Serving Marin, Sonoma and Napa Counties since 1984

For 42 years, SolarCraft has been your community source for clean, renewable energy. As an employee-owned company, we take pride in offering a high level of consultation and a great customer experience—especially when helping homeowners navigate complex energy upgrades. We hope you find the information in this newsletter useful as you adapt to the new energy paradigm.

— Phil Alwitt, CEO, SolarCraft



GET READY FOR WILDFIRE SEASON

We may have had a few big storms this winter—but that’s about it. Northern Sierra snowpack is sitting at less than 10% of normal, which means wildfire risk is already on the horizon.

Now is the time to prepare.

We all hope fires stay far away—and it’s easy to think, “it won’t happen to me.” But fires and power outages across the North Bay are becoming more common, not less.

That’s where battery backup systems come in.

Battery systems are quickly becoming essential for homeowners. They don’t just keep your lights on during outages—they can also help lower your energy costs.



Here’s how:

• Store energy when it’s cheapest and use it when PG&E rates spike
• Keep your home running during outages, from refrigeration to Wi-Fi
• Protect what matters—including your food, your comfort, and yes, your wine collection



Thousands of North Bay homeowners are already set. Want to see if a battery system makes sense for your home? Give us a call—we’re happy to walk you through your options.

SONOMA/NAPA 707.778.0568 | MARIN 415.382.7717

TIME TO CLEAN YOUR SOLAR PANELS?

It’s that time of year again when dirt and pollen settle on your solar panels and there is no more rain to wash it away. Gain a few extra percent of solar energy with clean solar panels.

Click here for our instructions and video.

STEP OUT OF YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Have you heard of the water-energy nexus? It's true, energy and water are related. Water needs energy to move from its source to you. Energy plants need water for cooling or washing solar panels. So, saving water, saves energy. Here are a few tips to save water at home:

1)    Install Low-Flow Showerheads

Modern low-flow showerheads can cut water use by 30–50% without sacrificing pressure.

Why it saves electricity: Most of your shower water is heated. Using less hot water means your water heater (especially electric or heat pump water heaters) runs less often—reducing energy use and lowering your utility bill.

2)    Fix Leaks Promptly

A dripping faucet or running toilet can waste hundreds (or thousands) of gallons per month.



Why it saves electricity: If the leak involves hot water, you’re continuously wasting energy used to heat that water. Even cold water leaks still require energy for municipal pumping and treatment.

3)    Insulate Hot Water Pipes

Pipe insulation reduces heat loss as water travels from the heater to your faucet.

Why it saves electricity: Hot water arrives faster and stays hotter, so you waste less water waiting—and your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard.

Small steps add up. Thanks for doing your part.

Small steps add up. Thanks for doing your part.

SolarCraft is Proud to Partner with the Following

Wendt Electric 
Towery Electric
Bank of Marin

Marin Builders Association

North Coast Builders Association

California Solar and Storage Association