Long weekend, longer sunlight — and it turns out this has been a landmark year for solar in the United States. As we fire up the grill and enjoy the extra day off, it felt like the right moment to step back and look at just how far solar has come, and where it’s headed next.
We just crossed 6 million installations
Earlier this year, the U.S. officially surpassed 6 million solar installations nationwide — and 97% of those are sitting on residential rooftops just like the ones we install every week. What’s remarkable isn’t just the number, it’s the pace: the country went from 5 million to 6 million installations in only two years. For context, it took decades to hit that first million.
Right now, about 9% of U.S. homes have solar. By 2030, that’s expected to climb to 11%, with total installations projected to top 8 million. Solar isn’t a niche choice anymore — it’s becoming a mainstream part of how American homeowners power their lives.
The bigger energy picture
Zoom out to the utility scale, and the growth is even more striking. Cumulative utility-scale solar capacity has more than tripled since 2020 — from 48 gigawatts to 161 gigawatts by early this year. Just a decade ago, solar supplied less than 1% of U.S. electricity. Today, solar and battery storage together accounted for 91% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the first quarter of 2026 alone, with solar on its own making up 60%.
That means more often than not, when the country adds new power to the grid, it’s coming from the sun.
A more complicated year for homeowners — and why that matters
We’ll be straight with you: 2026 hasn’t been a straight line up for residential solar. The federal residential tax credit (Section 25D) expired at the start of the year, and it caused a rush of installations at the end of 2025 as homeowners raced to lock it in — followed by a quieter stretch since. Industry-wide, residential installations are expected to dip this year before returning to growth in 2027.
Here’s the thing: the fundamentals that make solar worth it haven’t changed. Utility rates keep climbing, equipment keeps getting more efficient, and financing options — including third-party ownership and prepaid plans — are evolving to fill the gap left by the expired credit. If anything, a quieter market often means more attention, faster scheduling, and more room for us to walk you through what still makes sense for your home and budget.
Why Labor Day is a good day to think about solar
Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer — peak sunlight, peak energy bills, and for a lot of homeowners, the moment they finally get around to that home project they’ve been putting off. If going solar has been on your mind, there’s no better time to get a straight answer on what it would look like for your roof, your usage, and your budget.
Enjoy the long weekend. And if you’re curious what solar could do for your home, we’re happy to run the numbers with you.
Sources: Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Wood Mackenzie U.S. Solar Market Insight Report Q2 2026, American Clean Power Association Market Pulse Summer 2026.
Receiving a solar true-up bill can be surprising, especially if you assumed your solar system covered all of your electricity needs. Your annual true-up bill simply compares how much energy your solar panels produced with how much electricity your home used over the past year.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that installing solar means unlimited free electricity. In reality, increased energy use—such as running the air conditioner more often, charging an electric vehicle, or adding new appliances—can result in a higher true-up bill if your home’s consumption exceeds your system’s production.
The best way to avoid unexpected costs is to regularly monitor your solar energy system. Reviewing your system’s performance and tracking your home’s energy usage throughout the year helps ensure your solar panels are operating properly and allows you to spot changes before they affect your annual true-up bill.
A higher true-up bill doesn’t always mean your solar system has a problem. More often, it’s a reminder that your energy usage and your solar production should stay in balance. By monitoring both, you’ll maximize your savings and get the most from your solar investment.
The home with the solar energy system must be located in San Luis Obispo County. PG&E account number and phone number are required. Data is not shared or sold. Other restrictions may apply. No cost to homeonwer. Report is provided via email.
2025 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award Recipient
Solarponics has once again achieved a Family-Friendly Workplace designation. This time, earning the Blue Diamond level award.
San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Family-Friendly Workplaces works in collaboration with all five San Luis Obispo County chambers of commerce and is sponsored by First 5 SLO County. The purpose of the program is to help businesses attract and sustain a strong, inclusive local workforce through the implementation of family-friendly workplace practices, and is built on the belief that increasing family-friendliness is essential to support business success, grow our economy, and advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce. The program provides resources & support to all businesses throughout SLO County free of charge.
The SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program and Toolkit are both products of The We Are The Care Initiative (WATC). A grassroots effort, WATC arose from a desperate need for access to quality and affordable child care in SLO County. Stewarded by First 5 SLO County, this Initiative is a collective of early childhood professionals, people from the business community, government employees and officials, and families who are collaborating to address our local childcare crisis. WATC believes that the suggested supportive practices increase organizational productivity AND support the physical and emotional health of employees and their families. We hope you consider steps to increase family-friendliness at your workplace. If you are interested in joining this initiative and to find out more about our work, that is available HEREor email us.
This award program is not only meant to celebrate employers who have implemented family-friendly policies, but also to uplift employers working towards more family-friendly practices while providing a valuable recruitment tool for local businesses. Congratulations to our 2025 Awardees! – Solarponics: Blue Diamond Level, 2025.
A shout out to Solarponics employees for supporting a family-friendly environment, and helping reach this designation. Helping each other is everyone’s responsibility and obligation. There is always more we can all do. But one thing is certain, the entire team at Solarponics is dedicated to continuously improving our work environment, and supporting of our co-workers, our families, and our communities.
By Frank Scotti, Sustainable Energy Advocate – October 01, 2022 – As far back as I can remember, my mom always used liquid laundry soap, or detergent, to wash our clothes when we were kids. Like most everything, my parents never questioned the product, or its environmental impact. Liquid detergent was just what you used. Then, when I moved out and was responsible to wash my own clothes, I, too, chose liquid detergent out of familiarity and habit.
But now I know that liquid laundry soap is not good for the environment. Heck, it’s not really even a soap. Detergents are mainly a synthetic combination of chemicals designed to produce optically clean clothes, but as a result, also introduce a ton of chemical pollutants. These chemicals include; phosphates, formaldehyde, chlorine bleach, ammonium sulfate, dioxane, sodium lauryl sulfate, optical brighteners, ammonium quaternary sanitizers, dyes, benzyl acetate, dichlorobenzene. After your clothes are washed, all of these chemicals are drain out with the water and remain in our water, forever.1,000 loads of laundry are started every second of every day in the US. Assume we use an average of 2 ounces of detergent per load, that equates to 492,750,000 gallons of chemical detergent pollutants added to our water supply each year from laundry alone.
In addition, 700 million empty plastic detergent jugs are thrown away each year in the US alone, with less that 30% ever being recycled. Factor in all of the water used to create the detergent, and all of the CO2 emitted to transport these heavy jugs from factory to consumer, the environmental impact of liquid laundry detergent is simply staggering.
Recently we have finally seen an innovation in the category, laundry detergent sheets. Laundry sheets are lightweight, compact, don’t use water, are pre-measured amounts, and come in compostable paper packaging.
The basic ingredients of laundry detergent sheets are: deionized water, natural plant-derived surfactants, enzymes, and in some cases, a fragrance. A box of 100 load sheets weighs only about 7 oz., compared to the equivalent liquid weighing almost 10 lbs. Plus, laundry sheets and packaging contain no plastic at all.
I tested a laundry sheet brand called Earth Breeze for one month. I use a front-loading wash machine, so the sheet goes in the top detergent cup, folded. I was skeptical at first. But here’s what I found. The sheet dissolved fully. There was no residual residue or signs of soap or other chemicals. Surprisingly, clothes seemed to be just as clean. I did not notice any difference. I used both the fragrance free and the Fresh Scent. I did prefer the Fresh Scent over fragrance free.
Like I said no noticeable difference between the Earth Breeze laundry sheets and my other liquid detergent. I shall admit that I do not have heavily soiled clothes. Both my boys no longer live at home, and I don’t regularly work on cars getting oil stains on my work clothes. But the average garden variety soiling came clean with no issues. The switch for me is a no-brainer, especially since the cost per load of laundry sheets vs. liquid is about the same.
I have freed up extra space in the laundry cabinet to store other stuff I don’t need. I don’t have any large jugs to dispose of and hope they get recycled. I can take on with me when I travel. My clothes get just as clean.
No matter how hard I try, I really can’t find anything to complain about. Laundry sheets are an amazing substitute to liquid laundry detergent.
Since testing laundry sheets, I have not reverted back to liquid detergents. I think I may have finally broken the cycle of habit and complacency and made the full-time switch to laundry sheets. I suggest that everyone give them a try.
Energy efficiency is one of the largest topics for homeowners in recent years. Buyers want a property that will have predictable bills, and homeowners want to lower the monthly charges they’ve been seeing.
If you’re interested in finding energy-efficient remodeling ideas for your home: consider trying some of these tips!
Seal Your Home From Top to Bottom
Your home should be as sealed as possible. This means everything from the roof to the floor should be air-tight and capable of handling anything you throw at it. The most common areas people miss are their soffit, roof gaps, their HVAC system, and the exhaust from their washer and dryer, and stove. Make sure these allow for one-way flow only, stopping your home from filling with whatever temperature you’re avoiding.
Inspect Your Windows and Doors for Air Leaks Windows and doors are the largest culprits for heating and cooling issues. Carry a lit candle near your windows and doors, and watch the flame carefully. If it suddenly pulls towards, or away from, any door or window: you have an air leak. There are a couple of options for what you can do next. You can either replace the windows and doors entirely, or you can go for something smaller like a window sash replacement and simply weatherstripping your door. Although eventually, you’ll want to replace them: this can be a fantastic fix in the meanwhile. Check Your Insulation Levels How well insulated is your home? Do you know the last time your insulation was checked? If you’re not sure, call a professional and ask for them to check out your property. Be aware that if your insulation hasn’t been checked in over forty years, the company you work with will probably charge extra in case of asbestos. This is a normal charge and will protect them from a potentially hazardous environment. Know What Solar Can Do For You!
Solar can help both your home and the environment in one go. By absorbing solar rays and converting that power into electricity, it can lessen the amount of power your home needs to draw from the grid. Beyond that, this can also give you tax cuts that many homeowners are thankful to grab.
Although solar is expensive upfront, you’ll save enough money in the long term that this equipment will pay for itself over time. This isn’t a great fit for every home, depending on which direction it’s facing, but it’s a fantastic choice if you want to source your energy in a greener way.
Make the Switch to Energy Efficient Lighting
Your lighting could be doing more damage to your bills than you expect! Just like you wouldn’t expect roller skates to be useful on a crush-and-run driveway, you can’t expect the same old lightbulbs that haven’t been updated in sixty years to offer the amount of energy-efficient LED bulbs can. With brighter and clearer light, longer lifespans, and more energy efficiency, there’s no reason to avoid these bulbs. They’re very useful and offer everyone an affordable chance to have a greener home.
Replace Any Older Roof or Siding
Your old roof and siding could be holding you back. These both protect your home from the elements when they’re in good condition, but the second they’re older, you’ll realize they’re holding you back and leaking a lot of air (and possibly moisture!). Go for a roof that will last over fifty years and works great with solar, like slate shingles! For your siding, it’s vital that you pick something that’s both attractive and sturdy. Some types of siding can work well over thirty years, although they can be a little more expensive.
Check Your Foundation and Repair if Necessary If you test your windows and doors, and over half of them are leaking, aren’t shutting correctly, and seem almost tilted despite being fine not long ago: it’s time to look at your foundation. One of the main reasons it’s vital to fill cracks in concrete is water can take a small issue and blow it out of proportion in no time. Keep an eye out for any foundational issues: and call a professional if you suspect something might be wrong.
Add Extra Shade On Your Home’s Windows
Although no tree should be anywhere near your roof: you can shade your home by using greenery that covers your windows to some degree. By planting shrubs and bushes along the exterior of your home, the light will be more filtered before it gets to your windows. This will allow less heat to come in and will protect your home. Beyond this, when paired with landscape drains, local shrubs can also help keep water out of your yard, an added bonus!
Every Property Can Be More Energy Efficient
Your property should be as energy efficient as possible. Take the time to follow these tips, and you’ll be amazed at how much your heating and cooling bills will drop!
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Susan Holmes is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. She is an editor and content writer for the environmental industry. Susan is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.
When it comes to choosing a solar company on California’s Central Coast, homeowners need a provider with experience, reliability, and a deep commitment to community and sustainability. Solarponics stands out as the best choice for several key reasons: unmatched local expertise, high-quality solar solutions, exceptional customer service, and a legacy of environmental stewardship.
50+ Years of Trusted Local Experience
Solarponics has been serving the Central Coast since 1975, making it one of the oldest and most experienced solar companies in California. Unlike newer or out-of-area providers, Solarponics understands the unique energy needs, climate conditions, and permitting requirements of communities from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo. Their long-standing reputation ensures that homeowners receive proven, reliable solar solutions tailored to the Central Coast’s sunny yet coastal-influenced weather.
Strength Through Collaboration: Member of Amicus Solar Cooperative
Solarponics further enhances its value to Central Coast homeowners as a proud member-owner of Amicus Solar Cooperative, a nationwide network of like-minded solar companies dedicated to excellence in renewable energy. By partnering with Amicus, Solarponics gains access to cutting-edge technology, bulk purchasing power, and shared industry expertise, ensuring customers receive the most advanced and cost-effective solar solutions available. This cooperative model allows Solarponics to remain locally focused while leveraging national-scale resources, providing homeowners with better products, competitive pricing, and unmatched service quality. Membership in Amicus reinforces Solarponics’ commitment to ethical business practices, innovation, and long-term customer satisfaction, setting them apart from less-connected competitors.
Exceptional Customer Service & Support
Many solar companies disappear after installation, but Solarponics provides lifelong support to its customers. From the initial consultation to post-installation maintenance, their team ensures a seamless experience. Solarponics has over 400+ 4.9-star average Google reviews, and 150+ five-star reviews via Guild Quality, an independent customer experience evaluation website. Their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)and positive customer reviews on numerous other review sites highlight their dedication to honesty, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
Custom Sustainable Energy Solutions for Every Home
Solarponics doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solar systems. In fact, they don’t stop at just solar energy. The Solarponcis team realized that the best path to energy sustainability was to first reduce and manage energy use. Thus each home is evaluated for other energy-saving opportunities, such as more efficient water heating, heat pump HVAC systems, water conservation, smart electrical panels, radiant heat and cooling, to name a few.
Solarponics energy experts conduct detailed energy assessments to design a system that meets each homeowner’s specific energy usage and budget. Whether it’s a grid-tied system, off-grid setup, or solar + storage, Solarponics ensures maximum savings and efficiency.
Financing Options & Incentives
Going solar is more affordable than ever, thanks to Solarponics’ flexible fpayment options, including solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Additionally, they help homeowners take full advantage of tax credits, as well as all national and local incentives and rebates.
A Commitment to Sustainability
As a locally owned company, Solarponics is deeply invested in the Central Coast’s environmental future. By helping homeowners switch to clean energy, they reduce carbon emissions and promote energy independence. Solarponics management team members also lobby for sustainable energy legislation throughout the state, not just in our local communities. Their holistic approach to sustainable energy and better livingextends to ethical business practices, including their business relationships with like-minded vendors, ensuring that every solar installation makes a positive impact.
Deep Roots in the Central Coast Community
Beyond providing top-tier solar solutions, Solarponics is deeply committed to giving back to the communities it serves. The company actively supports local environmental initiatives, educational programs, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to sustainability. Whether sponsoring clean energy workshops, participating in community solar fairs, or partnering with schools to promote renewable energy education, Solarponics demonstrates a genuine investment in the Central Coast’s future. In fact, they wrote the resolution to proclaim June 21 as Solar Energy Day.
Team members also volunteer with local environmental groups, reinforcing their mission to foster a cleaner, greener, and more energy-independent region. By choosing Solarponics, homeowners aren’t just getting the best solar company—they’re supporting a business that cares about the well-being of the Central Coast and its residents. To date, Solarponics has donated over $500,000 to local area organizations.
The Verdict: Solarponics is the Top Choice
For Central Coast homeowners looking to save money, increase home value, reduce their carbon footprint, and truly live better, Solarponics delivers unmatched expertise, premium sustainable energy technology, and outstanding customer care, and a commitment to community and planet. With decades of trusted service and a commitment to excellence, they remain the #1 solar provider in the region.
Ready to go solar? Visit www.solarponics.com to request a free consultation and see how much you can save with solar energy today!
In addition, 700 million empty plastic detergent jugs are thrown away each year in the US alone, with less that 30% ever being recycled. Factor in all of the water used to create the detergent, and all of the CO2 emitted to transport these heavy jugs from factory to consumer, the environmental impact of liquid laundry detergent is simply staggering.
I tested a laundry sheet brand called Earth Breeze for one month. I use a front-loading wash machine, so the sheet goes in the top detergent cup, folded. I was skeptical at first. But here’s what I found.
I have freed up extra space in the laundry cabinet to store other stuff I don’t need. I don’t have any large jugs to dispose of and hope they get recycled. I can take on with me when I travel. My clothes get just as clean.
