California Leads The Nation In Solar Power

California isn't just the Golden State anymore — it's green. In fact, California leads the country in terms of solar power — great news for the planet and the folks on the West Coast.

California is leading the way by a lot, too. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, an estimated 4,732,000 homes in the state had installed solar power as of 2016. Coming in a very distant second place was North Carolina. As of 2016, the Tar Heel State had an estimated 341,000 homes powered by solar. So while California used approximately 18,296 MW (megawatts) last year, North Carolina used only 3,016 MW.

In terms of the actual power generated statewide from residential units and businesses alike, the California Energy Commission estimates that solar PV (photovoltaic) and solar thermal power plants produced 10.03 percent of the state's total electricity production in 2016.

Switching to renewable energy isn't the potentially pricey undertaking that it once was, either. As solar panels have become increasingly common, more buying and leasing options have become available at affordable rates.

If you haven't gone solar yet, you're letting that California sunshine go to waste. You'll see an immediate decrease in your electric bills once you make the switch, and you can start saving for as little as $0 down. Get ready to see the light...

Pay For Solar Power, Not Solar Panels

Thanks to something called a power purchase agreement (PPA), you can pay for the solar energy you use but not the solar system itself. Under the common terms of most PPAs, you agree to purchase the power produced by the system at a low fixed rate, and your solar provider has full ownership of the solar energy system itself. That means you can start enjoying lower monthly bills immediately without having to make the big initial investment in a solar power system.

Horizon Solar Power, southern California’s local leader in solar power energy, offers this form of long-term lease. It owns and maintain the solar equipment — you simply pay for the power produced by the panels based on a low fixed rate that's typically less than what your local utility company charges.

Get Your Personalized Solar Quote

Start Seeing Savings

Begin with a free consultation to find out how much you could save on your monthly bills by switching to solar. With Horizon Solar Power, you'll meet with one of its expert solar consultants to talk about your personal energy use and assess your solar needs. They'll answer any questions you have about making the switch to renewable energy.

Immediately after your free consultation, you'll receive a free no-obligation proposal that includes which solar panel system design would work best for you as well as a customized quote detailing your energy savings and financial options. The expert solar consultant will also tell you about any local rebates or incentives available to you.

From there, your solar provider takes care of everything. They'll install the system within one to three days and take care of all inspections, permits and paperwork.

Looking At The Long-Term

Research from the Department of Energy shows that having a solar system can increase the value of your home and speed up the sale of it. Solar panels can also be an incentive for potential buyers even if you don't own the equipment outright. Under most common terms of a PPA, the owner can transfer the existing system to the buyer under the same terms when the house is sold. That means the new homeowners could also benefit from the lower energy bills you've been enjoying without having to purchase or install any new solar equipment.

Making the switch to renewable energy is also good for the future of the planet and the people of California. According to the research from Solar Energy Industries Association, the solar industry has created an estimated 100,050 jobs across the state — proof that renewable energy helps the earth and the economy.

Ready to get started? See how much you can save with Horizon Solar Power

Read more about solar power:

• 7 Things You Didn't Know About Solar Power
• How Much Can You Really Save By Going Solar
• Solar Power Made Simple: A Homeowner's Guide
• The Top 6 Solar Powered Cities In California

First Photo Credit: Walmart via flickr