EV charging cost

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle? EV vs. gas fuel comparison

If you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), one thing you’ll want to know is how much you’ll pay to charge it. While you likely have experience with filling up a gas tank, charging an EV battery is a bit different. In this article, we’ll explain how much you should expect to pay to charge your EV and how this compares to similar internal combustion engine (ICE) — AKA gas-powered — vehicles. We’ll also walk you through some of the significant factors that will impact the cost of charging your EV. (Spoiler alert: the best way to lower the cost is to go solar!)

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Image of a solar panel with text that says SunPower: the complete review

SunPower solar panels: the complete review

SunPower solar panels are one of the most frequently requested solar panel brands on the EnergySage Marketplace and for a good reason: SunPower panels are often the most efficient (read: powerful!) products on the market today, and they offer an industry-leading warranty. For many years, SunPower has been a fully-integrated solar shop, manufacturing solar cells and panels and then offering sales and installation services for residential and commercial applications. But, while they are considered some of the best panels, they do come at a premium price. 

When evaluating your solar panel options, it’s essential to compare what’s available so you can be confident in your solar investment. Let’s look at SunPower’s solar panel technology and how it compares to other leading solar panel brands available today.

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energysage net metering 3 survey

What do California solar installers think about NEM 3? We asked them!

Since the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the Net Billing Tariff, also known as Net Metering 3 (NEM 3), in mid-December, the industry has primarily focused on how the new policy will affect solar shoppers in California (and for good reason): it reduces solar savings by more than 60% over 20 years. But plainly absent from existing articles and thought pieces about the consequences of the NEM 3 decision is the perspective of the people whose livelihoods will be impacted day to day: solar installers in California

With that in mind, EnergySage surveyed three dozen solar installers in California to gauge their sentiments around NEM 3, how the policy has already affected the solar industry in California, their forecasts for how the industry will change moving forward, and how they plan to adapt to the new solar climate in California after the mid-April transition to NEM 3. 

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solar shingles on home

Solar shingles: what you need to know

You don’t have to install solar panels on your roof to go solar – solar shingles are an innovative solar technology that can also help you save on your energy bills just like traditional solar panels. In this article, we’ll review the key differences between solar shingles, also called solar roof tiles, and their solar panel counterparts, as well as weigh the pros and cons of a solar shingle installation.

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House value

Do solar panels increase home value?

When you make improvements to your home, it’s smart to take into consideration how they will impact your home’s value. The conventional wisdom from HGTV and home improvement magazines is that updating your kitchen, renovating your bathroom, or building an addition are the smartest ways to increase the value of your property. But there’s another home improvement that you may not realize adds to your property’s value: installing a solar energy system on your roof.

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free solar panels

Free solar panels: are they really free in 2023?

If you’ve been shopping around for a solar panel system, you’ve probably heard at least one company advertise ‘free solar panels,’ implying that they’ll install a solar energy system on your roof for free. But, much as with anything, remember that there’s no such thing as a free lunch – and there’s no such thing as free solar panels.

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solar panel kits

Solar panel kits: a complete overview

Most home solar panel systems are installed by a qualified solar installer, but more DIY-minded homeowners are exploring options like solar panels for sale online and solar panel kits for home available for purchase in hardware stores. If you’re one of the millions of Americans considering joining the transition to renewable energy by going solar, you’ve probably come across some of the DIY solar products and off-grid solar systems available – but do you know how to choose the best product out of all the solar panels for sale? Here’s your complete guide to finding the right option for your home.

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cheap solar panels

Cheap solar panels: why quality equipment is so important

In order to really cash in on solar power, you may be looking for the cheapest solar panels available. And sure, when you install solar on your home or business, you can save thousands on your electricity bills. But going solar isn’t automatically cheap: buying solar panels to install on your roof typically costs thousands of dollars. It’s no wonder that the cost of solar is among the most important considerations for today’s homeowners. If you’re thinking about going solar and worried about keeping the overall cost down, you’re probably wondering: how can I get the best value for solar panels, and will home solar get even cheaper?

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how much do solar panels save

How much do solar panels save? Solar savings by state

Most solar shoppers can save between $20,000 and $97,000 on electricity over the lifetime of a solar panel system. Solar panels aren’t just good for the environment – you can benefit from serious savings which can vary based on a number of factors including your location, current energy usage trends, and the size of your solar panel system. Most importantly, solar savings are influenced by the price you pay for electricity.

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solar panel installation

How to install solar panels

More than a million homes already have solar in the U.S., and many more homeowners are considering installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. If you’re in the market for a clean energy solution like solar, you probably want to know what actually happens during a solar panel installation or even how to install solar panels yourself. There are several key steps that need to happen between deciding to go solar, signing your contract, and powering your home with solar electricity – and most of this happens behind the scenes. To show you what you can expect, we’ve outlined a simple guide for how to set up a home solar power system.

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