If you’re thinking of installing solar panels for your home, you’re probably doing a lot of research to see what the costs and your options are. There is a lot to get up to speed on, so let’s start with what solar panels cost.

Solar panels have been steadily dropping in price, due to more efficient manufacturing and increased popularity. Currently, they are at an all time low, and the cost of a solar panel is around $5 per watt of output. A quick look at your monthly electric bill should help you figure out what you need, in terms of power.

That’s just part of the equation though. The main reason for installing solar panels is to save money on electricity. Depending on where you live, you may be able to make some money by selling excess electricity back to the grid. Rates vary for this, so be sure to investigate the options fully.

Buying solar panels appears to be a big investment, but most people find that they are able to pay them off in under ten years, and sometimes faster. There is a complex mix of factors that determines that timeline, including your power consumption.

There are federal tax credits available for people purchasing solar panels, and usually work out to the tune of 30 percent of the purchase price of the system, including converters and batteries. That’s a significant incentive. Between the tax credit, selling energy, and the long-term promise of energy independence, there has never been a better time to get solar panels.

Of course, it’s all a little overwhelming. What you need is someone who is familiar with the territory to walk you through all the steps. The Electric Connection has the experience and the connections to get you started on the path to energy independence. Give us a call today to get the process started.

Sometimes, an electrical emergency can’t wait; sometimes, you need a 24-hour electrician to stop in as soon as possible. Here’s a look at some electrical emergencies that require immediate attention.

Before you call a certified electrician, check to see if the breaker is tripped. If the breaker is tripped, go to the thermostat and turn off the heating and cooling unit. After you have turned off the thermostat, go back to the breaker and turn the breaker all the way off before resetting it to the ‘on’ position. If the breaker trips again, call a 24-hour electrician. If it doesn’t trip, turn the thermostat back on. If the breaker trips once the AC is on, you will need to contact an AC repairman.

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If you’re experiencing an electrical emergency, please contact ElectricMan today. ElectricMan is a trusted, local 24-hour electrician with almost three decades of experience. For more information visit the ElectricMan website, and don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on YouTube and Pinterest.

When the power goes out, it is a bit of a novelty. It can be kind of romantic and does bring families together for a short while. You may pull out a couple of candles and sit around and chat for a bit about your day or your child’s day. It isn’t bad and is almost a welcome respite from a fast paced world. And then after about an hour or so, you and the kids start to get a little bored. You are probably thinking of the 101 things you need to get done, but can’t because you don’t have power. The batteries on the various gadgets that have been keeping the kids occupied will die and you are going to be left with some bored, cranky family members. An electrician in Los Angeles can help you avoid all of that with the installation of a standby generator. At The Electric Connection, you will discover a team of knowledgeable and professional staff who are ready to help you.

A standby generator keeps your home powered during a power outage so you can continue with life as you know it. You can choose the size of your generator based on the size of your home and your home’s power needs. If you want to power just one room and the essentials like your refrigerator and freezer, you can or you can buy a generator that will power the entire house.

Families with small children who may be afraid of the dark and don’t appreciate candlelight dinners or reading a book by candlelight will certainly benefit from a generator installation. Because there is some Los Angeles electrical wiring involved, the generator will need to be hooked up to the home’s main power by an electrician. This ensures your generator is safe to use. If you would like to learn more about generators, give The Electric Connection a call today.