Resources and Information
Solar Articles
Solar Tax Credit Extended 2 More Years
The federal solar tax credit is extended two more years. Take advantage of the higher solar tax credit this year than was anticipated.
Net Energy Metering is Changing
The net energy metering program in California will likely change to a new program at the end of 2021. People considering solar systems for their homes will likely benefit by installing solar in 2021 with the current version of net energy metering (NEM 2.0)
Recent Articles
Solar Tax Credit Extended 2 More Years
The federal solar tax credit is extended two more years. Take advantage of the higher solar tax credit this year than was anticipated.
Net Energy Metering is Changing
The net energy metering program in California will likely change to a new program at the end of 2021. People considering solar systems for their homes will likely benefit by installing solar in 2021 with the current version of net energy metering (NEM 2.0)
Battery Backup
In general, an existing solar system can be upgraded to add battery backup. However, it is expensive and SunWork does not install batteries at this time.
Installing batteries for backup purposes can cost $15,000 to $30,000
Net Metering – How Utilities Pay You For Your Solar Energy
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid” according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Net Metering is short for Net Energy Metering (NEM). NEM basics: During the day, your solar system generates energy. When you’re away, most of your solar energy
Community Choice Energy – Good for the Environment & for Solar Customers
Community Choice Energy (CCE) programs are rolling out throughout California, which in the Bay Area will replace PG&E as the supplier of electricity for most residence and business. PG&E is still responsible for transmission, distribution and billing,
Home Electrification
Home electrification is the process of switching from fossil fuel based electricity sources to renewable and carbon-free electricity sources. Once you go solar, making the switch to “all electric” is very cost effective since you’ll be producing your own electricity.
Guide to Fossil Free Homes
This guide from Menlo Spark provides information about moving to an all-electric, low-carbon, clean home by replacing your natural gas appliances with electric appliances.
Solar and Electric Vehicles (PV + EV)
With a rooftop solar system generating clean energy, and an EV using clean energy, you can enjoy a superb alternative to dirty expensive electricity and dirty expensive transportation at the same time.
Electrification of Home Heating/Cooling
Heating and cooling your house is one of those things you don’t think much about until the temperature starts to dip in the winter months or peak in the summer months.
Software Tools
There are several online tools available to help you determine what kind of solar system size and design might work best for a given project.
SunThink!
SunThink! is a computer application SunWork built as a resource for designing solar systems. It gives an accurate and all-embracing picture of the solar resource available for a particular project site, and it aids in determining the system size needed to meet specific solar system design goals.
PVWatts Calculator
Online calculator created by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. It estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected PV systems at a specific address.
Project Sunroof
Project Sunroof is a great resource for going solar. Using Google maps, this calculator shows the best roof space for the solar system and how many square feet are available.
More Going Solar Resources
Solar Purchasing Tips and Resources
Check this list of the top 10+ tips to use when researching going solar. Also included are suggestions for how to find a solar installer near you.
EnergySage Marketplace
The EnergySage Marketplace gets you quotes online from multiple, pre-screened local installers and helps you compare offers. When homeowners go solar using this link, SunWork receives funds...
Free Going Solar Workshops
Join our free online webinar to learn how to install solar energy systems. Then volunteer on solar energy projects in your community.
Learn the basics of installing rooftop solar energy systems by volunteering with SunWork. This 3-hour online event teaches the basics of rooftop solar, solar equipment, electricity, and construction safety. This orientation is a great opportunity to learn about clean renewable energy.
Once you’ve completed this training, you are eligible to join us to install residential and nonprofit solar systems in your community. Volunteers work together with SunWork’s professional staff, attaching racking, running conduit, hanging inverters, and mounting the solar panels that make a solar system tick. Some of our volunteers leverage this experience toward a career in solar energy. Others plan to install solar on their own homes. Most volunteers enjoy supporting the expansion of clean renewable energy and helping provide solar energy for their communities. Please see our Bay Area and Central Coast web pages for the communities we serve.
Requirements:
-This orientation session will be conducted online using Zoom. The session requires you to have access to a Smartphone, Tablet, or Computer with the Zoom App installed. Ideally, you will also have a camera available on your device.
-You must participate in the entire webinar at the time it is conducted (sorry, no time-shifting option.)
-You must be 18 or older to volunteer (or if 16 or 17, with parent or guardian permission.)
