solar panel installation

How to install solar panels

More than a million homes already have solar in the U.S., and many more homeowners are considering installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. If you’re in the market for a clean energy solution like solar, you probably want to know what actually happens during a solar panel installation or even how to install solar panels yourself. There are several key steps that need to happen between deciding to go solar, signing your contract, and powering your home with solar electricity – and most of this happens behind the scenes. To show you what you can expect, we’ve outlined a simple guide for how to set up a home solar power system.

Continue reading
solar panel recycling

Solar panel recycling: what you need to know

Solar power is one of the fastest-growing clean energy sources, but what happens to old panels? Solar panels have a lifetime of about 30 years. With the increasing number of solar panels being sold and installed in the U.S. each year, it’s only a matter of time before high volumes of panels are at the end of their useful life and have to be disposed of. Solar panel recycling is still at an early stage, but as the renewable energy market continues to expand, recycling processes will play an increasingly important role.

Continue reading
How much does a Tesla cost

How much does a Tesla cost? 2023 Tesla car prices explained

Tesla’s constantly innovating and releasing new electric car tech to the market, and today boasts four commercially available car models: the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, the Tesla Model 3, and the Tesla Model Y. In this article, we’ll break down the car prices for each of the different Tesla EV models, and explain how you should compare them.

Continue reading
Image of a solar loan document

How to choose a solar loan

If you’re considering solar, you’re likely wading through the different ways to pay for your new solar system. The options range from outright ownership by paying for your system upfront in cash to leasing your panels from the installation company – but the most common way to pay for solar is with a solar loan. Loans of any variety can be challenging to navigate, and solar loans are no exception! In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of solar financing and how to determine what solar loan might be best for you.

Continue reading
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.

Continue reading
Image of Panasonic solar panel with text

Panasonic solar panels: the complete review

As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics manufacturers, Panasonic is a household name that entered the solar industry in 1975. Panasonic solar panels are popular among EnergySage shoppers and installers – in fact, they’re the third most quoted brand in 2023! However, in 2021 Panasonic announced that they’ll no longer manufacture their own solar panels (they previously had a manufacturing deal with Tesla). But if you’re interested in Panasonic solar panels, don’t worry: unlike LG Solar, Panasonic is continuing to sell high-performing panels – manufacturing is now just outsourced to a third party. 

When evaluating your solar panel options, it’s important to compare what’s available so you can be confident in your solar investment. Let’s take a look at Panasonic’s solar panel technology and how it compares to other leading solar panel brands available today.

Continue reading
how much does it cost to charge a tesla

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla? EV vs. gas fuel comparison

If you’re considering purchasing a Tesla, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll pay to charge it. You’re likely familiar with how much it costs to fill up a tank of gas, but charging an electric vehicle (EV) battery is a whole new ballgame! In this article, we’ll explain how much you should expect to pay to charge your Tesla and how this compares to comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) – AKA gas-powered – vehicles. We’ll also walk you through some of the major factors that will impact the cost of charging your Tesla. (Spoiler alert: the best way to lower the cost is to go solar!)

Continue reading
Solar generators

Our guide to the best solar generators

Solar isn’t just for rooftops – you can use portable solar products like solar generators as a backup power source if the grid goes down, or as a source of electricity for your campsite, RV, or boat. But what is a solar generator exactly? And how does it compare with typical fossil-fuel-powered generators? In this article, we’ll break down the key things you need to know about solar generators so you can decide if they’re right for you!

Continue reading
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.

Continue reading