Electricity. Direct from the sun.
Sustainable energy (energy not reliant on fossil fuels such as oil, gas or coal) is the long-term energy solution for California. The most viable energy solution for businesses and residences across California is the energy generated directly from the sun.
Solar electric, also known as photovoltaic power, has already proven its worth to hundreds of thousands of customers for over a decade. And thanks to the “Million Solar Roofs” bill that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law in the summer of 2006, millions of customers will be able to take advantage of increased tax breaks and opportunities to power their homes through the sun.
When you want to take the next step into the future of energy, Valley Solar is here for you. We deliver the full range of solar engineering resources — end-to-end design, installation, and servicing — to customers throughout Northern California.
Latest News
9/29/2008Do-It-Yourselfers Can Install with Valley Solar's Guidance
Valley Solar's design and installation team has helped to install solar electric systems for many customers who wish to do part of it themselves. Providing assistance in any step of the way, from helping design the right system to helping get the best cost for solar panels, Valley Solar works with homeowners to help them install their own systems.
One recent customer, Jeff Parkhurst, said, "Looking back, I could not have completed this task without Valley Solar's help. There was a lot more complexity in the wiring and the mounting structure than I was aware. The final building went very quickly and I am now the proud owner of a safe, functional PV solar system and lower PG&E bills. I would strongly recommend Valley Solar to anyone considering a PV system for their home."
9/25/2008Affordable Housing Gets Solar Electricity
The system will generate 20,500 kW of power each year, and is expected to offset the electricity costs that are usually paid for by Mercy Housing.
7/28/2008Valley Solar Begins Installation at Tracy DMV
The system is expected to generate approximately 19,000 kW of power each year, and is using BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) Unisolar panels. The project is slated to achieve LEED Gold certification.
5/12/2008Valley Solar Installs at 9 on F
More about the solar electric system installed by Valley Solar:
THE SOLAR PANELS
The ability to transform the sun into maximum power starts with good solar panels. The panels at 9 on F are Sanyo HIP 195 watt, made with HIT (Heterojunction with Intrisic Thin layer) solar cells. These single crytalline silicon hybrids are surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. What does that mean? Sanyo panels are among the most efficient panels in the industry that outperform normal silicon-based panels in Sacramento?s often-blistering heat.
THE INVERTER
The inverter is the heart of a solar electric system, taking the maximum available power from the solar panels and converting it as efficiently as possible to power a home or building. The inverters chosen for 9 on F are Oregon-manufactured PV Powered 2500 watt inverters, a top product for California, since this inverter can handle higher temperatures than others. Within this inverter?s alumminum case are the smallest part counts in the California market, an important aspect given the fact that it still gets top scores for efficiency.
THE INSTALLATION
One of the key elements of a solar electric system is the quality of its design and installation. A quality solar installation means never worrying about whether power is being generated. It means decades of power from the sun. Valley Solar?s installation at 9 on F is consistent with the work it does for every customer: custom-designed, created to give the most efficient power, installed to last. The 1.56 kilowatt system at 9 on F, over the next twenty-five years, is equivalent to planting nearly one acre of trees and offsetting more than 100,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.
Benefits of Solar Power
Solar energy has countless benefits, and thanks to new technologies and design, it is widely available to Californians.
Solar energy:
- Decreases your output of greenhouse gas
- Saves you money
- Allows you to take advantage of special refunds, tax breaks, and depreciation
- Limits, or eliminates, your reliance on electricity generated by coal-burning power plants
- Increases your property value
- Is a low-maintenance power solution
- Gives you independence in powering your home or business
- Hedges you against future electric bill increases (over the past 30 years, energy from power companies has increased an average of six percent a year)