“As California goes, so does the rest of the country,” the saying goes. The clean-energy powerhouse state has become the first state to require all new homes to install and use solar power. The new rule, which will be in effect in two years, makes solar more relevant than ever before. In a unanimous vote by the California Energy Commission, the ruling occurred without heated arguments.
However, homeowners are worried that the extra cost of installing solar panels on their homes will worsen the unaffordable housing market in the West Coast’s golden state. But clean-energy advocates claim the cost of solar will be made up by the dramatic decrease in energy bills.
How California is Leading The Way
California law also requires about 50% of the state’s electrical output to come from noncarbon-making sources by the year 2030. Furthermore, the change in building codes is one aspect of an entire system of change away from previous forms of power. By the end of this year, California can claim the title of the nation’s leading state on solar installation.
With the passing of this rule, home builders must develop homes with solar panels; or home builders can build a shared solar system several homes. Roof panels can be purchased, included in the home price, or paid for through a solar lease month-to-month.
California’s bold move on solar is expected to cost $8,000 to $12,000 to a home’s price, according to The New York Times.
https://nextphaseelect.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2018-05-24-at-9.04.35-PM.png434904Nate Riggins/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NextPhase-logo-BLACK-300x76.pngNate Riggins2018-06-09 03:35:592024-04-22 10:10:55California Makes Solar Mandatory for New Homes
According to National Fire Protection Association, electrical issues result in more than 45,000 house fires each year. Sometimes, even 55,000 house fires come from electrical problems. But the bulk of these disasters remain preventable!
Homeowners give all their attention to preventing thieves or other factors, but sometimes forget to secure their home electrically. To protect your home from every angle, start by looking at your fuse box or breaker panel for your last inspection date. Many municipalities require inspections only when someone’s systems become modified during an addition or style change.
But the Consumer Product Safety Commission advises people to have a professional look at their electrical system every decade or so. However, electrical issues still arise. Therefore, look out for these 12 electrical problems that happen in many households.
We typically try not to make a mess of cords because it is an eyesore. However, wires remain hidden and secured within a homeowner’s walls for electrical reasons, not aesthetic. You want your wiring systems to have room for themselves, unbothered so that they last. When other outside factors start to mess with the cord area or foot traffic tramples along the wired area, the cords can malfunction. Furthermore, you do not want to pinch, damage or start a fire with your wires. Utilize extension cords sparsely and for small intervals of time, during a special occasion perhaps. Nevertheless, if your home or business needs tons of extension cords plugged in at all times, hire a professional and knowledgeable electrical team to install these cords safely.
Flickering or Dying Lights
Light fixtures usually consume small power amounts. Therefore, when lights flicker or start to die out, the issue is rarely because the fixture is breaking. Many times, the issue is caused by the larger appliances or space heaters wired to the same circuit. When energy giants like big appliances soak up all the energy in a circuit, the little guys get flushed out.
Furthermore, appliances built to cool or heat objects or items use tons of power. Flickering or dying lights is sometimes the result of washing machines or other devices related. Always consult with an expert. Ask yourself, “who is the best electrical team near me,” or “who is the best electrician near me.” Next, find those people so that they can guide you on moving items to different circuits or installing other lines specifically for larger appliances.
Smelly Odors
New appliances sometimes spew noticeable odors the first times they run. However, if you smell an unpleasant, distinguishable odor coming from an outlet, power off and unplug it and anything connected to it. Do not use this item again until a professional electrical team looks at it for further analysis.
Sudden Sparking
Electrical sparking is never a good sign. The way to deal with unexpected sparking depends on where the sparking originated from. If a fuse box, breaker panel, or other items are sparking consistently, call an electrician immediately! This is a very time-sensitive issue.
Hot Outlets
Hot outlets for appliances is a problem that is often overlooked. Some appliances, like a toaster or an oven, are meant to produce heat. However, the outlet that powers your toaster shouldn’t become hot because that indicates a serious problem. If the outlet that powers your appliance becomes hot, power off whatever is plugged into that outlet and try another outlet. If the outlet becomes hot without anything plugged into it, the wiring could be wrong. Always talk with an electrician who can consult you on whether to flip the breaker or eliminate the fuse for that outlet until your system works properly.
Blown Fuses and Tripped Breakers
Let’s say your hair dryer consistently trips a breaker in your home whether it remains plugged in or not. Your appliance may be at fault. However, if using one outlet causes blown fuses or tripped breakers repeatedly, the circuit has most likely stopped working as its intended or overloaded. Nevertheless, consult with an experienced electrician so they can walk you through the circuit issues or possibly add more lines.
Buzzing Sounds
Have you ever wondered what electricity sounds like? They say silence is golden — this saying applies directly to electrical systems. If you do not hear anything surrounding your electrical systems, then your electrical systems are most likely working just fine. Loose prongs or malfunctioning wires, however, can stir currents to buzz or make noises that annoy and should cause concern. For any unusual sounds, call an electrician before the issue, if any, worsens.
Wrong Outlets in Bathroom or Kitchen
Water is a wonderful conductor of electricity. Therefore, kitchens and bathrooms both need special shock-resistant outlets known as GFCI’s or ground fault circuit interrupters. If outlets in your bathroom or kitchen outlets do not look much different from those in your bedroom or living room. Swap out those outlets with GFCI’s to add an additional layer of shock protection around water areas.
Not Enough Outlets
Every day people use plug-strips and multi-receptacle add-on outlets. However, these pieces strain your electrical system and make it work strenuously beyond its ability. Sometimes homeowners need more circuits for safety and convenience.
Service Panel Rust or Moisture
Do not let rust or moisture collects along or within your service panels. Excess rust and moisture can threaten your wiring system or cause more issues down the road.
Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum wiring was primarily used in the 60’s and 70’s as an affordable substitute for premium copper wiring. However, safety standards for wiring have changed. Furthermore, using aluminum wiring solely can be highly-dangerous because aluminum when touching copper, causes connections to loosen which may lead to fires.
Safety is Next Phase Electric’s Number One Priority
Next Phase Electric goes above and beyond a typical standard for electrical work. We have the experience in the market to see that many electrical companies do just enough to get the job done and pass inspection. Our approach is to think through all of the issues on a project and take proactive steps to ensure safety and accuracy for our clients and our employees. We model our safety culture after the safety processes in oil refineries – some of the highest standards of any industry. We have safety programs and keep our employees up-to-date on safety training and processes.
Need to light up the night sky or power your backyard oasis during the day? The pros at Next Phase Electric have you covered. Let’s review some basic tips on how to run power outside with extension cords.
Extension Cords
If you need power outside to trim your bushes, lighting, etc., some extension cords work up to 48 hours. However, make sure you only purchase and use extension cords designed for outdoor usage. Furthermore, outdoor cords were designed to withstand temperature changes, sunrays, and foot traffic. Here are some quick tips:
Do NOT use indoor cords outside
Do NOT leave your outdoor extension outside more than two days
Neglected extensions left outside can spark fires and shock.
Always follow good outdoor electrical safety
Outdoor Extension Cord Safety: The Basics
Select the right cord for the job you plan on completing.
Extension cords are NOT one-size-fits-all.
Choose a cord rated to withstand the wattage of your connected devices. The larger the cords’ wire, the more current it can take on.
Plug outdoor cords into a GFCI outlet, or test/reset buttons. These buttons are usually found in your kitchen, bathroom, or garage. Furthermore, these devices protect you from shock if your cord becomes exposed to water.
Unplug your cord and store it inside when not in-use.
https://nextphaseelect.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2018-03-27-at-12.49.33-PM.png7631138Nate Riggins/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NextPhase-logo-BLACK-300x76.pngNate Riggins2018-04-20 19:45:142024-04-09 10:07:58How to Run Power Outside With Extension Cords
Were you that kid that took a balloon, rubbed it on your wool clothing or sheet, and held it above your head to make it stand? Chances are, like many kids, you enjoyed playing with a little static electricity! Some of the more unruly kids thought it was funny to feel a slight shock. While that amount of static electricity is virtually harmless for kids’ games, there are serious consequences to static electricity, especially when magnified.
Unsafe Static Electricity Shock
If you experience static electricity where there is gasoline or flammable materials in the air, you must be careful. Because the sparks from the static shock can ignite a gas, which might result in a highly dangerous explosion.
We work alongside all kinds of people at our jobs. Some of us have different impulses and health conditions. Therefore, you must also know that static shocks can become potentially dangerous for people who use pacemakers. Even though these shocks and pacemaker incidents are rare, maintaining the highest level of safety protocols is good business. And best of all, high safety measures keep your employees safe.
Electronics and Static Electricity
While it is unlikely that people become seriously hurt because of static shocks, it is possible that your technological equipment will be. Items like computers and other office tools necessary to power your business can become easily damaged by static discharges. Therefore, think of electrostatic discharge as a small amount of lightning that can disrupt and break the micro level of your company’s circuit boards.
Here are some preventative measures you can take against electrostatic discharge at work:
Electricians working on your electronic equipment should always use an ESD wrist strap, which helps to lessen charge away from the circuitry.
Avoid keeping plastic and polystyrene near electronics. Also, these materials stir static discharge.
Only purchase and use non-static forming sprays on your office’s electronics.
Treat your carpets to prevent static buildup.
Next Phase Electric, Bakersfield’s Premiere Electric Company
Next Phase Electric wants you to take precautions to mitigate future damage to your electronics and office tools. Now you know that static charges can destroy costly electronic equipment, as well as random power surges and electrical storms; therefore, take action and call our team of experts, and we’ll answer your questions.
https://nextphaseelect.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2018-03-01-at-2.11.57-PM.png8051218Nate Riggins/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NextPhase-logo-BLACK-300x76.pngNate Riggins2018-03-20 20:42:132024-04-08 10:19:36Static Electricity and Your Business
Nothing is quite as aggravating as a failing or stalling power supply while you’re trying to run your business well. We completely understand that headache. That’s why Bakersfield’s premier electric company, Next Phase Electric, helps restore your power so you can focus on your business goals.
Whether your company relies on several computers or high-tech machinery, productivity is not possible without sustained and reliable power. Our pros at Next Phase Electric help you establish an effective backup plan. One of the most used and common options is a backup generator. Here are the pros and cons of owning and setting up a commercial backup generator.
Backup Generators: The Good and The Bad
Did you know that backup generators use propane, diesel, or gasoline to generate power? Furthermore, backup generators come in various sizes. Your business can choose a small portable unit that powers one or two items or chooses a large, wired in version that can power an entire factory, large-scale building, or warehouse.
Small Generators vs Large Generators
Smaller generators are easy to come across, and simple to operate. However, larger generators that become responsible for more ground and more work can take some time. There is a wait time when large generators get shipped from manufacturers; moreover, finding the professionals to install it correctly takes some time as well. We want you to have your power back as fast as possible. Don’t waste any time deciphering whether the other guys can get you up to speed. Next Phase Electric has all the professional experience and expediency you need.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Commercial Generator
Commercial generators, depending on your unit size and business needs, requires fuel, which can become costly. Furthermore, some business owners and employees report a lag between the power shutting off and the generator starting up. Some lag times are only a few seconds, but others can take a bit longer depending on your unit’s size and configuration. Generators can be noisy and release fumes that may be distracting. Always consult with a contractor to inspect your units and the advice of an electric professional from time to time.
Small-scale to large-scale farms and farmers trust Next Phase Electric when it comes to managing their agricultural electric services. Also, we dedicated a large portion of our company to help farmers find the best agricultural solutions in Kern County.
What We Do For Farmers and Ranchers in Bakersfield
According to the Kern County Farm Bureau, Kern County is officially number one in agricultural production. Furthermore, one in five jobs in Kern are linked to the agricultural industry because of a 6% increase in 2016’s crops.
Next Phase Electric takes immense pride in our expertise in the agricultural field and the honesty with which we treat our clientele. Furthermore, Next Phase Electric will review your farm or ranch’s agricultural electrical practices and systems and offer comprehensive solutions that will save your business energy, time, and money.
Farmers, farms, and ranches cannot sustain their operations without electricity to operate water pumps, irrigation systems, and other facilities onsite. Also, Next Phase Electric will help create systems that will increase your business’s efficiency, but we will upgrade older systems as well. It’s our job to make sure your operations and tools are running safely. Because we take workplace safety incredibly serious.
How We Work
First Phase – Review for accuracy and working order.
Second Phase – Review in the field.
Third Phase – Scheduled audits or in-depth audits to further explore Phase 1 or Phase 2 findings
Next Phase Electric puts a priority on communication and customer service and we’re well-equipped for business reviews from an electrical perspective. Let us help you ensure that your agricultural business is electrically sound.
https://nextphaseelect.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/agg.jpg11311698Nate Riggins/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NextPhase-logo-BLACK-300x76.pngNate Riggins2018-02-20 21:24:382024-02-28 12:54:04Why Agricultural Electric Services Matter in Kern County
Did you know that water pumping makes up about 60% to 70% of the agricultural energy usage in the Golden State? Furthermore, California’s agricultural energy usage grows more during droughts. Therefore, the costs of managing an agricultural business are growing because of increasing electricity prices and droughts. More droughts cause farmers to use deeper, more expensive wells.
Nevertheless, many farmers benefit economically and environmentally from using electric pumps.
Approximately a third of water use from California farms occurs during pricey peak hours. Groundwater can be pumped and used during off-peak time and stored. However, farmers cannot do the same when it comes to booster pumps. Booster pumps use almost two-thirds of the same energy from well pumps. Let’s discuss the benefits of electric well pumps.
The Benefits of Electric Pumps
Farmers do not have to deal with internal combustion in the pumping process for electric pumps. Therefore, electric pumps do not need as much maintenance as fossil fuel pumps. Also, electric well pumps have flip-the-switch convenience, and they do not produce pollution. Furthermore, they offer a quieter operation and tend to lower greenhouse gas emissions as time passes.
Electric pumps are far more flexible when it comes to environmental prioritization. Farmers who use electric pumps can switch to green energy sources like solar power. Other green energy sources that electric pumps can use is power from methane, which comes from animal manure or crop leftovers. Diesel engines, however, are completely different. They are main sources of pollution in the San Joaquin Valley.
Bakersfield’s Premiere Electric Company
Electrical Services for Agriculture:
Pump/motor work
Solar installation and maintenance
General maintenance
We work with farms and dairies of all sizes in the California Central Valley. Call Now!
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Business owners and managers should always check the fire safety of an office space before renting that space. You and your staff will spend a lot of your time in that space. Therefore, your office must be kept safe.
When you know how to catch warning signs of fire risks or other risks, you can prevent disasters from happening at work. Electrical or fire risks slow down your whole day, maybe even your whole week. Here are our tips on how to check your office space before you commit to buying or renting it.
1. Powerpoint Safety
The most common and most neglected electrical safety measures committed comes from wall sockets. Wrongly grounded or poorly-fitted sockets cause electrocution. Sometimes, you can even risk frying your expensive equipment. Sparks and frying can start an office fire. We do not want any of this to happen to you.
Your commercial landlord needs to inform you of any issues with your office’s wall sockets. For all other examinations, calling one of Next Phases’ professional electricians is the way to go.
2. Space Safety
Did you know that too much electrical equipment next to other products can create extra heat, which sometimes causes safety hazards? Simple hazards include loose cords, machine cramps, overheating systems, and electrical fires are potential risks. Always make sure your workspace has ample walk space and storage room for all your office equipment.
3. Minimize Dust
Dust not only can create a choking hazard, but it can become explosive if it builds up in a small area without proper ventilation. Cleaning your office regularly not only keep things “looking pretty,” it prevents electrical issue too!
4. Check Fire Alarms
If you suspect that your office is at risk for any of the items mentioned above, check your fire alarm. Also, if your fire alarm lights are not working, odds are the rest of the electrical work for fire safety is in trouble too. Lastly, if you cannot even find a fire alarm, you’re in big trouble. All commercial properties must have working fire alarms and those alarms must be regularly tested.
Next Phase Electricians
Giving Power Back to your Business
You found your dream property, now all you need is a professional electrician to ensure it’s working smoothly. Talk with a Next Phase Electric electrician to remove your doubts, and make sure your business stays working safely.
To freely schedule a service call for immediate assistance, call Next Phase Electric at 661-878-7576.
Want an estimate for our services? Call Next Phase Electric at 661-878-7576 or fill out our online contact form here.
https://nextphaseelect.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/commercial-slide.jpg5221000Nate Riggins/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NextPhase-logo-BLACK-300x76.pngNate Riggins2018-01-15 23:22:212024-02-28 12:54:36How to Check an Office’s Electrical Safety Before Renting
Leasing solar panels versus purchasing solar panels is an increasingly popular choice amongst Bakersfield residents. Indeed, Californians aren’t purchasing solar panels as much as they are leasing solar panels.
According to the Climate Policy Initiative, “over 75 percent of California’s new residential solar systems in 2012 were leased.” So, what does leasing do for Bakersfield homeowners that buying doesn’t? Leasing gives homeowners the perks of solar power without needing to spend more money right away for their own system.
We’ve got it all taken care of. Bakersfield’s premier electric company will help you decide the right option.
Will you live in your current home for at least ten-to-fifteen years?
Most solar leases run for at least 15 years minimum, and some run for 30 years maximum. Therefore, selling or moving out of your home before your lease contract expires may enact some issues with the next occupant.
Is your credit score high enough?
Many Bakersfield solar companies require a high credit score to lease a system. Always ask your local leasing company about their credit score requirements.
Do you rent or own your home?
You can only lease solar when you own your home. If you aren’t a homeowner, talk about solar leases with your landlord first before you jump into anything.
How to Lease Solar
Speak With a Reliable Leasing Company.
Review Your Solar Contract and Sign Your Paperwork
https://nextphaseelect.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2018-01-11-at-3.28.30-PM.png516777Nate Riggins/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NextPhase-logo-BLACK-300x76.pngNate Riggins2018-01-12 23:11:162024-02-28 12:55:00The Rundown on Solar Leases
Electricity is an awesome resource that powers basically everything in our daily life. Although it is extremely useful, it can also be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some tricks to keep your family members and coworkers out of harm’s way.
Limit Exposure
Although it may not seem like it, your body is a conductor of electricity. Never try to dislodge bits of metal stick in electrical sockets with your bare hands or exposed metal tools. Also, avoid tampering with bare wires of any kind, the jolt received form these risky decisions could result in a debilitating injury. Installing plastic caps on faulty or unused outlets is also a good idea. It is important to keep a look out for old wires and keep up proper maintenance at home and at the work place.
Dangerous Waters
It is easy to forget to keep water away from electricity, especially when you have work to finish. Electrocutions frequently happen in kitchens, break rooms, and during outside work activities. It is important to dry, wet hands before handling electric equipment. Also, make sure that any outlet with a regular exposure to water has a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed to keep shorts to a minimum.
Know Your Surroundings
The main causes of electrical injuries are from a lack of awareness. Turn off electrical products you are not using and keep an eye out for live equipment. Be sure to only use equipment suitable for the environment you are in, always using proper safety gear. In case of emergency, make sure that those either residing or working in a location know where and how to shut off the power. Pay attention to outlets or power circuits with excessive currents running through them. This can easily overload circuit breakers or fuses. Overloads also happen when a power cord is running at the wrong amperage. If an electrical cord feels warm to the touch, that means it is at risk of overloading.
Remembering these tips can help avoid serious injury.
Solar energy does not produce the harmful emissions that other types of energy production does, so it’s better for the Earth. And while it’s true that it takes some energy to make the PV (photovoltaic) cells that power solar devices, that energy is made up for in about a year and a half of that cell’s operation. Plus, studies show that when companies go solar, customer perception and employee morale improve.
Financial Benefit
Installing a solar system may seem like a daunting and expensive task, but it is definitively worth the effort. It is almost a sure-fire way to see a return on investment. While residential properties have the added benefit of an improved resale value, commercial installations reap benefits from solar as well. No longer will you be at the mercy of fluctuating electricity prices. Not to mention, the tax break received for simply having a solar panel network installed. Panels last for decades as well, and often come with 30 year minimum warranties. With the money saved on utilities and perks like performance based incentives (PBIs), upgrading to solar practically pays for itself.
Myths
There are long standing misconceptions about solar energy. Many believe that the power it provides is only good during long sunny days. You would be out of luck once night rolled around or there was a particularly cloudy day. This of course, is not the case. Panels accumulate power all day, even on gray days, soaking in plenty of excess power. That power sets back your electric meter, crediting your utility account. That credit can then be used in the evening, without costing you a dime. So, what are you waiting for? The sooner you invest in solar, the sooner the benefits will rain down on you.
https://nextphaseelect.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fotolia_82963207_Subscription_Monthly_M.jpg359640Nate Riggins/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NextPhase-logo-BLACK-300x76.pngNate Riggins2017-07-27 21:54:182024-02-28 12:55:31Why Go Solar? The Best Move You Can Make
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