One important metric to consider when comparing solar panel options is a panel’s power rating, referred to as wattage. 400-watt (W) solar panels are above the average wattage of solar panels available today and can be a solid panel option for many types of solar projects.
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Low to moderate income community solar: what you need to know
For many electricity users across the country, rooftop solar panels don’t make sense – there are physical reasons (i.e. roof availability, home size), personal reasons (i.e. aesthetics), and financial reasons. Specifically for individuals who classify as “low to moderate income” (LMI), there are several reasons why community solar can be a great way to benefit from solar energy while not needing the traditional financial resources to install your own solar panels.
Continue readingTesla Model Y: Elon Musk’s crossover all-electric car
From new electric vehicles (EVs) to solar roofs to storage systems,Tesla keeps adding to its growing list of product offerings. While the company is well known for its car lineup of the Model S, Model X, and Model 3, in 2020, they added a new vehicle to the production line: the Tesla Model Y.
Continue readingCommercial and industrial (C&I) 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 with expansive, flat roof space – AKA the perfect place to generate clean, inexpensive solar energy.
Continue readingGoing off-grid with solar: what does it mean and how much will it cost? (Part 1)
This is Part 1 of a two-part series that explores the economics of going completely off-grid with solar. Part 1 focuses on what it actually means to go “off-grid” and how to start thinking about calculating the costs for cutting the cord with your utility. Part 2 discusses two real-world examples of sizing an off-grid solar energy system, along with the feasibility of going through with an off-grid solution. Check out Part 2 here.
Continue readingPanelClaw company and product overview
One essential component of a solar panel system is racking. In this article, learn about PanelClaw, a racking manufacturer specializing in flat roof solar setups.
Continue readingSolar windows: can you turn your windows into solar glass?
Solar windows are an exciting technology that let you generate electricity from more than just rooftop panels. As the solar market evolves and expands, companies are looking into new solar technologies aimed at spreading solar energy generation beyond traditional rooftop and ground-mount solar panels. Solar windows have gained momentum recently, and could represent part of the solar market’s future.
Continue readingSolar panel maintenance
Worried about solar panels and hail? Fret not! Solar panel systems are incredibly durable and require little to no maintenance over their productive lifetime, which can span 25 years or more. In the event that something does go wrong, your solar PV system components have very long warranties that would cover replacement and repair costs. If you lease your solar panel system, repairs and maintenance are the leasing company’s responsibility, not yours.
Continue readingSolar panel cleaning: the basics
It may be a good idea to freshen up your panels occasionally if you live in an area with heavy particulates in the air. Here are answers to some of the top questions solar panel system owners have about cleaning solar panels and how to do it safely.
Continue readingTesla Megapack: what you need to know
Tesla’s new product isn’t an electric car or a solar tile design – instead, the company has announced a new utility-scale energy storage solution: the Tesla Megapack.
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