The energy storage industry is always evolving, generating new and improved battery options for homeowners each day. For an example of this, look no further than Electriq Power – this California-based energy storage company just released a new product called the PowerPod 2 that comes with some impressive upgrades to their original PowerPod product, such as lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and improved storage duration. We recently sat down with Electriq to learn more about their newest offering, and what’s coming up next:
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Community solar savings: why do seasons matter?
Community solar is one of the easiest ways to save on electricity bills. However, as you compare your options, you’ll notice that most community companies won’t provide an average monthly savings estimate, and there’s a very good reason for this – truthfully, your bills and savings can vary quite a bit from season to season. We’ll dive into why below.
Continue readingFloating solar: what you need to know
Not every roof is suitable for solar panels – factors such as shade, obstructions, age, and available space can have property owners looking for other locations for installation.
When it comes to large-scale solar projects, the most common alternatives to rooftop solar panel systems include ground mounts or solar canopies. Here’s a newer alternative that’s making quite the splash in the solar industry: floating solar.
Continue readingRoofing with solar panels: solar panel roof replacement logistics
A solar panel system will last you 30 to 35 years. In that time, your solar panels will generate plenty of savings on your electric bills.
Because solar panel systems have such a long life, many homeowners have questions about the impact this will have on their roof. How will the roof hold up over time? What if you have to remove and reinstall your solar panels for a roof replacement? Does your roof need to be prepped a certain way for solar panels to fit?
Continue readingWhich SDG&E rate schedule is best? Understanding peak hours
Are you a customer of San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E)? Whether you currently have solar panels on your roof, are considering solar, or don’t have any plans to generate your own electricity, SDG&E’s time-of-use (TOU) rates will have an impact on your monthly electricity costs. In the past, all SDG&E customers had the option of switching to TOU rates or remaining on their existing rate schedule. However, this began to change in early 2019 when SDG&E began the process of moving all residential customers (with a few exceptions) to a TOU plan. When it comes to choosing the right rate plan for your property, the best option for your home depends on your electricity use habits.
Continue readingSolar pool heaters: what you need to know
While pool owners are fortunate to have a place to cool down during hot, sticky weather, it’s not without its pain points; in an effort to keep pools comfortable and open for as long as possible, pool owners may spend a good amount of money towards heating the water to swimmable temperatures. If you have a pool and pay a lot to keep it warm, you should consider renewable energy options for heating. While you can rely on warm weather to passively heat your pool, solar pool heaters are a good option to consider if you want to save money while extending pool season.
Continue readingSolar panel testing and certifications
Like other types of electronics, solar panel modules go through rigorous testing before installation. These tests are critical to determining the quality and performance of panels under particular environmental stresses, as well as confirming they meet mandated safety requirements. In this article, we’ll review the most common testing and certifications for solar panels on the market today.
Continue readingPros and cons of hybrid cars
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are becoming more popular each day, and for good reason: drivers that switch to cars like this have a number of both environmental and financial advantages to look forward to.
Continue readingQ&A with Eguana Technologies
Thanks to resiliency and economic benefits, many homeowners throughout the country are considering installing energy storage systems. But with this increased demand comes an increase in products available in the market, making it harder to determine the best battery solution for you and your home.
Continue readingFederal ITC savings: 2020 vs. 2021
One question we field a lot at EnergySage is whether it’s the right time to install solar panels. For anyone asking that question in 2020, the answer is often as soon as possible: given the looming step down and expiration of the federal investment tax credit (ITC), solar shoppers who wait until 2021 or later to move forward will be missing out on major tax savings – but just how much?
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