Category Archives: energy retrofitting

Live In the City of San Diego? You May Be Able To Get Help Paying for Solar

Posted on April 4, 2025 | Leave a comment

Launched in September 2022, the solar equity program distributes $1 million per year to cover most or all solar installation costs for city of San Diego residents who qualify.

The 10-year initiative is part the franchise agreement that San Diego Gas & Electric signed with the city in 2021 after months of sometimes tense negotiations.

The money spent on the program comes from SDG&E shareholders, not ratepayer bills. It’s administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy, a nonprofit based in San Diego that oversees clean energy and transportation programs in a dozen states.

Thus far, the program has installed or is in the process of installing 89 systems, placing a priority on communities considered most at risk from climate change due to historically low access to renewable energy.

Here’s what it takes to qualify:

Applicants must be residents of the city of San Diego.

Homeowners must have a total household income of less than 120% of the area median income in San Diego. For example, the income limit for a family of four is $143,400. For a single person, the annual income limit is $100,400.

Learn more about the program: https://sdsolarequity.org/

Selecting a Solar Inverter

Posted on June 25, 2024 | Leave a comment

Inverters are an indispensable component of almost all solar electric systems. They work long hours converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by a photovoltaic (PV) array into alternating current (AC) electricity–the type used in homes and businesses. In battery-based systems, inverters contain circuitry to perform a number of additional useful functions.

Do You Need an Inverter?

Although this may seem like a ridiculous question, some solar applications operate solely on DC power and, as a result, don’t require inverters. Included in this category are small solar electric systems that power a few DC circuits in rustic, out-of-the-way cabins and cottages; recreational vehicles; and sailboats. It also includes direct water-pumping systems that produce DC electricity to power DC water pumps–for livestock, for example. My DC solar pond aerator and the DC fans in my Chinese greenhouse are powered directly by PV modules. But virtually all other renewable energy systems require an inverter. The type of inverter needed depends on the type of system.

Inverters come in many shapes, sizes, and prices. The smallest inverters, referred to as “pocket inverters,” range from 50 to 200 watts. They’re ideal for supplying small loads, such as computers, radios, and televisions. Most homes and small businesses, however, require inverters in the 2,500-to-12,000-watt range. So, which inverter should you select?

How to Calculate Number of Solar Panels Required

Posted on June 25, 2024 | Leave a comment

Some websites claim they can calculate how many solar panels you need for your home or property but switching to solar isn’t that simple. Before rushing out and buying what a website recommends, assess whether your location can accommodate solar, gather data on electrical usage, and find a certified and reputable installer.

Keep in mind a few other necessities as well:

Determine whether your property has enough open area facing south (the direction that offers the most access to the sun)
Understand local utility buyback processes
Take a hard look at your goals and budget. Is your primary goal to save money, or are you preparing for outages?
A solar panel system is a significant investment that should last for decades. But before jumping into formulas and calculations, first focus on a home and land assessment and professional input.