So far, there are only a small number of community solar-friendly states that have markets we’d consider competitive. Consumer choice is still limited, and most shoppers have only one community solar program offering available to them, if any.
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An overview of the “commence construction” clause
The country’s best solar incentive, the federal investment tax credit (ITC), is in the process of winding down. 2019 was the last year you could claim the full 30 percent tax credit. Starting in 2020, the credit dropped to 26 percent, and will drop to 22 percent in 2023 and disappear entirely for homeowners in 2024. This impending deadline has prospective solar shoppers rushing to take advantage of the maximum credit while they still can – but how can you make sure you’re eligible for the current 26 percent credit?
Continue readingComparing microinverters vs. inverters with power optimizers
Inverters are a key component of any solar panel system: while solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, inverters ensure that you can use the electricity they produce in your home or business.
Continue readingNet metering 3.0: what does it mean for you, and how can you help?
If you look at the best solar markets in the US, they all have one thing in common: a strong net metering policy. Net 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.
Over the next year, California will be releasing the third iteration of net metering, or NEM 3.0. And as of summer 2021, there’s still a lot for the state to decide on – we don’t know exactly how credit values will change, or what they’ll change to, but we do know that whatever happens will have large implications for the country’s leading solar market. We’ll continue to keep this article updated with the most recent news on NEM 3.0, and in the meantime, discuss some of the proposed changes to the state’s current net metering policy, along with timelines.
Continue readingSRECs in Pennsylvania: prices, projections, and program status
If you’re considering installing a solar panel system in Pennsylvania, one incentive to be aware of is solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). Pennsylvania is one of the few states that offers this performance-based incentive to property owners generating solar electricity. Pennsylvanians who buy and install a solar panel system can earn hundreds of dollars each year by selling SRECs.
Continue readingCommunity solar pricing models: what you need to know
As you consider joining a community solar project, it’s important to understand how and when it will deliver value to you. This article breaks down the two main types of pricing models – ownership and subscription – in order to help you more accurately compare and decide between various offers.
Continue readingSolar battery warranties: what’s covered, and what’s not?
Tesla Powerwalls, Panasonic Evervolts, and sonnen eco – all of these batteries come with a 10 year warranty. However, simply comparing the length of one warranty term to the next doesn’t give you a full picture: what is and isn’t included in a warranty differs quite a bit from one battery company to the next. And considering how important a battery system is for resiliency and–in some markets–savings, you want to make sure you’re covered in case anything goes wrong.
In this article, we’ll review the most important aspects of a battery warranty, and discuss what’s standard for the industry.
Continue readingHow to read your PG&E bill
If you live in California, there’s a good chance that you’re a customer of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). This company, based in San Francisco, provides natural gas and electricity to about 16 million people throughout northern California, making it one of the largest utilities in the United States.
Continue readingWhat to know about solar equipment manufacturer endorsements
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an installer, including experience, years in business, online reviews, licensing, and more. A lesser-known factor you may want to consider as you’re comparing one installer versus another is whether a solar company has received any manufacturer endorsements.
Continue readingSolar inverter warranties: what’s covered, and what’s not?
If you’ve already started exploring your inverter options, you may have noticed that many products come with a 25-year warranty. However, simply comparing the length of one warranty term to the next doesn’t give you a full picture: what is and isn’t included in a warranty differs quite a bit from one inverter company to the next. And considering how important a solar inverter is to the functionality of your system, you want to make sure you’re covered in case anything goes awry.
In this article, we’ll review the most important aspects of a solar inverter warranty, and discuss what’s standard for the industry.
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