Tag Archives: equipment

Q&A with Hoymiles

When you picture a solar energy system, you probably think of the panels – and for good reason! They’re certainly the most visible component. However, inverters are also an important part of your solar energy system: they convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used by most common household appliances. Hoymiles is one company that manufactures inverters; specifically, they make microinverters, which are installed and convert electricity at each individual solar panel. We sat down with Hoymiles to learn more about their history, product offerings, and advice for those exploring inverter options.

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Panasonic heat pumps complete review

Air source heat pumps are much more efficient than most other heating and cooling options – and they provide both in one system! If your current HVAC system is aging, you may be able to switch to air source heat pumps for higher efficiency, lower overall utility bills, and, depending on where you live, some extra savings through rebates and incentives. (Bonus: if you have solar, you can heat and cool your home using the sun!)

Panasonic is one of the major players in the heat pump space with seven different lines of heat pumps (including ducted and ductless) you can install in your home. They have been developing HVAC systems since they first produced an air conditioning unit in 1958, releasing their first mini split heat pump system in 1983. Panasonic heat pumps are available in a variety of styles and price ranges to suit differing consumer needs.

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The SPAN Drive home EV charger complete review

If you’ve bought an electric vehicle (EV) recently or are considering one, you’re not alone! Global EV sales doubled in 2021 from the previous year to a new record of 6.6 million, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Global EV Outlook 2022 Report. Having an EV charger at your home allows you to more efficiently and quickly charge your EV, while managing and monitoring your charging and energy usage. (Bonus: if you have solar, you can power your car with the sun!)

SPAN is a top manufacturer in the electrification industry and they’re rolling out a smart home EV charger that integrates with their smart panel: the SPAN Drive home EV charger. SPAN Drive is an accessory to the SPAN Panel, a reimagined smart panel that helps set up your home for electrification upgrades like solar, battery, and EV charging equipment.

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The Emporia smart home EV charger complete review

If you’ve bought an electric vehicle (EV) recently or are considering one, you’re not alone! U.S. EV sales grew 76 percent year over year in Q1 2022 to make up 5.2 percent of automotive sales, according to Kelley Blue Book. Having an EV charger at your home allows you to more efficiently and quickly charge your EV at home, while managing and monitoring your charging and energy usage. (Bonus: if you have solar, you can power your car with the sun!)

Emporia is known for their tech-focused approach to energy management and they offer a smart EV charger that you can install at home: the Emporia EV Charging Station. Emporia is an American-based company that was founded in 2018 in Littleton, Colorado. They make a variety of products to help you better manage and monitor energy in your home, including smart plugs, thermostats, energy monitors, and home batteries!

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What are the best inverters available? Top brands of 2022 compared

If you want to maximize your solar energy system’s production, finding the best solar inverter is as important as the solar panels you choose. For an “uncomplicated” roof – one that faces south and has no gables, chimneys, or other obstructions that can cast a shadow – the best solar inverter for you may be a standard string (aka central) inverter. But, more than half of new residential solar installations are using module-level power electronics (MLPEs) – such as power optimizers and microinverters – to maximize electricity production on more complicated, less ideal rooftops.

In the world of MLPEs, you might be trying to decide between two big names, SolarEdge vs. Enphase, and with good reason: about 95 percent of quotes on EnergySage included either SolarEdge or Enphase in 2022! That said, there are many other great inverter options to consider. At the end of the day, the question of which is the best solar inverter comes down to performance, warranties, cost, and personal preference.

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The EvoCharge home EV charger complete review

If you’ve bought an electric vehicle (EV) recently or are considering one, you’re not alone! According to McKinsey, if EV sales continue on their current trajectory, they are likely to account for over half of U.S. passenger vehicle sales by 2030. Having an EV charger at your home allows you to more efficiently and quickly charge your EV at home, while managing and monitoring your charging and energy usage. (Bonus: if you have solar, you can power your car with the sun!)

EvoCharge is a well-known manufacturer in the home EV charging space with two models of EV chargers that you can install. Founded in 2009, EvoCharge is a leading provider of EV home charging solutions and cable management systems in North America. In this article, we’ll cover EvoCharge’s standard electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and the iEVSE Home chargers.

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The Grizzl-E home EV charger complete review

If you’ve bought an electric vehicle (EV) recently or are considering one, you’re not alone! According to McKinsey, if EV sales continue on their current trajectory, they’re likely to account for over half of U.S. passenger vehicle sales by 2030. Having an EV charger at your home allows you to more efficiently and quickly charge your EV, while managing and monitoring your charging and energy usage. (Bonus: if you have solar, you can power your car with the sun!)

United Chargers is a Canadian electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) company that creates options for both home and commercial use. Originally founded as a software company in 2001, United Charger just began focusing on EVSE research, development, and manufacturing in 2019. In early 2020, they launched their popular Grizzl-E line of EV chargers – in this article, we’ll cover this line, including the Grizzl-E Classic, Smart, and Duo models.

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The ClipperCreek home EV charger complete review

ClipperCreek is a trusted EV charging manufacturer, creating EV chargers since 2006, and is a division of Enphase Energy, Inc. They are known for building residential, public, fleet, and workplace EV charging solutions that are reliable, powerful, and “Made in America.” In this article, we’ll focus in detail on ClipperCreek’s popular HCS Level 2 home EV charger line.

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Solar paint: what you need to know

Imagine if, with just a coat of paint, you could generate enough energy to power your entire house or car – one of the solar industry’s newest innovations could help make that possible! As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, scientists continue to find new ways to improve current technologies and explore new alternatives to expand access to clean energy.

While solar panels are by far the most popular (and most efficient) way for homeowners to generate solar electricity, panels aren’t a good fit for all buildings. There are already a few ways to get around this: you could install a different system setup like a solar canopy or ground-mounted system, or you could sign up for community solar, which provides a discount on your electricity bill without having to install a single solar panel. One of the newest innovations in the solar industry comes in a very familiar form: paint! Solar paint is a new technology that aims to work as a regular paint, while still generating electricity from the sun.

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Solar panel disposal: what happens at end of life?

As the urgency for climate action increases, so does the adoption of renewable energy. Namely, solar photovoltaics (PV) – aka solar panels – are one of the fastest growing sources of clean energy. Solar panels have long lifespans, increasingly lower costs, and are safe for the environment! But, what happens to solar panels when they stop producing electricity? Where do decommissioned solar panels go?

There are a few ways solar panels can be disposed, and in this article, we break down what happens to a solar panel at the end of its life.

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