Tag Archives: home solar

North Carolina’s net metering policy is about to change: Here’s what you need to know

If you look at the best solar and renewable energy markets in the U.S., they all have one thing in common: a strong net metering program. Net energy metering – or NEM – allows you to earn credits for any excess solar electricity you send to the grid when your solar panel system generates more than you need. North Carolina has one of the largest solar industries in the United States, ranking fourth in 2022 on SEIA’s list of the top solar states by installed megawatt capacity. However, on March 23, 2023, the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved new net metering rules that will lower solar savings for Duke Energy customers.

The changes to net metering in North Carolina are nowhere near as drastic as the recent changes in California but are still anticipated to reduce the average solar shopper’s savings by approximately 20 percent. Luckily, residents of North Carolina can lock in current net metering rates through 2026 by deciding to go solar and submitting a completed interconnection application by October 1, 2023. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about the changes to North Carolina’s net metering policy and the steps you need to take now to guarantee the best solar savings.

This article was updated on May 24, 2023 to reflect new developments and adjusted deadlines.

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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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cheap solar panels

Cheap solar panels: why quality equipment is so important

In order to really cash in on solar power, you may be looking for the cheapest solar panels available. And sure, when you install solar on your home or business, you can save thousands on your electricity bills. But going solar isn’t automatically cheap: buying solar panels to install on your roof typically costs thousands of dollars. It’s no wonder that the cost of solar is among the most important considerations for today’s homeowners. If you’re thinking about going solar and worried about keeping the overall cost down, you’re probably wondering: how can I get the best value for solar panels, and will home solar get even cheaper?

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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.

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Solar for flat roofs

Have a flat roof? Why it could be the perfect setup for solar

Solar is a smart energy decision for homes and businesses with many different types of roofs, including those that are flat. However, with a flat roof, you’ll need to keep a few considerations in mind as you go through the installation process. We’ll walk you through what you need to know about solar for flat roofs before you install and how your flat roof solar system could end up being even more efficient than a traditional solar system.

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solar panel roof replacement

Roof replacement with solar panels

Solar panel systems will typically last around 30 to 35 years – and in that time, your solar panels will generate plenty of savings on your electric bills! These systems have very long lives, which leaves many homeowners wondering about the impact they will have on their roofs: how will the roof hold up over time? What happens if you have to replace your roof after installing solar? Should you just replace your roof at the same time you install solar panels? In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about replacing your roof when going solar.

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best roof material

What is the best roof material for solar panels?

If you’re thinking about going solar, your roof is probably top of mind. Rooftop solar installations are very popular – they’re typically cheaper than ground-mounted systems and maximize the available space on your property. But, whether your roof is a good fit for solar will depend on a few factors, with one of the most important being its material. Solar energy systems typically last 25 to 30+ years, so you need your roof to last long enough to support your system! In this article, we’ll explain what roof materials are best for solar panels.

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Sunrun statistics

Key things to know about Sunrun in 2022

In 2007, Sunrun launched in San Francisco, CA with their core business model centered around providing power purchase agreements – meaning they own the panels they install on your roof and sell you the power your panels generate. Today, they’ve shifted their strategy and are currently the largest solar installer in the U.S. with about 13 percent of the residential solar market – a feat they reached in large part due to their acquisition of Vivint Solar in 2020, formerly the second largest installer after Tesla. As the solar industry continues to grow, so does the demand for solar-plus-storage systems and Sunrun has also stepped up to meet this opportunity, now offering these systems in most areas of the country.

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Best solar inverters

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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IKEA solar panels

What you need to know about IKEA’s solar business

Swedish furniture giant IKEA is already on the top of many people’s lists for furnishing a new apartment or home – they make those updates easy and accessible with furniture that allows you to DIY build everything from a bookshelf to a bed frame. Recently, IKEA has made the jump from home furnishings to rooftop solar through a partnership with SunPower. While this partnership won’t allow you to build your own solar system, it does promise to make solar accessible to IKEA customers. In the United States, this program is currently only available in California, and we’ll cover everything you need to know about it in this article. 

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