The Home Energy Blog
Everything you need to know to help you save on home energy.
Electricity Rates Are Rising for SDG&E Customers
Starting in 2015, SDG&E began consolidating its rate tiers in accordance with the approved structure from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). According to SDG&E, “The consolidation is necessary to make rates more fair and equitable among all...
read more
The Roof Inspection: Get One Before Installing Solar Panels
It’s possible that you’ve never considered a roof inspection. In fact, you may not give your roof much thought at all unless it starts to leak or the tiles or shingles are cracked or damaged. However, if you’re thinking about installing solar panels, you must pay...
read more
Do Solar Panels Add Value to Your Home? You Asked, We Answered
Do solar panels add value to your home? Let’s be honest: It’s not the first question people ask when they think about making the switch to solar. Instead, most people decide to add solar panels to their home because they’re tired of paying hundreds of dollars to the...
read more
NEM 2.0: It’s Here!
Over the past six months, we’ve talked a lot about net energy metering (NEM), and how the new NEM 2.0 regulations would affect solar panel customers. What Is NEM, Exactly? Here’s a brief refresher: NEM is the term for the billing arrangement where customers with solar...
read more
Do I Qualify for Solar Panels? You Asked, We Answered
Most of our customers decide to install solar panels so they can save money on their power bill. But they almost always ask one question first: “Do I qualify for solar panels?” Virtually any homeowner can have solar panels installed—as long as the homeowner hires a...
read more
Selling a House with Leased Solar Panels: How It Works
We’ve seen it time and again—some people opt to lease their solar panels because they think the upfront costs will be lower. But when it comes to selling a house with leased solar panels, any initial savings pale in comparison to potential difficulties that can arise...
read more
The Energy-Efficient Roof: A Smart Investment
If your roof is doing its job properly, then you probably never give it much thought. But as we explained in our last post, you absolutely need a roof inspection prior to installing solar panels. That way, if your roof is showing signs of wear, you can make repairs...
read more
Vinyl Window Installation: Where to Start
If your home has drafty, single-pane aluminum windows, you're probably spending too much on your home energy bill. Single-pane aluminum windows are notoriously inefficient. They make it tough to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Even the...
read moreA Home Energy Efficiency Checklist For People Who Want to Save
A Home Energy Efficiency Checklist For People Who Want to Save Installing solar panels is a great way for homeowner to save big on their utility bills. But some homeowners hesitate over the cost. (Of course, you could always seek financing—getting a loan may be easier...
read moreWhy a Whole-Home Energy Solution Is Even Better Than Solar
Why a Whole-Home Energy Solution Is Even Better Than Solar Solar panels come with lots of great benefits. With solar, you can save money on your energy bills. If you purchase your solar panels instead of leasing them, you’ll realize an outstanding return on your...
read more
Options for Solar Financing in San Diego
When you purchase a solar panel system, you’ll save money on your power bill for years to come. You may even be able to get your bill down to zero. And as an added bonus, you’ll be tapping in to clean, renewable energy. But some homeowners haven’t made the switch to...
read moreInsulation for Energy Efficiency
Feeling a little chilly indoors? You could just crank up the heat, but that would also crank up your energy bill. The smart play is to examine areas where your home is losing heat and beef up the insulation in those spots. It’s all part of creating a well-sealed...
read moreVinyl Replacement Windows are Perfect For San Diego
Imagine it’s a blustery autumn evening in San Diego and you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home when you feel a draft. What are your options? Shiver in silence Put on a sweater Turn up the heat In fact, you have a fourth option: Find the cause of the draft and fix it....
read moreStart Your Solar Panel Project with an In-Person Consultation. Here’s Why.
Some of the major players in the solar industry—let’s call them Big Solar—will give you a quote on a solar panel project based on what they can see of your property via Google Earth. Worse yet, some companies may tell you that your property can’t support solar,...
read moreWhat Shorter Days Mean for Solar Panel Systems
Solar panel systems generate power all year round, but they're more efficient at some times than at others. Here in Southern California, the weather is still warm and the sun is still shining, but the days are getting shorter and shorter. Time to Fall Back We set the...
read moreWe’re Award Winners!
RC Energy Solutions is honored to be recognized as a 2015 Best Business of San Marcos in the Solar Installation category. We thank the Best Businesses of San Marcos Award Program for the award. We're proud to play a role in "making the San Marcos area a great place to...
read moreWhy Net Energy Metering Matters
In our last post, we explored the pros and cons of buying your solar panels instead of renting. Buying a solar panel system allows you to save even more money on your power bill than you would by leasing. And some of these additional savings come from a practice known...
read moreShould You Buy Or Lease Solar Panels? The Answer May Surprise You
Solar Lease Vs Buy Solar has reached critical mass, especially in sunny San Diego. Last year, nearly 195,000 solar installations were completed, with a new installation taking place every 2.5 minutes. And thanks to the Solar Investment Tax Credit, solar installation...
read moreThe Home Energy Consult: Why You Need One
Unless your home is brand spanking new, you're probably wasting energy through inefficiency. Solar power is a great way to reduce your energy bills, but you won't get as much bang for your buck if your home is energy-inefficient at the outset. Drafty windows and...
read moreRiverside County Residents: Don’t Miss Out on New Solar Rebate!
We have great news for customers of RPU in Riverside County: You can now receive a rebate for installing a solar panel system! The incentive amount is $0.50 per watt AC, and there is no cap on rebate amounts for residential systems. But the program’s funds are...
read more
