Author Archives: Sara Matasci

jinko solar panel review

JinkoSolar panels: the complete review

JinkoSolar is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar panels and develops solar projects across the world. The company was founded in 2006 and primarily manufactures its solar panels in China and Malaysia. However, JinkoSolar recently opened a solar panel manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida, where they manufacture the aptly named “Eagle” series of American-made solar panels.

JinkoSolar panels–and the Eagle series in particular–are increasingly popular in quotes to solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

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dividend solar finance review

Dividend Solar Finance review: loans that make going solar easier

Solar loans are the fastest-growing method of financing a solar panel installation for your home or business. Across the country, more than half of all new solar installations are done with either a cash purchase or through a solar loan.

Based in sunny San Francisco, Dividend Solar Finance is a big name in the solar lending industry and serves customers in 26 states across the country. If you’re comparing solar quotes from a few different solar installers, there’s a good chance that you have received an offer for an EmpowerLoan™ option from Dividend.

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renew financial california first review 2018

Renew Financial review: everything you need to know about CaliforniaFIRST financing and PACE

Solar loans are the fastest-growing method of financing a solar panel installation for your home or business. Across the country, more than half of all new solar installations are done with either a cash purchase or through a solar loan.

Based in sunny California, Renew Financial is one of the leading providers of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing in the country. If you’re comparing quotes for solar installations or other home energy upgrades from different contractors, you may have seen a CaliforniaFIRST or other financing option from Renew Financial.

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california sgip

California home battery rebate: Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) explained

(Update: California’s Governor Brown signed SB 700. This adds approximately $800 million in additional funding for SGIP and extends the program through 2025.)

California’s SGIP rebate is one of the best incentives in the country for homeowners who want to install a home battery with their solar panels. The Golden State already leads the country in solar energy – it has more solar capacity than any other state in the U.S., and nearly six times more solar than number-two state Arizona. Now, California is becoming a leader in energy storage. Thanks to the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) you can get a rebate for most or all of your solar battery installation in California, and it’s about to become a lot easier for homeowners to access. Here’s everything you need to know about the SGIP rebate.

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solar inverters

What is a solar inverter? How does a solar inverter work?

Solar panels aren’t the only component that you should be thinking about when you evaluate your solar system equipment. Solar power inverters play an equally important role in a solar system: they convert the electricity your solar panels create into a form that can be used by the appliances, lighting, and other electronics that are in your home. Once you understand how solar inverters work, and the different types of inverters available for solar, the EnergySage Solar Marketplace can help you compare solar quotes with different inverter types.

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suntegra solar roof shingles

SunTegra solar shingles: a solar roof tile option for your home

Homeowners across the country have their eye on Elon Musk’s Tesla Solar Roof, a much-heralded innovation for the solar energy industry. However, there are already roof-integrated solar panels available on the market, also known as solar shingles. SunTegra is one of two major companies producing and installing solar shingles in the United States.

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solar panels and home insurance

Solar panel insurance: does solar increase your home insurance?

Millions of homes have solar installed on their roofs. Investing in a solar PV system has a variety of benefits: solar panels will reduce your electricity bills by generating electricity on-site for 25 years or more. A solar energy system can also increase your home value by tens of thousands of dollars. Home solar is a significant investment in your home, which leaves many homeowners wondering: do I need to get solar panel insurance or will my system be covered by my home insurance?

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grape solar panels

Should you buy Grape Solar panels from Costco or Home Depot?

Installing solar panels is fast becoming a home improvement project that any homeowner can take on. Now that you can buy solar panels at Costco and Home Depot, you may even be considering installing a home solar energy system yourself. One of the most popular DIY options is to purchase a solar panel kit from Grape Solar, an Oregon-based solar panel manufacturer whose products are for sale at Costco and Home Depot. But before you make a Costco solar purchase, we recommend you learn more about how Grape Solar panels compare to other solar panel brands.

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