Solar Plans Must Be Submitted with the Building Permit Application!

California has long been a leader in solar and renewable energy. To reach its goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045, it needs to triple its solar power capacity. To accomplish this, the state has passed several laws, including the California solar mandate, requiring all new homes built in 2020 and beyond to have rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. This system must be able to generate all the energy the home needs over the course of a year.

Now, in Sonoma County, a new regulation regarding solar power took effect on October 1, 2024. It's the reason why your new build needs complete solar plans when you submit your permit.

Here, we'll explore the details, how it's affecting new builds, and how the team at Summit Technology Group can help. Keep reading to find out!

Create Your Ideal Outdoor Media Setup in Time

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, it's the perfect time to set up your outdoor speaker system. Whether you love hosting outdoor gatherings, relaxing in your backyard with music, or enhancing your patio with ambient sound, an outdoor audio setup can transform your Coeur d'Alene, Idaho space.

Before cold weather limits your outdoor time, here are some key steps to ensure your outdoor speaker system is ready for any season.

SEE ALSO: Discover The Importance of Home Wiring Services

The Promise – and Limitations – of Solar Energy

Solar panels have become very popular as a supplemental energy source for various reasons. For many, adopting a clean, renewable energy source helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels. For others, government and utility subsidies provide a powerful incentive to make the necessary up-front investment. And for those in areas where the energy grid might be unstable in weather events or high-usage times, solar provides an effective backup. But if you're thinking that solar power is your gateway to energy independence, solar panel systems alone may not be enough. Here's why.

Keep the Power on No Matter the Weather

Today, we tend to take our everyday lives for granted as technology leads us to quiet expectations. We expect the lights to turn on when we flip a switch, the TV to turn on when we press a button, and our cars to start when our fobs tell it to.

It is said that we don't realize we'll miss something until it's gone. There is no more true statement than when it comes to our home's electricity. One of the first thoughts racing through our mind is, "How long will it be out, and should I get ice for the refrigerator?"

When it happens during the holidays or in the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that lasts for days, the effects can be much worse. Now, you're faced with unhappy guests, no entertainment, and a household without heat or air conditioning. If you live in a smart home, much of your interconnectivity and the ability to manage your house is gone.

There is, however, a solution. It's called a backup generator, and it's designed for moments such as these, running your critical appliances and HVAC system. Here, we'll explore why more homeowners in Santa Rosa, CA, are turning to these generators in preparation for potential power outages.