One important metric to consider when comparing solar panel options is a panel’s power rating, referred to as wattage. 200-watt solar panels are on the lower end of the wattage spectrum of solar panels available today, and depending on the type of solar project you have, may or may not be the best option.
Continue readingAdding solar panels to an existing system: what you need to know
If you’ve gone solar, you’ve already decreased (or possibly eliminated) your electricity bill. But you may want to add more solar panels to your existing system; your solar panel system could be undersized to begin with, or you might have increased your electricity usage since installation due to new additions to your house, new appliances, or adding an electric vehicle (EV) purchase.
Continue readingGround-mounted solar panels: are they right for you?
Ground-mounted solar is one way to install solar energy on your property. Before you decide to install a ground mount system, it is important to make sure you are the right candidate for this kind of project. Factors like space available, pricing, and electricity needs will all matter in deciding between a rooftop and ground-mounted solar installation.
Continue readingSolar system design: how solar installers map out your PV system
The process of how solar installers design a solar energy system is often a mystery for most consumers. Because of this, we would like to give you some insight into how solar installers design a solar power system for your home or business. Solar system design takes into account two important factors – the amount of space that you have available for installing solar panels and the amount of electricity you consume annually. Other factors, like shading analysis and the efficiency of solar panels and inverters, also come into play depending on your property
Continue readingSolar news: week of July 27th, 2018
In this week’s Solar News Roundup, Vermont utility Green Mountain Power reports that their virtual power plant program saved half a million dollars during the recent heatwave, and Duke Energy introduces a community solar program available to South Carolina customers.
Continue readingMass solar loan: banks, prices, and program details
For homeowners in Massachusetts, finding a low-interest loan to finance their solar power system just got a lot easier thanks to the launch of the Mass Solar Loan program. The program, jointly administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), leverages $30 million in public funds to make low-interest, fixed-term solar loans more accessible for homeowners in Massachusetts.
Continue readingCase study: Tesla Powerwall installation with Green Mountain Power in Vermont
EnergySage’s own vice president of marketing, Luke Tarbi, just had a Tesla Powerwall 2 installed at his home in Vermont through Green Mountain Power’s new program – for just $15/month! In this case study, he shares his experience with the program.
We’d just closed on the house in Southern Vermont. Fortunately, the sellers left the house mostly furnished and stocked with supplies and a helpful “home instructions” booklet. One line of their “home instructions” stood out to us: “In the event of a power outage, there are flashlights and candles in the mudroom.”
Continue readingSolar news: week of July 13th, 2018
In this week’s Solar News Roundup, LG plans to open a new U.S.-based solar production facility, and state regulators in Florida release a promising report on the rapid growth of rooftop solar in the Sunshine State.
Continue readingCalifornia Solar Initiative: the SASH program
The Golden State has always been a front-runner when it comes to solar energy. California is consistently ranked as the top state for solar when it comes to both jobs and installed capacity. Much of their original growth in solar has been due to the California Solar Initiative (CSI). Enacted in 2006, CSI was designed to provide upfront rebates for residential and commercial property owners purchasing solar panel systems. The rebates were available for customers of three utility companies: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E).
Continue readingWhat is my carbon footprint? Calculating CO2 impact
In an age of global climate change, people around the world are looking for ways to reduce their share of the approximately 15 trillion pounds of greenhouse gases emitted each year. In the United States, one of the top three polluters in the world, many Americans are looking into home energy solutions like energy efficient upgrades and solar installations. However, for some homeowners, the first question is “what is my carbon footprint, and what are the biggest contributing factors?” In this article we’ll answer the following questions:
- What lifestyle choices influence my carbon footprint?
- How do I calculate my own carbon footprint?
- What are the best ways to reduce my carbon footprint?