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!
By Frank Scotti – Solarponics – June, 2023 5 MINUTE READ
Being a swimming pool owner should be an enjoyable experience. You should not have to think of your pool as a money sink hole. That’s why I am sharing four relatively simple and cost-effective steps a swimming pool owner can take to reduce energy, save money, and add comfort. Those four things include; setting your pump to run during the cheapest energy hours, install a variable speed swimming pool pump, install a heat pump water heater, and switch to a salt-water chlorinator. Sound complicated or expensive? It’s not. Start here.
TIME-OF-USE
Be aware of the cost of energy at different times of day. Typically, there will be a peak time where energy costs are extremely high. For PG&E customers, peak rates are between 4PM and 9PM. Energy costs at peak hours costs $0.50 per kWh as of June 2023. Non-peak energy rates are $.36 per kWh. Running your pump during only non-peak hours is a solid strategy. For example, set your pool pump timers to start at 8AM and stop at 4PM, for an 8-hour pool pump run time. For a 12-hour run time, set the start time to 4AM and stop time at 4PM.
POOL PUMP
The next thing you can do is invest in a variable speed pool pump vs. an older single speed pool pump. A pool pump is your main source of ongoing energy costs, so it is important to maximize efficiency.
A single speed pool pump is an induction motor that runs at a single speed, typically at a high start-up speed, more than is necessary once the pump is primed. A variable speed pump is a permanent magnetic motor that has a high efficiency rating. Shown at right is the Pentair Intelliflo3 Variable Speed and Flow Pool Pump. I saw about an 80% savings after I installed the Intelleflow3.
A variable speed pump can ramp up to 3450 RPMs at startup, and power down to as low as 500 RPM for continuous operation, saving on average of 80% in energy use, with annual energy savings of about 75% on average.
Variable speed pool pumps are also quieter, as low as 45 decibels, about four times quieter than traditional pumps, an added bonus.
The Pentair IntelliFlo also comes pre-programmed with eight speed settings and a build-in timer to ensure the pump runs at optimum speed and duration.
POOL HEATING
When it comes to pool heating, electric heaters are the most expensive and inefficient. Gas pool heaters are more efficient over electric. However, with skyrocketing gas costs, gas-powered pool heating is becoming less popular. In addition, gas is not a sustainable resource.
A heat pump water heater is currently the most energy efficient, cost-efficient, and resource-efficient pool heater on the market. A heat pump pool water heater is about the size of a home air conditioning unit. The unit extracts heat from the air to heat water, with cold air as a by-product, making them four to seven times more efficient over gas water heating. The energy needed to run a heat pump pool heater can also be 100% offset with solar energy. Heat pumps also last longer.
Gas pool heating pumps cost around $200 to $400 per month to operate vs. $100 to $200 per month for a heat pump pool heater with the same results. A heat pump pool heater’s 10-year energy savings can exceed $13K.
As with anything, however, there are some tradeoffs. Heat pump pool heaters heat slower. They typically need a 40 to 50 amp power source. Heat pump water heaters do not work well in low temperatures (<45 degrees). However, to be fair, heating a swimming pool when it is 45 degrees outside will cost a bundle using any energy source. So, typically homeowners winterize their pools in the colder months, turning off heaters and reducing pump run time, saving energy and money.
SALT-WATER CHLORINATOR
A lesser-known way to reduce costs, and add comfort is to install a salt water chlorinator. A salt water chlorinator uses salt to make pure chlorine, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. After the chlorine has disinfected your pool, it reverts back into salt and the cycle repeats. Salt water pools don’t irritate the eyes or skin and there is no smell or odor. Swimsuits and towels will not get bleached out by the natural chlorine. Salt water chlorinators are also affordable and easy to install.
The average sized swimming pool uses about 100lbs. of chlorine (tablets or granular) every year, costing roughly $700 per year. The payback is about four years. However, the added comfort is priceless.
Rebates and incentives seem to come into and out of play throughout the year for heat pump water heaters and variable speed pumps. Always search available rebates before making any purchase decision. Several sites track and list existing rebates. They include; theswitchison.org, pge.com, energy.gov, sce.com, energycenter.org.
If you live on California’s central coast and one of these technologies makes sense for your situation, visit solarponics.com or call Solarponics at (805) 466-5595 for more details and to get a free quote. Until then, have a happy and safe swim season.
I don’t know how many times I have fielded calls from customers regarding some life hack that they saw on TikTok regarding their swimming pool. Some are interesting, and workable. Most are not. The latest one is regarding a hack to prevent algae from forming in swimming pools.
Supposedly, if you put a 3” piece of copper pipe in your swimming pool skimmer basket, the pipe will prevent algae from forming.
The myth may have started here. While some algaecides have a form of copper in their ingredients, it is far different from a piece of copper pipe. Pool Time Algicide and Clarifier is such a product. It contains copper sulfite. Copper sulfate is a result of the reaction of copper oxide to sulphuric acid. I’m no chemist, but that doesn’t sound like a copper pipe to me. Copper sulfate is water soluble and works by inhibiting photosynthesis in the algae, thus killing it.
Many water pipes are copper because copper is antimicrobial making it impossible for bacteria and viruses to grow inside the pipe. This has made copper pipes ideal for home water systems, where there will be long periods of standing water int he pipes. So, while a 3” piece of copper pipe placed in your swimming pool filter basket will not grow algae inside the pipe, it will not prevent the growth of algae elsewhere in the pool.
I’m not a swimming pool chemist. However, I do have a swimming pool. And I did have an algae problem this summer. I treated it the tried and trusted way. Test and balance the water. Add a pool shock. Use a pool brush to vigorously scrub the surfaces. Vacuum the pool. Apply a mustard algaecide (for green algae) following label instructions. I used Pool Time Algicide and Clarifier. Stay out of the pool and allow water to circulate for 24 hours. Clean filters. Vacuum and brush again. Test and balance pool chemicals again. Algae gone. Problem solved.
To avoid an algae outbreak in the future, keep the pool chemistry balanced. Make sure your filters are clean. Consider a new variable speed pool pump which can circulate more water and will be more energy efficient at the same time, saving money. Or, add a Bioshield swimming pool EV sanitizer.
For better or for worse, the energy crisis of 1973 was pivotal in spurring interest in solar energy, creating a brand new industry and launching new companies and innovation. Solarponics is one of those companies. Founded in 1975, Solarponics is now California’s oldest, continuously operating solar energy company, celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.
What began as a small startup in San Luis Obispo installing solar thermal water heating systems has grown into a leader in whole-building sustainable energy and resource management. Today, the company, located in Atascadero, CA, designs and installs solar electric systems, heat pump water heating, heat pump pool heating, heat pump HVAC heating and cooling, EV charging stations, battery storage and backup systems, for residential and commercial projects on the central coast.
With a vision for a net-zero energy future on California’s central coast, Solarponics has made a lasting impact on the region’s environmental footprint. To date, more than 25,000 homes and businesses in San Luis Obispo County have gone solar, saving over $500,000,000, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 250,000 metric tons annually—the equivalent of planting 60 million trees.
San Luis Obispo County has also achieved a solar saturation rate of about 32% for single-family homes, far exceeding the national average of just over 7%, highlighting the areas commitment to quality of life.
Solarponics operates on a simple but powerful philosophy: Be kind. Live local. Work hard. Respect others. Make a positive difference every day. Over the past five decades, the company has remained true to its core and has contributed more than $500,000 to local organizations, reinforcing its commitment to make a positive difference.
Another point of pride is its 4.9-star customer satisfaction rating across all review sites. “We work tirelessly to deliver the best experience, and that means delivering reliable and proven performance over time,” said Frank Scotti, Solarponics CMO. “You don’t last 50 years without delivering what you promise and doing the right thing.”
This commitment is more than just words. For the seventh consecutive year, Solarponics has been recognized as a “Best of the Best” company by the national firm Best of the Best, which honors outstanding businesses based on licensing, accreditation, longevity, community involvement, customer reviews, responsiveness, and transparent leadership.
As demand for more and more energy continues to grow, so does Solarponics’ role in driving sustainable innovation. However, the road to net-zero electricity continues to be hindered by politically motivated legislation. Solarponics employees have made several road trips to San Francisco and Sacramento to lobby the CPUC for solar rights for homeowners. And while the industry has had some victories, legislation continues to favor oil, coal, and gas over sustainable energy.
The 30% investment tax credit that homeowners and businesses are eligible for when installing solar and battery backup ends on December 31 of this year, which is forecasted to significantly affect continued solar energy adoption. “Thankfully, energy rates continue to skyrocket, which makes solar a sound financial investment even without the tax credit here in California,” says Mr. Scotti. California has the second-highest energy rates in the country—just behind Hawaii, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration[1].
Solar Water Heating Display, Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo, 1975
When asked about how the industry will cope with the loss of the tax credit, Mr. Scotti responds, “You’ll still save money with solar and battery, just not as much over time. And that’s what the utility companies want, to reel back in some of their losses. All we can do is continue to fight for consumer-friendly legislation, continue to pivot, continue to focus on other innovations that will help homeowners save energy and save money.”
Solarponics recently began installing heat pump HVAC systems—technology that is up to 60% more energy-efficient than traditional gas or electric systems. Solarponics also offers heat pump solutions for water heating and pool heating, further expanding its energy-efficient product portfolio.
With California targeting 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045, and more than two million electric vehicles consuming 24 million kilowatt-hours of electricity daily, the need for cleaner, more efficient, easily scalable energy has never been greater.
“If I were to predict where we will be in ten years, I’d say this: Utility energy will cost over $1.00 per kWh, so we’ll still be installing solar and battery storage systems. Peer-to-peer energy trading—where one home sells excess solar to another—will be commonplace. Community-based grids will replace larger state-wide or regional grids. Battery storage will be made from safe, abundant, affordable sodium, and every home will have one. EV’s will integrate with homes, trading energy back and forth as needed. And California’s central coast communities will continue to lead the nation in sustainable energy and net-zero technology adoption,” says Mr. Scotti.
Swimming is a great activity that is enjoyed by many across the country. Whether it’s at home, the beach, or the lake, swimming is a great way to cool off during hot weather or to remain comfortable in warm climates. Swimming also comes with a number of possible dangers that people must keep in mind before they engage in the activity.
Water is everywhere, and that can make people think that it all functions more or less the same. Although people can drown in something as simple as a bathtub or hot tub given the right conditions, each body of water has its own risks and safety recommendations. Any water source can be a source of injury or even death if people do not take it seriously, particularly for infants and young children.
Article by Terry Arko, Pool & Spa News, May 22, 2015
Pool Techs Must Practice Drought Diligence
Pool professionals need to consider not only what they’re putting in the water, but also what they’re leaving behind. In drought times, the mantra needs to be “Remove more, add less.” This refers to how the water should be treated. In short, we should aim to remove more organics while adding less solid byproducts, reducing the need to drain and refill.
When the practice of draining and refilling pools is under increased scrutiny by water districts, particularly in California, pool professionals should carefully consider what chemicals they’re using and ask themselves: What is this leaving behind in the water that may increase the need to drain and refill? Here’s an example: Over half of a tri-chlor tablet is made up of cyan uric acid. Consider that for every part per million of chlorine from a try-chlor tablet, 0.6 ppm of cyan uric acid is being added. High cyan uric acid contributes to high total dissolved solids (TDS), which creates more demand for chlorine and eventually could lead to having to drain the pool.
Continual use and shocking with a cyan uric or calcium-based chlorine should be carefully considered. These lead to an increased need for sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate – again something that puts more dissolved solids in the water.
Also avoid cleaners and metal products that contain phosphates, another contributor to TDS.
TDS leads to the water becoming over saturated, increasing the likelihood of having to drain the pool.
Think of adding sugar to a glass of tea. Initially there is enough tea to absorb the sugar, but keep adding sugar and it will begin to drop to the bottom of the glass. The tea is saturated and cannot absorb any more sugar solids. This same scenario goes for pools when chemicals leave byproducts behind: they stack up until the water simply can no longer absorb the solids. This leads to the formation of scale and cloudy water as this dissolved material is forced out of solution.
Th preserve precious water, we need to be aware of how chemicals affect water balance and choose products that are more neutral, such as oxidizers, clarifiers and phosphate removers. These products remove contaminants while leaving far fewer undesirables behind.
And let’s not overlook evaporation. Average-sized pools in warm weather states, such as California, can lose their entire contents to evaporation in one year. Pool covers can help maintain healthy water levels, and save thousands of gallons of water.
Article by Terry Arko, Pool & Spa News, May 22, 2015
Solarponics installs solar pool heating systems for swimming pools on the central coast in California. We encourage water conservation and smart pool chemical use.
