Thinking of a Residential Solar Install? Here’s Why Now Is the Time to Do It!

Do you hesitate when people talk about putting solar panels on their roofs? Perhaps, you wonder if there’s real value in doing it. You may ask yourself, “Can I really save money and energy on a residential solar install?” In this blog, we’ll focus on the many benefits you enjoy with a solar panel system on your home in Healdsburg, CA.

Summit Technology Group has been installing them on homes and commercial buildings for many years. So, we’ve seen firsthand how property owners benefit from these systems. Keep reading to learn five reasons why installing a residential solar system could be the right choice for you.

SEE ALSO: How You Can Save With a Home Energy Management System 

 

Going Solar Saves You Money – No Matter What the Future May Bring

Have you ever heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch?” For the most part, it’s true. What may be free to you is an expense to someone else. However, solar energy is a different story. While there is some cost with installing a solar energy system for your home, you reap the benefits – free energy – for a lifetime. It’s truly a free source of electricity!

Summit Technology Group installs solar panel systems for homeowners throughout Marin County, CA, and Napa Valley. In addition to that, we can install a home energy management system that helps you assess your utility bills to see where you can save money based on your usage. Want to find out more? Keep reading below.

Structured Cabling Means Less Down Time and Improved Scalability

Network cabling specialists install structured cable and data networks for voice, video, and data transmission. This network works like the veins in the human body, allowing data to flow from one device to another, whether computers, routers, or storage systems.

Think of network cabling as your business’s highway. When reliable, your company’s communications flow like a multi-lane highway. When impeded, you experience connectivity issues and traffic bottlenecks. Computers, conference room equipment, and digital phone systems all rely on proper cabling to support the various technologies and ensure solid communications that are both reliable and safe.

Let’s look at what network cabling services can do to provide a reliable, scalable solution for companies in Napa Valley, CA.

How a Backup Generator Gives You Peace of Mind When the Power Goes Out

Few things in life are constant. In fact, if there’s one thing you can expect, it’s change. But that’s not all bad, especially when you can prepare in advance. Having a backup generator helps you prepare for inevitable power shortages that happen due to storms and brownouts. These electrical “changes” can certainly disrupt your life. But with backup power, you’ll never worry even while others are scurrying around trying to deal with the situation.

Still, you may ask yourself, “Is it necessary to have a backup generator at my home?” Fair question because a generator isn’t for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explain why it may be a good idea to have backup power at your home in Glen Ellen, CA, or the surrounding area.

Elevate Your Aesthetics while Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Wineries have a specific aesthetic to uphold. You want guests to feel relaxed and at ease while the surroundings maintain a luxurious atmosphere across the tasting rooms and entire property. The problem is that running your winery and catering to your guests requires power: electrical power! So, if you want to improve your energy efficiency, how can you bring in renewable solutions without interfering with your existing setup?

We recommend a professional solar installation from our team at Summit Technology Group. With our help, you’ll reduce energy usage, cut down on monthly expenses, and even enhance your winery’s environmental design. Want to find out more? Keep reading below.

SEE ALSO: Keep Your Business Running with Commercial Generators 

Save Energy with Solar Power

Solar power offers a reliable way to bring clean energy usage to your winery business. As the sun shines over your expansive California land, your new solar panel system can bring power to all your winery’s various buildings. Optimize your energy output with a system that is built to last. You’ll save energy while saving money!

Voice Control Automation Is Exemplified with Josh.ai and Lutron

A luxurious home experience begins with smart home automation. But it doesn’t end there! Even though it’s convenient and seamless to take command of your home’s technologies with the swipe of an icon, you may be surprised that there’s an even more seamless way to do it. For many years, Lutron has designed motorized shades and smart lighting that add a level of automation luxury for homeowners.

Recently, Lutron teamed up with Josh.ai – a voice control automation company – to take the in-home experience to the next level. Now, you can control every connected system in your home just by speaking to it! Keep reading to learn more about Josh.ai and how the company’s partnership with Lutron changes the way you interact with your home in Geyserville, CA.

SEE ALSO: Reasons to Hire a Pro for Your Smart Home Installation  

A Home That’s at Your Beck and Call

Don’t get us wrong – controlling your home via a smart home tablet or smartphone app is still “futuristic.” Most homeowners only dream of living in a home like that. And yet, even for smart homeowners, they aren’t truly experiencing the ultimate in automation. Josh.ai changes everything! Much like Google Assistant or Alexa, Josh obeys your verbal commands and communicates with you as you interact with your home.

Are You a Contractor Who’s Rebuilding Homes Lost to Fires? Here’s What You Should Know

Sonoma, CA, and surrounding areas have been devastated by fires for the past two years – while also dealing with the strain of the pandemic. As a general contractor or architect, we’re sure you’ve heard some tragic stories of Bay Area residents losing their homes to fire and needing you to help them rebuild all or part of their residences.

When you get assigned these projects, you’re building more than just a new place to live for fire victims. You’re helping them rebuild their lifestyle and setting them up for renewed success.

Though open-air forest fires get the most national attention, electrical fires pose risks. Make sure you’re positioning your rebuild clients for safe, reliable electric setups. We’ll give you a few pointers below, so stay tuned.

SEE ALSO: 5 Warning Signs Your Home May Have Electrical Problems  

Design and Engineering

Proper safety in electrical setups requires extensive planning. We advise homeowners to show us their preferences for where they might want lighting, AV, and more, even before we all meet up for the electrical walk-through. This includes a blueprint of where we might put fixtures, display and sound equipment, and furniture. We’ll also look at preferred locations for light switches, outlets, and home automation panels.

Here’s where our collaboration comes in handy. After we discuss the design of our client’s home, we can meet with them to walk through our recommendations. You’ll be able to help us by showing us where you plan to install architectural details like beams and rafters, so we can better understand what we’ll have to avoid when running wires.

Take Advantage of Smart Technology to Improve Home Energy Management

Most homeowners want to save energy. It not only helps the environment, but an energy-efficient home is a more comfortable space. In addition, saving energy equates to saving money! But doing it involves a lot more than turning off the lights when you leave a room or manually adjusting your thermostat. The most effective home energy management starts with smart technology.

Technologies such as lighting automation, motorized shades, and smart indoor climate control help you save bundles on your energy bill as well as reduce your carbon footprint. Would you like to learn how to enjoy an energy-conscious lifestyle in Healdsburg, CA? Keep reading below!

SEE MORE: Enjoy Solar Tax Credits & Freedom from Rolling Blackouts  

Waste Not, Want Not! 

It’s nothing new that Americans waste more than other countries in the world. But we are also a country that gives more to those who are less fortunate. Still, reducing waste should be a priority because it leaves us even more to give and save! Your home’s energy efficiency starts with cutting back on waste. Here are three ways to start: lighting, shades, and heat and AC.

How Ultra-High-Definition TVs, Surround Sound, and Lighting Create the Perfect Cinematic Space

Instead of simply watching a movie in your living room, make it a cinematic experience! A home theater immerses you in the sights and sounds of movies and your favorite TV shows. You’re not simply an observer when you turn on the big screen and your surround-sound system; you actually feel like you’re there – in the movies, at the game, or front and center with the actors.

But how do you achieve this in your Marin County, CA, home? Certainly, an average TV and a soundbar won’t do it. You need a state-of-the-art system that provides the same experience (if not better) than you get at the movie. In this blog, we’ll discuss the two must-have components you need for an outstanding home theater system.

SEE ALSO: Browse Photos and Details of Our Completed Projects 

Seeing Is Believing

Imagine putting a 48” HD TV in your home theater. It may have been a great idea in the late 1990s, but now, you probably don’t even have one in your home. The latest 4K TVs (or even 8K TVs) are ultra-high definition. And the best TVs use organic lighting-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a technology that dramatically improves image quality, color and contrast, and the overall viewing experience.

Why You Need a Backup Generator for Your Company in California

Imagine this: it’s a packed Friday evening at your restaurant. You’re serving delicious food, guests are having a great time, and the live music is adding even more flair to the ambiance. And then it happens. The power goes out! Unfortunately, this isn’t a farfetched situation. It’s happened to thousands of businesses throughout the Santa Rosa, CA, area.

Even though we live in a beautiful state, it’s become commonplace to have inconvenient and costly power outages. So, how do you get ahead of this problem if you’re an owner or manager of a restaurant, grocery store, office, retail store, or medical facility? The answer: commercial generators. Keep reading to see why you need one on your property.

SEE ALSO: Signs You Need Professional Electrical Work in Your Home or Business 

Don’t Lose Time and Money

When your business loses power, it loses money. In fact, E Source performed a study that found businesses throughout the United States lose $27 billion every year from power outages. If the power is out at your business, everything shuts down – whether it’s the refrigerators at your restaurant, shopping transactions, or even medical equipment. A backup generator keeps the power on even when the main source of power is out. In a split second, your commercial generator switches on, so business operations never grind to a halt – and you won’t lose revenue.

BRING POWER TO YOUR PROJECTS

You’re the architect. We’re the technology experts.

You know your way around a blueprint. Us? We’ve got decades of experience with smart technology, electrical systems, and renewable energy. Let’s work together.

We partner with architects and builders to bring design visions to life. The modern home and workplace depend on smart solutions, whether that means multi-room audio distribution or conference room automation. We know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and we provide customized services to clients across Geyserville, Bodega, and Sonoma, CA.

Whatever your needs, from electrical designs to surveillance cameras, our technology experts are here to answer any questions or unique requests you may have. When Summit is on your team, you’ll bring sophistication, ease, and efficiency to all future build projects.

Isn’t It Time to Consider Solar Panel Installation at Your California Home?

Whether you live in an area that has experienced blackouts or not, you’ve certainly felt the effects of California’s power shortage. You never know when the power will go out or when you’ll see an increase in your electric bill. Instead of paying for the rising costs of electricity in your home or suffering from unexpected blackouts, why not work toward energy independence? In fact, California and the federal government want you to go solar!

In this blog, we’ll highlight three ways you can take advantage of a solar tax credit for your home in North Bay, CA. Then, when blackouts occur, or the electric company notifies you of another price hike, you’ll be immune to those problems. Keep reading below to find out more!

SEE ALSO: 4 Questions to Ask Before Installing Solar Panels  

The Federal Solar Tax Credit

Everybody wants to save money and make money. You can with solar power! Even though California no longer offers a rebate for solar panel installation, the federal government incentivizes homeowners to install solar systems by providing a solar tax credit. We’ll cover that shortly. But even if there wasn’t a credit, there are so many other positive reasons to go solar. Switching to solar helps you:

 

• Save money on your electric bill or maybe eliminate it altogether
• Do your part to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels
• Reduce the electrical power demand as well as blackouts in California
• Enjoy access to power if the electricity goes out (when you have solar battery storage)
• Increase the property value of your home and resale value

 The federal tax credit offers even more incentive to install a solar system on your home. The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was established by the United States government to encourage homeowners to switch to solar. Right now, homeowners who install solar panel systems between 2020 and 2022 receive a 26% tax credit.

In other words, 26% of the cost of installation and materials can be applied to your federal income taxes, reducing your tax liability by potentially thousands of dollars. That’s one way you can save money, but there are two other compelling reasons.

Want to Have a More Secure Business? Here’s How!

How much traffic do you have in your business each day? Whether you manage a retail store, a restaurant, or an office building in Napa Valley, CA, it’s likely your doors open and close more times than you can count! If you’re concerned about security, it’s not easy to monitor everyone who enters your building – unless you have an access control system. You’ll always feel safe and secure with this smart security system.

Unlike older access control products, the newest ones are technologically advanced. There are many ways to implement the system, from PIN codes and keycards to convenient key fobs and futuristic biometric security. Best of all, remote access control lets you manage everything from your office, home, or miles away. Read our blog to learn more about several smart access control solutions.

SEE ALSO: Signs You Need Professional Electrical Work in Your Home or Business 

Who Needs a Key?

In a world of smart technology, using a key to unlock your doors has become nearly obsolete. Many luxury homes and businesses use a keyless entry system. That doesn’t mean you keep your doors unlocked. Instead, employees enter your doors using keycards (like a credit card) or key fobs (a small device that’s about the size of a coin). Then, when they approach the door, they simply wave the device at a scanner, and the door unlocks. No need for keys or security guards.

Key fobs and cards are also useful for interior spaces. For instance, if you have executive offices on the top floor, you can program the doors to unlock for authorized personnel. You can also use remote access security to restrict access to your office from a remote location – any time day or night. Simply click an icon on your computer or a mobile building automation device to lock down an area.

 

Type in Your PIN Code

Perhaps a PIN-code access control system is better for your business. After all, everybody forgets their keys, keycards, or key fobs at some point. When your business is protected with a PIN-code system, you’ll never worry about losing a “key.” Each employee is assigned a specific PIN code to unlock doors.

How to Protect Your Home When Blackouts Occur 

Living in California certainly has its benefits. Beautiful weather, blue oceans, idyllic beaches, and majestic mountains are some of the many pleasures we enjoy. And, if you’re a luxury homeowner, it’s likely that you also enjoy smart technologies, such as automated lighting, motorized shades, a home theater, and other luxurious creature comforts. 

But here’s where your comfort and peace of mind are compromised—California’s notorious rolling blackouts. While they may seem like minor inconveniences, they can actually cause damage to your electronic devices and appliances through power surges. 

Keep reading to see how our electrical wiring company in Napa County, CA, can protect your valuable equipment with a whole-home surge protector. 

Around 30,000 electrical fires are reported from different parts of the country each year. These fires are estimate to cause $1.1 billion in property damage and kill more than 300 people.

Some common causes of electrical fires are faulty electrical outlets, old appliances, overloaded light fixtures, and old wiring. In most cases, homeowners notice several signs of electrical problems before an electrical fire breaks out.

Every homeowner should watch out for these red flags and take corrective action in a timely manner.

Burning Smell Any unusual burning smell near an electrical appliance could mean that there’s something amiss. Your wiring could have become so hot that it might have started burning the plastic cover. If you ignore the problem, the heat from your wiring could start a house fire.

If you notice a persistent burning smell coming from a device, stop using it and turn it off. Unplug the device, switch off the power point, and call an electrical service in Santa Rosa immediately.

Chances are you have at least one smart home device in your home. Nowadays most homes have multiple smart devices whether it be a smart speaker, smart plug, or smart light bulbs. You can find just about a smart version of anything these days – even salt and pepper shakers!

But just because something is labeled “smart”, doesn’t mean that is truly is. Often times homeowners install multiple smart devices over a period of time and then find that those devices create headaches instead of making life easier which is what they are supposed to do. Many times, the devices don’t talk to each other and require separate apps.

It’s safe to say that home automation is on the rise in Sonoma County. However, this means that so is the number of homeowners who think they have the necessary skills to install a variety of smart home systems instead of hiring experts to perform the install.

A smart home professional will help you choose the right smart automation system for your home. They will create a customized home automation solution to fit your unique needs and ensure that it is installed and programmed in a way that will mitigate any future issues.

Summit Technology Group understands what a headache DIY devices can cause. That is why they approach whole home automation in Sonoma County intelligently. When done correctly, a smart home enhances your lifestyle, not hinders it.

Just like any other household appliance, your standby generator needs regular care and maintenance. Whether you use an electric generator, a diesel generator, a portable generator or a gasoline generator, make regular maintenance a priority.

Regular maintenance prevents problems. A well-maintained standby generator is safer, more efficient and will last longer. It consumes less fuel, needs less frequent repair, and is less prone to breaking down.

Here are some tips to keep your home standby generator in tip-top shape.

Change Your Standby Generator’s Oil Regularly

Make changing your generator oil a part of your regular maintenance plan. Changing your standby generator’s oil regularly will reduce friction between the different components of the engine, preventing them from overheating.

Power outages are not only inconvenient but are also becoming more frequent. Whether caused by a natural disaster or inclement weather, a power outage can bring your life to a grinding halt. An outage can last a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days. Luckily, a little planning and preparation can go a long way towards mitigating the impact of a power outage.

If your area experiences frequent power outages, consider investing in a solar system with backup battery. A typical battery backup system stores energy produced by solar panels for later use. Modern backup batteries are much more energy efficient and more affordable than their predecessors.

However, there is a limit to the amount of energy that a solar battery can store. If your budget allows, consider investing in a generator and a solar battery. Once your solar battery exhausts its charge, your generator will power your household equipment while you recharge your battery. You can opt for a natural gas, diesel or propane powered generator.

Here are some things to consider when buying a solar battery:

• Depth of discharge
• Round-trip efficiency
• Battery capacity and power
• Battery life and warranty

Things to consider when buying a generator:

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621940889872{margin-bottom: 24px !important;}"]Did you know that electrical repair problems are hands down one of the main causes of most commercial fires every year? Faulty wiring and other electrical issues can pose a threat to you and your business. It is needless to say that if a fire starts in your office, you stand to lose several thousands of dollars and the ability to make more money. It is therefore important for you to be vigilant and look out for signs that indicate you need professional electrical work in your business. So, with no further ado, let’s get started. Read on for a short guide from our expert electrical contractors in Sonoma County that will help you learn what to look out for.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621939098637{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Lights Keep Flickering – If the lights in your building keep flickering, it simply means you have an electrical connection that has gone loose somewhere and needs immediate attention. If only one light flickers, you can fix it by swapping it out for a new one or tinkering with the connection. However, on the other hand, if multiple lights flicker or the entire building begins to flicker, you must call in a professional electrician right away.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621938993861{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Outlets Are Either Charred or Hot – If the outlets in your building feel too hot to the touch, unplug everything connected to the outlet immediately. Refrain from using the outlet until you have had an electrician diagnose and fix the outlet for you. It may be a smart idea to cover it up with tape and to put a sign over it so others know to avoid it as well. Dimmer switches that feel warm are simply doing their job; however, if they feel too hot, something is wrong and needs to be looked at.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621938993861{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Outlets Are Either Charred or Hot – If the outlets in your building feel too hot to the touch, unplug everything connected to the outlet immediately. Refrain from using the outlet until you have had an electrician diagnose and fix the outlet for you. It may be a smart idea to cover it up with tape and to put a sign over it so others know to avoid it as well. Dimmer switches that feel warm are simply doing their job; however, if they feel too hot, something is wrong and needs to be looked at.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621939012563{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Problems with the Wiring – If your office building is over 30 years old, you must call in an electrician to update your wiring, especially if you smell something burning. Old wires are not designed to handle the load of electric power that office buildings use. First try to locate the source of the smell and turn off your electricity. If you cannot locate where the scent is coming from and are certain it is not from the office kitchen, call a professional electrician right away. Even though wires may be tucked away and hard to see, it is important to give them a once-over every month to ensure they are not frayed or in need of replacement.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621939029356{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping – If your circuit breaker keeps tripping and you cannot pinpoint the reason, it is prudent to call in the professionals. A circuit breaker is designed to keep electrical circuits from overheating, and hence, if it constantly trips, it is likely you have an electrical problem that needs attention.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1621939051636{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]Other things to watch out for are sparks, loose outlets, and even rodents. If you notice rodents in your building, it is likely that they have been busy feasting on some wires. Waste no time, and call in the experts. Not sure whom to call for help? The Summit Technology Group is one of the best electrical contractors in Sonoma County that you can trust. Call us today at 707-542-4773.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="3" top_padding="3" bottom_padding="3" back_color="color-xsdn" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" style="light" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1619251564386{margin-bottom: 24px !important;}"]Santa Rosa, CA: Summit Technology Group today announced the launch of an exciting new tool that allows homeowners to explore different options for making their home a tech-friendly smart home.

The tool consists of a brief questionnaire which provides examples of exciting options available in the world of home entertainment, home theater and smart home technology. It will help homeowners clarify their home technology interests and really zoom in on what they are picturing. The questionnaire should only take about 10 minutes, after which they'll have a rough idea about the possibilities, costs and alternatives.

There are 9 different categories, each consisting of a few questions that will help estimate costs. Factors like geographic area, local labor rates and buying preferences can influence costs too, and are included in the estimate.

After completing the questionnaire, the homeowner will have a good idea of what home technology will cost, what technology options there are.

Try it out for yourself: www.summit-e.com/technology-planner-tool[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1616599057670{margin-top: 8px !important;}"]About Summit Technology Group, Inc.:STG is a technology, electric and renewables contractor headquartered in Sonoma County that specializes in custom systems for residential and commercial markets. The company’s mission is to change the way our industry operates by delivering industry best Total Solutions offering the highest quality products and services to our clients while maintaining an enjoyable environment which encourages a better quality of life for our team.