What You Need to Ask to Get Started With Your Solar Company

November 28, 2022

As solar energy rises in popularity, more and more people are considering solar panels for their homes. However, making the switch to solar isn't always a simple decision. There are many factors to consider, such as cost, installation, maintenance, and how it will affect your electricity bills.

This article will help you ask the right questions if you're considering investing in solar panels. We'll discuss what solar companies you should work with, the benefits of solar energy, how solar panels are installed, and more. Whether you're just starting to do your research or are ready to take the plunge into solar energy, read on for everything you need to know.

What Is Solar Power?

Solar power is one of the cleanest, most renewable sources of energy available, and it's becoming more affordable all the time. In fact, over 3% of electricity in the United States comes from solar power, according to Energy.gov. If you're thinking about making the switch to solar, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Solar energy works by converting sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which absorb sunlight and generate electricity. The electricity is then sent to an inverter, which converts it into the form of power that can be used by your electrical system. There are many benefits to using solar energy, including lower electric bills, a smaller carbon footprint, and increased home value. Solar panels are usually installed on the roof of a property, but can also be mounted on the ground or on a solar carport. The installation process generally takes a few days and does not require any major changes to your home.

How Do I Find the Right Solar Company for Me?

Not all solar companies are created equal. It's important to do your research to find a reputable solar company that has experience installing solar panels in your area. Solar companies can be found in a variety of ways. One way to start your search is to ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also search online for solar companies in your area. Another option is to use a solar energy installer directory to explore your options.

Once you've found a few solar companies you're interested in working with, there are a number of questions you'll want to ask before you get started. For example, you'll want to know how long they've been in business and if they have experience installing solar panels in your area. It's a good idea to inquire about what type of panel they recommend for your home and get an estimate for the cost. Don't forget to ask about the maintenance requirements for solar panels, how solar energy will affect your electricity bills, and if there are any tax credits or rebates available for solar energy systems near you.

What Can I Expect From My Solar Panels?

Maintenance of solar panels is typically minimal, although you may need to clean them occasionally to ensure they're functioning properly. Solar panels typically last for 20-25 years, and the cost of solar panel systems has dropped significantly in recent years. In many cases, solar energy is now cheaper than traditional forms of energy such as coal or natural gas.

How much solar panels cost to install depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your home and the type of solar panels you choose. Buying a solar panel system outright is often the most expensive option upfront, but it can save you money in the long run. Solar panel systems typically have a warranty, so you'll be covered in case of any problems. There are also many tax credits, rebates, and incentives available that can help offset the cost of solar panels.

In some cases, solar companies may also offer solar leasing or financing options. Solar leasing is a type of agreement where you lease solar panels from a solar company for a monthly fee. With this arrangement, the solar company owns the solar panels and is responsible for their maintenance and installation.

Making the switch to solar energy is a big decision, but it's one that comes with many benefits. By doing your research and working with a reputable solar company, you can be sure that you're making the best decision for your home and your wallet. Contact our team at Solar Savings Direct, Inc to learn more today.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Farm to Panel: Why Central Valley Ag Businesses are Leading California's Solar Revolution

February 13, 2026

As energy costs continue to rise and water resources become increasingly scarce, agricultural businesses across California's Central Valley are making a strategic shift that's transforming both their bottom lines and the region's energy landscape. From almond orchards in Bakersfield to vineyard operations in Fresno, farm owners are discovering that solar energy isn't just an environmental choice: it's become one of the smartest business decisions they can make. The numbers tell a compelling story. Central Valley farmers produce one-third of the nation's fruits and vegetables and two-thirds of its nuts and fruits, yet they're also among California's largest electricity consumers. Irrigation systems, cold storage facilities, processing equipment, and climate-controlled operations create energy demands that can represent 15-30% of operational costs. With utility rates climbing steadily and showing no signs of slowing down, solar energy has emerged as the most effective way for ag businesses to regain control over one of their largest expense categories.

Beat the Spring Rush: Why February is the Secret Season for Solar in California

February 12, 2026

If you've been thinking about going solar in the Central Valley, you've probably heard plenty about the long-term benefits: lower bills, energy independence, and protecting yourself from unpredictable utility rate hikes. But here's something most people don't talk about: when you start the process matters just as much as if you start it. February isn't just another month on the calendar for California homeowners considering solar. It's actually the secret sweet spot that savvy locals are taking advantage of: and for good reason. While everyone else is waiting for "the perfect time" or putting it off until summer (when they're sweating through their first 110-degree day), those who act now are setting themselves up for serious advantages. Let's break down why February is your golden window, and why waiting could cost you more than you think.

Bakersfield Solar FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Local Permits, ROI, and NEM 3.0

February 11, 2026

As energy costs continue to rise and California's Central Valley experiences some of the hottest summers in the state, Bakersfield homeowners are turning to solar power in record numbers. With California's NEM 3.0 policy now in full effect and federal incentives still available through 2026, making the switch to solar has never been more strategically advantageous, provided you understand the local landscape. This guide answers the most common questions we hear from Bakersfield residents about permits, maintenance, return on investment, and what makes a quality solar installation. Whether you're just starting your research or ready to move forward, understanding these fundamentals ensures your system delivers maximum value for decades to come.

Beating the Bakersfield Heat: How to Slash Your Summer A/C Bills with Solar & Batteries

February 10, 2026

If you live in Bakersfield, you already know the reality: when summer hits, your air conditioning doesn't just run: it fights for survival. And while your A/C unit battles the Central Valley heat, your electricity bill climbs into territory that makes you question whether cooling your home is worth the financial pain. As of February 2026, Bakersfield residents are paying an average of 30 cents per kilowatt-hour: that's 51% higher than the national average. The typical household is looking at $270 monthly electricity bills, and those numbers spike dramatically during peak summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 98 degrees. For many families, June through September has become a season of financial stress rather than backyard barbecues. But here's what's changed in 2026: the combination of solar panels and battery storage has evolved from a luxury upgrade to the most practical way to reclaim control over your energy costs. With California's NEM 3.0 policy now in full effect, the strategy for maximizing solar savings has fundamentally shifted: and batteries have become the secret weapon for Bakersfield homeowners.

Bakersfield Solar Guide: Why Central Valley Homeowners are Racing to Beat the Next Rate Hike

By 7058808737 • February 9, 2026

If you've lived in Bakersfield or anywhere in the Central Valley for more than a summer, you already know the drill. Triple-digit heat for months on end. Air conditioners running overtime. And electricity bills that make you double-check the meter because there's no way you used that much power. Except you did. And it's only getting worse. As energy costs continue to climb across California, Central Valley homeowners are facing a perfect storm of rising utility rates, extreme heat, and policy changes that make traditional grid dependence more expensive than ever. That's why thousands of Bakersfield residents are making the switch to solar: and they're doing it now, before the next rate hike hits their wallets even harder.

Stop Losing Money on Energy Bills: How Commercial Solar Protects California Businesses From Rising Utility Rates

February 6, 2026

As energy costs continue to climb across California, businesses face an increasingly urgent financial challenge. Utility rates have risen steadily year after year, and there's no indication this trend will reverse. For commercial operations: from warehouses and manufacturing facilities to retail centers and office buildings: electricity often represents one of the largest operating expenses. The question isn't whether rates will increase, but rather how much they'll rise and how your business will respond. The traditional approach of simply absorbing these costs as a necessary expense no longer makes financial sense. Forward-thinking California businesses are taking a different path: investing in commercial solar systems that generate clean, predictable power on-site. This shift represents more than an environmental decision: it's a strategic financial move that protects profit margins, stabilizes operating costs, and provides measurable returns for decades to come.

How to Choose the Best Solar Panel Installers in California (Without Getting Burned by NEM 3.0)

February 5, 2026

California's solar landscape changed overnight when NEM 3.0 took effect in April 2023. If you're researching solar panel installers in California right now, you're entering a completely different game than homeowners played just a few years ago. The rules shifted, the economics transformed, and unfortunately, not every solar company in CA adjusted their approach to match. Here's the reality: choosing the wrong installer under NEM 3.0 could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your system's lifetime. The old playbook of "just get the most panels on your roof" doesn't work anymore. You need an installer who understands the new energy economy, prioritizes the right equipment, and designs systems that actually maximize savings in 2026 and beyond. Let's break down exactly what to look for when choosing solar panel installers in California: so you can avoid expensive mistakes and build a system that delivers real value.