Category Archives: Buyer’s Guide

Articles about solar products and companies to help consumers understand more about solar equipment/companies and best compare their quotes and options.

The Enphase Energy System: what are its components?

Enphase recently announced their vision for electric homes: smart, all-in-one home energy systems, which they’ve named the Enphase Energy System. This system can come in four different configurations based on the different components installed. In a two-part series, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about the Enphase Energy System to help you determine if one of these set-ups is right for you. 

There are a number of products you’ll need for your Enphase Energy System, which will vary depending on the set-up you choose. While most of the components are made by Enphase, others can come from a different manufacturer of your choosing. In this article (part one of our series), we’ll break down all of the various components that you may need. Skip to part two if you’re interested in learning about the different configurations of the Enphase Energy System. 

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LG solar panels: are they worth it?

LG is well known for its high-quality electronics, and the company’s solar PV products are no different. In fact, LG solar panels appear alongside SunPower and Panasonic in EnergySage’s ranking of the best solar panels currently available to homeowners in the United States. Currently, LG’s residential product line focuses on the NeON series of panels: the NeON 2 and NeON R variations. The LG NeON R ACe series is especially worth a look, as a high-powered smart module with an integrated microinverter.

Whether you’re debating the merits of SunPower vs. LG solar panels or simply trying to evaluate your solar PV options, a thorough review of solar panel product specifications is the best way to be confident in your solar investment. EnergySage’s LG solar panels review breaks down all of the details to evaluate how LG compares to other solar panel brands on the market.

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Upsolar solar panels: the complete review

Upsolar is a global solar panel manufacturer, established in 2006. Though they started out in China, the company manufactures panels in a variety of regions, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In addition to manufacturing solar panel equipment, Upsolar also provides solar loans and develops large-scale solar projects.

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Trina Solar panels: the complete review

Trina Solar Energy is one of the largest producers of solar panels in the world, and was founded in 1997. Recently, Trina Solar Energy has been in the news for taking the power output of solar panels by first releasing a 500 Watt panel in February 2021, before launching a 600 Watt (!!!) panel in July 2021. The company manufactures all of its solar products in China, and is a popular brand featured in quotes to solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

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Hyundai solar panels: the complete review

Hyundai is one of the most recognizable names in the solar industry. The company started its solar business in 2005, and its solar panels are produced by a separate branch of the company that owns Hyundai Motors. Like some other leading solar brands (such as LG), their panels are manufactured in South Korea, and have primarily focused on solar markets outside of North America. However, recently Hyundai has begun to re-enter the American solar market, and are a player to be on the lookout for in late 2020 and beyond.

EnergySage has reviewed the product specifications of each Hyundai solar panel series to make your solar research process easier. As the leading online marketplace for homeowners considering solar, EnergySage is uniquely positioned to evaluate the technical specifications of Hyundai solar panels and help you compare them to other manufacturers on the market. 

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Solar trackers: everything you need to know

There are many unique ways to design and install a solar energy system for your property in order to utilize solar power. If you are considering a ground-mounted solar panel installation, you might be considering a solar tracking system so that your panels follow the sun across the sky. This article will examine what installing a solar tracker means and if a tracking system is right for your solar project.

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Canadian Solar panels: the complete review

Canadian Solar is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and installers of solar panels and operates on six continents. The company was founded in 2001 and manufactures its solar panels in Canada, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brazil. Canadian Solar provides a range of options for both home- and business-owners alike. Canadian Solar panels are a regularly quoted solar panel brand in quotes to solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

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Mission Solar: the complete review

Mission Solar is a U.S. based solar panel manufacturer headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Though newer to the market than other panel manufacturers, Mission Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular option with shoppers on the EnergySage Marketplace.

Whether you’re shopping solely for American-made panels, or more broadly looking to evaluate your solar PV options, an in-depth review of solar panel specifications is the best way to feel confident with your equipment choice. Our Mission Solar review breaks down the details to evaluate how Mission Solar panels compare to other panel brands on the market.

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DecoTech Roof-Integrated Solar System: a solar roof from GAF, America’s largest roofing manufacturer

Homeowners across the country have their eye on Elon Musk’s Tesla Solar Roof, a much-heralded innovation for the solar energy industry. However, Tesla is just one company offering a roof-integrated solar option for homeowners and businesses. Roofing company GAF’s solar tile solution, DecoTech, hit the market in early 2017 and promises to be “the beautiful affordable alternative to typical rack-mounted solar systems.” Here is EnergySage’s complete review of everything you need to know about DecoTech solar, from performance to price to warranties.

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Mitsubishi solar panels: the complete review

Mitsubishi Electric is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electronics and electrical equipment, including televisions, air conditioners, and solar panels. The company was founded in 1921, and it manufactured the first solar panels to provide power to satellites in the 1970s. All of Mitsubishi’s solar panels are manufactured in Japan. Although they are relatively new to the U.S. market, Mitsubishi solar panels are increasingly popular in quotes to solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

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