intel report highlights

Highlights from the ninth EnergySage Solar Marketplace Intel Report

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

This week, EnergySage released our ninth Solar Marketplace Intel Report™. The publicly available report provides data on the state of the solar market nationwide and at the state level. In this report, we introduced a number of new analyses, from a direct comparison of EnergySage quote data to installed cost data nationally, to a breakdown of the quality of equipment quoted and installed both on and off the EnergySage Marketplace. A couple of key takeaways are outlined below, and we look forward to your analysis and feedback on the report.

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house with solar panels and a calculator

Costs of solar after installation

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For the most part, solar panel systems are “set it and forget it,” requiring very little (if any) maintenance over time – but what costs can you potentially encounter after installing your solar panel system? In this article, we’ll discuss four factors that could impact post-installation costs, and what you can do to avoid some of these costs from the get-go.

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house with electric meter

Behind-the-meter: what you need to know

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The electricity system is changing, from the way we generate power to the way we distribute and use it. All grid-tied energy systems are situated either “in front of the meter” or “behind the meter”, and as more and more electric customers take control of their production and usage, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between these two positions on the larger electric grid.

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Tesla solar renting vs leasing and loans

Tesla solar renting vs. leasing vs. buying solar panels

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Tesla’s recently announced solar rental program was met with high hopes, as a program with the potential to make solar more accessible to more homeowners. With a sense of how the program works, the question becomes: how do the savings from renting solar panels form Tesla compare to the savings from owning or leasing solar panels? 

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community solar panels and buildings

Pros and cons of community solar

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Community solar is an enticing option for those looking to take advantage of solar energy without installing a system on their own property. As with any energy choice, there are pros and cons to participating in a community solar program. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the primary benefits and potential downsides of community solar, as well as explaining how best to keep them in mind as you compare your options.

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solar inverter failure

What happens if your solar inverter fails?

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Reading Time: 4 minutesSolar energy systems are built to last and are designed to produce solar electricity reliably for 25 years or more. In some instances, though, individual components of a solar energy system may malfunction or break altogether. If you’ve installed solar, here’s what to do if your solar inverter fails. 

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ac coupled vs dc coupled batteries

AC vs. DC solar battery coupling: what you need to know

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Reading Time: 3 minutesSolar batteries are becoming popular additions to solar energy projects of all scales. When it comes to the way your solar panels, batteries, and inverters are all wired together on your property, there are two main options: alternating current (AC) coupling and direct current (DC) coupling. Both AC and DC coupling have advantages and drawbacks that are dependent on the specifics of your solar plus storage installation.

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solar tax credit commence construction

An overview of the “commence construction” clause

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Reading Time: 4 minutesThe country’s best solar incentive, the federal investment tax credit (ITC), is in the process of winding down. 2019 is the last year you can claim the full 30 percent tax credit. Starting next year, the credit drops to 26 percent, to 22 percent in 2021, and disappears entirely for homeowners in 2022. This impending deadline has prospective solar shoppers rushing to take advantage of the maximum credit while they still can – but how can you make sure you’re eligible for the 30 percent credit? 

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