Author Archives: Tobin Gedstad

What is Google Project Sunroof?

The cost to install solar has dropped by more than 70 percent in the last decade. Yet many people still believe that solar is only a luxury item for green-minded consumers, rather than a smart long-term cost-saving investment. Why is this? A big reason is the lack of easily accessible information about how solar can save you money. Like EnergySage, Google’s Project Sunroof is looking to fix this using smart technology that makes solar information available and easy to understand.

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Tesla Powerwall: how much of my house can I run on it–and for how long?

If you’re in the market for a Tesla Powerwall, or any solar battery, your biggest question is likely, “how much of my house can I run using this battery, and for how long?” While the answer depends on a number of factors specific to your household’s energy use, we’ve outlined some steps you can take to make an estimation.

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Powering through: 2020 NREL study reveals the true longevity of solar

One of the most common statements you’ll hear us say about solar is that it’s a great investment. Among many reasons, we say this because solar panels last a long time. Most solar panel manufacturers now offer warranties between 20 and 25 years, with some going even longer. The average payback period in the US is around eight years, meaning you’ll save substantial amounts of money for well over half of your system’s lifetime.

But warrantied production is one thing and actual performance is another altogether. So, how well do panels actually perform as they age? A 2020 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), PV field reliability status—Analysis of 100 000 solar systems, provides some compelling insights.

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The future of solar site surveys: onsite or remote?

One of the most crucial parts of any solar installation project is the site survey. After your installer makes an initial assessment of your property, they’ll conduct a site survey to obtain detailed information on the condition of your roof, and take measurements to assist the engineers in design. But how exactly do installers get this information?

In the past, the only option was to climb up on the roof and take measurements by hand. While this is still the most common method, some new remote technologies are beginning to offer compelling advantages that are changing the way site surveys are conducted. In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each of these methods.

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Flying high: how drones are revolutionizing the solar industry

Ten years ago, if you were installing a rooftop solar system, one of your installer’s first steps was to come to your house, climb up on your roof, and take a bunch of measurements and pictures to evaluate the project. However, this process is now starting to change with the rise of a new technology: drones. Drones in solar have a number of advantages that make them appealing to both homeowners and installers, including saving time and money for everyone involved. In this article, we’ll take a look at how drones are used in solar projects and explore some major companies on the cutting edge of this technology.

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So your old solar panel system no longer fits your needs: what are your options?

Home solar systems have now been around for quite some time, reliably powering homes across the country with clean, renewable energy. If you were an early adopter, your system is likely getting up there in terms of age. Although solar panels last for 25 to 30 years on average, with an older system you might be encountering some defects, general wear and tear, or a drop in electricity production brought on by age. Whatever the reason, if your solar system is no longer producing the kind of energy you need, we’re here to show you some of your options.

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The most common solar panel defects

Solar panels are incredibly reliable, and have proven to be not only great for the environment, but a superb investment as well. Their reliability comes from the fact that they are solid state electronic devices, meaning that there are no moving parts. This nearly eliminates the risk of mechanical failure and allows panels to be extremely low maintenance for long periods of time. However, nothing is perfect, and solar panels can develop defects over the course of their lifetime. We’ve put together a list of the most common problems that can occur with your solar system.

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Solar trends to watch in 2021

Over the past year, in the face of constant and unprecedented headwinds, ranging from COVID-19 to an unfriendly presidential administration, the solar industry has proved incredibly resilient, with home solar installations growing 7 percent in 2020. But what does 2021 have in store for solar? Will this growth continue? In this article, we look at the three areas that will determine the industry’s fortunes in the coming year: business trends, technology, and government policy.

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Travel in the modern EV: a reliable choice

A common argument against electric vehicles is that they’re “unreliable” or “too limited in range.” Ten years ago, these critics may have been right. But today, electric vehicles represent the future of the auto industry. In 2020, electric car manufacturer Tesla overtook Toyota to become the world’s most valuable carmaker. Other auto companies have been quick to follow, from luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Jaguar to more affordable options like Chevy or Nissan now boasting new EV options. This trend is driven by scientific advancements in batteries and charging that allow you to travel farther and recharge quicker than ever before. But what does travel with an EV look like today? Is a road trip really viable? Let’s take a look.

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