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…
Home sealing services, also known as air sealing, involve identifying and sealing air leaks in a home’s envelope, including walls, attics, and basements. Sealing air leaks reduces the amount of air that enters and exits a home, resulting in lower energy bills. Home sealing also reduces the amount of dust, pollen, and other outdoor pollutants…
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Next »
How Many Panels Will I Need?
How many panels you need will be a your energy usage measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), your solar access, and the configuration of your roof or yard. Find your energy usage by looking at your electricity bills or logging onto your utility and downloading a .csv file. Choose a range…
Battery Storage Systems
As we transition towards renewable energy sources, the importance of effective storage solutions becomes increasingly evident. Battery storage systems have emerged as game-changers, allowing us to harness and utilize renewable energy more efficiently. In this article, we will explore three popular battery storage systems, their unique features, and the…
Going Off The Grid
There are several additional concerns and complications involved in an off-grid solar installation compared with a grid-tied installation: Energy storage: Off-grid solar installations typically require energy storage in the form of a battery system to store excess solar energy for use when the sun is not shining. This adds…
Enphase Systems
The Enphase Energy System with IQ8 comes in four different configurations: – Solar Only: IQ 8 Microinverters + IQ Combiner– Sunlight Backup: adds a System Controller. Use panels during a grid shutdown– Home Essentials Backup: has a 3.36 kWh battery– Full Energy Independence has a 10.08 kWh battery The…
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,…
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…
SolarEdge Systems
SolarEdge was the first to successfully commercialize power optimizers, a device that offers module-level maximum power point tracking (MPPT), before feeding back the electricity generated into a central inverter. Their central inverters have a standard 12 year warranty, and typically fail after about 13 years. All SolarCal systems using…
An Overview of Solar Inverters
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…
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…
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…