5 Reasons Why Californians Should Go Solar in 2024

California, famous for its sunny weather and forward-thinking environmental rules, is at the forefront of embracing solar energy. As the state keeps its focus on sustainability and fighting climate change, an increasing number of Californians are thinking about switching to solar power. There are many advantages to making the switch to solar this year, such as the solar rebates available in California for 2024 and safeguarding against increasing electricity expenses. In this blog post, we'll delve into the top five reasons why opting for solar energy is a wise decision for people living in the Golden State.

Why Californians Should Go Solar in 2024?

Solar battery storage is a viable option under both NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0

In recent years, solar battery storage has gained popularity as a practical solution for energy needs. This popularity surge has been further propelled by the increasing affordability of solar battery storage, thanks to new incentives provided by the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Under the NEM 3.0 program, customers who choose to invest in solar panels coupled with battery storage stand to gain significant benefits. This combination not only enhances personal resilience during grid outages but also contributes to the overall resilience of the electrical grid, thus reducing the risk of grid failures.

Homeowners who have installed solar panels along with battery storage can receive compensation for releasing stored energy from their batteries during peak electricity demand periods, typically occurring in the evenings when solar power production is limited. Moreover, customers currently enrolled in the NEM 2.0 program have the flexibility to integrate battery storage into their existing solar systems and still retain the advantages offered by NEM 2.0.

Benefit from a 30% Solar Tax Credit in 2024

When you decide to install solar panels on your home in 2024, you become eligible to claim the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), also known as the federal solar tax credit, on your 2024 taxes. The ITC stands out as the premier solar incentive of 2024. It enables you to reduce your federal income tax liability by 30% of the total costs incurred for installing solar panels. For instance, if you invest $10,000 in a solar panel system, you qualify for a $3,000 tax deduction!

The discussion surrounding the solar panel tax credit and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been prevalent this year, as the IRA has introduced significant amendments to the ITC. Here's a comprehensive overview of what you need to understand about the IRA solar tax credit in 2024:

• The solar tax credit has been elevated to 30%.
• The 30% solar tax credit extension has been granted until 2032.
• Solar battery storage is now eligible for the IRA solar tax credit.

Keep Your Electricity Bills from Going Up

You might have noticed that electricity prices are going up pretty much everywhere, and it doesn’t look like they’ll come back down anytime soon. But don’t worry, there’s a smart way to protect yourself from these rising costs: by installing your own solar power system.

Here’s how it works: with solar panels on your roof and a battery to store the energy they produce, you can generate your own electricity right at home. This means you won’t have to rely as much on buying power from the utility company, which can charge pretty high rates.

And here’s the really good part: solar panels are built to last for more than 25 years. So, if you make the switch to solar now, you can basically lock in your electricity costs at today’s rates for a really long time. It’s like securing a fixed price for your power bill for decades to come, giving you peace of mind and saving you money in the long run.

Stay Powered Up Even During Grid Failures

While power outages might not hit us as hard here in Monterey Bay compared to other parts of the state, they still happen from time to time. If you worry about being left in the dark during these outages, installing solar panels along with battery storage is the answer.

Here's how it works: When you have solar panels combined with a battery system, they can keep running independently from the grid during an outage. This means they stay up and running while the grid is down. (Solar systems without batteries can’t do this and are automatically turned off during an outage.) This setup ensures that you can keep your lights on even during a daytime outage. And if the power goes out at night, you can tap into the stored energy from your battery to power essential things like lights, medical devices, and phone chargers.

So, with solar and battery storage, you're not only reducing your reliance on the grid but also ensuring that you have a reliable source of power during unexpected outages, giving you peace of mind and keeping you and your family safe and comfortable.

Climate change is an active issue

It's no secret that climate change is a pressing issue facing our planet. While it can be disheartening to think about the challenges ahead, the good news is that we have the power to make a difference. By taking proactive steps to reduce harmful climate change pollution, such as installing a solar system, we can contribute to positive change.

Here's why it matters: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power that doesn't produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions like traditional fossil fuels do. By harnessing the sun's energy to generate electricity, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and lessen the impact of climate change.

So, by investing in solar energy, you're not only making a smart choice for your own energy needs but also taking an active role in addressing one of the most critical

Final Thoughts…

Transitioning to solar energy in 2024 presents Californians with a host of compelling reasons to make the shift. From financial savings to enhanced energy independence and reliability, the benefits are evident. By embracing solar power, individuals can actively contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come. Seizing this opportunity not only makes practical sense but also aligns with broader efforts to address environmental challenges. To take the first step towards a brighter, greener future, schedule your solar panel installation today with Forme Solar! Call us at 714-694-2262 or fill out our form to get a free Solar Panel Installation Quote.