Author Archives: Vikram Aggarwal

About Vikram Aggarwal

As the founder and CEO of EnergySage, Vikram is an authority on all things renewable and solar. His thought leadership on renewable energy is published with Bloomberg, Consumer Reports, The Energy Gang, Forbes, Kiplinger, The New York Times, and more. He also regularly appears on podcasts such as NPR’s Here and Now and speaks at major industry conferences such as RE+ to share clean energy data and insights on policy, incentives, and savings. Vikram has an MBA from Northeastern University and is a CFA charterholder. Connect with Vikram on LinkedIn, Twitter

diy solar panels

DIY solar panels: pros, cons and installation guide

Going solar has major financial benefits: it reduces your monthly electric bill and can even increase the value of your home. Tax incentives and rebates, like the federal tax credit for solar and local net metering rules, can reduce your net cost by 30 percent, but solar is still a big investment, and the price tag can result in sticker shock.

To save money, it’s no surprise that many homeowners are considering “do it yourself”, or DIY, solar, and asking themselves “can you install solar panels yourself?” Simply put, yes you can — but, there are some advantages and disadvantages of doing it alone. In this article, we’ll break down the top pros and cons that you need to know about do-it-yourself solar panel systems before making a decision.

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Solar payback period

What is the payback period of solar panels?

The financial benefits of going solar are clear: solar panel systems function as investments with strong rates of return, and homeowners generating solar electricity can avoid paying increased utility rates by eliminating their electricity bills. Multiple studies show that installing a home solar system can even increase your property’s value! 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 most solar shoppers rely on one metric in particular: the solar panel payback period or break-even point.

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solar panel generating electricity for a home

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels harness the sun’s energy to generate usable electricity. At a high level, solar cells absorb incoming sunlight to generate an electrical current through what’s known as the “photovoltaic effect”. This electrical current is captured by plates and wires and turned into a usable energy current that is sent to your home and appliances. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how solar panels produce renewable energy for your home.

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Pros and cons of solar energy

Pros and cons of solar energy explained

If you’re thinking about installing a solar panel system, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks involved with going solar. Solar is a revolutionary energy solution for property owners of any type, but like any energy decision, choosing to go solar has various advantages and disadvantages you should keep in mind. In this article, we’ll outline some of the most important pros and cons of installing solar.

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solar panel efficiency

What are the most efficient solar panels? Top brands in 2023

In the past years, solar technology has been making leaps and bounds towards higher solar cell efficiency, power output, and overall quality. Nowadays, solar panels have conversion efficiencies over 20 percent on average, compared to their previous average of less than 15 percent. They also now mostly come with a warranty of 10-25 years, helping you feel more confident in the longevity of your purchase. It is important to know what determines solar panel efficiency before making a purchase so your investment in solar can generate the most energy and ultimately save the most money on your electric bill.

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solar panel output energy production

What is the output of a solar panel?

Most solar panels on the market in 2022 produce between 250 and 400 watts of power. You might come across these solar panel output numbers from your solar installation quote, which will typically include “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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14th Intel Report

Solar industry highlights: solar prices, equipment trends, and storage interest from EnergySage’s 14th Intel Report

Last month, our team published the 14th EnergySage Solar Marketplace Intel Report. While our biannual check-in on the state of the residential solar market has certainly evolved since publishing our first report in 2015, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to making the solar industry more transparent, affordable, and accessible.

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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?

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 solar panel warranties

What to know about a solar panel warranty

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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solar vs wind

Solar energy vs. wind energy: which is right for you?

Installing a renewable energy system on your property is one of the best ways to save money on your electricity bills while reducing your impact on the environment. Often, your decision will be between solar energy and wind energy. If you’re a homeowner weighing your renewable energy options, you already know that thorough research is the best way to find the right system for your home. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of residential wind vs. solar so that you can make your decision with confidence.

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