City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Attain Energy Independence with Solar Panels

Is solar energy right for me?

When you live in a region with nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, the answer is probably “yes.” Solar installations are most effective and productive in the climate we enjoy here in Southern Nevada, and that’s why there are nearly 40,000 solar installations across the state. Furthermore, when you install a SunPower by Today’s Energy Store home solar system, you can lower your monthly energy bill by investing in green energy.

The Solar Energy Industries Association states that Nevada is in the top three of all 50 states for solar power installations. For years the annual growth rate was nearly 50 percent. Since 2010, solar energy prices have dropped by more than 70 percent, so customers can save tens of thousands of dollars as growth levels remain steady and are predicted to remain so.

SunPower’s panels manufactured with Maxeon solar cells produce more energy over a 25-year period than conventional panels. They are aesthetically pleasing with sleek, modern designs that mesh well with any architectural roofing style, engineered for durability to survive decades of rain, snow, wind, or hail. From a global perspective, a move to renewable energy will help reduce atmospheric carbon emissions, staving off global warming.

Installing solar panels is one of the best ways a homeowner can reduce or even eliminate their monthly energy bill while being more environmentally friendly. Panels can be added without extensive system reconfigurations because the system is so straightforward. The ideal roof faces south or west and has a pitch of about 30 degrees, but roofs that don’t meet these specifications can still produce large amounts of solar energy.

Today’s solar panels generate power through a photovoltaic effect, which means “light into electricity.” A solar panel is made up of a number of these cells that harness energy. When sunlight hits the panel, the semiconductor knocks electrons loose, generating an electric current that is fed into a home’s power supply or stored in a battery for later use. It produces more energy at sunrise, sunset, and on cloudy days. It can even be redirected into the electricity grid.

Solar energy delivers a range of benefits on multiple levels. SunPower’s leasing program offers solar energy for as little as $.08 per kWh, a savings of up to 30 percent over utility-provided electricity. And the lease lets customers lock in their rate at a fixed monthly rate.

Because harnessing energy from the sun is basically free, customers can see reductions in their monthly bills right away and may also see tax credits and rebates to offset some of the initial costs of installation. Solar panels can also increase a home’s resale value by protecting the roof from harsh weather conditions and saving future homeowners the installation cost.

In addition to installing the No. 1 ranked solar panels on your roof, SunPower offers Tesla’s Powerwall rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which charges throughout the day to power your home in the evening and into the night. As a SunPower Master Dealer, they are a locally owned business that has been serving Henderson and Las Vegas since 2008. And they have over 750 industry patents, more than any other solar manufacturer to date.

Their professional team assists throughout the entire transition to solar process, first with an energy audit and a quote to install, then with maintenance and customer support with a commitment to moving homeowners toward a greener, smarter, and more efficient life. Customer care is one of SunPower’s central focuses. Responsiveness, respect, clarity, and accessibility are just a few of the characteristics they aim to exhibit in every project.

A better warranty starts with a better product. Every part of a SunPower Equinox System is precisely designed to work perfectly together and is thoroughly tested for long-term reliability. It’s the only solar warranty to cover your whole system [not just the panels] and ensures product quality and the highest power production in the industry. The SunPower Complete Confidence warranty is the best warranty you may never have to use.

If you reside in or around Clark County or Nye County and want to join the many Nevada homeowners who have decided to switch to solar.

“Call or drop in any time with questions or concerns,” says Marc Hale, President & Chief Executive Officer. “Our local sales and installation teams are here to help, and we can provide a free quote to get you started on your way to energy independence.”

Businesses featured in this article