For as much as the solar and storage industries have grown over the last couple of decades (half a million homes installed solar in 2021 alone, and the residential storage market continues to grow quarter over quarter), there really aren’t that many household brand names involved in the industry. Certainly Tesla has become a recognizable brand name, Generac is a familiar company to anyone who has considered a backup generator for their home or business, and Panasonic provides many household appliances and also offers solar panels and batteries – but, it’s not a stretch to suggest that the residential solar and storage industry is missing a true, major, household brand name.
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How much of my house can I run on a battery–and for how long?
If you are researching a solar battery there’s one major question that you likely have: how much of your house can you power with a typical solar battery, and how long can you provide power to your home? As with most things, the short answer is an ever unsatisfying: it depends! The longer answer is a complicated one, so we’re here to help.
We’ve split this article into two separate questions–how much and for how long–since both questions are important as you decide which battery to install, but the answers rely on different factors.
Continue readingWhy is solar more expensive in the US than in other countries?
The cost of solar has plummeted in the US over the last five years. With solar prices dropping to an average of $2.77 per Watt for residential solar shoppers, the industry has hit a very important and impressive milestone. However, the cost of solar in the US remains higher than the cost in other countries, most notably Australia. But just how much less expensive is solar in Australia, and is it possible for the US to slash solar costs even further?
Continue readingWhat is the difference between continuous and startup power?
As you compare options for energy storage systems, there are a few key technical specifications to focus on and questions to answer. How much energy can the battery store? How much of your home can the battery power, and for how long? Can the battery keep powering some or all of your home if the grid is down? And can your battery provide a momentary burst of power large enough to start up your largest appliances, like your air conditioner?
Continue readingHow long do solar batteries last?
Most people who install energy storage do so for the resiliency benefit: they’re looking specifically for backup power in the event of an emergency. That particular ability is what makes storage such an enticing purchase and an increasingly frequent pairing with solar. But the value of resiliency depends on how long you expect–or need–to run your home, leading to one main question: how long do solar batteries last?
Continue readingPG&E power outages: what you need to know
If you live in Northern California, you’ve likely been impacted by electric power shut-offs or outages from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) over the last couple of years. As wildfires and high winds become increasingly prevalent in the state, and as the link between utility infrastructure–like transmission lines–and wildfires becomes increasingly clear, that trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
With that in mind, we wanted to take a step back and look at PG&E outages: why are they occurring, what does the past timeline of outages look like, and what can you expect moving forward.
Continue reading100 percent renewable targets
Since Hawaii became the first state in the country to pass a 100 percent renewable energy target in 2015, a number of other states, cities, and utilities have followed suit. In fact, more than a dozen states and US territories have gotten in on the action with targets to procure all of their electricity from either renewable or non-emitting resources. As new states pass legislation, we will be sure to keep this list up to date.
Continue readingTesla’s solar rental program: what you need to know
Tesla discontinued the solar rental program it initially launched in 2019. The program was a return to Tesla’s SolarCity roots, with a unique twist on the product that made SolarCity the leading national installer of solar prior to its acquisition by Tesla. Learn more about other options for going solar with Tesla here.
Continue readingWhat is electrification?
As more and more homeowners make the switch to both solar panels and electric vehicles in the US, the clean energy transition is now about more than just increasing clean energy. Increasingly, an important piece of the clean energy transition is electrification. Electrification is a vital piece of any carbon reduction plan, and could have some big implications for the appliances in your home–and your garage!
Continue readingHow much does a 15000 watt (15kW) solar system cost?
If you have high electricity bills, installing a 15-kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on your home can be a great way to significantly reduce your monthly costs. In order to maximize your long-term solar savings, you want to be confident that you’re getting a good price for your solar energy investment. The best way to feel confident about your purchase: compare multiple offers for 15 kW solar systems against the prices that other solar shoppers in your area have been offered. Learn more about the cost of a 15 kW solar system in your area, the amount of electricity you can expect your 15 kW system to produce, and the smartest way to shop for solar in EnergySage’s guide to 15 kW solar panel systems.
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