Usually, we talk about how the weather might negatively affect your roof. San Jose gets a fair share of rain all year, and it’s essential to be cautious about leaks. But this August heat has us less worried and more inspired–with all of this summer sun beating down, it’s hard not to think about the benefits of solar panels on your commercial building.

Solar panels bring energy efficiency and cost savings to the table. 

If you’re trying to get your office building energy efficient, solar paneling is the way to go. It may seem like a lot at first, but you’ll recoup that initial investment over time. To fully consider the cost benefits of solar, you’ll think about:

• Tax rebates and savings for installing solar panels.
• A reduction in your energy bills.
• The ability to market yourself as a green company (which is vital in 2022!). 

Not to mention, your solar panels will last longer than you expect. Solar panels have a very long lifespan—some as long as 50 years!—This means that once installed, you won’t have to worry about replacing them for quite some time. The initial cost is the cost, except for a bit of maintenance here and there.

Besides the money it saves, solar paneling your commercial office building will also help your business make an impact. Solar panels help reduce greenhouse gasses and other pollutants in the air by generating power from renewable sources rather than burning fossil fuels or mining coal like many traditional power plants do.

Just Leaks can help install your solar panels and guide you through the process!

So, if you’re looking for a way to save on your energy bills and help the environment simultaneously, then solar panels might be the solution. Solar panels can be installed in any office building, no matter what size or shape it might be…it’ll just take a little consulting on our end. If you are interested in learning about the various roofing systems or installing a solar system on your commercial or industrial building(s), call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646 for an in-person consultation. Or visit us online at our website or our Facebook page. 

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Here’s a question for you to mull over: How much love do you show for your own business? 

No matter the scale of your business, your company is a living, breathing organism. It is part of an interdependent market environment, and within your business are similar interdependent environments, working towards a specific goal. Your subordinates depend upon you to lead the way in showing love for the company! 

Like you have a relationship with your spouse, pet, or car, you have a relationship with your business. It needs support, love, trust, and respect to thrive. Here are three ways to show love to your business: 

• Appreciate it – You know that you don’t want to be transactional with your customers, but are you transactional with your employees? Do you let them know you value the work they do? 

• Foster it – It’s vital to build a work culture that feels competitive, fun, and wholesome. Do you work to create a good atmosphere, with special events like company lunches and parties? Do you recognize birthdays and work anniversaries?

• Protect it – Many people quit their low-paying jobs in the pandemic due to feeling put at risk by uncaring management. Are you doing enough to make your coworkers feel safe and secure? Are you handling maintenance issues, getting problems with the air conditioning looked at, addressing leaks, and other anomalies? Because a long-neglecting problem like a faulty AC can turn into a crash during the hottest days of summer and your employees refusing to work in high-temperature areas.

• Participate in it – Over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, the Just Leaks team participated in a rally called “Save Our Solar Jobs”. The goal was to help the California Public Utilities Commision and Governor Gavin Newsom understand just how unpopular the idea of putting utility profits over people is in California. Solar energy is a terrific way for consumers and businesses to utilize power in a sustainable way. That is why our team traveled to L.A. to actively participate in the rally and demonstrate our passion for supporting solar energy options.

Here are some photos and updates from the successful Save Our Solar Jobs event. Thank you to everyone who turned out for it! Solar energy is a step forward, and it is important for all California voters to protect this growing industry. To find out more, visit SaveCaliforniaSolar.org. 

Just Leaks is here for your commercial roofing needs! If you are interested in learning about the various roofing systems or installing a solar system on your commercial or industrial building(s), call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646 for an in-person consultation. Or visit us online at our website or our Facebook page.

If you own a commercial building in the San Francisco Bay Area, we extend you sincere congratulations and condolences. The COVID Pandemic has been hard on commercial property owners since many businesses have been hesitant to staff their offices in 2020 and 2021 fully. With that said, your property still stands, and it requires regular maintenance and occasional roof repair.

 Just Leaks is a commercial roofing company that specializes in flat, industrial roofs. Our family-owned business has served the San Francisco Bay Area for several decades, and we have seen many different commercial roofing systems throughout our careers.

 One of the most frequent questions we get from commercial property owners and commercial property managers is: “How do I decide which roofing system is best for my building(s)?

 The answer is often, “It depends.” Essentially, the roofing system you choose for your business needs to fit your business tenants’ needs, what you want your power bill to look like, and how much Return On Investment you want from your commercial property.

The truth is that we recommend an in-person meeting at your commercial property so we can fully assess the size of the building, the current state of your rooftop, and discuss your goals over the short and long term. After the Just Leaks team meets with the property owner and property management company, we can dial in the best roofing system for your industrial roof(s).

 With that said, here are a few things to consider when evaluating roofing systems:

 Are you trying to lower the power bills for your commercial property(s)?  If yes, consider a cool roof system that makes the roof’s surface white and reflects a lot of the sun’s heat. To add, you can turn your roof into a quasi-profit stream if you add solar panels on your flat, industrial roof(s).

 Just Leaks has access to a software estimate system that will configure a solar panel system ideal for your commercial room and provide accurate cost and savings profiles. All we need from you are copies of your winter and summer electrical bills, plus the address of the commercial building.

 Saving money — better yet, making money — off of solar is a wise investment for forward-thinking commercial property owners and property managers. This means you won’t have to rely upon your tenants for positive cash flow on your property solely!

 Are you remodeling an old, rundown commercial building?  If yes, you may want to consider installing a brand new industrial roof. If your property experiences frequent leaks and the roof shows signs of extensive decay, a new roof on your business property could be the best solution. You may decide to make it into a cool roof system with solar panels as well.

 Is your roof in good shape, but your budget doesn’t allow for a new roofing system yet?  If yes, annual or semi-annual roof maintenance may serve as your best solution. Just Leaks works with commercial property owners and property management companies to inspect the roofs, service the roofs in preparation for the rainy season or soaring temperatures, and make repairs as needed. 

 When we see issues that endanger your roof, such as moss, algae, debris, pooling of water, and areas that cause leakage, we can clean, repair, and maintain your rooftop, so you don’t have to worry about incurring more damage later. To add, our team would be delighted to help you find ways to get more ROI from your flat, industrial roof so you can further help your business tenants as we continue to navigate this global pandemic. 

 If you are interested in learning about the various roofing systems or installing a solar system on your commercial or industrial building(s), call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646 for an in-person consultation.

Biden Administration’s Solar Blueprint and California’s Fight To Continue The Growth of Solar

Climate change is a hot topic that is not going away anytime soon. With record-breaking temperatures, storms, droughts, and flooding events, the Biden Administration published its Solar Blueprint. This document outlines the studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to envision a decarbonized grid and solar’s role in it.

Here are some excerpts from the Solar Futures Study:

“A dramatically larger role for solar in decarbonizing the U.S. electricity system, and energy system more broadly, is within reach, but it is only possible through concerted policy and regulatory efforts as well as sustained advances in solar and other clean energy technologies.” — Solar Futures Study

If we follow this solar blueprint, we will see a drastic decrease in fossil fuels and a steep increase in solar power and other zero-carbon power production. The charts below show a progression of the U.S. Electric Grid in 2020 compared to the decarbonized grid in 2050, which is 30 years away.

When this study was published, the California Solar + Storage Association jumped into action and released this official statement on September 8, 2021:

“On Wednesday, the Biden administration’s Energy Department released a blueprint to produce 45% of the nation’s electricity through solar energy by 2050 as a critical part of the effort to fight climate change. A new report from the Energy Department clarified that meeting the goal requires the U.S. to “install an average of 30 G.W. of solar capacity per year between now and 2025 and 60 G.W. per year from 2025-2030.” That commitment means an immediate doubling of the amount of solar being built today. In 2020, the U.S. installed a record 15 G.W. of solar power, bringing total capacity up to 76 G.W., representing 3% of the national electricity supply.

At the same time, in California, the Newsom Administration’s Public Utilities Commission is moving towards a critical decision that will determine whether rooftop solar continues to grow or whether the state puts the brakes on this form of popular clean energy. At issue is the future of net metering, which makes rooftop solar affordable for everyday consumers by blocking discriminatory fees and compensating people for the excess energy they produce and share with their neighbors.” — CALSSA.org

Solar industry experts from CALSSA state that “The timing of this study couldn’t be better as some California decision-makers consider buckling under pressure from utility interests to do the opposite of what President Biden is calling for: speed up the growth of solar, not slow it down.”

The California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) released the following statement on the Biden administration’s plan from CALSSA executive director Bernadette Del Chiaro: 

“Solar consumers, workers, small business owners, and clean energy advocates all over our state applaud the Biden administration’s goal to produce nearly half of our national energy from the sun within the next 30 years. The new plan aligns with California’s established goal of getting to 100% by 2045, but puts a clear emphasis on the here and now by showing the near-term needs for solar growth today, not just in 25 years. 

No matter how you add it up, these ambitious and necessary clean energy commitments will require a lot more solar energy, not less. California, and America at large, need all forms of solar energy to grow, including utility-scale solar that investor-owned utilities prefer. But to make the transition to 100% clean energy and make that transition less expensive for ratepayers while helping conserve open space requires advancing rooftop solar in a big way. 

Because of rooftop solar’s essential role in meeting state and national clean energy goals, it is especially puzzling that the CPUC is considering drastic changes to net metering at the request of large investor-owned utilities. Proposals by the utilities would pull the plug on the expansion of rooftop solar by making it prohibitively expensive for consumers of all types to benefit from solar in their homes, businesses, and schools.  

The utility-driven effort to kill rooftop solar in California is out of step with our clean energy goals at a time when the climate crisis demands we help a lot more people go solar.” 

Additional Roof Top Solar Resources 

Cost savings: A new grid modeling report from Vibrant Clean Energy shows growing local solar and storage would save California ratepayers $120 billion over the next 30 years, the equivalent of $295 per year for the average California ratepayer. Utility proposes to curb rooftop solar would have the opposite effect. By essentially halting the local solar and storage market and turning potential savings into costs borne by consumers, the utility profit grab would cost California tens of billions over time and each ratepayer $295 a year.

Ability to scale up fast: California is currently building a power plant’s worth of rooftop solar – 500 megawatts – every five months. Rooftop solar can be up on homes and apartments in a matter of days and operating on commercial properties in weeks — faster than any other reviewable energy can come online. By contrast, utility-scale solar projects take an average of six years to complete.

Land use: A new study by Environment California found that building 28.5 GW of rooftop solar, rather than utility-scale solar, would enable California to maintain existing land uses on more than 148,000 acres of land, an area about half the size of the City of Los Angeles.

Why Should I Care About This Solar Futures Study?

Simply put, if you own a commercial property with a flat, industrial roof, the financial return on your investment could be greater if you installed solar panels on your rooftop. Not only will you be helping planet Earth by reducing carbon emissions, but you could be earning money through energy credits, property appreciation, and increased rental rates.

But this fight for building out more solar power sources isn’t over. To continue the movement for the growth of solar, CALSSA has launched a $1 million fundraising campaign. They are seeking donations by September 30 to defend the initiative’s time constraints. To donate today and learn more, visit the CALSSA website.

“California’s world-renowned solar market is under siege by some of the country’s most powerful fossil fuel industry players,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar and Storage Association. “We can win, but we need everyone to stand up and help us fight.”

Just Leaks is proud to help the solar market continue its growth within California, and that is why we hope you will join us in moving solar power forward by installing solar panels on the roofs of your commercial properties.

Here are some benefits of solar energy for commercial buildings: 

1. Solar power is an excellent return on investment. We like to think of solar panel installation as an investment, not an expense. 
2. Solar panel installation will reduce your operating costs. We strongly believe the cost of installing solar panels will more than pay for itself over the lifespan of your solar panel system. 
3. You can easily predict your future energy bills. A commercial solar panel system will dramatically reduce your energy costs, and you will know exactly what to expect each month. 
4. You are eligible for tax credit and bonus depreciation when installing solar panels on your commercial or industrial roofing system, especially since we live in California. 
5. You will now be committed to green and clean energy. Not only is this good for the environment, but you will be sharing a positive message with your customers. 
6. Most importantly, commercial solar panels require little to no maintenance and are built to withstand rain, hail, snow, and any other elements you can think of. 

If you are interested in learning about installing a solar energy system on your commercial or industrial building or would like to hear more about the financial benefits of this system, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646.

Photo by Eric Aiden on Unsplash

When you need service on your commercial roof or a new roof altogether, how do you look for a contractor to meet your needs? Hiring a commercial roofing contractor can seem daunting if you don’t know what virtues to demand.

 Unless you have gone through some of the terrible things that can occur when you make a hasty, easy choice, you likely won’t know what kind of qualifications and measures you need for your contractor. Here are six things every business should look into when hiring a roofing contractor:

 How long have they been in business? There’s tension in repair contractors between having years of experience and the most recent training. If they’re just getting started, will they have the experience to know what kind of issues your roof is facing?

1. Do they have the most recent training in equipment? A seasoned organization will have a better grip of your issues, but are they a bit anachronistic– can they take you forward into new technology? Your business needs a contractor that knows a lot and grows into new technology and craft.
2. What’s their reputation? It’s essential to know what kind of local reputation a potential contractor has. Ask for examples of previous clients they are free to disclose to find out how the business feels about their work and the warrantied work they are still receiving to this day.
3. What’s covered in an estimate… and what isn’t? There shouldn’t be ambivalence in a quote for work to be done. In any situation where you request a quote for specific work, the contractor should look through all the details and be very specific about your money and the labor that it will take to accomplish the task. Nothing should be vague or left to chance.
4. Are they on the up-and-up? Do they have the proper coverage– are they licensed and insured? You might get a great price quote from a small independent, but if they have no accident coverage and no intention of fixing errors they cause in the course of the job, what good are they to your business?
5. What can they do to save my company money? Are they working in the kind of materials that can provide maximum efficiency? Can they set you up with solar collectors to reduce your power costs?

  Just Leaks in San Jose, CA can tick all of these boxes. Our experienced roofers are constantly training and improving, with a stellar reputation. Our standing in the community comes from our being a licensed, insured outfit. We have a world of options to save you money over the years and help pay for the work we’re doing. Visit our website https://justleaks.com or give us a call today at 408-249-4646 to request an estimate!

The 2020 Just Leaks Roofing Crew

We can’t believe how fast the year went by! The holidays will soon be here, and we will be rushing around trying to get everything ready. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget about what the holidays are all about — to show our appreciation and gratitude for all our loved ones. It is the time of the year that we can connect and get together. 

For this blog post, the team at Just Leaks wants to show you just how much care and appreciate your support. Throughout the Bay Area, our clients mean the world to us — we wouldn’t be here without you, to put it simply. We consider you part of our extended family as we take the time to get to know you and understand your needs as a business owner. We go beyond just fixing your roofing system. We want you to rely on our team to be there when your commercial or industrial roofing system needs us the most! 

The team at Just Leaks wants you to stay and secure during the holiday season, especially as the temperatures start to drop. If you need us throughout the holiday season, we encourage you to reach out to our team, and we make sure your commercial or industrial roofing system is ready to go. 

Again, we just want to remind you how much we genuinely care for you, and we wish you a safe and healthy holiday! If your commercial or industrial roofing system needs maintenance, the Just Leaks team would be happy to help. To schedule an appointment for a free roof estimate, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646. 

Solar technology is the fastest-growing energy in the nation. It is a clean, safe, and renewable source of energy. Commercial rooftop solar projects offer exceptional financial returns, but they are great for the environment! Regardless of what type of business you have, from an office building to a factory, commercial solar works for virtually all types of companies.

Installing a solar system on your commercial building’s roofing system can significantly reduce your overall operating costs and your electricity bill. With solar panels, you will be able to produce power and then sell it back to your electrical provider. As a California business, you also have additional advantages, including tax benefits. You are likely to see a high return on investment.

Most of the Bay Area residents are environmentally friendly, and they appreciate the fact that the business is choosing to take a stand against global warming. Solar-powered industrial and commercial roofing systems are an effective way to minimize your carbon footprint. Solar power systems convert the sun’s rays into electricity, which in turn, helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our overall dependence on fossil fuel.

The team at Just Leaks can help you decide on a solar-powered industrial and commercial roofing system that is right for you and your operation. We will perform a full analysis of your energy bill and available solar energy on your roof. In most cases, we can offset almost all of your energy needs, and you will save a bit of money each year. It will take as little as three years to pay back the installation of a solar system.

We have earned a stellar reputation among operations in San Jose and beyond. You and your roofing system deserve only the best, and the team at Just Leaks is here to deliver. We will examine your roofing system to ensure your commercial flat roof is ready for the summer heat. If you have any questions about your roofing system, please give us a call at (408) 249-4646.

Every now and then, we love to share our most recent and exciting projects. Today, we celebrate two huge projects that make a huge difference for Just Leaks and the people we serve.

EV Falcon Conversion

Some of you are following us on Facebook and may have already seen the videos of how we converted our Falcon fleet into electric vehicles. Here’s what owner, Scott Siemer, had to say in his Facebook post:

“It’s Alive – The E Falcon took it’s first roll on 10/8/2019. We got everything ironed out while it was on the rack so the test drive went off with no problem. With all the mechanical done – it is off to paint. Very excited!!

Configuration:

AC50 Motor with Curtis Controller.

14 – Tesla Smart Module 3wKh Batteries (42kWh total).

BMW 4-speed Transmission.

Elcon 2500 Charger with port where gas fill-up was.

With 42kWhs of energy, I am hoping for a 120-mile range. I have not pressed it yet to see what my 0-60 might be – but not expecting much more than the original. What is striking is the quiet and lightness of the vehicle! Hoping to make this my daily Solar System Inspection Vehicle!”

Take a look at the video of the EV Falcon in action!

It was a costly and time-consuming endeavor, but it was worth every penny! Why? Well, for two big reasons. First, we adore our vintage Falcon fleet, and it has been a longtime dream to convert them into electric vehicles. Secondly, we want to demonstrate our total commitment to facilitating the transition to sustainable and renewable energy and manufacturing practices. The Falcon EV conversions, as well as our all-electric service vans. are our way of showing that we are willing to go the extra mile (both literally and figuratively) at Just Leaks.

Solar Panel Installation

The other big project also ties in with our desire to protect Mother Earth, and that is our solar roof project. Check out this image of the solar panel installation at 150 River Oaks with 385kW!

This is a project we’ve been steadily focusing on for 2 years, and the commercial building owner is a valued customer of ours. When we proved that solar panels would drastically reduce the energy cost of the building, our client grew more and more confident that installing an array of solar panels was a smart move. Plus, there is a rebate incentive that the owner couldn’t pass up!

If you are interested in solar panels for your flat commercial roof, or if you’d like to see our EV Falcon up close and personal, let us know. Just Leaks can perform a thorough roof inspection to ensure your commercial or industrial roofing system is in pristine condition, free of leaks and pooling water, and is energy efficient, too. 

By the way, Autumn is the best time to schedule an appointment for us to provide roof maintenance before the Winter storms hit, so be sure to make an appointment sooner than later. We are honest and upfront about the condition of your roofing system, providing you with a report and detailed pictures. 

For a free estimate for your commercial or industrial roofing system, please give us a call at (408) 249-4646.

The CA Solar Bill of Rights is as good as it sounds. California is proving again and again that our state is the best state for both clean and solar energy innovation. In fact, all new homes built in 2020 onward must have be installed with solar panels. This bill changes the game for both residential and commercial industries in three main ways:

No more unfair fees: Solar owners now have guaranteed, fundamental rights to self-generate and store renewable energy with discriminatory fees.
Faster service: All California utility companies are required to follow a state-mandated, more efficient process for connecting new solar arrays to the grid.
Better compensation: Home batteries will receive fair compensation for exporting power to the grid and ensuring a community of solar power efficiency.

Overall, the CA Solar Bill of Rights emphasizes that no matter where in California you live, how much money you make, what industry your business operates in, you should have access and the ability to save money and help save the planet by the use of solar panels. For more information about the Bill of Rights, to learn more about solar panels, and for an estimate about installing solar panels on your commercial or industrial roofing system, please give us a call at (408) 249-4646.

At Just Leaks, we are a firm believer in solar panels for buildings, as the advantages strongly outweigh the disadvantages of installing solar panels on your commercial or industrial roofing system. The team of roofing experts at Just Leaks can provide you with a roofing estimate and develop a plan of action, designed to get the sun shining on those panels.

Here are some of the main advantages of commercial solar panels in San Jose & Bay Area:

• Watch your electricity bills lower. Solar panels often generate more electricity than your operation consumes, meaning even on those cloudy Bay area days, you can stop being so dependent on your electricity company.
• The installation of solar panels can result in tax breaks. Taking all the tax incentives into account, you can expect to pay off the installation and equipment costs of solar panels within five to ten years.
• Solar panels often require little to no maintenance, which means it is exceptionally easy to keep your solar panels up and running. It is even easier with the Just Leaks team on your side.
• Solar panels are an alternative source of energy that is safe and affordable, which beats out a lot of other energy sources that come from foreign countries.
• Overall, one of the biggest benefits of solar panels is how they affect the environment. Solar energy represents an investment in the future of our planet Earth.

If you still aren’t persuaded yet, we encourage you to reach out to the team at Just Leaks, the commercial roof company in San Jose experts. We would more than happy to discuss how solar panels are the right fit for you, your operation, and your roofing system. We encourage you to contact us for a complimentary roofing estimate. Please give us a call at (408) 249-4646.