Electricity prices are constantly rising, and finding ways to lower your electric bill can save you an impressive amount of money in the long run. In this article, we’ll talk about a few ways you can cut your electricity bill and see instant monthly savings through behavior changes, energy-efficient products, and larger home upgrades.
Continue readingWhat is critical peak pricing?
As we continue to move towards a more modern grid–and a more educated electricity user!–utilities across the country are beginning to introduce electricity rates that better align the price we pay for electricity with the cost of producing it by varying the price of electricity based on the time it’s consumed. Critical peak pricing (CPP) is one such time varying rate plan that charges more for electricity during certain periods of peak demand, but also allows you to lower electricity spending–and even receive bill credits–by reducing usage during these times.
Continue readingDividend Solar Finance review: loans that make going solar easier
Solar loans are the fastest-growing method of financing a solar panel installation for your home or business. Across the country, more than half of all new solar installations are done with either a cash purchase or through a solar loan.
Based in sunny San Francisco, Dividend Solar Finance is a big name in the solar lending industry and serves customers in 26 states across the country. If you’re comparing solar quotes from a few different solar installers, there’s a good chance that you have received an offer for an EmpowerLoan™ option from Dividend.
Continue readingThe SunPower SunVault storage system complete review
SunPower has always been known for its top-tier solar panels – now, they’re expanding their influence in the energy storage space. In 2019, the company launched their first home solar battery: the Equinox Storage system. Now rebranded as the SunVault Storage system, this battery and software solution, when paired with a SunPower Equinox solar panel system, enables you to keep your lights on during power outages and manage your home’s electricity use.
Continue readingThe Generac PWRcell home battery complete review
In 2019, Generac acquired battery manufacturer Pika Energy, and has since integrated their technology into the launch of their own Generac-branded home storage solution: the Generac PWRcell. Having long been a leader in the backup power space, Generac is now moving into clean energy and energy storage, with the PWRcell line of batteries at the forefront of their new product fleet.
Continue readingWhat’s the best orientation and angle for my solar panels?
Many people are under the misconception that they can’t install solar panels on their roof for a variety of reasons, whether because of the material, their location, shade, or the dimensions of their roof. There are many factors that make a roof more or less suitable for solar, but while some roof qualities make a rooftop solar system installation difficult, others have a minimal impact on solar energy production.
In this article, we’ll review the two main roof factors that impact the performance of solar panels: orientation and angle.
Continue readingThe Panasonic EverVolt home battery complete review
In 2019, Panasonic, one of the world’s largest battery cell manufacturers, officially launched their own residential battery storage product: the EverVolt. A scalable storage system with both AC and DC-coupled configurations, the EverVolt can provide plenty of back-up energy for your home in the event of a grid outage, especially when paired with a solar panel system.
Continue readingWhy smart car shoppers miss out on major savings
Humans have the capacity to think through problems carefully, but we’re also hardwired to make ‘intuitive’, automatic decisions. This is what psychology experts have labelled as system 1 and system 2 thinking. You may not be aware of it, but your intuition might prevent you from saving tens of thousands of dollars when you buy your next car.
As you perform complicated tasks such as driving or even simple tasks such as tying your shoes, you often rely on your intuition to automatically guide you through the process. Our intuition helps us simplify information and operate in modern society, but it can also lead us to make mistakes. Researchers have identified a long list of cognitive and emotional biases (think of them as mental shortcuts) that prevent people from making the best decisions. In this article, I’ll focus on how Present Bias and Loss Aversion Bias prevent car buyers from making the best financial decision when they choose between buying an electric or gas car.
Continue readingComparing solar to other investments
If you’re considering solar, you’re probably thinking of it as a good way to save on your electricity bill and possibly as a way to escape grid dependence. And it’s true: solar can definitely help you achieve those goals. But what if we were to look at solar from another perspective, like a decision to invest money in the stock market or a money market account for retirement? Just like a traditional investment, putting solar in your home is a way to generate returns or ROI.
Continue readingThe Electriq PowerPod 2 complete review
Electriq Power is a San Leandro, California-based energy storage company that designs and engineers its storage systems in the United States. Electriq’s original product, the PowerPod 1, includes a battery, hybrid battery/solar inverter, home energy management system, and an energy meter. Their newest product, the PowerPod 2, has a different chemistry and upgraded technical specifications that build on their already impressive storage system.
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