Category Archives: Solar 101

Articles all about solar, from common questions to overviews of different aspects of a solar energy installation.

how much do solar panels save

How much do solar panels save? Solar savings by state

Most solar shoppers can save between $20,000 and $97,000 on electricity over the lifetime of a solar panel system. Solar panels aren’t just good for the environment – you can benefit from serious savings which can vary based on a number of factors including your location, current energy usage trends, and the size of your solar panel system. Most importantly, solar savings are influenced by the price you pay for electricity.

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residential solar panels

2023 expert guide to solar panels for homes

Whether you’re looking to save thousands on electricity bills, are trying to lower your carbon footprint, or are hoping to become more independent from the electric grid, there are a number of reasons to install a home solar energy system. Today, going solar is an easy and popular way to boost your home’s value and your energy savings, while generating clean energy right at home. In this article, we’ll explain the key things you should know about going solar as a homeowner.

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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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commercial and industrial solar installation

Commercial and industrial solar panel installations: an overview

Commercial and industrial (C&I) property owners can benefit from installing solar energy on business or factory roofs or as ground-mounted systems on a campus. Many corporations have massive manufacturing facilities and commercial buildings with expansive, flat roof space – the perfect place to generate clean, inexpensive solar power while reducing their carbon footprint.

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do solar panels work during winter graphic

Do solar panels work in the winter? Solar snow performance explained

Memories of cold, snowy winters past can be discouraging even for the hardiest homeowner. If you’re considering going solar, you might be wondering whether solar panels and snow are a bad combination. On the contrary, EnergySage marketplace data has indicated that solar shoppers can often find the lowest quotes during winter months when competition is reduced. After all, if you look at solar as an investment, then it should be able to generate returns throughout the year as other investments do. Luckily, plenty of people have both solar panels and snow, and some of the most popular regions in the U.S. for solar have snowy winters. Don’t let winter weather discourage you from going solar!

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solar panels for apartments

Solar panels for apartments: how renters can go solar

Can you go solar if you rent your home or live in an apartment? The simple answer for renters who want solar panels for their apartment or home is that it’s possible! While you may be able to pitch your landlord to install a rooftop solar panel system, community solar is more likely to be your best bet to enjoy the benefits of solar if you don’t own your roof space. Through incentives  like virtual net metering, community solar participants can earn credits back on their electricity bill, saving money every month.

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off-grid solar system

Off-grid solar systems: how to go off the grid with solar energy

If you’ve ever longed to go “off-grid,” you’re certainly not alone – but, beyond wanting to escape for a while, going off the grid has a specific technical meaning regarding your relationship with your utility and how you get power. So, what exactly does it mean to go off-grid? If you’re getting off the grid, there are many options to consider when it comes to equipment, including panels, inverters, batteries, racking systems, and solar charge controllers. Each product is different and you can customize your kit in a number of ways, which is why it’s vital to know exactly what you’re looking for and why. In this article, we’ll help you understand how to go off-grid with solar energy.

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Solar array

What is a solar array?

The most important part of a solar panel system is the solar array – it holds all of the panels in your system, which is where sunlight is collected and converted into electricity. In this article, we’ll share some common questions to ask yourself before installing a solar panel system on your home, and to make sure you get the most productive array possible.

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