Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services does Maktinta provide?
We offer integrated renewable energy solutions, including solar system design, installation, and maintenance, as well as expert guidance on transitioning from traditional gas boilers to water-to-water heat pump systems.
2. How does California’s gas boiler ban affect my project?
With the 2030 ban on new gas boilers in California, property owners must explore alternative heating options. We help assess and design solutions like water-to-water heat pumps that meet the new regulatory landscape while considering cost and performance.
3. What exactly are water-to-water heat pumps?
These systems transfer heat from one water source to another, providing efficient heating (and sometimes cooling) by leveraging electricity along with a high Coefficient of Performance (COP). They offer a greener alternative for heating water when paired with on-site renewables.
4. What are the benefits of pairing heat pumps with on-site renewables?
Combining heat pumps with solar PV or solar thermal systems can reduce carbon emissions, lower operational costs over time, and create a more sustainable energy solution. However, current ROI calculations often still favor high-efficiency gas boilers, making a careful evaluation essential.
5. What financial incentives are available in California?
While federal incentives are relatively straightforward to identify, state and local incentives are much harder to pin down—it took us over a month of diligent research to uncover the few currently available. Keep in mind that these incentives, though helpful, are set to taper off as we approach 2030.
6. How do you manage permitting and engineering challenges?
We partner with experienced professionals to navigate complex permitting and engineering requirements. Our process ensures that your project complies with California’s Title 24, local codes, and federal standards while streamlining the installation of your renewable system.
7. How do the operating costs of heat pumps compare with high-efficiency gas boilers?
Our analysis shows that, under current utility rates, water-to-water heat pumps have an operational cost roughly twice that of high-efficiency gas boilers. However, integrating on-site renewables and leveraging available incentives can help improve the overall ROI.
8. What about grid capacity and electricity pricing?
A key concern is whether our electricity grid can handle the additional demand from widespread heat pump adoption. We work with utility experts to design systems that minimize grid stress and explore solutions like microgrid battery storage to manage peak demand and stabilize costs.
9. What is solar thermal energy and how does it work?
Solar thermal systems capture the sun’s energy to heat water using solar collectors. This heated water can be used for domestic hot water, pool heating, or even integrated into radiant floor heating systems. They offer a clean and efficient way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
10. What are the benefits of a solar thermal system?
By harnessing the sun's energy, solar thermal systems reduce energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and often qualify for renewable energy incentives. They can be especially effective when paired with other renewable solutions to offset heating costs.
11. How does solar pool heating work?
Solar pool heating systems use solar collectors to capture sunlight and warm pool water before circulating it back into the pool. This method reduces reliance on traditional heating systems, lowering energy costs and emissions.
12. What are the benefits of installing a solar pool system?
Solar pool systems can significantly lower operating costs, reduce energy consumption, and may qualify for both federal and state incentives—making them an attractive option for pool owners in California.
13. What is a microgrid?
A microgrid is a localized energy network that can operate independently from the main grid. It integrates renewable energy sources, storage, and smart controls to enhance reliability and resilience, particularly during peak demand or outages.
14. How can microgrids benefit my property?
By incorporating microgrid battery storage systems, property owners can manage peak-time electricity charges, improve grid reliability, and ensure a stable energy supply even during disruptions.
15. What is solar PV and how does it work?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. They are a popular, scalable solution for reducing reliance on grid power.
16. What are the advantages of integrating solar PV with battery storage?
Solar PV systems with battery storage provide energy independence by storing excess power for use during peak demand or outages. This setup can lower overall energy costs and offer enhanced resilience.
17. How does solar PV without storage compare?
Solar PV systems without storage are typically less expensive upfront and simpler to install. However, they depend on the grid for electricity when sunlight is insufficient, which can expose you to rate fluctuations and outages.
18. What should I consider when choosing between solar PV with or without storage?
Consider your energy needs, local utility rates, grid reliability, and potential incentives. A system with storage provides backup and greater self-consumption of solar energy, while a system without storage might offer a lower initial investment.
19. Who benefits from Maktinta’s services?
Our solutions are ideal for multifamily developments, commercial facilities with aging boilers, commercial pool owners, and any property owner preparing for a future without new gas boilers.
20. How do I get started with a consultation?
Simply contact us via our website’s form or call our office directly. Our team will schedule a consultation to assess your needs, explore available solutions, and guide you through every step of the process.
21. Do you offer ongoing maintenance and support?
Yes. We provide comprehensive post-installation support, including regular maintenance, system monitoring, and troubleshooting to ensure your renewable energy system operates at peak efficiency.
22. What is net metering and how does it work in California?
Net metering allows you to earn credit for the excess electricity your solar system sends back to the utility grid. In California, these credits offset the power you draw at night or on cloudy days. Under the state’s updated NEM 3.0 policy, exported power is valued at the “avoided cost” rate rather than a full retail rate, which encourages pairing solar with battery storage to maximize on-site energy use and savings.
23. Do solar panels increase property taxes in California?
Installing solar panels typically does not increase your property taxes in California. The state’s Active Solar Energy Exclusion prevents added system value from being counted in property tax assessments until at least January 1, 2026. You gain higher property value and lower energy bills without higher taxes.
24. Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar panels?
The ideal system size depends on your annual energy consumption, available roof or ground space, and the efficiency of the chosen panels. For commercial and high-load facilities, Maktinta conducts a load profile analysis to match array output with real-time energy demand. This ensures the system delivers maximum production and return on investment without over-sizing.
25. What is solar charge controller.
A lithium-ion solar charge controller regulates the flow of energy from solar panels to batteries, protecting them from overcharging or deep discharging. Unlike traditional lead-acid systems, lithium-ion batteries require smart charge controllers with programmable voltage settings and communication protocols (like RS485 or CAN). These controllers optimize charging efficiency and battery life, especially in off-grid and hybrid solar systems.
26. What are the current California solar incentives for 2025?
Commercial projects: The deadline for the 30% ITC (Section 48E) for commercial solar projects is December 31, 2027, but with an important distinction based on when construction begins. Construction starts before July 4, 2026: Projects that begin construction by this date can qualify for the full 30% credit, provided they are placed into service within four years. Construction starts after July 4, 2026: Projects that begin construction after this date must be placed into service by December 31, 2027, to receive the 30% credit. FEOC restrictions: Starting in 2026, projects must comply with new restrictions on sourcing components from "Foreign Entities of Concern" (FEOC) to qualify for the ITC. However, projects that begin construction by the end of 2025 are exempt from these rules. Third-party owned residential systems: Leased residential systems and PPAs are eligible for the commercial ITC, extending their 30% credit window until the end of 2027. Bonus depreciation: The new law reinstates 100% bonus depreciation, which commercial projects can take advantage of in the first year in addition to the ITC.