Enphase Systems

By Tom Palmer

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 first configuration is a standard grid-tied…

Installing Solar Yourself

By Tom Palmer

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 savings. Customization and Control: Self-installation allows…

Ground Mounted Solutions

By Tom Palmer

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, we will discuss when it would…

Efficiency Incentives

By Tom Palmer

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…

Convert to an Induction Stove

By Tom Palmer

A new study found that roughly one in eight cases of childhood asthma in the US are the result of air pollution given off by gas stoves. This puts emissions from gas cooking at the same asthma risk level as breathing in secondhand smoke. Asthma affects roughly six million US children each year and nearly…

Popular EV Choices

By Tom Palmer

Overview Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. From luxury to affordability, today’s EVs represent the diverse options available in the electric automobile market. While the upfront cost of electric vehicles will likely be higher, it is much cheaper to power your car via…

Heat Pump Water Heaters

By Tom Palmer

A heat pump hot water heater, also known as a hybrid hot water heater, is a type of water heater that uses a heat pump to heat the water. Unlike conventional electric or gas water heaters, which generate heat by burning fossil fuels or using an electric heating element, heat pump water heaters extract heat…

Going Off The Grid

By Tom Palmer

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 to the cost of the installation…

Commercial Installation Concerns

By Tom Palmer

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 be more complex. Building codes and…

Solar Canopies With Storage

By Tom Palmer

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 parking lots with hundreds of spaces)….

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

Choosing Your Installer

Solar energy is one of the most impactful ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and save money on energy costs. If you’re considering installing solar panels on your home, choosing the right solar installer is crucial to ensure that your investment pays off in the long run. Here…

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…

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…

Evaluating Your Roof for Solar

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…

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…