Reading your electric bill might not seem complicated, but if you’re like most Americans, you may be making several mistakes. The complexity of your bill will vary based on your location and utility, but there are several common components that everyone should understand. If you’re looking for bill help, here are the top five things to know about reading and understanding your electric bill correctly, with examples from my electric bill.
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What you need to know about energy monitors
Electricity is expensive – and finding ways to cut your usage can save significant money down the line! One way homeowners are starting to take their energy management into their own hands is through energy monitors, devices that provide insight into how much energy you’re using, and when you’re using it. With this information, you can adjust your behavior and ultimately cut down on your electricity costs, all while helping the environment. In this article, we’ll explain some things to consider when evaluating energy monitors.
Continue readingLA Solar Group solar panels: the complete review
LA Solar Group has been installing solar panels since 2011, with current installations spanning three states: California, Nevada, and Texas. Over the past 10 years, they’ve installed about 25,000 systems and approximately 625,000 solar panels and in recent years, they’ve expanded their business to offer their own line of solar panels as well. So why did LA Solar decide to join the solar manufacturing industry? And how do their panels compare to other leading panel brands? In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about LA Solar Group and the products they offer.
Continue readingPhasing out 3G networks: what could it mean for your solar system?
When you read about cellular networks, you likely automatically think about cell phones – but did you know that these networks also support remote monitoring capabilities of solar systems? In 2022 all major mobile carriers – including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon – are shutting down their 3G networks, impacting a number of solar system owners in the U.S. who installed 3G modems as a part of their solar panel system. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about the 3G shutdown and the steps you can take to upgrade your solar system’s cellular modem if your installation is impacted.
Continue readingComparing energy management systems: how to understand the differences between products
Energy management is a rapidly growing industry – and for good reason! Home electrification is a crucial step towards a clean energy future and more and more people are participating by upgrading their home setup with solar panels, battery storage systems, heat pumps, and electric vehicles (EVs)! Many of these people are looking for additional insight into their electricity usage, whether to reduce their carbon footprint, or to see savings on their electricity bills.
But energy management systems can vary significantly by product, making it difficult to compare the various options available. In this article, we’ll explain some of the top companies in the energy management industry and explain the differences between their systems.
Continue readingThe Panasonic EverVolt 2.0 complete review
Panasonic is one of the world’s largest battery cell manufacturers and made their foray into the energy storage industry in 2019 when they launched the original Panasonic EverVolt. In November 2021, they announced a new addition to their battery lineup: the EverVolt 2.0. While Panasonic will continue to sell models of the original EverVolt, the EverVolt 2.0 comes with new features, including a different lithium-ion battery chemistry, larger available sizes, and an outdoor rating.
Continue readingThe Build Back Better Act: what’s on the line and what can you do to help?
Over the past few months, the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) has been a big topic of discussion – both in the solar industry and for the country as a whole. The bill includes climate provisions that are crucial for the United States to achieve its target of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035. However, it also includes social spending and tax changes that have received less support from Senate Democrats. So, what’s the status of this bill? And what can you do to support it?
Continue readingHow does cryptocurrency contribute to fossil fuel emissions?
In February 2021, Tesla announced that it had purchased $1.5 billion in Bitcoin and planned to accept the cryptocurrency as payment, causing the price of Bitcoin to soar to record high numbers. However, three months later, Elon Musk disrupted the cryptocurrency market when he tweeted, “Tesla has suspended vehicle purchases using Bitcoin,” citing concerns about “rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions, especially coal, which has the worst emissions of any fuel.”
Overnight, the Bitcoin market dropped by almost 10 percent–so how founded are these environmental concerns in cryptocurrency mining, and could cryptocurrency have a clean energy future?
Continue readingWhat are the best solar batteries available? Top brands and products of 2022 compared
Storage systems are becoming increasingly attractive home upgrades for homeowners across the country. Whether you’re looking for self-consumption, rate arbitrage during peak hours, or back-up power in case of emergencies, storage systems can provide greater independence, resiliency, and savings–especially if you have solar panels and live in a state without net metering.
Because storage systems have become so popular, many companies are now in the market, making it more challenging to compare and decide between the different brands and products available. In this article, we’ll explain some of the most important factors for comparing solar batteries and we’ll discuss some of the best brands and products available now.
Continue readingSolar as a retirement investment strategy
Establishing a secure financial future for your retirement requires that you explore a variety of options, but most homeowners don’t realize that installing a solar panel system can be one of the smartest retirement investment options available. By viewing a home solar panel system as an investment opportunity, homeowners can reduce or even eliminate their electricity bills, freeing up more than $1,000 in cash each year. With the increased availability of $0-down solar loans, homeowners that lack the cash required for an upfront purchase can still take advantage of solar as a retirement investment strategy.
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