Solar Energy Blog
Get the latest information on the state of Solar Power5 Ways Homeowners Can Get Paid to Go Solar
Let me ask you a question: Can you afford to go solar today? ...you might say no. Many homeowners still believe that solar power is out of their reach. They think it's too expensive and that only people with savings can afford to install solar on their home. Those...
Solar Incentives Analysis: California Solar in the “Free Market”
An essay by Emily Engle, an Allterra intern. Ralph Nader, renowned environmental and political activist stated, “The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.” The U.S. energy sector is a highly subsidized market...
Solar Powers the Grid and the Job Market
Energy production has provided jobs for many Americans for decades. As an integral component of U.S. employment, advances in electricity generation will inevitably foster changes in job distribution. The push to transition away from fossil fuel energy generation...
Santa Cruz Supports SB 100 in The Push for 100% Clean Energy
California has hit record high clean energy production in recent years. However, there is still progress to be made in attaining all of the state’s electricity from renewable sources. Senate Bill 100 proposes the state achieves 100% clean energy production by 2045; a...
Allterra Solar: A Green Business
Being green extends far beyond the color of our logo and deep into our business practices. In addition to the clean energy our clients’ systems produce every day, Allterra has taken many steps to mitigate environmental impacts of our daily business operations. Since...
[Video] How To: Troubleshoot Your Sunpower Monitoring
This video will help you get your monitoring back up and running for you SunPower system.
Brief History of Schwag
By Nathaniel Baratta If you like free things, which studies suggest most people do, then chances are that you have "schwag" sitting somewhere in your home. Schwag, not to be confused with swag, is free promotional material with company logos, mission statements, and...
[Video] How To: Troubleshoot Your Enphase Monitoring
This video will help you get your monitoring back up and running for you SunPower system.
Allterra Supports CALPIRG
Allterra has joined California Student Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) at UC Santa Cruz in their venture to launch the campaign to secure commitments from American colleges and universities to make the transition towards 100 percent renewable energy on...
How To: Read Your Smart Meter
David Stearns, Allterra Solar's Marketing Director, explains how to interpret your Smart Meter.
[Video] How to Turn On Your Solar PV System
James Allen, CEO of Allterra Solar, explains how to turn on your solar PV System.
Join Us May 8th for the Warriors Watch Party
The Golden State Warriors roll into the second round of the Western Conference Playoffs where they will face-off against the Utah Jazz. Game 4 will occur on Monday May 8th at 6pm and Allterra Solar is excited to host a watch party on our HD 10'x10' projection screen....
Making the Switch to Silicon Valley Clean Energy
What is Silicon Valley Power? Twelve communities in Santa Clara County have formed a new community-owned agency to provide electricity to consumers. This new public entity is called Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) and it works in partnership with PG&E who will...
Building Resilience: Allterra Solar & Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing for low-income families, providing the families with a 30-year, 0% interest mortgage. Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County is committed to placing solar on every home they build, so they partnered with Allterra to...
Sungevity Enters Chapter 11
Sungevity, a residential solar company based out of Oakland, declared bankruptcy after making $850 million over nine years of business. The Northern Pacific Group, a private equity firm based in Wayzata, Minn. stepped up to buy the remaining assets, including equity...
[Video] Commercial Solar Install – Carmel By The Sea
Allterra Solar completed a 100KW commercial installation in Carmel, CA. Allterra specializes in residential and commercial projects under 250KW which is ideal for most office buildings, small businesses, and grocery stores. Allterra...
Zero Net Energy Cities, Coming to a Town Near You
In the city of Lancaster, California, Mayor Rex Parris is issuing a “Zero Net Energy Home Ordinance” for all new homes built in Lancaster after January 1st, 2017. If this ordinance were to pass, it could make Lancaster the first city to become a Zero Net City (ZNC). A...
PG&E Raised Rates… Again
San Francisco, CA - PG&E raised its electricity rates for the second time in as many months when the utility's latest increase went into effect March 1st, 2017. While PG&E suggests it is trying to "simplify" its convoluted rate system to make it easier for...