Our company is one of the first solar companies in the bay area. We have dedicated our company to the values of environmental preservation since opening our doors in 1984. Our mission is to prevent the depletion of natural resources and protect the environment by using renewable energy. This has remained our focus from the very beginning. Since then, our bay area solar company has become a veritable phenomenon throughout the area, leading to constant innovations in the field and the growth of the business.

Wondering what you should look for in your solar energy partner? A trusted partner should guide you through your transition every step of the way. This includes design, permits, installation and every last detail being checked over until the system is absolutely flawless. We offer you excellent options and unmatched workmanship, regardless of the budget or system size. One option of note is our SunPower leasing program. This allows some financing flexibility. There is no money down, the program has low monthly payments, early buy-out opportunities, flexible end of lease options (renew, buy, or return), and a SunPower Energy Assurance which guarantees performance or you get your money back. This represents how dedicated we are in delivering on your needs as we offer flexible options to make it more feasible for you. As such, the very best in bay area solar can be relied upon to the do the best job each and every time, without sacrificing perfection.

Do your part to renew the world’s natural resources and make the switch to solar. We look forward to hearing from you and proving why we are the most trusted name in solar companies in the bay area.

We are a local leader in solar renewable energy projects. We provide both residential and commercial PVs, as well as solar hot water installations.

Sun First began business in 1984 in Northern California. Over the decades, we have established various partnerships in the solar industry, especially in the San Francisco bay area. As such, Sun First has been influential in Marin solar projects that have expanded solar panels and systems in Marin and Sonoma.

Thousands of Marin solar systems have been installed by Sun First. We have a wide range of solar system options for any system size. Aside from the design and installation of solar systems, Sun First can also take care of diagnostics, repairs and maintenance for solar systems.

For further details, check out our SunFirstSolar.com website. Or, you can contact us if you have any further questions, or to request a free solar installation quote. Our Marin phone number is 415.458.5870, and the Sonoma phone number is 707.933.9990. You can also send an e-mail to: info@sunfirstsolar.com, or fill out our quick contact form on the Sun First website.

People who take advantage of these tax credits should read up on how they apply to them specifically. In many cases, both residential and commercial buildings can take advantage of the tax credit. Forms are available online to acquire the tax credit. Here at Sun First, we want to help make you aware of how much money a solar panel system can save you. There are no other Bay Area solar companies like us. We are focused on customer service and quality products and installation. Because only certain materials and systems qualify for the California tax credit, we make sure people get the right systems that meet these requirements. Our goal is to provide the best technical advice and installation for an affordable price.

The most recent project focuses on a large group purchase of Marin solar systems for residents over the next few months.

Despite what many would believe in an economy that continues to struggle, statistics from the state of California reveal that Marin solar system installations have remained steady.

State and federal incentive programs helped install at least 882 systems in Marin County, California between January of 2007 and July of 2011. These systems generate 3,891 kilowatts of electricity.

A new plan created by 20 year old employee of Spearhead Solar, Daniel Parrella, of Vacaville, California involves people group purchasing power to find affordable rates for Marin solar power customers. Parrella based his idea off of the popular “deal-of-the-day” company, Groupon, which grants large group discounts to its members.

Parrella’s “group power” strategy is not the first.

In November of 2007, Lisa Max of San Rafael created the group, GoSolarMarin. Her 500 Marin residents received a discount from Novato-based SPG Solar, in which 100 systems were installed.
But, her second attempt at this strategy fell short.

In 2008, her group made a deal with SolarCity of Foster City, in which only 30 solar systems were installed. During this time, the economy began to spiral downward and more residents preferred to lease rather than purchase solar systems.

Yet, Parrella’s solar system installation business remains steadfast. His group signed 150 Davis residents interested in solar panel installation. REC Solar, a mainstream energy company in San Luis Obispo, offered a 20 to 25% discount to residents who purchased a system within three months.

Although residents will pay REC solar roughly $5.45 per watt for their systems, or an estimated $15,000 for an average-sized three kilowatt system, state and federal tax credits and incentives will reduce this cost to an estimated $10,000.

Parrella is currently organizing a similar plan in Marin and Santa Cruz, with an estimated 40 Marin residents presently signed up. He plans to use the Internet and word of mouth throughout the community to spread awareness of the project.

Parrella’s company receives commission from each of the solar installers on the contracts that are signed. Contracts vary according to the size of the solar systems, and prices range from 15 to 25 cents per watt.

Unfortunately, Max did not make money on the group purchases she and her group organized.

Solar companies now offer referral fees which range from $400 to $1,000. Questions have been raised concerning the group discount method.

Aran Moore, co-owner of Sun First in San Rafael, is wary of the group method because if solar companies make a bid too low, they cannot offer good solar system service. Sun First, however, provides 10-year warranties on its systems.

Once you decide to install solar panels in your home or office, the important decision rests on selecting a reputable solar system company with knowledge, understanding and experience in solar systems and installation. Choosing a reliable solar system provider helps ensure that your solar panels will last.

At Sun First, we provide Bay Area clients including residential, commercial, non-profit, and government entities with high quality panels and competitive pricing, which are two of the most important factors in selecting a solar energy partner.

We provide solar panel options to fit your budget or system size and will handle your project beginning from sola panel design and permits to installing and activating your solar panels. Also, we will ensure all of the necessary documents are filed in order for you to receive your solar panel rebate. In addition, Sun First provides service for diagnostics, repairs and maintenance.

Since our beginning in 1984 in Northern California, our knowledgeable and experienced staff has designed and installed thousands of Marin solar systems. Sun First provides each customer with excellent customer service, creative panel design and installation, and reliability in their decision to install solar panels.

Source:

Halstead, Richard. (2011, October 25). Entrepreneurs launch Marin solar home project using Groupon approach. Marin Independent Journal. Retrieved from http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_19191768

If you’re looking to install solar energy in the bay area, you want to find a contractor who is familiar with the bay area investor-owned utility providers and the knowledge of possible permits and zoning restrictions. You want a contractor who will effectively apply for the rebates and incentives. Most of all, you want to consider a contractor who has outstanding solar technology expertise, experience with roof installations and an overall knowledge of the locations, such as the bay area solar scene.

Here are some additional tips for making sure you have the right contractor:

1. Hire a licensed contractor – they are the most reliable and know how to install systems, apply for rebates and contact your local investor-owned utility provider.
2. Check the contractor’s license number online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752).
3. Get three references from the contract and review past work. Luckily, Sun First! provides reviews of past projects on our website.
4. Make sure all project expectations are in writing. Only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms.
5. Keep a record of all papers relating to your project, including all payments.

Once you decide on a contractor, you can install your solar system and enjoy your bay area solar benefits from the progressive CSI program. For more information on Sun First! and our installation process, feel free to contact us.

The SunPower TV ad will air in Sun First! Solar’s Marin and Napa/Sonoma regions.

Since their founding more than twenty five years ago, SunPower achieved major industry recognition because of their delivery of highly efficient solar cells, solar panels and solar energy systems. Their renowned solar technology placed them as the leading developer in solar solutions for homes, small businesses, and commercial buildings.

SunPower’s path to success began in the 1970s. During this time, co-founder Dr. Richard Swanson searched for solutions to the oil crisis, while also working towards his doctorate in engineering at Stanford University. He then began brainstorming how to provide alternative energy sources. Already fascinated by the use of solar cells on satellites, he remained curious as to how to make cells more cost-effective. He set out on his mission.

Fifteen years later, while teaching electrical engineering at Stanford, Dr. Swanson received grants from the Electric Power Research Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help fund his solar power research. These funds, as well as other financial support, helped launched SunPower as a corporation in 1985. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Swanson met his team of solar energy experts.

Forty years later, SunPower stands the world leader and provider of solar energy. They’ve worked with major customers including Honda Motor Company, and they’ve partnered with organizations and companies including the U.S. Air Force Academy and Ford.