Solar swimming pool heating is the most cost-effective application of solar energy. Unglazed collectors (solar panels), which are the simplest and least expensive of all collectors, are used almost universally for heating outdoor pools and spas.

The heating system itself is normally already required for pools, regardless of whether a solar heating system is added.

In Southern California, a typical pool season will cost in excess of $2,000 of natural gas to heat the pool. Installing a solar swimming pool heating system with a life expectancy of over 20 years, and with an average cost of $5,000 makes economic sense. A solar pool heating installation will save a substantial amount of money while providing a warm and comfortable pool.

AMECO Solar has found solar pool heaters to be one of the most cost-effective solar energy applications. A solar pool heating system will save enough money to pay for itself quickly and provide pool heating energy free for your enjoyment and use for many years. AMECO Solar’s thermal division specializes in designing and installing solar swimming pool heating systems in the Los Angeles area.

How You Can Prepare

To get the full benefits of a solar pool heater you must have an area for the solar collectors (panels) that is large enough and has the proper exposure to the sun. If you install the collectors on a pitched roof, the ideal direction should face south. You will need to add more collectors as the angle facing due south varies.

The collector area required will depend on the surface area of your swimming pool, the water temperature you wish to maintain, the amount of pool shading and the direction the solar collectors face. Typically, the area that will be efficient is 60% the area of your pool surface (length x width x .6). For less favorable solar collector orientation the collector area required may be as large as the pool surface area.

The only routine maintenance you will need to do is the same as you should always do for your pool, keep the pool clean and in proper chemical balance. It is advisable to shut off the water supply to your pool sweep and solar collectors if you will be adding pool shock treatment or excessive amounts of chemicals.

SOLAR PUMP:

In almost all cases where the filter pump is currently keeping the pool clean, it is not necessary to change it or to add a pump for the solar heater. The existing pump is usually capable of circulating pool water through the solar panels.

SOLAR CONTROLS:

Solar heating is completely automatic in a properly designed solar heating system. When your pool requires heat, the automatic control diverts the water coming from the filter to the solar collectors, if they are receiving solar energy. This continues until the pre-set desired temperature is reached or until no more solar energy is available. The solar collectors will preheat the water before it gets to the gas heater and the gas heater will use only the fuel needed to make up the difference.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:

Operation of solar pool heaters are extremely simple. Just flip a switch on the control to “Auto” at the beginning of the season and set the thermostat on the control to the pool temperature you want. At the end of the season, flip the control switch to “Off”. If you have a solar system that does not drain water back completely the panels should be winterized by uncapping the lowest solar panel to prevent the possibility of freeze damage.

COLLECTOR LIFE:

Solar swimming pool heating collectors can be expected to last for at least 20 years.

LIMITATIONS:

Solar pool heating cannot keep up the temperature on heavily overcast or rainy days or during winter months. You may need to operate your gas heater to make up the temperature difference, if you attempt to maintain an unusually warm pool temperature. Even if you choose to use your conventional gas pool heater as well, the solar heater will still supply a large amount of free energy.

Have any questions about Solar Pool Installation in Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Huntington Beach or Los Alamitos/Seal Beach area?  Give AMECO Solar a call today: 888-595-9570.

Photovoltaic solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the world. Compared to nonrenewable sources such as coal, gas, oil, and nuclear, the advantages are clear: it’s totally non-polluting, has no moving parts to break down, and does not require much maintenance. A very important characteristic of photovoltaic power generation is that it does not require a large scale installation to operate, as different from conventional power generation stations. Power generators can be installed in a DISTRIBUTED fashion, on each house or business or school, using area that is already developed, and allowing individual users to generate their own power, quietly and safely.

Rooftop power can be added as more homes or businesses are added to a community, thereby allowing power generation to keep in step with growing needs without having to overbuild generation capacity as is often the case with conventional large scale power systems But even when photovoltaic power is compared to other renewable energy sources such as wind power, water power, and even solar thermal power, there are some obvious advantages. First, wind and water power rely on turbines to turn generators to produce electricity. Turbines and generators have moving parts that can break down, that require maintenance, and are noisy. Even solar thermal energy needs a turbine or other mechanical device to change the heat energy of the sun into mechanical energy for a generator to produce electric power. Photovoltaic power, by contrast, is generated directly from the sun. PV systems have no moving parts, require virtually no maintenance, and have cells that last for decades.

Have questions about PV Installation in Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Huntington Beach or Los Alamitos/Seal Beach area?  Give AMECO Solar a call today: 888-595-9570.

There is no better time than right now to go solar. The Los Angeles City Council recently endorsed a two-year DWP electricity rate hike.

“The Los Angeles City Council approved an 11.1 percent electricity rate hike over the next two years Tuesday, as the Department of Water and Power warned that more increases are coming. By a 10-4 vote, the council approved a new rate that will cost an average homeowner about $3.65 a month. Customers with larger homes or who use more power will see their bills rise about $18.79 a month. Commercial businesses can expect to see their bills increase $15 per month.”

Call AMECO Solar today for a quick quote and turn your utility expense into an investment – 562.633.4400.

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By Susan Montoya Bryan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Pick any stretch of road slicing through the American Southwest. The sun beats down on the asphalt like nowhere else and heat waves distort the landscape.

It’s here, in these open expanses, that experts say is a massive untapped source of energy that could meet the nation’s growing needs. But only if developers can get it out of the desert.

Even as renewable power projects get a boost from the federal government, a lack of transmission lines prevent states such as New Mexico — where the sun shines more than 300 days a year — from converting the obvious potential into real watts that can charge smartphones and run air conditioners thousands of miles away.

Transmission lines are key to developing the region’s solar resources. The problem is existing lines are maxing out, especially as the push intensifies to bring online more renewable energy. Building new lines can take years or even decades of cutting through a tangle of bureaucracy.

SOURCE: http://lubbockonline.com/business/2012-09-19/southwest-needs-power-lines-become-solar-hub

This event is SOLD OUT.  

Long Beach, CA – September 10, 2012 – An informal workshop on how to use the sun’s power to benefit your home or business is being held on Thursday, October 18^th  from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Lakewood Country Club, on 3101 Carson Street in Lakewood 90712. The ‘Solar 101 Workshop- Solar Straight Talk’ will be-hosted by one of California’s oldest established solar companies Ameco Solar.

The workshop will provide truthful, no strings attached, “how-to” resources for individuals who want to consider solar for their home or business. Information will be provided on net metering; the available government incentives; the differences between using cash, leasing or financing; and what to look for when choosing a system. The focus will be to educate attendees well enough to avoid the solar scams highlighted in the October, 2012 issue of Consumer Reports.

There will be one hour a Q&A session at the end of the program.

The workshop is free, but seating is limited. Beverages will be provided. The public is encouraged to register before October 16^th by calling 562-633-4400, or RSVP online at:  https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=pO1hQ3XLN2vYmY-rHBlYZg

According to Patrick Redgate, President & CEO of Ameco Solar, “Solar is a technology that has the potential to help anybody who has a utility bill.  We want to define in a no pressure environment and in layman’s terms, what going solar is all about and how easily it can be done.”

About Ameco Solar
Since 1974 Ameco has been dedicated to the concept that solar energy is the solution to our energy future. Solar energy is unlimited, non-polluting and free. We are committed to providing cost-effective and reliable solar systems and strive to offer the best components available. We believe that using solar energy is simply the best investment available to homeowners or businesses today, since the alternative to solar is just a never-ending monthly expense. Extensive Solar information can be found on their website: https://amecosolar.wpengine.com.

Jim Noss of Anaheim discusses his reasons for choosing Ameco Solar for his residential, rooftop, solar installation. After two years of service he is showing a 3400 kW monthly surplus and his monthly electric bills are in the negative!

Way to go Solar, Los Angeles!

“The Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power announced that solar power on rooftops in Los Angeles has nearly quadrupled over the past two years as residents and businesses tap into more of the city’s famous year-round sunshine.

After long opposing third-party ownership of rooftop solar systems and affordable $0 down lease financing, LADWP loosened its restrictive monopoly policy in 2009 — which has since turbocharged the Los Angeles solar market. 75% of Californians are now choosing to go solar with third-party financing, which has generated over $1 billion in economic growth statewide.”

If you are interested in adding a solar system to your rooftop please call Ameco Solar, the Solar Expert, to answer any of your questions.

Congratulations California, it appears you have passed the solar gigawatt mark.

Rewire is reporting:

“According to live data provided by the California Independent System Operator (CaISO), the agency that manages the state’s power distribution grid, the state of California reached a long-anticipated milestone this afternoon (as I predicted last month). More than 1,000 megawatts of electrical power is coming into the state’s transmission grid from solar sources, making solar the largest renewable energy contributor to the state’s power consumption — at least for a few hours. Statewide demand this afternoon is running at about 41,600 megawatts, so this solar milestone accounts for about 2.4% of total grid energy being used in California.”

Click the link above for the complete article.

“One of the holy grails of solar cell technology may have been found, with researchers at UCLA announcing they have created a new organic polymer that produces electricity, is nearly transparent and is more durable and malleable than silicon.

The applications are mind-boggling. Windows that produce electricity. Buildings wrapped in transparent solar cells. Laptops and phones – or even cars or planes – whose outer coverings act as chargers. It might even be sprayed on as a liquid. The promise of cheap and easy-to-apply site-generated solar electricity might now be a lot closer to reality.”

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Did you know that you will probably blow $68,982 to power your home for the next 25 years. That is a car, a swimming pool, even college tuition.

Don’t blow your cash!

Go solar with AMECO – a sun power premiere partner who has been solarizing California since 1974. Who else can say that? Don’t blow your cash! Go solar today. It won’t cost you a thing. Start today by visiting

Easy to navigate and designed with the conscious of a homeowner looking for Solar resources; Ameco Solar is proud to announce the launch of its new website – www.AmecoSolar.com. The newly designed site offers quick access to extensive Solar information not commonly found on other, newer Solar company websites.

Right at your fingertips; through videos, financial graphs, solar glossaries, photo galleries, and several Solar FAQ sections, AmecoSolar.com offers serious answers to some serious questions thousands of local residents have about going solar.

“The AmecoSolar site is fresh looking, and packed with tons of social, interactive apps which I know appeals to a wide audience.” Ameco Solar President, Pat Redgate adds. “We want people to invite us into their homes through this site because it’s all about building a long-term relationship with solar enthusiasts.”

California’s energy landscape is unique, reflecting a mix of innovation, regulation, and challenges. The state leads the way in renewable energy adoption, yet electricity costs can still be a significant burden for many homeowners. This guide will break down California's average electric bills by home size and utility provider, explore factors influencing costs, and highlight how solar energy can reduce bills.

Overview of California's Electricity Landscape

California’s electricity market is shaped by its size, diversity, and commitment to clean energy. The state has some of the highest electricity prices in the U.S., driven by infrastructure maintenance, wildfire mitigation, and renewable energy mandates.

Major Utility Providers in California

1. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) – Serving Northern and Central California.
2. Southern California Edison (SCE) – Serving much of Southern California.
3. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) – Covering the San Diego area.

Each utility provider operates under a regulated pricing system, which includes tiered rates and time-of-use (TOU) plans.

Key Factors Affecting Electricity Costs

• Regulations: California's aggressive push for renewable energy has led to investments in infrastructure, increasing costs.
• Time-of-Use Rates: Electricity costs vary by the time of day, with peak hours being more expensive.
• Weather and Wildfires: Frequent wildfires and heatwaves drive up maintenance and emergency response costs.

Average Electric Bills by Home Size

Electric bills in California vary significantly based on home size, energy usage patterns, and efficiency measures. Below is a breakdown by square footage:

Small Homes (500-1,000 sq ft)

• Average Monthly Bill: $50 - $100
• Key Drivers: Small homes typically consume less energy, especially if energy-efficient appliances are used. However, heating and cooling costs can spike in extreme weather conditions.
• Potential for Savings: Adopting solar panels can drastically reduce bills for homes with low energy consumption.

Medium Homes (1,500-2,500 sq ft)

• Average Monthly Bill: $150 - $250
• Key Drivers: Larger homes use more electricity for HVAC systems, lighting, and household appliances.
• Potential for Savings: Installing energy-efficient appliances and adopting TOU plans can lower costs. Solar panel installation is especially cost-effective for medium-sized homes.

Large Homes (3,000+ sq ft)

• Average Monthly Bill: $300 - $500+
• Key Drivers: High energy usage for HVAC systems, pool equipment, and other amenities contributes to large bills.
• Potential for Savings: Solar adoption is highly recommended for large homes to offset significant energy consumption.

Comparison of Electric Bills Across Utility Providers

Electricity rates and average bills differ across California’s major utility providers:

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)

• Rates: $0.30 - $0.40/kWh (varies by tier and TOU plan)
• Typical Bill for Medium Homes: $200 - $300/month
• Notable Features: Offers TOU plans that reward off-peak energy use.

Southern California Edison (SCE)

• Rates: $0.28 - $0.38/kWh
• Typical Bill for Medium Homes: $180 - $280/month
• Notable Features: Provides rebates for energy-efficient appliances.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

• Rates: $0.35 - $0.45/kWh
• Typical Bill for Medium Homes: $220 - $320/month
• Notable Features: Higher rates compared to PG&E and SCE but offers robust solar incentives.

Factors Influencing Electricity Costs

Several factors influence electricity bills in California, including consumption patterns and energy-saving measures.

1. Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates

• During peak hours (typically 4 PM - 9 PM), rates are significantly higher.
• Shifting energy use to off-peak times (e.g., running dishwashers at night) can lead to substantial savings.

2. Seasonal Variations

• Summer months see higher bills due to increased air conditioning usage.
• Utility companies may also impose seasonal rate changes.

3. Energy-Efficient Appliances

• Investing in ENERGY STAR-rated appliances can lower overall consumption and reduce bills.

4. Solar Panel Adoption

• Homes with solar panels can offset electricity costs significantly, especially when paired with battery storage solutions. Learn more about solar solutions at Ameco Solar.

FAQ: Common Questions About California Electric Bills

Why are California's electricity rates so high?

Rates are influenced by wildfire mitigation costs, infrastructure upgrades, and investments in renewable energy.

What is the best way to reduce my electric bill?

Consider TOU plans, energy-efficient appliances, and solar panel installation.

Can solar panels eliminate my electric bill?

While solar panels can drastically reduce bills, most homeowners still pay a small monthly fee to remain connected to the grid.

What are TOU rates, and how can I benefit?

TOU rates charge less for electricity used during off-peak hours. Adjusting your energy usage patterns can lead to savings.

How Solar Energy Can Help Reduce Electric Bills

Adopting solar energy is one of the most effective ways to lower electricity bills in California. By generating your own power, you can offset high utility rates and take advantage of California’s abundant sunshine.

Benefits of Going Solar

• Reduced Bills: Solar systems can offset up to 90% of your electricity costs.
• Incentives: Federal and state tax credits make solar adoption more affordable.
• Environmental Impact: Reduce your carbon footprint while saving money.

Ready to make the switch? Explore our solar solutions and discover how Ameco Solar can help you reduce your electric bills and make a positive impact on the environment.

California’s electricity costs may be high, but with the right strategies, homeowners can manage their bills effectively. Whether it’s shifting energy use, investing in energy-efficient appliances, or adopting solar energy, there are plenty of options to lower costs and contribute to a greener future.

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