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Category: Solar Education

Marine Solar Installations: why they’re unique

Posted on April 10, 2020January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
Sun Pacific Solar Electric solar installation at the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum Sea Center in a marine environment using IEC 61701 tested panels.
Marine solar panel installations. Simple, right? Not so much. Installing solar in a marine environment, weather on a boat, near the waterfront or in a coastal zone is drastically different than building a solar power array in other areas. The main difference is that the materials used must be non-corrosive – this includes the nuts, …
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What is Net Energy Metering (NEM)?

Posted on March 6, 2020January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
Net Energy Metering solar production and electricity consumption
When a grid-tied home gets solarized, the utility company in the pertaining jurisdiction needs to be notified of the change. This is done through an application called an interconnection agreement that when processed and approved by the utility, results in the solar home having Net Energy Metering. While the sun is shining and the panels …
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The 2020 Solar Mandate Broken Down

Posted on January 9, 2020January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
the 2020 solar mandate broken down
The announcement of the 2020 solar mandate made quite a buzz and by now, most everyone has heard of it. The mandate will require all new construction and buildings undergoing additions and alterations in the state of California to have solar starting this year. It applies to all single and multifamily dwellings, three stories or …
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The SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program) Explained

Posted on December 7, 2019January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
A whole house residential battery backup system qualifying for SGIP.
How much is the SGIP rebate and how does it work? The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) rebate is a tiered rebate applicable to grid-tied battery storage installations. To incentivize backup power solutions and reduce peak load demand on the grid, the state of California launched the SGIP program. Though the program has existed since 2011, …
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Should I Install Battery Backup For My Home?

Posted on September 5, 2019January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
A home battery backup system neatly installed in the corner of a garage on the Santa Barbara Riviera.
Did you know that by law solar systems must shut down during a power outage? Here’s why. Grid-tied solar systems are constantly back feeding energy to the grid and therefore require a rapid shut down switch for emergency situations. If we experience a power outage and the utility company needs to send linemen to inspect …
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Why doesn’t solar work during a power outage?

Posted on August 8, 2019January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
Why power outages shut down solar systems during outages
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear most often is that a home with a grid-tied solar system (without battery backup) will continue having power during a utility power outage. This stems from a misunderstanding of how grid-tied installations work. Although both a grid-tied system and an array with battery backup utilize power generated by …
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100% Renewable Islands Paving the Way Forward

Posted on July 5, 2019January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
100% renewable Island with solar panels
While most countries still have some work to do to become 100% green energy reliant, some islands around the world have taken the leap and achieved this goal. From Iceland to Turkey, and Portugal to the South Pacific, these “green” islands dot the globe. Many have reached their 100% renewable energy goals by utilizing a …
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Solar Trackers vs. Traditional Solar

Posted on June 4, 2019January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
A dual axis solar tracker system
  With advances in solar technology, “solar tracker” has become a buzz word in the industry and we’ve been getting questions about the feasibility of these systems. We thought we’d address the subject at length below. Pros & Cons of Solar Tracking To date, most solar tracking installations have been installed for large corporate projects …
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How to Clean Your Solar Panels

Posted on May 10, 2019January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
A residential ground mounted solar installation in Santa Barbara, California. How to clean your solar panels
Your solar system has been designed, installed and is producing, now what? If you’ve had your solar panels for a year or more, they could use a cleaning. We recommend cleaning your solar panels at least once per year. If you notice any kind of debris such as dirt, dust, bird waste, ash from a …
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Have you thought about driving on sunshine?

Posted on November 5, 2018January 26, 2022 by Ariane Schmidt-Clausius
A happy customer with her new Electric Vehicle.
Fall is the time of year car manufacturers release new models, including Electric Vehicle models. Have you thought about driving on sunshine? Adding an Electric Vehicle charger to your solar home should be done by a licensed electrician and requires a little planning. One of the first things Sun Pacific Solar Electric needs to evaluate …
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Recent Posts

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  • Marine Solar Installations: why they’re unique
  • What is Net Energy Metering (NEM)?
  • The 2020 Solar Mandate Broken Down
  • The SGIP (Self-Generation Incentive Program) Explained

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“We were pleasantly surprised that the cost would be much lower than we expected, and in fact the system would pay for itself in a little over a decade.”

– John

“Our son-in-law suggested Sun Pacific Solar, telling us he was very satisfied with their work, their business ethics, and the thoroughness of their planning and implementation. We found his recommendation absolutely on target! We are more than happy with every aspect of the job that Sun Pacific Solar has done for us.”

– Cheryl & Richard

“The team at Sun Pacific Solar Electric gave us amazing service. I just wish that every other professional or tradesperson in every other field was like these folk. Kind, courteous, fast, knowledgeable – attentive to detail to the max and smart smart smart. Highly recommend them!”

– The Pods

“Everything was done neatly and professionally and the system has been working perfectly for five years now. I would highly recommend Sun Pacific Solar.”

– Paul K.

“We took a bill that could easily run over $200 a month and turned it into more like $200 a year.”

– Bob L.

“Sun Pacific installed 7 very efficient panels, while other quotes needed 10 to generate the same amount of electricity. Fewer panels, less maintenance for the future. All in all, very happy!”

– SBmermaid

"You guys install the best solar systems that I inspect. Whenever my friends ask me who to hire, I recommend you."

– Eric S., Inspector

“Sun Pacific has continued to contact me and check up on the performance of the panels as well as to be sure that I understand the electric company’s billing. I have already recommended them to friends.”

– DeDe

"Sun Pacific and its employees have done a great job with a high degree of workmanship. You have been great to work with and have been honest and forthright. Thank you for doing a great job with great workmen. I am super impressed!"

– Edward R. (retired general contractor)

“The installers are professional, and their work is one of a craftsman. When I compare the appearance of our system with one from a competitor on our neighbor’s house, ours is a much cleaner install, with fewer panels to generate more power! You can do all the research you want, but this is the company you will choose if you want the best for your home!!”

– P. Wilson

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Sun Pacific Solar Electric
  • About
    ▼
    • Our Company
    • Our Team
    • Case Studies
    • Awards & Recognition
    • Distributors & Collaborators
  • Employment
    ▼
    • Apprentice Electrician
  • Services
    ▼
    • Grid-Tied Solar
    • Agricultural Pumping
    • Off-Grid Solar
    • Grid-tied Solar with Micro-grid
    • Maintenance & Repairs
    • Not a Sun Pacific system? No worries.
  • Incentives
    ▼
    • Financial Incentives
    • SunPower Leases & Loans
  • Resources
    ▼
    • FAQ
    • Energy Saving Tips
    • How Solar Electrical Systems Work
    • Web Resources
  • Kudos
  • Gallery
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