Your main service panel (MSP) is a crucial component of your home’s electrical system as it distributes electricity to various circuits and appliances. Before adding solar panels, ensure that your MSP has enough capacity to handle the additional energy load. It is advisable to consult a licensed electrician or solar installer to evaluate your panel’s…
Determining your roof’s suitability for solar panels is a foundational step in transitioning to renewable energy. Collaborating with experienced solar professionals and adhering to local regulations will set you on the path to harnessing the full potential of solar energy, benefiting both you and the planet. Age and Lifespan Solar panels gradually lose efficiency, but…
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 recognizes the crucial role of energy efficiency measures in curbing inflation, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable practices. It offers incentives for insulation improvements, and energy efficiency measures to address both inflationary pressures and environmental concerns. By offering tax credits, grants, and promoting consumer education, the act aims to accelerate…
Central vs Micro Inverters Inverters are an essential component of home solar energy systems. They are used to convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity used in homes and businesses. There are two main types of inverters used in home solar…
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, use energy from the sun to generate electricity. They are made up of photovoltaic cells, which use semiconductor materials such as silicon. When sunlight hits a solar panel, it is absorbed by the semiconductor material and causes the electrons in the material to move. This movement of…
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction in the automotive industry, the demand for efficient and reliable EV chargers is skyrocketing. As electric vehicles continue to gain momentum, the availability of efficient and reliable chargers is vital in supporting their widespread adoption. The relentless pursuit of innovation in the EV charging industry ensures that powering…
Two-way car chargers, also known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) chargers, are an innovative technology that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to not only draw power from the electrical grid but also feed excess energy back into the grid. This bidirectional flow of electricity has the potential to revolutionize home energy storage and the overall energy landscape. How…
Upfront Cost and Payback Period Installation costs varies by location, but it is generally around $2.80 to $4 per watt for residential installations, and $2.20 to $3.00 per Watt for small commercial installations. Price per Watt usually goes down when adding panels, with a minimum of 8 panels. There is typically a base price for…
Manufacturers periodically offer rebates for solar panel, inverter, and battery installations. Recent rebate programs include: Enphase Energy offered a rebate of up to $1,070 for customers who purchase their Encharge energy storage system and have it installed by an Enphase installer. To claim the rebate, customers must submit a rebate form and proof of purchase within…
Insulation helps to keep warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems. Insulation Materials When retrofitting existing walls with insulation, common materials used are cellulose, fiberglass, and Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI). Each material has pros and cons. Cellulose: Cellulose insulation is an…
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PointGuard Energy
PointGuard Energy is a new interver + battery offering, founded in 2022. It is a subsidiary of SigEnergy. PointGuard offers an advanced home energy management system called PointGuard Home, which integrates solar energy and battery storage with additional capabilities for electric vehicle (EV) charging. This system combines five major…
Going Solar FAQs
As the popularity of solar energy continues to rise, so does the curiosity and interest of homeowners considering the installation of solar panels. While solar power offers a clean and sustainable energy solution, it’s natural for people to have questions before embarking on this renewable energy journey. This article…
Commercial Installation Concerns
There are several additional concerns and complications involved in a commercial solar installation compared with a home installation: Larger scale: Commercial solar installations are typically much larger in scale than home installations. This means that more solar panels and other equipment will be needed, and the installation process may…
Glossary of Terms
A passing familiarity with these terms will help you communicate with your solar installer. Alternating Current (AC): Alternating current (AC) is a type of electric current that alternates in direction. AC electricity is the type of electricity used in homes and businesses, and it is produced by an inverter…
Ground Mounted Solutions
tInstalling a ground-mounted solar system is a great way to harness the power of the sun and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources. Ground-mounted solar systems consist of solar panels that are installed on a steel or aluminum frame that is anchored to the ground. In this article,…
Solar Canopies With Storage
One over-looked but rapidly exploitable renewable resource to assist the clean energy transition is solar parking lots. France has incentivized & requied solar canopies be integrated stationary storage batteries & Vehicle-to-Grid chargers on ALL existing parking lots with 80 or more spaces within 5 years (3 years for big…
The Cost of Solar
Upfront Cost and Payback Period Installation costs varies by location, but it is generally around $2.80 to $4 per watt for residential installations, and $2.20 to $3.00 per Watt for small commercial installations. Price per Watt usually goes down when adding panels, with a minimum of 8 panels. There…
Financing Options
The Major Solar & Energy Upgrade Lenders The three major solar and energy efficiency lenders are Sunlight Financial, Mosaic and GoodLeap (formerly named LoanPal.) Each offer a range of options and a straighforward application process. However, in order to secure a low interest rate, a upfront “Dealer Fee” is…
Process of Going Solar
There are several steps involved in adding solar to your home or business: Assess Energy Usage and Needs: Review your past electricity bills to understand your energy consumption patterns. Identify your peak usage months and overall energy needs to determine the size of the solar system required. Budget and…
Installing Solar Yourself
Installing solar panels yourself can be a complex and potentially dangerous process, and it’s important to understand that it may not be suitable for everyone. Benefits of Self Installing Cost Savings: By purchasing solar equipment directly, individuals can bypass the costs associated with hiring professional installers, resulting in potential…