If you’re looking into installing solar, one of the biggest questions will be what size your solar panel system should be. It’s common practice to install enough panels to cover as close to 100 percent of your electricity needs as possible, as this is how you’ll maximize your savings. But, is there any benefit to sizing your solar panel system to generate more electricity than you currently need? For most people, the answer is no; but, there are certainly situations in which it’s a good idea to install a larger system than you currently need. Read on to learn why you should and should not oversize your solar panel system.
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VDER: NY’s replacement to net metering
Solar energy has many benefits – from financial savings to its positive impact on the environment. However, if there’s any downside to solar energy, it’s that you will only produce electricity during the day. Historically, the primary solution to this obstacle has been a policy known as net metering. With net metering, you can send excess solar electricity to the grid for credits, and use built-up credits when you need them.
Continue readingSunflare Solar: flexible solar panels
There are many property owners who hesitate in installing solar because of how the panels will look on their roof, or because they worry about possibly damaging their roof during installation. Sunflare, a California-based manufacturing company, creates innovative products that help overcome these obstacles.
Continue readingWhat size solar inverter do I need?
Solar inverters are one of the most important components of a solar panel system. They’re responsible for converting direct current (DC) electricity from your solar panels to alternating current (AC) electricity to power your appliances. When it comes to designing your solar panel system, the size of your inverter will play an important role in overall electricity production. In this article, we’ll discuss what impacts solar inverter sizing.
Continue reading60 vs. 72-cell solar panels: which size is right for you?
There are many different types of solar panels available on the market, with options ranging in efficiency, wattage, manufacturer, appearance, and more. Panels can also vary in the number of silicon cells they have. Today, most people install either 60 or 72 cell solar panels for their installation- but what’s the difference between the two, and which option is best for your installation?
Continue readingSolar drones: what you need to know
Solar drones are a new gadget within the larger drone market. While drones are commonly used these days for filming videos, taking pictures from above, or drone racing with friends, drones are also used for commercial or defense purposes.
Continue readingAdding solar panels to an existing system: what you need to know
If you’ve gone solar, you’ve already decreased (or possibly eliminated) your electricity bill. But you may want to add more solar panels to your existing system; your solar panel system could be undersized to begin with, or you might have increased your electricity usage since installation due to new additions to your house, new appliances, or adding an electric vehicle (EV) purchase.
Continue readingCalifornia Solar Initiative: the SASH program
The Golden State has always been a front-runner when it comes to solar energy. California is consistently ranked as the top state for solar when it comes to both jobs and installed capacity. Much of their original growth in solar has been due to the California Solar Initiative (CSI). Enacted in 2006, CSI was designed to provide upfront rebates for residential and commercial property owners purchasing solar panel systems. The rebates were available for customers of three utility companies: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E).
Continue readingSolar news: week of June 29th, 2018
In this week’s Solar News Roundup, Bill Gates’ energy fund Breakthrough Energy Ventures is in discussions with Alphabet to fund a new energy storage project, plus Massachusetts joins the growing list of states looking to set the bar at 100% renewable energy.
Continue readingSolar sheds: what you need to know
Many homeowners use their sheds for storage, greenhouses, or as a workspace, but have you ever considered your shed as a potential spot for a solar panel installation?
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