Our Commercial Customers

Over the past two years we have been helping the residents at Leisure World save money with solar energy. We have worked with many Mutuals in Leisure World and have made this video to highlight our work with Mutual 6 in Seal Beach, California.

Mutual 6 has been mostly solarizing their laundry rooms with carport solar installations, a residential system, and future EV charging expansion capabilities. Mutual 6 has focused on their laundry rooms because it is a common energy load that all of its residents must bear. By going solar, Mutual 6 won’t have to raise member dues because of increased utility bills. The additional benefit is that Mutual 6 is ready to add electric vehicle charging stations for its residents, providing green retirement plan for future Leisure World residents to also enjoy.

Last week, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) finally voted on the current state of the net energy metering program for solar owners. As a locally-based solar contractor (and solar owners ourselves!), we’re happy to report the commissioners voted in favor of those who use solar energy.

Net energy metering allows solar owners to sell overproduction back to their utility company. It’s an important benefit that helps people keep their electricity bills low.

Background on AB 327 and Net Energy Metering

This moment of victory for the solar industry is a long time coming. During the past year or so, we’ve been following the outcome of this vote.

Here’s a play-by-play of how it has gone down:

1. Senator Perea introduces the AB 327 bill with the help of large utility companies, which threatens to completely eliminate the Net Energy Metering program.
2. AB 327 passes the senate floor. Thankfully, some amendments are made that are positive for solar owners. Most importantly, the current net metering program is not eliminated. The bill also demands that the CPUC develop a new net energy metering program (immediately dubbed Net Metering 2.0).
3. Mark Ferron steps down from the CPUC for health reasons. In his closing remarks, he stresses the importance of solar energy in California and advises the remaining commissioners to keep the interests of solar owners top of mind.
4. Thanks to the hard work of CALSEIA and other solar advocate, CPUC Commissioner Michael Peevey announces a proposal that the current net energy metering program will last 20 years from the time of installation.

Why is this Solar Victory So Sweet?

Now current solar owners (and anyone who installs rooftop solar before July 1, 2017) can rest happily and know that they will enjoy the benefits of net metering for a full 20 years. This victory is sweet as the utility companies were lobbying for a much shorter time period (some say as low as 6-12 years).

Moreover, the CPUC also announced that current Californian solar owners will be eligible for Net Metering 2.0 once their 20 years is up.

Net Metering 2.0 Battle to Come

Though this battle was won, the war isn’t over yet. The details of Net Metering 2.0 still need to be worked out and the CPUC has until the end of 2015 to do so. In the coming year, solar owners and advocates in California will need to rally once again so that the collective solar voice is heard.

GAF partnered with leading roofing and solar manufacturers to offer an elegant, low-profile GAF solar solution. The solar installs like a skylight, ensuring a water-tight roof that generates clean energy. GAF solar offers one warranty for the roof and solar panels. And, GAF-certified roofers will do all the work on the roof, including a seamless solar installation. 

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While seeing major brands recognize and leverage the value of bundling solar + roofing, other installers have offered consumers similar solutions for decades now.
. Since the 1980s, AMECO has provided bundled solar + roofing solutions to help homeowners cut down on costs and time when replacing their roof and choosing clean energy generation via rooftop solar panels. 

GAF Solar + Roofing Approach

When a homeowner goes solar one issue that can derail the process is unexpectedly finding out they first a roof replacement. Our solar and roofing experts always recommend a thorough roof inspection before going solar to avoid any surprises. This is especially critical for older roofs. 

If you do need a roof replacement before going solar, traditionally this often means double the effort: managing two projects with two sets of budgets, contractors and timelines. In short, it means more money and effort on your end coordinating between two installers. 

Fortunately, GAF Energy’s new roof-integrated solar system provides a better option. The GAF solar + roof solution. This comes with a solar system that’s installed simultaneously by one contractor.

The best things about GAF’s solar + roofing bundle are: 

As mentioned before, this solution is incredible for homeowners. However, GAF is by far the first company to offer services like these. Although, they may be one of the biggest roofing companies to finally embrace this approach.

Solar + Roofing Trend & AMECO’s Approach

Bundling your solar and roofing just makes sense. 

Sometimes additional upfront costs can save you in the long run. If you think you need to replace your roof before going solar, you can cut down on the costs by finding an installer that does both. This eliminates the headache of coordinating between two different vendors and can cut down on the cost. 

Installers that specialize in roofing and solar, like AMECO, offer great deals for homeowners looking to upgrade their roof and install solar in one fell swoop. We also have the expertise to ensure you can take full advantage of federal, state and local rebates and incentives. 

GAF Solar Roof: A Tesla Competitor

GAF found a way to create an integrated rooftop solar solution, not unsimilar in functionality to Tesla’s solar roof. The biggest difference? Accessibility. 

The GAF solar roof seamlessly integrates with their roofing, which makes for an extremely visually appealing final product. And, based on their current number of installations, they seem to offer a reliable solution!

GAF Energy, part of GAF, one of the world’s largest roofing companies, has installed more than 2,000 integrated solar roofs. This is significantly more deployments than the higher-profile Tesla has pulled off for its solar roof tile product.

Martin DeBono, president of GAF Energy, told Canary Media he expects 10 percent of all GAF roof installations to also feature solar. Considering their estimated 1 million new roofing installations annually, DeBono hopes to see 100,000 annual solar roof installations from GAF. 

While Tesla installs a similar product, they have nowhere near the roofing infrastructure to compete with GAF’s solar solution. Also, considering the recent outpouring of negative reviews of the Tesla Solar Roof, GAF Energy’s solar + roofing installation numbers, current and projected, look that much more impressive. 

Solar + Roofing: Looking To The Future

Seeing one of North America’s most prolific roofers embracing solar + roofing should cast away any doubt that the future of roofing is solar. As one of the companies to spearhead this approach, the solar and roofing experts at AMECO are ready and excited to help you with your solar and roofing needs. We offer full-scale solutions at prices you can afford. Leveraging almost 50 years of experience, coupled with a unparalleled dedication to innovation, you cannot go wrong by
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The city of Irvine in the heart of Orange County has been going solar with AMECO since we began installing solar water heating systems in the 1970s.

Check out this video we made and see some of our installations in the Irvine neighborhoods of Orchard Hills, University Park, Northwood, Turtle Rock, and Woodbridge.

Solar offers Irvine residents an opportunity to reduce their electricity or their natural gas bills.  Homes in Irvine tend to be larger and use more electricity for air conditioning, but it doesn’t mean solar is simple in Irvine. Many homes have tile roofs, and even more homes belong to an HOA.  AMECO Solar is familiar has worked with many of them and are familiar with your solar rights and respectful of the HOAs wishes.

If you’re thinking about installing solar on your home, look no further than AMECO Solar. We offer a multitude of solar technology options whether you are reducing your Southern California Edison bill, or if you want to look into SoCal Gas Company solar rebates. Call AMECO today! 562-633-4400