A: In January 2006 the California Solar Initiative was created. This incentive program, for renewable systems of less than one megawatt, began in January 2007 and provides a total of $3.3 billion over 10 years.

Beginning in 2007, the California Energy Commission started managing $400 million targeted for solar on new residential building construction. The funds from the Energy Commission will help renewable projects between 2007 and 2011. Called the New Solar Homes Partnership, it focuses on new residential construction. Click her to learn more

Q: What size solar electric system do I need?

A: With a free, no obligation quote from GCI Energy a solar technician will sit with you and help you gather numbers for the calculations, and then walk you through a calculation. You just answer their questions, and GCI Energy will crunch the numbers for you to see exactly what size a type of solar energy system you need.Click here for a Free No Obligation Quote

Q: Does solar affect my homes value?

A: When you go solar, your home appreciates. Realtors can give you statistics that estimate how much the value will go up, given the type of investment and the area you live in. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA), for every dollar you save annually in energy costs with solar equipment, the value of your home increases by up to 20 times your annual energy savings, depending on the type of system you install. Solar is catching on, and homebuyers are willing to pay more for solar homes that promise energy savings. Five myths about Solar Energy

Q: Why consider buying a solar system?

A:When you go solar, your home appreciates. Realtors can give you statistics that estimate how much the value will go up, given the type of investment and the area you live in. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA), for every dollar you save annually in energy costs with solar equipment, the value of your home increases by up to 20 times your annual energy savings, depending on the type of system you install.
Solar also has no carbon footprint. For each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy-generating capacity you install with solar by GCI Energy, you’ll save that much from other sources, most likely the electric power company. No other alternative energy resource can offer this impact except wind power and hydro, but solar is far more versatile, and easier to install.

Learn more about solar

Q: What is a good site for PV?

A: If you live in Southern California then you are in luck because you live in a part of the world that gets lots of sunlight all year long with very little gray and overcast days. When you install solar panels on your home, they only create electricity while the sun is shining on them and that’s good news for California residents. Solar Energy 101 by GCI Energy

Q: What can be done to a home before installing a solar system?

A: One this that can be done prior to installing solar is to install a radian barrier. A radiant barrier is a sheet of thin material that looks like reinforced aluminum foil. You usually tack it up beneath your roof joists, and it keeps a lot of outside heat out of your attic. GCI Energy will be more than happy to come to your home and do all these measurements for you to see if a radiant barrier is right for you.Click here to learn more

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Q: Are solar systems expensive?

A: The truth is there are many ways to make installing solar affordable. One way is by taking advantage of tax credits, which are subtracted from the amount you owe on your state or federal taxes. Also GCI Energy offers $0 down financing option and a $1,000 instant discount.

Click here for a Free No Obligation Quote

Q: Is it really in my best interest to hire a professional solar installer rather than do it myself?

A:The vast majority of problems with solar energy systems occur from faulty installation. Even licensed contractors make mistakes, but at least if you hire a contractor, you’ll have recourse.
If you break a big, heavy solar panel, you have a massive object with a voided warranty that you need to truck back to the factory. Is it worth it? And counting on your roof requires holes in your roofing material. If you don’t do it right, you can create leaks. Nothing is worse than finishing a nice new project, only to find that you have an even bigger project fixing the leaks in your roof during a heavy rainstorm!

5 reasons not to install solar on your own

Q: How is GCI Energy different than the other installation companies?

A: GCI Energy is a family owned and operated company with nearly 30 years of experience. GCI Energy has become one of the largest and most trusted names in the home improvement industry. Our success is a reflection of the value we have created for our customers by providing only the highest quality products, professionally skilled installations, extended warranties and superior customer service.

Learn more about GCI Energy

Q: What type of glass do you use for your windows?

A: The glass itself plays a big role in a window’s energy saving ability. The vinyl windows that GCI Energy uses have 3 main advantages when it comes to glass. 1) Reflects outside heat in sunny weather. 2) Keeps heat from escaping the home in cold weather. 3) Blocks 95% of harmful UV rays to resist fading interior furnishings.

GCI Energy vinyl windows use a triple-layer Argentum coating that insulates up to 100% better than ordinary glass. Vinyl Windows by GCI Energy exceeds Energy Star requirements by 45% and they are 100% more efficient than ordinary glass. Our vinyl windows also offer maximum solar control with high-visible light, and fading UV protection. Click her to learn more

Q: My windows are drafty; will new vinyl windows stop the draft?

A: Drafts are caused by windows that are poorly sealed, inadequately insulated, or improperly installed. A GCI Energy contractor will address the insulation around the rough opening and properly insulate during installation of the vinyl windows. Even high end, energy efficient replacement windows can be drafty if installation is not done with expert care. This is why GCI Energy only uses trustworthy and talented window contractors to do the replacement windows installation for you.

Q: How will replacing my windows save me money?

A: The bulk of our energy consumption used in homes goes to space heating and air conditioning. With new vinyl windows by GCI Energy you will save a considerable amount of money on your electric bill. By not letting heat escape while using the heater and keeping in the cool air while running the air conditioner. Understanding Vinyl Windows

• Provides a home with a much smoother and richer appearance.
• 20 times thicker than paint.
• Class “A” fire rating providing additional protection.
• Weatherproofs and protects the home from constant exposure to moisture
  and mildew that can cause dry rot and the stucco to decompose.
• Color stability far superior to other products.
• No chipping, peeling or flaking.
• Repainting or re-stuccoing is a thing of the past.
• Dramatically improves curb appeal.
• Adds to the beauty and value of any home.
• 10-step application process ensures unsurpassed quality.
• Lifetime Product Warranty and 15-Year Labor Warranty!

10 STEP PROCESS ARMOR-TEC COATING APPLICATION
        √ Protects     √ Beautifies     √ Saves Energy

Armor-Tech - Tex Cote 10 step process by GCI Orange County

Patio Products

Let Galkos Construction, Inc. design a patio cover or enclosure exclusively for your home. 

Patio Covers

• Made of high quality aluminum coated with a special Kynar finish (1/3 thicker than paint) that provides a lifetime of maintenance free protection.
• Deep embossed wood grain finish.
• Never needs repainting.
• Will not burn, warp or crack.
• Immune to termites and dry rot.
• Lightweight construction eliminates the need for massive support beams or heavy construction work to modify the underlying concrete slab.
• Technically superior. Designed for today to last forever!
• Lifetime Product Warranty and 7-Year Labor Warranty.

 We Build It.  We Install It.  We Stand Behind It.

Why Go Solar?

Many states allow you to exclude the cost of a solar electric system from your property taxes as long as you don’t sell your home. In other words, while the value of your house will go up with the installation of a solar electric system, this addition can be excluded from your property’s assessed value. This makes solar home improvement one of the best home renovation projects from a financial benefits perspective. 

Solar homes have great resale value. The housing market overall remains slow, but according to the LA Times, buyers are seeking affordable, solar powered homes. Homes that have installed a residential solar system are beginning to outsell homes with traditional electrical systems because of the increased value, environmental benefits, and tremendous savings potential.

In California, a combination of solar incentives can cover up to 40% of the cost of your residential solar system. In 2009, the federal solar tax credit will cover 30% of the total cost of your solar system and the California Solar Initiative (CSI rebate) saves you up to an additional 10%.

 Why GCI Energy

GCI Energy is a top solar distributor who can offer the highest efficiency solar panels on the market – those manufactured by SunPower. With SunPower, GCI Energy can tailor a solar panel installation to your specific needs and lifestyle, so you get maximum performance without a maximum investment. With over 30 years experience as a family owned company GCI Energy is one of the largest home improvement companies around.  So you get the most knowledgeable professionals, excellent customer service and a better price.

GCI Solar Panels, Huntington Beach - Orange County