Why Solar?
Solar power make sense! Advances in photovoltaic technology combined with generous local, state, and federal rebates and tax credits have made today’s solar electric systems cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable than ever before.
Stop writing checks to the utility company!
Whether you own a home, a small business, or a large commercial/agricultural operation, you probably write a large check to your utility company every month. Over time, those checks can add up to a lot of money—tens of thousands of dollars a month if you own a large organization.
Make Energy Inflation Work For You
When you purchase a solar energy system, it’s like buying 30-45 years of energy at a fixed, predetermined cost—locking in power at a fraction of the current charges and preventing future rate hikes. Plus, as energy costs rise, the more the energy you produce is worth—and the more you save! In fact, if you produce more energy than you use, your meter will actually spin backward, generating credits with the utility company.
Invest in Your Home or Business
More than just green, a solar electric system from Granite Bay Energy is a valuable investment in your home or business that can pay for itself many times over—freeing up cash for other activities. Over the lifetime of a solar power system, typically 45 years, it can pay for itself on most structures 6 or more times.
Increase Property Values
A well designed solar system will also increase your property value. According to a study published in The Appraisal Journal, every dollar saved in annual energy costs results in an increase of $10-25 in net home value. That means that if your current utility bill is $200, your home will increase in value by $24,000 to $60,000—none of which is subject to property tax in California.
Enjoy Tremendous Satisfaction
Plus, when you power your home or business with solar or other renewable energy technologies, you are helping cut our dependence on foreign oil, as well as reducing pollution and harmful emissions. The typical non-solar home produces 350 tons of greenhouse gases over a 25-year period.
Solar FAQ
- Q: How do I know if solar is right for my home or business.
- A: The best way is to contact one of our representatives for a free, no-obligation site evaluation. You may also estimate the size, cost, and savings of a new system using a solar estimator. At this time, solar power technology has achieved a point in its development where almost any building has enough roof or ground space to generate sufficient electrical power to meet the needs of all or most of its occupants.
- Q: How long do solar electric systems last?
- A: Because solar electric systems are made from high-impact tempered glass, have no moving parts, and require very little maintenance, they can operate for 40-50 years—paying back the initial investment many times over!
- Q: Do your solar systems come with a warranty?
- A: Yes. In the event that something ever does go wrong, all of our photovoltaic panels come with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. In addition, Granite Bay Energy covers all other parts of the system—including roof mounts, conduit, and every last nut and bolt — for 10 years.
- Q: Do I have to pay for the system up front?
- A: That depends on your method of financing. For more information about financing options, visit our Financing page.
- Q: How long will it take to pay for itself?
- A: Again, that depends on your method of financing and the size of your current utility bill.
- Q: What are the key components of a solar power system?
- A: There are five basic components:
- Solar Modules convert sunlight to electrical power. Typically, Granite Bay Energy professionals mount them in a steel frame attached to the roof of a home or commercial property or ground-mount them on a piece of land close to the site.
- The Inverter (or power converter) converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar modules to alternating current (AC), the same type of electrical power supplied to homes and businesses from the utility grid.
- Power travels from the inverter to the breaker box, or electrical service panel, where it is then distributed throughout the home or business for use.
- When the solar electric system produces more power than you are currently using (for instance during a work day at a residence or over the weekend at a business), the excess electrical power will flow into the grid through a special bi-directional utility meter, effectively causing the meter to run backwards and generating a credit with the utility company that will offset future usage. This arrangement is known as net metering.
- The utility grid is the state and national infrastructure that links homes and businesses to electricity-generating assets. The grid automatically provides electricity when household or business demand exceeds solar production.
For more detailed information about how solar systems work, please visit our Resources page.