Homeowners all over California are joining solar programs to take back control of their energy usage
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At the highest level, solar energy is any type of energy that is generated by converting the sun’s rays into electrical or thermal power. It’s the most abundant type of renewable energy on the planet, especially in places like California, which sees more than 280 days of sun per year. In fact, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), California is first in the nation for solar power, generating more than 26% of its electricity from the sun. Much of that power comes from home solar systems.
Home solar systems use a process known as photovoltaics (PV) to turn energy from the sun into electricity. Solar panels absorb photons, or light particles, from the sun’s rays, and convert them into electrons, or electric particles. The solar panels then send the electricity through an inverter, which converts the energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) so it can power your lights, appliances, and cooling and heating systems. From there, it flows through your meter, which measures your usage, and into your home
That’s the most basic explanation, but how your home solar system works also depends on what type you have:
Grid-tied solar systems are connected only to your local utility company’s electricity network (the grid). Your solar panels send the electricity they generate back to the grid, and you get credit in the form of a lower bill. But when the grid goes down, so does your power.
Off-grid solar systems are connected only to a battery or to a solar-powered home generator. You’re not connected to a grid, and you rely entirely on solar energy to power your home.
Solar battery storage systems use a combination of energy from the grid and from a battery. This type of system functions like a grid-tied system, but also stores energy in a backup battery. When the grid goes down, the inverter shifts to the battery, so you don’t lose power.
There are many reasons homeowners switch to solar: It’s better for the environment, it increases their home’s energy efficiency and value, and it reduces their electric bill. PoweredUp Network solar programs use battery storage systems because they provide even more benefits.
Solar energy storage allows you to keep your home running during outages and blackouts.
You can also choose to draw power from the battery whenever you’d like, for example, at peak rate times or overnight. That reduces your reliance on the grid and lowers your bill even more.
Solar battery storage systems like ours let you monitor, automate, and optimize your power usage so you save the most money.
Yes – a home solar system with battery storage provides more benefits and more cost savings than one with solar panels alone. But many homeowners are deterred by the up-front cost of the battery, which is often the most expensive part of the system. That’s why PoweredUp Network includes our PowerPod 2 smart battery backup system as part of our solar program – making your decision to include energy storage even easier
The cost to install a home solar system varies widely by program, type of system, and the location of the home. In its 2022 cost report, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimated the market-adjusted national average cost of residential PV-plus-storage systems like those provided by PoweredUp Network at $38,295. However, your total cost also depends on solar programs and incentives in your area. With the right program, you’ll see minimal costs, especially in California.
While most programs aren’t truly free, California is one of the best states for a home solar system for several reasons. Because there is so much sun, your system should generate a lot of power, saving you more money and reducing the solar payback period, or the amount of time it takes homeowners to recover the cost of their investment.
The Golden State also provides plenty of incentives for homeowners, including tax credits, programs for disadvantaged communities, and the Self-Generation Incentive Program, which provides rebates for solar battery storage systems. There are also local-level solar programs for residents of certain cities. PoweredUp Network is one such program: We partner with communities and organizations to provide complete home energy systems at no up-front cost, no matter your income or credit status. See if you’re eligible today, then request your free estimate below to get started.
