If your solar panels look dusty, it does not automatically mean they need to be cleaned. In most of California, light dirt and pollen cause minimal energy loss and usually wash off on their own. Here’s when cleaning makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to avoid wasting money or risking damage.

PG&E’s Virtual Power Plant program lets utilities tap into home batteries during grid emergencies. You can get paid, but the payouts are modest and the tradeoff is control. Here’s what homeowners should actually understand before enrolling.

Lower solar production in winter is normal and expected. Shorter days, lower sun angles, and weather all reduce output this time of year. Here’s why it happens, what a typical seasonal drop looks like in California, and how to tell the difference between normal winter behavior and a real system issue.

Thinking about adding a battery to your home? Tesla is offering up to $1,000 back on Powerwall installations ordered this winter. Here’s how the rebate works, who qualifies, and whether it’s actually worth paying attention to.

Going solar shouldn’t come with surprise costs or “wait, what?” moments. Here’s what your installer should explain clearly before you sign anything—from roof work and warranties to batteries, billing, and long-term expectations.

PG&E has introduced a new fixed monthly Base Charge for all customers. In this post, we explain what it means, how it affects your bill, and why solar and batteries remain the most effective way to reduce your reliance on PG&E long-term.

Homeowners often ask whether solar can be installed without drilling into the roof. The truth: not in California. Modern flashed mounts are engineered to protect your roof long-term, and a properly installed system will not cause leaks. Here’s what’s real, what’s hype, and how mounting actually works.

Most California homeowners expect solar to lower their electricity usage. They don’t expect solar to shrink the expensive peak-rate charges, usage-based fees, and winter bill spikes buried in their PG&E statement. Here’s a friendly, fact-based look at the hidden savings that make solar even more valuable in California.

California’s fall heatwaves aren’t slowing down — and most Central Coast homes still don’t have AC. Viva Energy is testing the solar-powered EG4 mini-split to see how well it cools garages, ADUs, workshops, and homes using only the sun. Here’s what we’re learning from our pilot program.

The 30% federal solar tax credit ended December 31, 2025 — and many homeowners missed it due to factors outside their control. But through a pre-paid PPA, you can still save up to 23% on a solar system through 2027, with no monthly payments and full ownership after six years.

Solar companies love to talk about “scaling,” but what happens when scaling means outsourcing every part of the process — including customer service? Here’s why call-center solar leaves homeowners frustrated, and why local, in-house support still matters.

Thousands of Californians just told the state what they think of PG&E’s latest plan to raise rates again: “We can’t afford it.” With electric bills set to rise 15% by 2030, solar + battery storage still offers homeowners the best shot at stability, independence, and long-term savings.

If your solar company goes dark, your system doesn’t have to. Here’s how to protect your investment, keep your panels running, and find real help when your original installer disappears.

A new long-term study out of Switzerland found solar panels installed in the late 1980s are still generating more than 80% of their original power output—three decades later. The results challenge old assumptions about solar lifespan and reinforce what Viva Energy sees every day: when systems are built right, solar power lasts.

Federal attacks on solar are making headlines, but California homeowners still have powerful reasons to go solar now. Learn what’s real, what’s noise, and how to lock in the 30% tax credit before it disappears.

If you’re over 60 and wondering whether solar still makes sense, you’re not alone. Many older homeowners — especially Boomers — are asking the same question. The answer? It depends on more than just age. Here’s how to think about solar in retirement.

Just went solar but still seeing charges on your PG&E bill? You’re not alone — and no, your system isn’t broken. Here’s what that bill actually means, how solar credits work, and what to expect moving forward.

The solar supply chain is under pressure—shortages, tariffs, policy shifts. That’s why Viva Energy’s Geoff Kramer and Henry Macias are on the ground at RE+ in Las Vegas, locking in suppliers to keep Central Valley and Central Coast projects moving without delays.

Solar + battery financing doesn’t have to be complicated. With $0 down options, credit transfer for the federal tax credit, and honest guidance from Viva Energy, homeowners can take control of rising power bills today. Here’s what you need to know before the 2025 deadline.

Why do utility companies get to decide whether you can put solar panels on your own roof? In California, utilities hold the keys to interconnection and grid access—meaning they can slow, block, or complicate your solar project. Here’s how it works, and what it means for homeowners looking for energy independence.