Author Archives: Vikram Aggarwal

CEO’s note: Why I’m excited about the EnergySage Buyer’s Guide

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We are very excited to release a brand-new online tool for the solar industry: the EnergySage Buyer’s Guide – a first of its kind tool to allow consumers to research, compare and evaluate the price and quality of solar panels, inverters and batteries. To introduce you to our new product, I would like to give you some context for why we built the Buyer’s Guide and describe how we anticipate solar shoppers and industry stakeholders alike to use it. 

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understanding solar panel warranties

What to know about a solar panel warranty

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Solar panel warranties protect your solar investment and are an important part of any solar installation. There are a few different kinds of warranties that keep your panels covered, and understanding both the differences between them and what products feature the best warranties is important to make sure you get the best deal for your solar energy system.

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5 reasons to go solar

5 not-so-obvious reasons to go solar, and why talking to your financial advisor is a smart move

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Like many Americans, you’ve probably thought about installing solar panels on your home or business at some point in the past few years. Maybe you’ve even started looking into prices or talking to neighbors who have already made the switch. Whatever your reasons are for considering a solar energy system, now is a great time to take action as prices continue to come down and electricity rates continue to go up.

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power output of a solar panel

How much energy does a solar panel actually produce? Electricity output explained

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Power output or wattage is an important factor to consider when comparing solar panel options. You may hear your solar installer say, “it’s a 255 Watt panel” or “the panel I am recommending is has a wattage of 300.” Or, when you are reading a quote from a solar installer, you might see numbers like 245W, 300W, or 345W next to the name of the panel. They are all referring to a solar panel’s wattage, capacity and power output.

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solar panel efficiency most efficient solar panels

What are the most efficient solar panels on the market? Solar panel efficiency explained

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For those looking for the most efficient solar panels for their solar energy system, the first thing you need to know is how to compare efficiency metrics for different manufacturer brands. Solar panel efficiency is one useful metric used to determine how much power a solar panel produces compared to other products.

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DIY solar panels

The pros and cons of DIY solar in 2019

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Reading Time: 6 minutes

Solar is a trendy thing in 2019 and many adventurous homeowners are beginning to wonder about “diy solar panels” – the concept of building a solar panel system by yourself. Of course, there’s a lot involved in a solar installation and there’s a right and a wrong scenario for do-it-yourself solar projects.

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Grid tied vs. solar battery backup on EnergySage

Hybrid solar systems: which pairing of on and off-grid is right for you?

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Solar offers more than just an opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint. When you install solar panels on your roof, you are a step closer to taking your electricity production and consumption into your own hands. One of the biggest decisions solar shoppers have to make is whether to install a standard grid-tied solar energy system, a solar battery backup, or a hybrid solar system. Here’s everything that you should keep in mind when you’re comparing hybrid solar panels to typical grid-connection or off-grid options

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Understanding the solar panel payback period

How to calculate solar panel payback period (ROI)

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The financial benefits of going solar are now well documented. Solar panel systems actually function as investments with strong rates of return, and homeowners generating solar electricity can avoid paying increased utility rates by eliminating their electricity bills. According to a 2015 report by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, installing solar panels on your home can even increase your property values. If you’re reviewing multiple quotes, there are plenty of metrics that can help you make a decision about which solar option is best for you, but studies show most solar shoppers rely on one metric in particular: the solar panel payback period or break-even point.

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PACE financing for solar

What is PACE financing for home solar power?

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If you want to install a solar energy system on your property, one of the first questions you’ve probably asked is, “How will I pay for it?” There are many financing options available today for homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of solar. In many areas, an increasingly popular option for home energy improvements like solar is property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing.

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solar panels for businesses

Solar panels for businesses: does commercial solar make sense?

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

If you’re a business owner, the concept of “solar panels for businesses” might seem like a risky move in a complex and confusing market. You may have heard about major Fortune 500 companies going solar, but thought that it might not be feasible for your organization. Maybe you’re considering installing solar panels at some point in the distant future, when your organization can afford to make a major investment in something that seems like an environmental “good” rather than a strategic financial decision.

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