One of our solar customers, Steve Schafer from San Joaquin Wine Company, was recently featured in American Vineyard Magazine as the CAWG Grower of the Year! Congratulations Steve!
You can read more on the article here!
For more information about Steve and their wine, visit their website!
Spectrum Energy Development was featured in the CalContractor Magazine! Turn to page 14 to see our recent projects and how our team brings solar energy to the community!
Making the decision to install solar panels for your business can drastically cut, eliminate electricity bills and reduce a business’ carbon footprint.
The cost of solar panel installation has fallen dramatically in recent years. With the option of having a third-party install the system, there is little to no effort needed from you so you can focus on your business.
All of this explains why the number of business, farms and corporations installing solar has skyrocketed across America. So, why are many business owners still skeptical about taking control of their energy use and installing solar? The various myths that persist around solar power could be to blame.
If you’re considering installing a solar panel system on your business, here are five common myths – and why you shouldn’t believe them:
As you might imagine, solar panels do work best when they are in contact with a lot of sunlight. However, a lack of bright sun doesn’t mean they’re not working. Panels are created in a way that allows them to absorb ample sunlight, even on cloudy days or in regions that get less bright sun. Better yet, the solar panels of today are more energy efficient than ever. Newer systems maximize sunlight absorption and generate the maximum possible output. This higher efficiency means that solar panels can work in virtually any climate and every season.
In fact, solar panels are getting smaller, more powerful, and more efficient day by day. High-efficiency panels take up less space because fewer panels are needed to produce the electricity to power your establishment needs. Even if you have a smaller establishment, it could have enough roof space to fit the number of panels needed to generate power.
Believe it or not, the actual construction is not the part that takes the longest. On many commercial projects, we can get the racking, solar panels, and inverters up and on the roof in 3-4 weeks. The part of the project that takes the most time is due to significant permitting delays with building departments and utilities. However, Spectrum Energy is able to deal with all of the potential permitting and utility delays out there. And will see your project through no matter the hurdles. We have permitted and installed projects in every major county in California. Most of the large utilities including PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and SMUD.
As with any investment or installation, you should understand the manufacturer and installer warranties for your solar panels. Including how long the coverage lasts, and what types of problems are covered. And unlike a furnace or an air conditioning system, a solar installation has no moving parts to wear out. So it typically requires little maintenance and repair. Also, if you experience any difficulties or malfunctions with your panels, Spectrum Energy Development is here to help. We will come in a fix your problem.
As mentioned above, solar panels are becoming smaller, sleeker, and more aesthetically pleasing. Instead of having to cover an entire roof with panels in a specific arrangement to generate power. Modern options allow you to arrange panels to meet your own sense of aesthetics. Even for bigger establishments, it is possible to create a sleek and aesthetically pleasing set up for your panels.
Adding solar power to a building offers business owners many benefits. From reducing energy costs to increasing the value of your business, to helping the environment. All in all, solar is a great option for your business and the earth. Do your part to help while saving some money. Give us a call and we will help you get started today!
Understanding electricity as with anything, it is a good idea to have a good understanding of how something works and how it will benefit you before purchasing it. The same can be said for solar power. Before investing, it is important to have a clear understanding of what electricity consumption entails. The details of this is not a common thing that people learn about. Many people have no idea where to begin when it comes to calculating personal electricity expenses or understanding how electricity consumption varies between appliances. However, it all varies depending on the use and application of the energy. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand how your electricity bill is calculated.
The power of an electrical appliance is measured in watts (W). However, the amount of energy converted in a one hour period is known as kilowatt-hours (kWh). Units of energy on electricity bills are equal to the kilowatts of electricity consumed per hour. In other words, 1 unit of electricity is equal to 1000 watt-hours (Wh) or 1 kWh.
An appliance will use its wattage worth of electricity in an hour if left on and uninterrupted. In other words, a 100 watt light bulb will use 100 watt-hours of electricity in one hour and 200 watt-hours if left on for 2 hours.
Through solar, you basically only have to pay for installation. The solar system will produce your energy. You don’t have to pay for the sun. Another of the many solar power advantages is that it protects you from the inevitable electricity price hikes of the future that will fluctuate and kill your wallet.
This is just the beginning of solar power changing the word. Just think where solar energy will go due to innovation in the coming years. Let’s eliminate wasteful traditional electricity all while saving you money. The future is bright for solar energy and for your business’ energy supply.
Contact Spectrum Energy for more details on how your business can make the switch to save you money and time. Our experts have a combined experience of 100 years and we are ready to apply our knowledge to your facilities.
The entirety of the world’s reserves of oil, coal, and natural gases is matched by the energy that sun provides for the earth in just 20 days of sunshine. It’s a wonder why the enter world has not converted to solar energy with this information. However, solar energy has made a huge impact on the carbon footprint across many industries. It is now booming in the agricultural industry.
As we progress into the future we have solar energy has made many technological advances and the installation prices have dropped causing the global use of solar energy continue to grow significantly. Agriculture solar power is highly significant today, with farmers investing in cost-saving and sustainable technology that is friendly to the environment.
Traditionally, solar power has been used to generate electricity and heat water. When used correctly, the power from the sun can be harnessed to fulfill many useful functions throughout farms.
On most farms, gathering data is crucial for optimal growth including efficient watering systemization. This data is collected through a series of sensors across a large area of land. With such a large area covered, it is often difficult to run a means of powering the sensors so they are often battery powered. With the battery powered option, there is still the chore of having to replace the batteries which is inconvenient and time consuming.
This is where solar-powered sensor technology comes in, offering an easy and cost-effective way to gather data. These solar powered data collectors allow you to determine precipitation, soil moisture, and levels of sunlight, making watering easily be regulated.
The same goes for electronic tags on livestock. By going solar, you won’t have to regularly change the sensor batteries. Solar powered sensors can make it possible to track and automatically monitor and control the feeding and watering of animals.
With large amounts of livestock to look after and manage, livestock farms require fencing that is effective, adaptable and dependable. Electric fences powered by the sun are perfect. Either moveable paddocks or permanent installation, solar power can withstand the work and adapt to the needs of the farm.
Not only are the parts for these purposes adorable, they are amply available. Due to this, solar fencing is quickly becoming a cost-effective and convenient component of farming. Installation is easy and quick so there is not a lot of time spent away from tending to the farm.
Solar power is not only important for your farm, but for the wellbeing of the earth. In 2011 it was found that the agricultural sector emits about 13% of the total global greenhouse emissions. This makes farming the world’s second-largest emitter, after the energy sector. This puts up a large red flag regarding the need for solar power for farms
With the production of anything comes the emission of at least some greenhouse gases. However, other than panel production, solar energy does not emit any greenhouse gases. This is drastically less than any other option for farming. This makes it one of the most popular green energy choices.
In traditional practices, commercial greenhouses rely on gas or oil heaters in order to maintain constant temperatures. Through the use of solar, the greenhouses collect and store the solar energy during sunny days, retaining the heat for use during the night and on cold or cloudy days.
Photovoltaic (PV) water pumping systems are becoming more and more popular. Basic systems run pumps directly when the sun is shining, the more sun the more powerful. This ensures that they work the hardest when they are needed most.
If you are looking for something that is reliable, affordable and requires little maintenance than solar irrigation systems are for you. Not only do they fit all of the aspects listed above, they are also adaptable upon installation to fit the needs of your farm.
The future is here and it is bright! While solar-powered vehicles are still relatively uncommon with farming, this is expected to change in the coming years. Tractors are typically diesel-powered, which not only contributes to global warming and air pollution but also soil and groundwater pollution through diesel spills, affecting your farm and the wellbeing of your livestock as well.
Electric vehicles powered by solar energy are a great solution to this problem. Zero emission across every farm in the united states, just think what that would do for the world. Research has shown that agricultural electric vehicles could avert 23.3 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year.
Just by switching to solar on your farm you will be doing your wallet, your farm, and the earth a huge favor. Not only will it allow your farm to flourish with little room for error, you will save hundreds of dollars on initial payment as well as future payment that have been necessary to fix issues on the traditional systems. Are you ready to make a difference in your life and the world? Give us a call and we will get started on our quick installation process.
No matter what industry you are in, solar power has the potential to deliver real cost savings to your business. Solar power is an environmentally conscious and affordable way to lower your electricity costs. By improving your business’ green credentials you have the opportunity to make your building more attractive to prospective tenants, clients, or buyers.
Enjoy long-lasting benefits for your business
Solar power could potentially deliver long-term cost savings to your business. Here at Spectrum Energy, we understand that there is no one size fits all when it comes to solar panels. We create solar systems to fit your business using top quality products that won’t fail. We take every step necessary to ensure that your solar system will last, with little effort from you or your business.
Tend to your commitment to the environment with ease
Solar power is a renewable resource that has the capacity to power the world. By switching to solar, you would be doing your part in having your business leave less of a carbon footprint on the earth. Not only is it great for the environment, but you are also doing your part to help with ease. It’s as easy as turning on a light switch. Not to mention, solar systems are a highly visible way to show your clients that you are committed to helping the environment.
Power your business with solar sooner
By taking the leap into renewable energy as a means to power your business, you will only pay less, but you will be taking a step forward in making your business more innovative. Move forward, don’t get left behind!
By working with Spectrum Energy, you will be apart of a team of solar pioneers. We will help you make the better energy choice! Are you ready for solar?
New solar laws for California will be taking affect around October to November this year. We wanted to fill you in on how these laws will affect new solar projects going forward. The law pertains to Net Energy Metering and describes the rules that both utilities and customers must follow for grid-tied PV systems. The overall news is that nothing drastic has changed and net metering is alive and well in California.
First, customers are now allowed to install more than 1 MW on their property. Now there is no maximum on system size for those large users like food processors, etc. Large systems may require electrical service upgrades and those costs will be the responsibility of the customer.
Second, for customers that produce more electricity than they use during peak times, they will be charged a small fee to the utility. The fee is called a Non-Bypassable Charge and it goes to fund various public purpose programs like energy efficiency. This figure will likely only represent 1% to 2% of the monthly savings, and will only apply in certain cases.
Third, existing solar customers and those who will likely interconnect in the next 6-8 weeks. It will be grandfathered in to the existing NEM laws and will not be affected by the NBC charges even if they over produce during peak times.
For more information please feel free to reach out to your Spectrum representative. Read more analysis from our partners at the California Solar Energy Industry Association (CALSEIA) here.
Last newsletter, we highlighted the record breaking US solar market. Now the global market is taking the center stage. In 2016, the global PV market saw a 50% increase in installed solar from the year before. An astonishing 75 Gigawatts of solar capacity was installed around the globe, with the lion’s share of that installed in China and North America. To give some perspective, 75 GW is enough to power 15,000,000 homes. The record breaking year of 2016 brings total global solar capacity to 303 GW. More information and details from the International Energy Agency (IEA) report found here.
Starting May 1st, the statewide Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) will open up to new solar + storage projects in all three of the major IOU territories of PG&E, SCE and SDG&E. Under this program, battery + storage projects could see a rebate equal to 12%-15% of the total project cost which will often result in a shorter payback time than a stand alone solar project. Also, battery + solar projects will actually receive priority funding should the program become over-subscribed. Feel free to contact your Spectrum rep to find out more, or check out some excellent SGIP resources from GELI.
Finally, we want to acknowledge the hard work done by our friends at CALSEIA for making these new incentives possible!
Richard is the newest member of our team. He has 33 years experience in the general contracting business building projects such as restaurants, wineries, hotels, movie theaters and custom houses. Richard’s first role with Spectrum was as project manager on the 3.67 MW Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER) which will bring power to the cities of Lake Elsinore and Temecula. Richard now runs our Southern California office based in Temecula, and he has been working with wineries, car dealerships, golf courses and other commercial entities to bring them affordable, reliable and clean solar power.
Rich has 15 years experience in electrical contracting, commercial PV solar installation and utility grid interconnection. He has managed the installation of over 15MW of PV, both commercial and utility scale, and has many years of experience in off-grid solar design and installation utilizing various battery technologies (Li-Ion, LFP & Lead Acid).
Prior to joining Spectrum, Rich held executive level positions at several large solar development firms. He is a Licensed C10 Electrical Contractor and General B Contractor.
Mike has been a member of the Spectrum project development team since 2010. He is well versed in developing a detailed energy analysis that allows Spectrum to create the best possible energy savings plan for clients in both commercial and agricultural settings.
Prior to joining Spectrum, Mr. Agnello spent 12 years in the wholesale wine industry and 14 years as the Western Regional Manager for LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery Systems. Mr. Agnello has a BA in Political Science from UCLA.
James is 10-year energy industry specialist with a honed ability to communicate the technical, financial and environmental implications of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to any audience. He is responsible for originating and managing large scale solar PV installations for commercial, industrial and agricultural customers. James is also very experienced with designing and developing deep energy efficiency retrofits for commercial buildings with specialties in LED lighting and high performance HVAC systems.
Prior to Spectrum, James was the general manager for an energy efficiency consulting firm where he performed energy audits on over one million square feet of commercial building space in San Francisco, Seattle and Denver. Before that, James was a project manager for a Fortune 500 energy engineering firm where he managed 3rd party project reviews for thousands of solar and energy efficiency projects.
James holds a BS in Business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and an MS in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University. He is dedicated to helping achieve vast reductions in CO2 and a 100% renewable electricity mix for California and beyond.
Scott Wallace is a proven expert in the solar industry with experience working in all aspects of Agricultural and Commercial solar. His development of solar PV projects include project finance, Net Energy Metering Aggregation (NEM-A), interconnection, utility infrastructure upgrades and system design.
Scott helps growers, processors, dairy producers, packers and commercial business owners understand the process and the profitability of going solar. Growing up with a family who has been instrumental in renewable energy, Scott has a strong passion for helping his clients while helping reduce CO2 emissions.
Graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with an Ag Business degree and an MBA from Sacramento State, Scott brings his entrepreneurial spirit and energy to each and every project.
Mr. Collier is a founder and head of Engineering for Spectrum Energy. He joined the company in November 2003. He is responsible for the design, engineering, siting, permitting, procurement, and commissioning of all SEDI’s PV projects. Mr. Collier is also active in design and engineering consulting with utilities, government agencies, vendors, and corporate clients. Collier is the qualifying party for SEDI “C10” California Contractor’s License #892475.
Before joining Spectrum, Mr. Collier had been the Senior Project Manager for the SMUD PV Program. He oversaw the design, procurement, construction, testing and operation of over 1,000 PV systems ranging from 1 kilowatt to 3,500 kilowatts with a total capacity of more than 10 megawatts. He has served as a Principal Electrical Engineer at SMUD with 23 years of utility experience including experience with protection engineering and transmission and distribution system operation making him an expert on the interconnection of PV systems to utility grids.
A recognized authority on the design and installation of both residential and large PV systems, Mr. Collier served as the U.S. representative to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Task 7&8 (Feasibility of Very Large PV Plants). He has been the lead instructor for numerous national PV design and installation workshops including for IBEW. Collier is a Registered Professional Electrical Engineer (California #11632).
Mr. Agnello is a founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Spectrum Energy. He started SEDI full time in July 2002 as CFO. His responsibilities include corporate finances, project finance, project management, sales, strategic planning, and vendor relations. Mr. Agnello has over twenty-five years of experience in the renewable energy industry. In the two years prior to forming Spectrum, he acted as a full time consultant to the SMUD Solar Program responsible for developing PV marketing and financial analysis in the commercial market sector. His project assessment tools enabled SMUD customers to adequately determine their financial benefits of going solar.
From 1996 to 2001, he was the Chief Financial Officer of O.C. Communications, a utility project development and construction firm, where he managed all of the financial matters of the company as it grew to 80 employees. Mr. Agnello has provided financial and economic analysis to clients of Redwood Securities as a consultant to them on energy matters. As the North American Business Development Manager for Howden Group, PLC of Scotland from 1985 to 1991, Mr. Agnello was instrumental in the development of over $50 million of wind energy projects, the writing of the California Solar Energy Tax Credits Law (wind section), managed more than fifteen projects in nine states.
Mr. Osborn is a founder, President and Chairman of Spectrum Energy Development, Inc. (SEDI). His responsibilities include management of overall corporate strategy, project management, business development coordination, consulting management, and corporate policy. Before founding Spectrum, Mr. Osborn headed the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Solar Program for 12 years and was the Superintendent of Renewable Generation for SMUD, where he led a staff of twenty professionals implementing the SMUD photovoltaics program as well as wind energy, distributed generation, and research and development programs. Under his leadership SMUD became the world’s leading utility in the use of photovoltaics and as of 2002, SMUD had over half of all grid-connected PV in the US and led the way for the eventual commercialization of PV. Besides numerous honors and recognitions, Don and the SMUD team were awarded the 2001 World Energy Globe Award.
One of the most respected professionals in the Solar Industry; he is an engineer with over 30 years of experience in the solar field. Mr. Osborn was the Director of the University of Arizona Solar & Energy Research Facility where he directed and conducted RD&D programs in photovoltaics and other areas of solar energy development. He is the author of more than 120 technical reports and publications in the solar field. He also previously served as Associate Director of the State of Arizona Solar Energy Commission directing and implementing solar related legislation, regulations and consumer protection programs, later being appointed by the Arizona Governor the Chairman of the Commission.
He has been the lead instructor for numerous national PV design and installation workshops including for Solar Power International. Osborn served as Chairman and Board member of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA, formerly the Utility PhotoVoltaic Group) and as a Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). He has served numerous terms as a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Policy Committee of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). Osborn was awarded in 2000 the Charles Greeley Abbot Award, the most prestigious honor given by ASES.
