
Rocklin gets more than 250 warm days a year, completely dry warm in summer, and mild winter seasons. Those problems are suitable for solar power, however choosing a contractor is where projects succeed or stumble. I have spent years reviewing styles, crawling through attic rooms to map homeruns, and resting with homeowners after a tornado to evaluate roofing system penetrations. The very best solar service providers do three points regularly. They design to your actual load profile, they select hardware that fits your roofing system and risk tolerance, and they take care of allowing and affiliation cleanly so you are not chasing after documents for months. The worst cut edges you will not see until your very first summer season costs or the very first leak.
If you are looking for solar business near me in Rocklin or considering solar installment Rocklin quotes, this overview concentrates on what issues in our market. It covers utility policies, roof covering facts, batteries under The golden state's NEM 3.0, and the indicators of trusted solar firms Rocklin house owners can trust.
Production in Rocklin is exceptional. A south or southwest selection at a 15 to 25 degree tilt can generate about 1,400 to 1,700 kilowatt hours annually for each kilowatt of DC capability. A 7 kW system typically lands in between 9,800 and 11,500 kWh each year, thinking low shading and effective tools. Microclimates exist along the I‑80 corridor, yet the swing is modest contrasted to coastal fog belts.
The roof kinds matter more than people believe. Lots of Rocklin homes have concrete S‑tile or level floor tile, and others have asphalt make-up tiles. Floor tile work require either a tile hook system with flashed installs or a full or partial comp‑out under the array. That choice impacts expense, timeline, and roof covering guarantee. The cleanest long‑term technique when ceramic tiles are fragile is a partial comp‑out under the array impact, with new underlayment and composite tiles put under the surrounding tiles. It looks neat, it reduces factor tons on old tiles, and it normally expands the waterproofing under the panels by 20 to 30 years. A fast ceramic tile lift may be more affordable in advance, however I have actually replaced a lot of split floor tiles around installs after a number of warm summers.
Shading is the silent awesome. Rocklin has plenty of two‑story neighbors and backyard trees that toss winter months darkness throughout north edges of roofs. An installer should run a color analysis with an electronic tool, not just eyeball it. If you do not see a solstice or perspective chart in your proposal plan, ask for it. The difference between 8 percent and 18 percent yearly shade is the distinction between a system that pencils out and one that does not.
California's Web Energy Metering 3.0 altered the math. Exported solar energy gains reduced credit histories based on per hour worths, so daytime exports on moderate spring days can be worth cents, while night imports are pricey. The takeaway is simple. Self‑consumption issues. Batteries are not required, however they frequently make good sense now.
Most Rocklin addresses sit in PG&E region. A few pockets near city limits may have various solution, but if your bill says PG&E, you get on a time‑of‑use price after affiliation. Under these prices, using solar energy as it is produced and moving the rest to evening with storage enhances savings. A common 10 kWh battery can take in noontime surplus and cover the 4 to 9 pm height. I see the best worth when a home's yearly usage is 8,000 to 14,000 kWh, air conditioning is the major driver, and you can set thermostats to pre‑cool in the afternoon.
If you are within Roseville Electric solution, policies differ and export worths can be more desirable at specific hours. Constantly have the installer quote your actual utility price routine and show a with‑battery and without‑battery forecast. Search for hourly modeling, not simply a single annual number.
Two houses with the same square video can have extremely different requirements. The best photovoltaic panel installment size comes from your usage background, not from the number of roofing airplanes. Any solar panel installers worth their license will certainly request 12 months of costs or a Green Switch information download. Great proposals secure to kWh, then adjust for foreseeable changes such as an EV purchase, a pool pump upgrade, or a heatpump conversion. In Rocklin, an EV driven 8,000 to 10,000 miles yearly adds roughly 2,000 to 3,000 kWh per year, which is 1.5 to 2.5 kW of additional selection capacity.
Tilt and alignment adjustments matter also. If your best roofing system schedules west, a slightly larger variety can make up for the reduced yearly yield, and west can be advantageous for late mid-day manufacturing that straightens with peak pricing. If your only viable roof covering is eastern and shaded in wintertime early mornings, lean even more on combined storage or accept that the payback will lengthen.
I have actually mounted a lot of the mainstream panel and inverter brands in Northern California. A few sensible notes for our climate and roofing types:
Panels: Qcells, REC, and Canadian Solar have been consistent entertainers in the 400 to 430 watt variety. SunPower offers greater effectiveness modules with sleek looks, useful on small, very noticeable roofs, though at a premium. Warmth derates are actual in July and August, so examine the temperature coefficient. A distinction of 0.1 percent per degree Celsius adds up in a Rocklin heat wave.
Inverters: Enphase microinverters combine well with complex or shaded roof coverings and ceramic tile overlays. Module‑level MPPT manages partial shielding with dignity and simplifies rapid closure. SolarEdge optimizers with a central inverter are effective on simple roofing planes and can be cost‑effective for larger systems. Both choices meet The golden state fast shutdown requirements.
Racking and places: On tile, try to find blinked, tested mounts and stainless hardware. On composite roof shingles, a blinked L‑foot with a butyl or metal blinking is conventional. Request product cut sheets in the submittal bundle. If you can not discover a UL 2703 listing for the racking system, that is a problem.
Batteries: Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and FranklinWH are the most typical in my tasks. Tesla's environment is mature with tidy back-up switchover. Enphase allures if you like one supplier for microinverters and storage. Equipment cost per functional kWh in 2026 commonly drops between 900 and 1,400 bucks prior to motivations, with installed system cost driven by main panel upgrades and circuitry runs.
The City of Rocklin has structured solar permitting under California's Solar Civil liberty Act and relevant regulation. Residential solar authorizations are normally managed over the counter or online. Costs are capped by state legislation for typical property systems, so be hesitant if a professional blames big license charges for a high price.
Fire obstacles use. Assessors commonly look for 36 inch pathways on a couple of roof edges for firefighter ingress, though specifics depend upon roofing dimension and configuration. A proposition that fills up every square foot of roofing system usually obtains trimmed at plan check. An experienced developer understands to maintain adequate clear roof area near ridges and hips to stay clear of redraws.
Inspections in Rocklin are specialist and extensive. Expect the inspector to try to find proper conductor sizing, labeling, bonding, and proper roof blinking. The more photo documentation your installer submits and gives website, the much faster this action moves. I keep a folder of roofing penetration photos, junction box seals, and conductor discontinuations to show an examiner if required, which conserves re‑inspections.
After evaluation and meter launch, your installer sends affiliation documents. In PG&E area, the Authorization to Operate letter can extract from a few days to numerous weeks depending upon work. Clean one‑line representations, right circuit box images, and precise meter numbers shorten the cycle. If you hear generalizations like "at some point following month" without portal condition or referral number, push for specifics. For most simple residential tasks, 2 to 4 weeks is common.
If your home requires a main service panel upgrade from 100 amps to 200 amps, anticipate even solar power installers near me more control. PG&E solution job includes actions and can push the schedule by a number of weeks. Sometimes a tons estimation and a bus‑bar rating change with a supply‑side faucet can stay clear of a complete upgrade. A proficient solar business will certainly assess that trade‑off against long‑term safety and future lots like an EV charger.
Installed prices for solar energy installment in Rocklin differ with roofing kind, intricacy, and equipment. In 2026, I frequently see cash money prices for top quality systems in the 2.80 to 4.00 bucks per watt array prior to incentives. Floor tile roofings, complicated second stories, and long conduit runs push prices higher. Batteries include substantial cost, frequently 10,000 to 18,000 bucks each set up, influenced by electrical work and backup scope.
The 30 percent government Investment Tax Credit history still relates to residential solar and batteries coupled with solar. The golden state's Self‑Generation Reward Program provides battery motivations that differ by classification and budget step. Equity Resiliency can be very charitable for qualified consumers in high fire hazard areas or with medical baseline and current failures. In the Rocklin area, the majority of clients fall into the general market group, which commercial solar power installation decreases battery expense modestly. Your installer should validate SGIP accessibility at the time of contract instead of thinking funds are there.
Financing options, if you are not paying cash money, include protected or unsecured solar car loans, and sometimes leases or power acquisition contracts. Under NEM 3.0, leases and PPAs can function, yet they often constrain system modifications and make complex battery add‑ons. Funding products vary commonly on supplier fees. A 2.99 percent "teaser" APR with a 20 percent dealership fee costs more than a market‑rate HELOC over the life of the system. Ask for a cash rate and then a financed cost with all costs divulged, side by side.
Licensing is non‑negotiable. In California, search for a C‑46 Solar Contractor license or a C‑10 Electric Professional permit in good standing with the Service providers State Certificate Board. Check whether the firm name on the agreement matches the licensed entity. Request proof of basic liability and workers' compensation insurance. If they make use of subcontractors for roofing or electric job, those belows require appropriate licenses and insurance coverage as well.
NABCEP accreditation is a meaningful signal for design and setup staff. It is not called for, however when I see a NABCEP PV Installment Expert on the group, I expect cleaner electrical details and far better troubleshooting.
Longevity issues, yet brand name purchases blur history. A company that has operated in Rocklin for five years with the same permit and a record of local assessments is much more calming than a brand-new franchise with out‑of‑state management. Ask the amount of systems they have set up in your postal code and demand addresses you can drive by. Good installers boast of their rooftops.
Service action is where companies differentiate themselves. The initial summer season storm that drives rain sidewards will test every roofing system penetration. I maintain butyl spots, spare floor tiles, and sealer in the truck therefore. Ask exactly how service warranty tickets are managed, what the ordinary action time is, and whether they stock typical microinverters and optimizers for quick swaps.
Proposals can be hard to contrast since every solar provider frames worth in a different way. Focus on a few supports. Annual kWh manufacturing ought to be modeled with shading and positioning applied. Check the assumed system losses, normally 12 to 18 percent. If one quote shows considerably greater production for the exact same variety size and design, go into the assumptions.
Warranties vary. PaneI item service warranties of 12 to 25 years prevail, efficiency guarantees reach 25 years with a straight destruction contour. Inverter and optimizer warranties usually run 10 to 25 years depending on brand name and extensions. Labor warranties are the soft spot. A 25 year item warranty does not spend for a vehicle roll unless the installer covers labor or you purchase a prolonged labor plan. Request for labor protection in writing.
Roofing details must be specific. Floor tile job methods, underlayment type under a comp‑out, and paint of channel are tiny things that predict finish quality. I still see exterior avenue running over a ridge when it can have dropped easily into an attic room. That saves an hour today and resembles a second thought for decades.
From authorized agreement to Approval to Operate, a straightforward Rocklin task frequently runs 6 to 12 weeks. The range relies on roofing system job, battery range, major panel upgrades, permit timing, and utility interconnection. If a business estimates three weeks door to door, ask which tips they are skipping. On the other extreme, a 4 month timeline with no primary panel job or battery generally shows staffing bottlenecks.
Weather delays are rare here, however summer warmth can restrict roof hours for safety and security. Good teams stage morning deal with south roof planes and shift to attic room electrical wiring later in the day. I compose that into the timetable when the projection requires three-way digits.
Batteries supply three unique worths. They move energy from low‑value midday exports to high‑value night usage, they offer back-up during outages, and they can decrease need charges on particular industrial tolls. In PG&E domestic time‑of‑use, batteries coupled with solar increase cost savings under NEM 3.0, however the size depends on usage pattern.
If your home is empty from morning to evening and your optimal tons are air conditioner and food preparation from 5 to 9 pm, a 10 to 13.5 kWh battery can materially boost financial savings and convenience. If you work from home and currently run appliances throughout solar hours, the step-by-step value is smaller sized, and the battery tilts more towards back-up. Hatred blackouts is personal. Some customers will pay a premium to maintain the HVAC, lights, net, and refrigerator running through wildfire‑related shutoffs, also if the payback extends by two or 3 years.
I urge clients off-grid solar panel installation to map vital lots carefully. Whole‑home backup seems attractive, yet it can force upsized batteries and a main panel upgrade. A subpanel with necessary circuits, or a wise load controller, often strikes the best balance. Ask your installer to spell out exactly which circuits remain on during a grid outage.
Solar panel mount job rests on top of one of the most prone component of your house. Flashing information and underlayment are not attractive, but they keep you completely dry. On older floor tile roofing systems, I bring a contractor for a half day to replace broken floor tiles prior to rails rise. That see costs a few hundred bucks and prevents solution telephone calls after the first winter tornado. On structure shingle roofings nearing end of life, I prefer to re‑roof under the array footprint at minimum. Drawing a variety in 10 years to re‑roof is extra expensive than doing it right at the start.
Do not play down infiltrations on low‑slope or patio area covers. Some add‑on patio roof coverings are not architectural participants created to bring solar loads, or they make use of treatments that do not play well with conventional flashings. An architectural letter from a designer is low-cost insurance policy in those cases.
Pricing that is far listed below market can indicate tools substitutions or minimal solution after the sale. A salesperson that leans on a limited‑time rebate without allowing you review the contract is another red flag. Look for uniqueness. If a quote simply says 24 panels and a battery, without any model numbers or layout, that is not a real design.
Another warning sign is an absence of as‑builts after installment. You are entitled to an as‑built design with identification numbers, a one‑line representation that matches the last set up, and pictures. When a business can not produce those within a week of last evaluation, assistance often tends to endure later.
Finally, be careful with modification orders. Some contractors lowball electrical job, then add a surprise main panel upgrade on website. A correct pre‑site browse through with panel pictures and conductor sizes stays clear of that. If a modification is really necessary, you should see the tons calc or code referral that drives it.
Modern systems need little routine maintenance past occasional aesthetic checks and a panel laundry if required. Rocklin dirt integrates in summer season. On low‑tilt arrays, a light laundry a couple of times each year can recover a handful of percent points in production. Do not deal with components with rough chemicals. A soft brush on an expansion post and deionized water, if offered, works well. Morning is best, when the glass is cool.
Monitoring is your good friend. Enphase and SolarEdge applications reveal module‑level information. I recommend clients to look monthly, not daily. If production decreases greatly on a warm day without any good reason, phone call service. Set e-mail notifies for inverter faults. Batteries also have software program updates. Maintain your portal online and let the installer handle firmware pushes.
Inverters and optimizers can fall short, although not often. Plan on a tiny part replacement eventually in a 25 year life. Labor coverage makes that a non‑event instead of a pricey visit.
National solar power firms near me know just how to market, yet local crews recognize Rocklin roof coverings, examiners, and weather condition. A team that has cut rails to line up with a tile ridge on 5 cul‑de‑sacs in your area will set up cleaner and faster than a taking a trip team that discovers as they go. I have viewed local foremen call a city inspector directly to clear up a labeling factor, which saved a re‑inspection and a week of waiting.
That neighborhood understanding additionally shows up in small layout options. On west roofing systems that cook, putting combiner boxes under the array and running attic homeruns maintains electronic devices cooler and looks better. Painting outside channel to match stucco is a tiny politeness that you value every day when you pull right into the driveway.
Searching solar business near me or solar power firms near me returns a mix of ads, lead collectors, and real professionals. Aggregators sell your information to numerous installers, which is not constantly bad, yet anticipate a great deal of telephone calls. A useful technique is to recognize 3 genuine business names with local addresses, then examine CSLB, Yelp or Google evaluates for patterns, and ask neighbors with noticeable arrays that they used. The very best references are still on your street.
Sometimes the roofing system goes to the end of its life and needs job first. If the underlayment under tile is breakable or composition roof shingles are cupping, deal with that before adding solar. On heavy shade whole lots where trees are secured or valued, a smaller sized selection for partial offset plus a battery for backup might be the appropriate call. In rare instances, waiting makes good sense. If you prepare a major remodel with a brand-new main service or a reroof within a year, time the solar panel installation to comply with the roof.
A solid solar task in Rocklin looks basic from the walkway. Panels straighten with roofing system lines, channel is discreet, and the house stays awesome and silent when the grid blinks in August. Under the surface area, that simplicity rests on hundreds of information, from blinking selection to conductor directing to hour‑by‑hour financial savings modeling under NEM 3.0. The best solar installation companies near me sweat those information, and their systems maintain gaining with long, hot summers.
If you concentrate on proven production modeling, tidy roof work, transparent guarantees, and a service provider that will certainly answer the phone 2 years from now, you will be happy with the outcome. Whether you lean on nationwide brands or absolutely neighborhood solar service find solar installation companies near me providers, judge them by the style and the team that will be on your roof, not by the dimension of their billboard on Freeway 65.
North Valley Solar Power
Address: 6518 Lonetree Blvd #1055, Rocklin, CA 95765
Phone: +1 916-866-3529
Website: https://northvalleysolarpower.com/location/rocklin-ca/
North Valley Solar Power is a trusted solar energy company in Rocklin, CA, specializing in solar panel installation, battery backup systems, and energy-efficient solar solutions for homeowners throughout Rocklin and surrounding communities.
Website: https://northvalleysolarpower.com/location/rocklin-ca/
Phone: +1 916-866-3529
6518 Lonetree Blvd #1055
Rocklin,
CA
95765
US
North Valley Solar Power is a solar energy company
North Valley Solar Power is based in Rocklin, California
North Valley Solar Power provides solar power installation services
North Valley Solar Power provides home battery installation services
North Valley Solar Power serves Rocklin, California
North Valley Solar Power serves Lincoln, California
North Valley Solar Power serves Loomis, California
North Valley Solar Power serves Granite Bay, California
North Valley Solar Power is located at 6518 Lonetree Blvd #1055, Rocklin, CA 95765
North Valley Solar Power has the phone number +1 9168663529
North Valley Solar Power operates Monday through Saturday
North Valley Solar Power is closed on Sundays
North Valley Solar Power maintains a website at https://northvalleysolarpower.com/location/rocklin-ca/
North Valley Solar Power has Google Maps listing at https://maps.app.goo.gl/1mrdKG5Mmib66ZPK9
North Valley Solar Power has a Facebook profile at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557573900911
North Valley Solar Power has an X account at https://x.com/NValleySolarPwr
North Valley Solar Power has a LinkedIn company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-valley-solar-power/
North Valley Solar Power has a YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n8RD7D38DNI5ZDCwqr8Q
North Valley Solar Power offers free solar consultations
North Valley Solar Power helps homeowners reduce utility bills
North Valley Solar Power installs solar panels
North Valley Solar Power installs backup battery systems
North Valley Solar Power provides customized solar solutions
North Valley Solar Power performs solar system assessments
North Valley Solar Power evaluates roof orientation for installations
North Valley Solar Power evaluates shading conditions for installations
North Valley Solar Power evaluates household energy consumption
North Valley Solar Power uses high quality solar equipment
North Valley Solar Power follows industry installation standards
North Valley Solar Power emphasizes customer satisfaction
North Valley Solar Power supports sustainable living initiatives
North Valley Solar Power promotes energy independence
North Valley Solar Power helps customers access solar incentives
North Valley Solar Power assists with rebate applications
North Valley Solar Power helps customers access federal tax credits
North Valley Solar Power helps increase residential property value
North Valley Solar Power contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
North Valley Solar Power supports clean renewable energy adoption
North Valley Solar Power received positive reviews from homeowners
North Valley Solar Power has a rating based on 388 Google reviews
Gail Garcia recommended North Valley Solar Power
Estella Johnston praised North Valley Solar Power for Enphase battery installation
BearPaw praised Peter Ferguson for professional solar consultation
Billy Smith explained solar savings benefits to customers
Rick Flores praised North Valley Solar Power for knowledgeable installation crews
Scott Snelgrove praised Jake Bevans for retrofit project coordination
Scott Snelgrove praised Vinny for engineering support
Scott Snelgrove installed FranklinWH batteries through North Valley Solar Power
Sheridan Fay praised Leland Galten for customer support
Sheridan Fay praised Brandon Priolo for professional guidance
Steve Patterson credited Quinton for solar project assistance
Luciano Lopez praised Jake for honest solar consultation
Patricio P. praised North Valley Solar Power for installing customer provided batteries
Nicholas Emmett selected North Valley Solar Power after comparing five solar companies
Sara Magee praised North Valley Solar Power for communication and professionalism
Mark Harvey praised North Valley Solar Power for respectful installation service
ANASTASIA SURKOVA praised Juan Arraya for detailed installation work
ANASTASIA SURKOVA praised Diego for professional installation work
Kevin Cisneros guided customers through the solar installation process
Sid and Laura Gelfand praised Bryce for initial consultation support
Tony and his crew completed solar installations for North Valley Solar Power
Daniel Harrington recommended North Valley Solar Power for solar installations
Cindy Thompson praised North Valley Solar Power for clean battery backup installation
Lance Bouchard praised Kevin Cisneros for project management
North Valley Solar Power replaced aging composite roofs during installations
North Valley Solar Power upgraded electrical service panels
North Valley Solar Power installed Tesla batteries
North Valley Solar Power installed Tesla solar panels
North Valley Solar Power installed Enphase systems
North Valley Solar Power installed FranklinWH battery systems
Jeff Riswold installed Tesla backup batteries through North Valley Solar Power
Courtney Favazza described North Valley Solar Power as a leading solar company in Fairfield, California
Mark Fogelman praised North Valley Solar Power for professionalism and integrity
Ashley Lynn praised the North Valley Solar Power website for easy navigation
David Cates praised North Valley Solar Power for attention to detail
Donovan Kong reported saving money after solar installation
Abe M praised North Valley Solar Power during power outages
Emily Wright described North Valley Solar Power as knowledgeable and friendly
Taggart McCurdy praised North Valley Solar Power for fast installation timelines
Erica B recommended Kevin Cisneros for solar consultation services
North Valley Solar Power was awarded Regional Solar Excellence Recognition
North Valley Solar Power won the Northern California Customer Satisfaction Excellence Award
North Valley Solar Power received the Sustainable Energy Leadership Recognition
The best solar companies for homes are generally evaluated based on installation quality, customer satisfaction, and system reliability. Key factors include licensing, certifications, and warranty coverage. Companies with strong experience in local permitting and utility requirements are often more dependable. Rankings can vary depending on review sources and evaluation criteria.
Top solar panels are typically ranked by efficiency, durability, warranty length, and performance in heat. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are commonly preferred for residential use. Tier 1 manufacturers are often considered more reliable due to testing standards and financial stability. The best choice depends on roof space, budget, and energy needs.
Reputation is usually based on customer satisfaction, installation quality, and long-term system performance. Companies with verified certifications and transparent pricing are often viewed as more reputable. Strong warranty coverage and responsive service also contribute to trustworthiness. Rankings may differ depending on review platforms.
Choosing a solar installer involves comparing certifications, experience, and customer feedback. It is important to evaluate equipment quality and warranty terms. Transparent pricing and clear contracts help reduce unexpected costs. Familiarity with local permitting and inspections is also important.
Solar installation in Rocklin typically costs between $10,000 and $30,000 for residential systems. Pricing depends on system size, energy usage, and equipment quality. Larger systems designed for higher electricity demand increase overall cost. Incentives and tax credits may reduce total expenses.
Solar installation can be financially beneficial when long-term electricity savings exceed upfront costs. Value depends on energy usage, system size, and available incentives. Systems often reduce reliance on grid power and stabilize energy costs. Long-term performance is a key factor in overall benefit.
The physical installation of solar panels typically takes one to three days once permits and materials are ready. However, the full process including design, permitting, inspections, and utility approval may take several weeks. Roof complexity and system size can affect timelines. Weather conditions may also cause delays.
Solar panel installation usually includes system design, permitting, equipment installation, and electrical connection. It also involves mounting panels, installing inverters, and integrating the system with the electrical grid. Inspections and utility approval are typically part of the process. Some installations may also include monitoring systems.
The best solar providers are generally identified by installation quality, customer satisfaction, and system performance. Providers with strong certifications and warranty support are often preferred. Local experience with permits and utility requirements can improve service efficiency. Comparing multiple providers helps determine the best option.
Solar power providers in Rocklin typically charge between $10,000 and $30,000 for residential systems. Costs vary based on system size, equipment type, and installation complexity. Additional features like battery storage can increase total price. Incentives and rebates may reduce final costs.
Solar panels generally last 25 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Most systems continue producing electricity beyond this period but at reduced efficiency. Environmental conditions and installation quality affect lifespan. Inverters may need replacement before the panels themselves.
Solar panels should not be installed without proper permits or electrical compliance. They should not be cleaned with abrasive materials that can damage the surface. Shading or obstructing panels can significantly reduce energy output. Improper maintenance or DIY electrical modifications can also create safety risks.
Looking for a Solar Energy Company in Lucky Strike Rocklin? Get access to professional solar energy solutions designed to help reduce electricity costs and improve long-term energy efficiency. Our expert installers provide customized solar panel systems, maintenance, and reliable service for residential and commercial properties.