil fuel-based energy that most homes and businesses currently rely on. First, of course, is the emissions problem mentioned above. We’re doing incalculable amounts of damage to our precious atmosphere by pumping smog into the air, but that’s only half of the problem. The other half is equally as distressing: as much as we love burning fossil fuels, there’s a limited supply of them. Eventually, we will run out, and when that happens, we’ll be in trouble if we haven’t migrated to new solutions.

This is why fossil fuels are referred to as nonrenewable energy. Once you use it up, you’re not getting any of it back. It’s like throwing a log of wood into the fire — once it’s burnt up, it has no more use.

Solar energy, on the other hand, is infinite, thus referred to as renewable energy. There is so much energy produced by our sun that it could power our entire planet if we had the right ways to harness it. And that’s the goal of Energy Service Partners — providing technology to California homeowners that will allow them to use that boundless energy that’s shining down on us all day.

Despite how eco-friendly solar is, that’s not to say that it doesn’t have its own drawbacks. Critics of solar energy often point to the manufacturing process of solar panels, noting that it has its own adverse impacts. We’d be liars if we said this isn’t true — every action has a consequence, and the solar industry isn’t perfect.

Solar panels rely on silicon semiconductors to generate electricity, and those conductors are originally made from quartz. Quartz mining has had its own controversies in the past, such as exposing miners to silicosis, a lung disease caused by tiny silica particles. The solar manufacturing process also has its own criticisms — hydrofluoric acid and tetrachloride waste are byproducts of the process, and if improperly disposed of, they can become a problematic source of wasteful pollution.

These problems pale in comparison to the damage that fossil fuels cause, and they’re also much more manageable. For example, the industry is moving away from quartz mining, and looking to quartz-rich sand instead, thus reducing the silicosis problem. Silicon is the second-most abundant mineral on the planet, right after carbon. In the manufacturing arena, it’s possible to recycle tetrachloride waste and reuse it for the production of more solar panels. Furthermore, safe disposal methods can prevent the waste from becoming problematic for the environment. China has regulations in place demanding that at least 98.5% of tetrachloride waste be recycled. Modern solar panels pay back their “energy debt” in just under two years of operation, and will keep running for decades.

The point is, for the environmental issues that solar panels cause (which are far fewer than fossil fuels), there are innovative solutions that can curb their effects. And as solar energy becomes more ubiquitous all throughout the world, you can bet that we will continue to see innovations that will help reduce the environmental side effects of the solar industry.

Join the Renewable Energy Movement — Call Energy Service Partners Today

Whether you’re a California homeowner looking to make the switch to renewable energy, or a solar company looking to partner with a high-integrity solar panel installer, there’s no doubt that solar energy is making a difference in our world, and if you contact Energy Service Partners, you can be a part of that difference. We want to help as many homeowners as possible to equip solar panels on their home, joining the renewable energy revolution and propelling mankind to a better place. Want to work with Energy Service Partners? Don’t hesitate to contact us today to get started.

If you’re one of California’s many solar sales companies looking for a solar installation partner, you’re probably already well aware of the benefits of renewable energy. But many of our readers and website visitors are everyday California homeowners who might not have all the info on why solar energy can be a great investment. If you fit that description, keep on reading, because you’re in for a world of good news.

Here are some of the many benefits of having solar panels on your California home:

For many solar buyers, this is the most compelling benefit of them all. In a nutshell, solar energy saves you loads of money in energy savings in the long run. Even right after your system is installed, you’ll start paying noticeably less on your power bill every month — or maybe even nothing at all.

“But,” you might be thinking, “if it saves you so much money, why doesn’t everyone do it?” That’s a good question, and the answer is simple. Solar energy has some front-heavy startup costs, such as purchasing the solar panels, paying for installation, and so on. It’s a lot of equipment, and it’s a lot of work. For that reason, you might not break even for years. And that’s why long-term is the name of the game here.

Do you want to pay a bunch of money for an ambitious solar system on a home that you’ll likely be leaving in three years? Maybe not — at least if cost is the deciding factor. But suppose you’ve finally settled down, and you’re in a home that you’ll stay in for decades to come. In that case, solar is an absolute no-brainer. The average “break-even” period is around six to eight years, but it could be more or less depending on your home and your system. But once that period is over, there’s nothing quite so satisfying as paying virtually nothing for power every single month.

Solar panels are amazing pieces of equipment that are the culmination of decades of studying, hard work, and research, so we don’t want to undersell them by saying they’re simple. But at the end of the day, they don’t have a lot of moving parts, and they’re pretty hardy. As a result, you won’t have to do a lot of maintenance should you equip yourself with solar energy.

Solar panel systems have warranties of 25 years, but most of them live far beyond that. For the most part, you get them installed, and then you can sit back and relax while they do their job with no complications.

In our eyes, this is a clear benefit. A lot of homeowners hesitate with solar because they don’t want to add a complicated system to their home that could cost them in major repair fees later on — this is especially common for homeowners who have had to deal with unruly HVAC systems. But trust us when we say that you won’t have to worry about that. Energy Service Partners will have your back if your solar panels give you trouble, but it’s far more likely that they’ll do their job without complications.

For many years now, solar panels have yielded a tremendous advantage to home sellers. On average, solar-equipped homes tend to net an additional $14,000, which is quite a bit more than the cost of the original investment. You’re not only getting your money back and then some, you’re also eliminating a huge headache for your new buyers.

Think about it — getting solar panels equipped isn’t a walk in the park. While we make things as easy, simple, and customer-friendly as possible here at Energy Service Partners, it’s still a process. You’ll be consulting with industry professionals to calculate the size and cost of solar panels. You’ll be paying the upfront investment for equipment and installation. You’ll be communicating over several phone calls. For someone who buys a solar-equipped home, all of these steps are skipped.

And, if you live in California, it’s only good news. While the California Solar Mandate requires all new homes to have solar from the get-go, a lot of people can’t afford to buy a brand new home up-front. Preowned homes are, and will continue to be, a very attractive option. When you have solar panels installed, it’s a huge draw for forward-thinking buyers, and you can bet they’ll pay a premium for it.

To be totally fair here, a lot of people get solar energy simply because it saves them money. There are many folks who don’t care a whole lot about their energy footprint, or the benefits of going green — they just want to save money and that’s that. For the record, there’s nothing wrong with that. Who wouldn’t want to save money if the option is right there in front of them?

But even if you’re indifferent to the implications of going green, your investment in solar energy is still a win. Mankind is growing at an unprecedented rate, both in numbers and infrastructure. Our growth consumes untold amounts of resources, and we’re at a point where we need to seriously consider how to power our society without burning through Earth’s non-renewable resources. Your investment in solar, while it may seem small, is like a drop of water. It might not seem like much on its own, but it can coalesce into something much bigger when joined with others. The more people that adopt solar energy, the more we can reduce our monumental energy footprint on this world.

One of the biggest questions about solar energy is its reliability. While there are many systems in place to ensure that solar power runs all day, it’s understandably easy to be skeptical if you live in an area where sunlight is inconsistent.

But if you’re here on our website, it’s likely you’re a California homeowner. As California’s leading solar installation company, you’re the exact type of person we want to do business with, and we can assure you that you’re in one of the best places you can possibly be for solar power.

California is an ideal state for solar energy, because we get to enjoy the warm sunlight virtually every single day of the year. Seasons are mostly static barring slight temperature changes, we don’t get snow, and rain isn’t common enough to be an issue. Unless your home is located in a perpetually shady spot, you can rest easy knowing that solar energy will be reliable and effective for your home.

California’s Leading Solar Installation Company

The benefits of solar energy speak for themselves. Do you want to take a step forward into a more renewable future, save loads of money on your energy bills, and increase the value of your home? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” don’t hesitate to order solar panels for your home. As California’s leading solar panel installation company, we can help you get started.

At ESP, we’re customer-focused, and we have the fastest installation times in the market. When you work with us, you can rest assured that the process will be easy, streamlined, and transparent. Ready for a bright future in energy? Contact us today to get started — you won’t regret it!

Indeed, while solar energy is most commonly associated with the large black solar panels you see on homes and businesses, it can actually be used for so much more. While we don’t plan on selling solar-powered cars or spaceships here any time soon at ESP, it’s still cool to know all of the things that solar can be used for. Not only that, but the more awareness that’s raised about the efficacy of solar power, the more likely it is that we’ll see it implemented more and more in new technology, which could lead us one step at a time to a more sustainable future.

Here are some of the many unique uses of solar energy and ways that solar energy is harnessed throughout the world:

We figured we’d start with this one first, since it’s what solar power is more known for, and it’s the very type of renewable energy that we provide here at Energy Service Partners. We’re talking about the iconic solar panels that you’ve undoubtedly already seen on other pages of our website; the ones that you see all over California homes.

We could write a lot about this type of solar energy, but we’ve already written a whole lot about it. In a nutshell, solar electricity helps homeowners to save money on their energy bills and live off sustainable energy. Under a solar panel system, you pay little-to-nothing on your bill every month, and you can be happy with a system that lasts for 25 years or more. Solar panels create electricity by absorbing sunlight with photovoltaic cells. They can run independently when powered by a battery, or they can be connected to the power grid. Either way, they’re a renewable, sustainable, and affordable form of energy.

If you have more questions about traditional solar electricity for homes and businesses, we encourage you to contact us today, or read more of our blog posts where we discuss many aspects of it in greater detail.

Solar energy is most often converted to electricity, but it can also be used in other creative ways. Take water heating, for example. As it turns out, there is technology that can transfer hot sunlight to the water tank. This can be useful for homes and businesses — it’s essentially a water heater, but similar to solar panels, it gets its energy from a renewable source. Also similar to solar panels, solar water heating units come with a sizable upfront expense, with an associated payback period of 5-10 years. For the green-minded homeowner, this can be an attractive investment.

But water heating isn’t limited to just homes. It’s becoming more common to heat up swimming pools with solar power, especially because of how cost-effective it is compared to the alternative. Even a small pool requires a lot of energy to be heated to a reasonable temperature, so if you’re getting all that power from the sun which shines down every day, it’s a no-brainer.

One of the most exciting solar breakthroughs is seeing it implemented on various vehicles. There are already a variety of vehicles that have been able to operate solely on solar power, and countless more that make judicious use of its energy, even if they’re not fully powered by it.

Solar cars haven’t quite reached the point of mainstream adoption, but that doesn’t mean the concept isn’t being thoroughly researched and tested. The most coveted goal among engineers is to create a car that can completely be powered by solar energy, from the car’s internal systems to the actual propulsion system, which would utilize an electric engine. In theory, we’re talking about an electric car that could be fully charged and propelled by the sun. Imagine never having to get gas again in your life!Due to certain limitations, such as how many panels you can reasonably fit onto a vehicle, we’re not quite there yet. Still, the research is continually evolving, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.

But cars aren’t the only vehicle to harness solar power. Did you know that many boats and even planes use the technology too? We’ve already had successful circumnavigational flights that were carried out by solar planes. The Zephyr, for example, was an unmanned aircraft that flew by solar power during the day, and continued throughout the night via batteries that stored solar energy.

Solar Spacecraft

Aside from all that, we’ve been using solar energy on spacefaring vehicles since we started going into space in the first place. The space industry was one of the biggest innovators in solar power. Because a satellite is almost constantly exposed to the rays of the sun, it was a no-brainer to attach large solar “wings” that would keep the computers endlessly powered. In space, there is no day or night — just the constant presence of our parent star, endlessly shining its light our way. We can thank solar power for contributing in monumental achievements that eventually led us to the moon.

The California Solar Mandate dictates that all new houses built in California henceforth will be equipped with solar energy. It’s possible that you’ve already seen the telltale black solar panels on many houses already. But if you thought solar panels were a common occurrence already, just wait — you might be seeing a lot more bite-sized versions of them soon.

We’re seeing a lot more experimentation with solar-powered personal devices, such as phones, portable chargers, and more. You’ve probably already seen this to a certain extent — watches have been equipped with micro solar panels for ages; even those cheap ones you’d find in a kids’ meal at a fast-food restaurant. So it’s no surprise that companies are looking more into solar power for our personal devices.

We might be a while away from having a smartphone that works day and night from solar charging, but never say never. Presently, you can already buy power bricks that will extend the battery life of your device, and it’s quite possible we’ll see greatly improved versions of this kind of tech in the next decade.

Energy Service Partners – California’s Leading Solar Installer

As proud as we are of our company, we regret to inform you that we do not, in fact, sell sleek solar-powered cars and satellites. We don’t have a solar smartphone that you’ll never have to plug in again, or a secret spaceship that will take us to Mars on the sun’s power… yet. But what we do have is some of the finest solar panels in the industry, along with the fastest install times on the market. At Energy Service Partners, it’s our goal to get solar energy into as many California homes as possible, we’d be happy to help with yours.

Whether you’re a California homeowner or a seller in the solar industry who wants to partner with us, we urge you to contact us today to get started.