Category Archives: Buyer’s Guide

Articles about solar products and companies to help consumers understand more about solar equipment/companies and best compare their quotes and options.

How many solar panels do I need for my home?

46 Replies

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Determining the size of your solar energy system starts with a simple question: how many solar panels do I need? As most people want to produce enough energy to completely eliminate their electricity bill, the first step is determining what size solar system will produce enough power to meet your household consumption levels. Ultimately, you will be calculating how many kilowatt-hours of power you will need and finding the correct system size and number of solar panels to power your house.

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CertainTeed solar shingles: compare the original solar roof to other options for your home

6 Replies

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Before Elon Musk shook up the home solar power industry with the Tesla solar roof, homeowners and businesses were talking about solar shingles. The current leader in solar shingles is CertainTeed, whose solar roof products can be integrated as part of your existing roof.

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Panasonic solar panels: the complete review

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Panasonic is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of consumer electronics and an increasingly popular choice for U.S. homeowners installing solar. Whether you’re trying to decide between SunPower vs. Panasonic solar panels or simply evaluating your solar PV options, thoroughly reviewing the product options available to you is the best way to be confident in your solar investment. EnergySage’s Panasonic reviews take a look at the technical specifications of Panasonic solar panels to evaluate how they compare to other manufacturers on the market.

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Smartflower solar: the complete solar flower review

30 Replies

Reading Time: 5 minutes

The Smartflower solar flower is an all-in-one ground-mounted solar system with a tracker that follows the sun. However, it doesn’t look like the solar panels you might be used to. Learn all about the product’s revolutionary technology, how it compares to other solar options, and whether you should consider one for your home in EnergySage’s Smartflower solar review.

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“Free solar panels”: Are they really free?

67 Replies

Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you’ve been shopping around for a solar panel system, you’ve probably heard at least one company advertise ‘free solar panels’ – that they will install a solar energy system on your roof for free. But, much as with anything, remember that there is no such thing as a free lunch (or a free solar panel).

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Hanwha Q CELLS solar panels: the complete review

6 Replies

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hanwha Q CELLS is one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers, and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea and Thalheim, Germany. Thanks to an appealing combination of low prices and high quality, it’s also an increasingly popular choice for solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

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Mission Solar: the complete review

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Mission Solar is a U.S. based solar panel manufacturer headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Though newer to the market than other panel manufacturers, Mission Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular option with shoppers on the EnergySage Marketplace. Because they assemble solar panel modules in the U.S., Mission Solar modules are exempt from Trump’s solar tariff.

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JinkoSolar panels: the complete review

5 Replies

Reading Time: 4 minutes

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 manufactures its solar panels in China and Malaysia. Although they are relatively new to the U.S. residential market, JinkoSolar panels are increasingly popular in quotes to solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

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Trina Solar panels: the complete review

8 Replies

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Trina Solar Energy is one of the largest producers of solar panels in the world, and was founded in 1997. The company manufactures all of its solar products in China, and is one of the most popular brands featured in quotes to solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

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Hyundai solar panels: the complete review

2 Replies

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hyundai is one of the most recognizable names in the solar industry. The company started its solar business in 2005, and its solar panels are produced by a separate branch of the company that owns Hyundai Motors. Like some other leading solar brands (such as LG), their panels are manufactured in South Korea, but their products are generally considered to be an “economy” option for homeowners looking for a low-cost solar installation.

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