Author Archives: Jacob Marsh

About Jacob Marsh

Jacob is a researcher and content writer at EnergySage, where he focuses primarily on current issues–and new technology!–in the solar industry. With a background in environmental and geological science, Jacob brings an analytical perspective and passion for conservation to help solar shoppers make the right energy choices for their wallet and the environment. Outside of EnergySage, you can find him playing Ultimate Frisbee or learning a new, obscure board game.

Sunpower SunVault Review

The SunPower SunVault storage system complete review

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Reading Time: 6 minutes

SunPower has always been known for its top-tier solar panels – now, they’re expanding their influence in the energy storage space. In 2019, the company launched their first home solar battery: the Equinox Storage system. Now rebranded as the SunVault Storage system, this battery and software solution, when paired with a SunPower Equinox solar panel system, enables you to keep your lights on during power outages and manage your home’s electricity use.

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rv solar panels

RV solar panels: are they right for you?

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

Solar panel systems aren’t just for houses or commercial properties – it can be a great resource for on-the-go electricity users as well. In this article, learn about how solar panels for RVs and solar panels for a camper work, if they’re right for you, and what some of the top options available are.

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LMI community solar

Low to moderate income community solar: what you need to know

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

For many electricity users across the country, rooftop solar panels don’t make sense – there are physical reasons (i.e. roof availability, home size), personal reasons (i.e. aesthetics), and financial reasons. Specifically for individuals who classify as “low to moderate income” (LMI), there are several reasons why community solar can be a great way to benefit from solar energy while not needing the traditional financial resources to install your own solar panels.

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eguana storage system

The Eguana Evolve home battery complete review

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Reading Time: 7 minutes

Eguana is a 20-year-old battery company based out of Alberta. Their battery systems use the same reliable cores as LG Chem’s RESU line, so you know you’re getting tested quality and performance reliability in a home battery. One of their more recent products, the Eguana Evolve, is becoming an increasingly popular addition to solar panel systems across the country.

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commercial and industrial solar installation

Commercial and industrial (C&I) solar panel installations: an overview

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Commercial and industrial (C&I) property owners can benefit from installing solar energy on business or factory roofs, or as ground-mounted systems on a campus. Many corporations have massive manufacturing facilities with expansive, flat roof space – AKA the perfect place to generate clean, inexpensive solar energy.

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9kw solar energy system

How much does a 9 kW solar energy system cost?

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

For many homeowners who want to install solar panels on their roofs, a 9-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system is a good size for significantly reducing or eliminating electricity costs. Getting the right price for your solar installation and maximizing long-term savings is easy when you compare your solar quotes with the prices that other shoppers in your area are seeing. Find out more about how much a 9 kW solar panel system costs; the amount of electricity you can expect your 9 kW system to produce daily, monthly, and annually; and the smartest way to shop for solar in EnergySage’s 9 kW solar panel system guide.

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off grid with solar panels

Going off-grid with solar: what does it mean and how much will it cost? (Part 1)

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Reading Time: 7 minutes

This is Part 1 of a two-part series that explores the economics of going completely off-grid with solar. Part 1 focuses on what it actually means to go “off-grid” and how to start thinking about calculating the costs for cutting the cord with your utility. Part 2 discusses two real-world examples of sizing an off-grid solar energy system, along with the feasibility of going through with an off-grid solution. Check out Part 2 here.

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solar panel recycling

Recycling solar panels: environmental effects and your recycling options

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Solar panels have a lifetime of about 30 years. With the increasing number of solar panels being sold and installed in the United States each year, it’s only a matter of time before high volumes of silicon solar panels are at the end of their useful life and have to be disposed of. Solar panel recycling is still at a very early stage, but as the market continues to grow, it will have an important part to play in the solar industry.

More and more panels will reach the end of their life each year, and even now, old solar panels are beginning to become a problem as the majority of them find themselves in landfills where they are releasing toxins harmful to both natural and human health into our environment.

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