How do solar batteries compare? Tesla Powerwall vs. Sonnen eco vs. LG Chem RESU vs. Pika Energy Smart Harbor

NOTE: We’ve written an updated review of some of the current popular home battery products. Check it out here.

Home energy storage is a relatively new technology that’s steadily gained interest over the past few years, and it’s hard to know where to start when comparing all your options. Top solar batteries like those made by Tesla and Sonnen make it possible for homeowners and businesses to store their excess solar energy instead of sending it back to the grid, so that when the power goes out or electricity rates spike they can keep the lights on.

Continue reading →

New solar panels: what’s coming to market in 2019?

In today’s fast expanding solar industry, there are already hundreds of different panel models and designs available to the modern day solar shopper. A growing number of premium technology brands (think Panasonic and LG) have entered the residential solar market, leaving homeowners across the country wondering: what’s next? What new technologies can we expect for solar panels in 2019? In this article we will discuss all of the new developments with photovoltaic (PV) panels, including new  aesthetics like clear solar panels, bi-facial (double-sided) panels, efficiency improvements and solar inverter integration.

Continue reading →

Understanding your Sunrun solar lease, PPA and solar contract agreement

Sunrun is one of the largest solar installation companies in the country and has partnerships with organizations like Comcast, Major League Baseball, and Costco. The company primarily offers solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) to homeowners, although there are also cash purchase and solar loan options. Are you considering a lease or PPA offer from Sunrun? Before you sign on the dotted line, review EnergySage’s guide to evaluating your Sunrun offer.

Continue reading →

Comparing solar energy and geothermal energy

Like solar energy, geothermal energy is a renewable source of power that can be installed for residential use. However, the two technologies differ in what they are capable of doing and who they are best suited for. Read on to learn how geothermal energy works, along with the similarities and differences for solar vs. geothermal.

Continue reading →

How the 2018 U.S. Solar Tariff Will Impact the Price You Pay

Update: a new section was added at the bottom of this article in September 2018 to show the tariff’s impact on residential solar prices

We’ve been receiving lots of questions about the new solar tariff from shoppers on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace. Here’s the bottom line for homeowners: this tariff will increase the cost of a typical home solar installation by $500 to $1,000. The good news is that comparison-shopping on EnergySage can save you between $1,500 and $3,000. For commercial customers, the savings could be even higher (more on that later.)

Continue reading →

How Does Solar Energy Work?

Solar energy is produced when sunlight strikes solar panels, which then turn solar power into usable electricity. This photovoltaic transformation is the way solar energy is generated. In this article, we’ll look closely at how a home solar system converts power from the sun.

Continue reading →

Should you oversize your solar panel system?

If you’re looking into installing solar, one of the biggest questions will be what size your solar panel system should be. It’s common practice to install enough panels to cover as close to 100 percent of your electricity needs as possible, as this is how you’ll maximize your savings. But, is there any benefit to sizing your solar panel system to generate more electricity than you currently need? For most people, the answer is no; but, there are certainly situations in which it’s a good idea to install a larger system than you currently need. Read on to learn why you should and should not oversize your solar panel system.

Continue reading →

VDER: NY’s replacement to net metering

Solar energy has many benefits – from financial savings to its positive impact on the environment. However, if there’s any downside to solar energy, it’s that you will only produce electricity during the day. Historically, the primary solution to this obstacle has been a policy known as net metering. With net metering, you can send excess solar electricity to the grid for credits, and use built-up credits when you need them.

Continue reading →