[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617917216888{margin-bottom: 24px !important;}"]An electric generator converts mechanical energy from an external source to electrical energy. Generators are a godsend to families during power outages.

A backup generator can power all the major appliances used in your household, and your home’s heat and medical equipment when you are not connected to the grid. If you live in an area plagued by power outages, a backup generator can help avoid inconvenience and losses during power blackouts.

Before you start looking for a residential generator, educate yourself on the different options available. Equipped with the right information and knowledge, you will be able to choose the right generator for your home.

To help you get started, we take a look at different types of generators used in homes.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Whole House Generators[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1617917243949{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]As the name implies, a whole house generator will keep your home’s systems and appliances powered up during power outages. Alternatively, a whole-house system can be used to supply power to a few designated circuits.

A whole house generator is permanently installed and provides power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the event of a power outage, your whole house generator will start supplying emergency backup power within seconds.

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]Home security is a major concern in the U.S. According to a study, around 2.5 million burglaries are reported every year in different parts of the country.

That’s almost 5 burglaries every minute! You or one of your family members can monitor different areas of your property when at home, but what happens when no one is home?A home security system allows you to keep an eye on your house from any part of the world. Most burglars look for an easy target, a property with no or minimum security. Installing a home security system is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars and intruders.

Modern security systems do more than just protecting homes. An advanced security system may include protection sensors designed to alert owners to safety risks such as carbon monoxide leaks or fire breakouts.

There are two ways to install a home security system – you can either take the DIY route or hire a home security system installer near you in Sonoma County.We advise against DIY security system installation. Some jobs are best left to the experts. Installing a security system is one of them.

How your home security system is installed has a major impact on its performance. One of the biggest perks of professional installation is greater assurance that your home security system will be installed correctly. Home security system installation companies employ knowledgeable experts who know everything there is to know about security systems. They use time-tested techniques to ensure flawless execution.

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]Summer is already here. As temperatures soar, you will have numerous opportunities to entertain outside with BBQ parties, family gatherings, and outdoor parties. If you want to enhance the way you entertain in your outside living spaces, consider installing an outdoor audio and video system.

An outdoor AV system is a great long-term investment. Modern outdoor AVs are built to withstand the elements and can last for years. You will always have entertainment at hand even when you cannot leave your house.

When adding an AV system to your outdoor area, you do not have to change your decor. If you want widespread sound coverage, consider installing multiple landscape speakers throughout the backyard. Look for speakers that blend into the surroundings. Opt for compact and lightweight below-ground subwoofers.

Use in-wall and in-ceiling speakers designed to provide enveloping sound experience without consuming too much space. Look for wall mounts, special outdoor TV cabinets, and lifts to conceal large-screen TVs when they are not in use.

Another great reason to opt for an outdoor AV is to seamlessly integrate with your home’s automation and smart technologies. Look for an audiovisual installation company near you to integrate your AV equipment into your existing setup. With an integrated setup, you will be able to access streaming movies and music, vinyl records, the radio, and audiobooks from any area in your home.

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]Santa Rosa, CA, May 18th 2o2o: Summit Technology Group (STG) today announced that they will be continuing to give back to the community.
The Community Outreach program began in the Spring of 2019 and continues into 2020.

“My father started this company in Santa Rosa over 50 years ago,” says Larry Dashiell, President at Summit Technology Group. “It is very important that we continue to support the community that has been supporting us all this time.”

“Each month we support a different community partner,” says Donna Natale, Human Resource Manager at STG. “While we may not be able to do large in person groups, we are finding creative ways to continue to give back even with the unique circumstances of shelter in place. One of those ways is by providing every one of our 65 employees with a gift card to a local restaurant which helps our employees and community.”

Over the past year, STG has donated hundreds of volunteer hours, over 700# of food, helped build houses, and made many memories. Everyone knows that employees are the backbone of a company and now that they are impacted yet again by a disaster, STG is also taking care of them by:

• Avoiding layoffs by temporarily decreasing hours
• Providing extended family leave days
• Offering online training so employees are guaranteed at least 32 hours/wk
• Supplying PPE for essential field employees
• Setting up remote work capabilities for most employees

Summit Technology Group has grown from a small electrician service to a large systems contractor, all thanks to the support of its community and employees.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_lead="yes"]About Summit Technology Group: Summit Technology Group is the largest and most experienced Technology, Electric and Renewables Systems Contractor in Sonoma, Napa and Marin Counties. We have the capable professionals to design, manage and install electronic systems projects of any size, residential and commercial. We focus on designing systems that meet your specific needs. We call it “Technology for your lifestyle”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]A few small changes in everyday life can help you save dramatically on your power. These changes do not cost a dime, but they can add up to real-time energy savings over time. Listed below are a few tips from expert electrical contractors in Sonoma County that you can try to save energy, save money, and reduce your family’s impact on the environment.

1) Turn Off Fans When You Exit a RoomThis is a no-brainer. Fans do not work like air conditioners in that they do not cool a room. Fans blow still air, which often feels cool across your skin. In fact, the motor on your fans adds more heat to the room, making it sensible for you to turn it off when you leave a room.

How to do so? As with the lights and electronics, when you leave a room, be sure to turn off the fan too. This not only helps save energy but also sets a good example for the younger generation to follow.

2) Drop Window Shades and Close Drapes During DaytimeWhen you drop the window shades during the day, it helps keep the sunlight out and thus cools the house considerably. During winter, doing the reverse would help let sunshine seep in.

How to do so? Moving your furniture around each season will not only give your house a new look but also is a neat way to take advantage of the sun or to avoid the sun. For instance, setting a table by a large French window makes way for a cozy spot to enjoy your breakfast on a chilly winter day.

3) Wash and Rinse Your Clothes in Cold WaterMost Americans are unaware of the fact that 90% of the energy that is used to wash clothes is in fact toward heating water.

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]Like most parts of the US, California’s energy industry has been in a constant state of transformation. This has been catalyzed by a dramatic increase in clean energy owing to multitude of technological innovations. The state has been in the limelight for its efforts in increasing the storage and use of renewable energy so as to meet climate goals.

Pacific Gas & Electric has joined hands with the state in its many efforts to bring down greenhouse emissions and fight climate change. While the Trump administration decided to roll back its efforts to combat climate change, California has a different take and is actively fighting global warming.

In an effort to make this a reality, the Governor of California also signed a new climate change law. This bill requires that at least 50% of the state’s electricity will be powered by renewable resources by the year 2025 and at about 60% by the year 2030. California strives hard to achieve its goal of entirely relying on zero emission energy sources for all its electricity needs by the year 2045. It also hopes to achieve carbon neutrality, which means that it is looking for ways to remove as much carbon dioxide from its atmosphere that it emits, by the very same year. This is not going to be easy and will not be immediate, but it is something they intend to achieve.

California is not alone in this pursuit. Hawaii too has established the same ambitious goal of 10% renewable electricity by the time 2045 rears its head.

While this may seem like a goal that is hard to achieve, energy storage systems can help achieve this as could a well-connected transmission grid. In fact, many cities across the US have already attained 100% renewable electricity. This includes Burlington, Vermont; Aspen, Colorado; and Georgetown in Texas.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_lead="yes"]It is time that each of us take a small step toward shifting to renewable energy and to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. If you are keen on reducing carbon footprint, and are looking for renewable energy companies in Petaluma, look no further than Summit Technology Group. We possess a wealth of knowledge about renewable energy systems for not just homes, but also for businesses. Call us today at 707-542-4773 for more details.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]Solar power systems are usually long-lasting, and they can serve you for as long as 30 to 35 years. In the meantime, these power systems can help you generate ample savings on your electricity bills. Since solar power systems have such a long life, many homeowners usually have questions about its impact on their home roof.

If you are also facing issues with your home roof, and are confused about whether or not to replace your roof before going solar, then you are not alone! Fortunately, you can avail the help of nearby solar companies to help you come to a decision regarding replacing your roof.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Should You Look for Roof Replacement Before Going Solar?[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602272078043{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]It is extremely important for you to have your roof evaluated by experts before installing solar panels in order to make sure it can withstand solar power system installation, especially if your home roof is old. However, if your roof is within 7 to 10 years away from needing replacement, it is imperative that you call out an expert to assess the state of your roof.

It is important for you to know that re-roofing is commonly done together with a solar installation. Most solar companies don’t usually provide roofing services, even though there are some exceptions. Solar power systems are more durable than most roofing materials, but it is usually recommended to get your home roof replaced before installing these solar panels.

However, if you pair your roof replacement with the solar power installation process, it will extend the lifetime of the roof portion that is covered by the solar systems.

Another major benefit of pairing roof replacement and solar power installation is you are installing a new roof before going solar, which minimizes the chance of needing are-roofing during the lifespan of your solar power system. This way, you can save money in the long run by eliminating the costs associated with re-roofing and re-installing solar panels on your roof.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]What’s the Solar Power System Removal Cost If You Need Roof Replacement?[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602272028290{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]If you have a solar power system already installed on your roof, and you run into a roofing issue, you will be liable to pay the labor costs that are associated with taking the solar panels off your home roof, and installing them back. Unfortunately, it’s tough to give specifics on these labor costs, as they vary from solar installers to roofing companies.

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]We all know that solar energy is renewable, plentiful, and sustainable; and with solar power costs going down each year, many homeowners are now switching to solar energy. As a matter of fact, solar power offers many incredible benefits to homeowners, and for this reason, solar power systems are becoming more and more popular throughout California and the United States.

Fortunately, there are many companies that are offering amazing deals on solar power systems, and you can choose the best deal to make your home solar-powered. However, if you're facing any problems with the installation of solar power systems, you can consider consulting professional services of solar panel installation in Marin County to get your solar power system installed at your home.

Solar power is the cleanest form of energy, and installing a solar power system at your home can offer you countless benefits. Some of the major benefits of switching to solar electricity are listed below.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602272227434{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]

1. Can Be More Affordable – One of the major benefits of using a solar power system is that it is potentially less pricey than the conventional supply systems. It is also important for you to know that the solar panels have the capacity to generate and supply energy for as long as they are maintained and kept in proper conditions.

2. Low Monthly Energy Bills – Another major benefit of installing a solar power system at your home is that it can significantly lower your monthly energy bills alongside cutting down your daily electricity consumption by as much as 70%. It means that installing solar panels will eventually help you to save money on your annual energy bills in the long run.

3. Increased Home Value – Installing a solar power system on your home will eventually enhance the overall value of your residential property. It is important for you to know that unlike aesthetic upgrades, solar power systems never go out of style, and hence, you can invest in solar power systems to make your home go solar.

4. Environment Friendly – We all know that solar energy is a natural form of energy, and hence, it is harmless for our environment. This eco-friendly nature of solar power systems is the major reason for their continually rising popularity. Solar energy is clean and renewable, and therefore, it is encouraged worldwide.

5. Prevents Noise Pollution – At the time of installation and use, solar power systems are usually silent. Unlike other energy systems or devices, solar panels do not create any noise pollution.

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text]There are many people who have a disability, and require machines that help them breathe, eat, and move, among other things. These machines require electricity for optimal and seamless functioning. Each year, as summer approaches and brings along wildfire season, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) may be turning off power to prevent fires, and this can be extremely worrying for such vulnerable customers and their loved ones.

This move began after the devastating Camp Fire that led to mass destruction, and financially crippled the company, which then filed for bankruptcy (PG&E equipment had a role to play in starting the wildfire).

When the power goes off, a backup battery or generator can provide backup for just a few hours or even days, and loved ones would have to transport these vulnerable customers to emergency rooms.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]PG&E Shut-Off Plan[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1632556141455{margin-top: 8px !important;}" uncode_shortcode_id="576270"]PG&E customers can enroll for the company’s assistance program that ensures customers get a two-day notice if the utility company is shutting off power. While this can be of help, it does not include all vulnerable residents in the service territory.The California Public Utilities Commission that regulates PG&E opined that the company should also explore wildfire prevention measures which could go a long way in preventing forced power shut down, and keep vulnerable customers safe. However, there is still a long way to go before this happens.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text_font="font-728346" text_size="h5" text_weight="600"]Alternate Solution for Customers[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1602272469669{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Rather than relying solely on PG&E for its electricity needs to power life-saving machinery and gadgets, customers can turn to a backup power company. This city is home to a number of solar energy companies, and is also renowned for its rooftop solar panels that are used ubiquitously by the residents of the city.

Sonoma County residents and business owners should consider installing rooftop solar panels offered by several renewable energy companies in Petaluma or look at other renewable energy sources available in the region to meet their electricity requirements when PG&E forces power outages.

While forced power outages are supposed to be the last resort, PG&E is not risking it due to the financial toll it experienced last year when California was struck down by the biggest wildfire in its history. The shut-off plan by the utility has been severely criticized, but this does not help vulnerable customers who need life-saving machinery to operate without a hitch.