Popular Questions

No two projects are considered the same. We tailor our services and teams to meet your project goal and budget, all while providing the highest level of customer service in the most efficient manner.

1. How do I get started?

The first thing Santa Cruz Renewables will do for you, is design a solar system to meet your current energy needs. We provide a fully detailed proposal for free to review and see if solar is the best option for you.

2. Can I go off-grid with solar panels?

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, which is becoming the standard for all California homes in the near future.

3. How do I know if my solar system is sized appropriately

We use the most advanced proposal software in the marketplace today. Our numbers are accurate and our clients have continuously been impressed month after month, year after year.

4. How long does the whole process take?

We always let our clients know that the entire process usually takes 6-8 weeks from when the contract is signed until you have received your final Permission To Operate email from PG&E.

5. Are their any other rebates or incentives being offered by the state or federal government

The current Federal Tax Credit is available for a 26% deduction off the total solar system price. If you are purchasing a solar battery storage system, their is a SGIP incententive rebate provided by PG&E. Please ask us for further details.

General Questions

We understand that our clients need to be confident in what we are saying and the information we are providing. That is why we always try to share the solar information and knowledge we have gained over the years. We are here to educate you, not just sell you solar.

1.What are the enviromental benefits from solar energy?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

2. What is NET metering?

Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies differ from state to state – from Massachusetts to California – so make sure to do your homework ahead of time.

3. How does solar impact my property value?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

4. How do solar panels actually work?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.

5. Do my solar panels produce energy when the sun is not shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.

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