Full Service Electrical & Solar Contracting
Call Us to Light Your Way 760-751-1900
SunWave Solar will make the switch to solar simple by walking you through all the steps to get the best-suited, most efficient solar system for your home or office.
Your system will save you money immediately, as you save on ever-increasing energy bills.
Catch the solar wave!
There are many benefits to getting solar energy with SunWave Solar and San Diego solar installation may see these benefits: reduced electricity bill, home/business property value increase, creation of energy use, tax benefits via government programs, more sustainable living.
With SDG&E rates on the rise, it is never a better time to see what system is a fit for you.
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How solar works:
When people refer to solar electricity, most often they are referring to a “grid-tied” system, which means it is tied in where your home connects to your utility electrical grid. The wonder of these systems is that the electrical “grid” of your existing electric utility is used like a giant rechargeable battery. The utility will buy power from you at peak and part peak rates during the day when your system is generating, and you will buy power from the utility at low rates during the evening when your PV system is off line. This all happens automatically and silently, so you don’t even have to think about it.
The most common system is mounted directly onto your roof, but if you do not have enough roof space, there are a variety of other ways to install a system utilizing the land or other structures on your property. We at SunWave Solar can help you determine the most efficient system and placement for your home or business.
Solar FAQs
We have compiled a few of our frequently asked questions below. If you have a question that is not answered here or elsewhere on our site, contact us today!​
How long does a solar electric system take to pay for itself?
A full financial evaluation will determine the pay-back for you based on a host of factors. Often we find that a smaller system coupled with long term conservation investments: more attic insulation, higher efficiency appliances, LED and fluorescent lighting, and hybrid pool pumps, leads to the shortest payback term. Given SunWave Solar’s pricing, tax incentives and rebates, and careful site evaluation most customers can enjoy payback in under 7 years.
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How do I apply for all the solar rebates and incentives?
We will assist you in all phases of rebates. As for tax incentives, check with your tax professional to help you take advantage of federal tax credits.
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Should I reroof before I go solar?
We will assess your roof with a professional licensed roofer and determine the feasibility of a rooftop mount. Since we stand behind your roof penetrations for 10 years, we do everything to keep you and your home dry inside. Our installations always require stripping your roof area under the array and re-roofing around the new stand-offs. Whether a larger area needs to be re-roofed will be determined by the roofer.
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How much space is required for my system?
A good rule of thumb is 100 sq. ft. of roof or ground area for each kW of system size. The average system size in the US is around 3.5kW.
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How is the solar energy stored?
It’s not. During the day, you will use the solar energy in your home. If you produce more than you are using, you will sell that power back to the power company in the form of a credit. Then you buy it back at night or on days when you use a lot of energy. If you produce more than you use on average for the month, the extra amount carries over to the next month.
In California, and most other states, annual net metering is the law. Feed-in tariffs allow over-producers to be paid for extra power they generate.
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What happens when the power goes out?
Most solar systems are grid-tied. Automatic anti-islanding features prevent production of power when the grid is down to protect power company employees working on the lines. If power outages are a large concern, we can design and install battery or generator back-up systems for you.
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What maintenance is required?
Not much. Normal wind-borne dirt should be rinsed off twice a year. Leaves, bird poop, and frisbees MUST GO.
What about thin film solar and other emerging solar technologies?
Thin film panels need much more area to produce the same electricity as SolarWorld modules. Their flexibility and smaller size do allow them to be built into places our modules can’t fit. Solar roof shingles are also an option. The major hold back on both these technologies is their efficiency. They produce a fraction of the energy a panel will and therefore are not a great investment yet.
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I live in a Condo; can I get solar?
Solar energy systems are separated 100% by your electric meter. SunWave Solar will have the answers to all of your questions concerning how solar works on condos. Usually the hard part is how much roof you can have for your system and whether your home owners association (HOA) will continue to maintain the roof. In California, there are specific laws that deal with solar and HOAs.
