Alternatives for Going Solar in Antioch

Choosing to “go green” by going solar in Antioch has never been more important; nor has it been easier. You can reduce the skyrocketing costs of PG&E and their soaring utility bills by installing a Photovoltaic (PV) solar-electric system. Solar energy is rapidly becoming the typical method homeowners in the Bay Area use to power their homes. Diablo Solar has been providing solar energy services to Antioch’s residents for more than 28 years!
If your goal is to become energy independent, you have many options available from which to choose. With so much experience, you can depend upon Diablo Solar Services’ highly skilled Solar System Designers. We offer a no-cost in-home assessment to help us create the most effective solar-electric system obtainable. This provides you with many options when deciding to go solar in Antioch:

1. Make an outright purchase for the solar energy system. This option offers Antioch residents the highest savings. The PV systems installed today include a 25 year power production warranty on the panels (modules). Each system has an expected lifespan of up to 50 years!
2. Make delayed or deferred payments. One benefit of purchasing a system in this way is that the out of pocket costs can be partially recouped with the Federal Tax Credit of 30%. Diablo Solar offers Antioch residents a 6-18 month plan. There are options that offer a no interest and no payments, same as cash program (OAC) on the tax credit amount. This allows you to reduce out of pocket costs by the entire 30% allowable! The program is completely without cost and does not include interest or points.
3. Apply for a solar loan. Because we are a SunPower Elite Dealer, Diablo Solar is able to offer solar loans for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years. The loans start at 2.99% to 6.99% (OAC). Rather than using the equity in your home, these loans are unsecured; they offer monthly payments that are fixed, low and will not increase.

The above list illustrates the various ways Diablo Solar can install a Photovoltaic (PV) solar-electric system for Antioch homeowners. When it comes to obtaining a solar-electric system, you may choose to purchase the system outright, apply for a loan or get a multi-year lease. No matter how you pay for the system, it is clear now is the perfect time to go solar in Antioch.

Consider the Ways to Go Solar in Brentwood

Braden Gough

            Solar electric systems, also known as Photovoltaic (PV) systems, can seem expensive at first look.  For those interested in going solar in Brentwood, this is one of the first things they notice when researching the topic. Their next step is to search out options how to install the system. Many will choose to forego purchasing a system all together. It is important to realize purchasing a solar energy system is a major investment in your home and it is possible to get financing. Once homeowners realize financing is available, they see the prospect of purchasing a PV system as being accessible. They also realize that installing the system now will likely save them money in the future.

How to Purchase a PV System

            The quickest and easiest way to go solar in Brentwood is to purchase a system of solar panels outright but then you have to have them installed. By going through an installation company like Diablo Solar, the cost of the system includes delivery and installation of the solar panels on the home’s roof. Before long, the system will begin to produce power and homeowners will see reduced PG&E bills.

It is expensive to purchase a solar system all at once, but it is possible for some homeowners. For those who cannot, the federal government offers an incentive for homeowners who would like to purchase a solar energy system for their home. The incentive, 30% of the cost of the system, is added as a bottom line tax credit on your next federal tax return. Homeowners purchasing a $20,000 solar system, including materials and installation, can expect to receive a $6,000 tax credit that is not a tax deduction and your income does not affect your eligibility. If you owe money, rather than getting a tax refund, the money will be taken from the amount owed. Knowing you will receive the tax credit on the PV system can make the price of the system seem less taxing to your wallet.

Financing Options for a PV System

            Spending a large amount of money for a solar system may be stressful, and not possible, for most homeowners. Where could they obtain the funding needed for a large purchase? Most people turn to financial institutions and luckily there are financing options available because PV systems are becoming increasingly popular. Banks and solar installation companies may offer financing. If you are interested in going solar in Brentwood or one of the surrounding East Bay cities, look for an installer who has an established relationship with local bankers. They will help you go green and begin to produce your own electricity. Diablo Solar has been working with Provident Credit Union to provide no-collateral, 6.5% fixed-interest loans with approved credit. You may choose another option if you are able to obtain a home equity line of credit with lower interest or through your local bank with whom you have a relationship.

            No matter how you choose to purchase a solar energy system, financing it over years or a one-time purchase, the cost of the system is eligible for the 30% federal tax credit. Look for an installer who is able to work with various companies that offer incentives in order to get the best purchase price. You may find a financial institution that offers 0% interest, same-as-cash, and one-year loan for the tax credit amount. Homeowners are able to borrow a large portion of the total cost for the solar system and will not have to pay interest. When you receive the tax credit, pay the loan off and interest is not charged. Basically, you borrow the amount of the tax credit and pay it off so the money is never removed from your budget. It also makes it easier to finance the remaining portion of the system. For some homeowners, after financing in this manner, additional financing is not needed.

            Many home owners are able to obtain solar system with $0 money down option when they combine an installment loan with same-as-cash financing. You do not have to pay money up front. Diablo Solar will meet with you to design the right system for your home, and will install the system for free. You can expect your monthly loan payment to be less than your current PG&E payments, in effect you receive FREE SOLAR! Current PV systems come with a 25 year warranty on the solar modules (panels) and inverters. With the expected savings nearing tens of thousands of dollars for the life of the system, it really is a win-win choice.

            Perhaps you don’t have the money or self-assurance to make a one-time solar system purchase. Chances are you want to finance instead. In either case, now is the perfect time to get a solar energy system in the East Bay and Tri-Valley area. Diablo Solar has nearly 30 years of experience designing and installing solar system. We will provide a professionally installed PV system that will help reduce your current electrical bills. Use our zero-down financing option; buying a new solar energy system will be easy and cost-effective. It has never been easier to go solar in Brentwood, so don’t hesitate. Call us to schedule your free estimate today at (925) 313-0600 or if you prefer, send an email to us at info@diablosolar.com. We want to help you save money and a new solar system is the perfect way to do it!

The Case for Using Solar Power in Antioch?

Braden Gough, Diablo Solar Services

            In today’s world, most people know about solar power in Antioch and the Bay Area cities surrounding it.  In most cases, they understand what solar power does in a general sense – there are panels that sit in the sunlight that produce electrical power when it is wired into the house. The electrical power provides electricity for the home without using it from the local electric company’s power grid. As a homeowner, you may wonder if there are the advantages of using solar right now. Are there reasons why it would be better to wait? Is using photovoltaic (solar electric) panels worth the extra cost to install? In most cases, the answers to these questions are yes. Following are some reasons you may want to go solar at your home.

• A renewable, clean energy source

For those interested in protecting the environment, you can’t get a better, cleaner way to produce power. Solar energy technology has improved with most photovoltaic systems lasting for least 30 – 40 years, sometimes many years past that time. With proper care, they will continue to produce power during their functional lives. As an added benefit, solar panels will not produce emissions of any kind while converting the sun’s light to electricity to power your home. There are also no moving parts which mean there is little to maintain.

• See a reduction in utility bills

With solar panels, you are able to create electricity for your house and don’t need to use the electrical power from your local power company. An additional benefit is that most power companies will buy back excess power your solar energy system produces that your household does not immediately use. This will result in giving you a credit for those times of overproduction. Since you cannot expect your solar panels to produce electricity while it is dark or cloudy, you can use the credits to offset any electricity you use from the power company during those times.

• Receive financial incentives

The federal government is concerned with the environment and offers a 30% tax credit for anyone installing a new solar system. If you purchase a new solar system, you can claim 30% of the total cost of the system on your next tax return as a bottom line addition on your return. You do not have to qualify for this tax credit because it is not a tax deduction. Your income also has no effect on whether you can receive it. This amount is an addition to any tax rebate you receive or it will be taken off of the amount you owe the year’s federal government.

• Get a better price on better technology

Photovoltaic cells have improved over the years due to research and development efforts of solar cell manufacturers. They are more efficient than in the past and cost considerably less to produce. The homeowner benefits because installing a new solar energy system takes less out of your budget than ever before and the system will provide more energy than previous systems. These improvements allow you to recoup the cost of your investment quicker than you would have been able to in previous years.

• Receive lower interest rates

Solar power in Antioch is making waves in several industries including the financial sector. More banks, credit unions and financial brokers are loaning money for solar energy systems than ever before. Since more financing is available, homeowners are able receive low interest rates whether they choose to use an unsecured loan or borrow against their home’s equity. Rather than paying a large amount at installation for their solar system, homeowners can pay a monthly payment that is often less than what they were paying for their monthly electric payment. In some cases, you can also finance the cost so you do not pay upfront costs and have a great solar system without paying a down payment and still owe less each month than your prior electric bill.

More and more people are beginning to take advantage of financing for a new solar system. Diablo Solar Services sees people receive quicker payback for their investment with better technology than the past. They are also receiving more support from local power companies than in previous years. We can help you start producing electricity with your own solar system whether you want solar power in Antioch or Brentwood. An expertly installed solar system, that is also reasonably priced, can make your change to solar a pleasant experience. Diablo Solar Services has been installing solar electric systems for over 15 years. We understand what it takes to do the job quickly and will treat you professionally. Contact us at info@diablosolar.com or call us at 925-313-0600 to set up an appointment for a free estimate. We look forward to serving you.