Patio covers, awnings, and gazebos can make your outdoor space more comfortable and functional. New products on the market can take them a step further by turning your patio cover or gazebo into a mini power plant with the addition of solar panels. If you’re considering making the upgrade to build some sort of solar lounge, you may want to look into a solar patio cover or gazebo.
Continue readingSolar panel safety: how safe are solar panels?
As with any electrical appliance, solar panels can be at risk to certain electrical damages and dangers, such as solar panel fires and power surges. Luckily, there are plenty of measures in place to ensure your solar panel installation is safe. This article will discuss some of the common safety concerns around solar panels, and what mechanisms are in place to prevent dangerous solar panel scenarios.
Continue readingHow Your Solar Installer Gets the EnergySage Seal of Approval
Home solar power is moving into the mainstream. Nowadays, going solar is not dissimilar to many other home improvement projects, whether it’s replacing your roof, renovating your kitchen, or building a deck. What’s the best way to find a company you can trust to install your solar panels? Use a solar installer that has earned the EnergySage seal of approval.
Continue readingSolar news: World’s largest rooftop solar tracker installation, Puerto Rico fire department turns to solar panels, butterflies influence new solar panel design
In this week’s Solar News Report, tech company Edisun claims the largest solar tracker installation for a rooftop system, a Puerto Rican fire department turns to a solar panel array for reliable power following Hurricane Maria, and new research identifies opportunities for more efficient solar panels modeled after butterfly wings.
Continue readingWhat are the top SunPower solar panels for sale in 2018?
SunPower makes some of the most popular solar panels for sale in the U.S. in 2017, and for good reason: their products are some of the most efficient panels in the industry, they come with an industry-leading warranty, and many of their panels have a sleek, low-profile look.
Want to get SunPower solar panels for sale near you? Homeowners across the country receive SunPower offers from solar installers in their area on a daily basis on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, a solar shopping and quote comparison platform.
Continue readingSolar news: Solar PV fastest-growing form of power in 2016, Tampa Electric commits to solar for 100,000 homes, Dubai’s massive solar park
In this week’s Solar News Report: New analysis from the International Energy Agency on solar’s rapid rise, Tampa Electric’s 100,000 solar homes agreement, and approval for the world’s largest single-site concentrated solar park in Dubai.
Continue readingHow do I choose my solar panels? Guide to choosing your solar equipment
Installing a home solar energy system is a smart financial investment for many homeowners. As you evaluate offers from solar companies, there are many different factors to consider – the equipment that you choose for your system, your financing options, and the installer that you select all have an impact on your solar savings. This guide will help you evaluate the different solar panels and inverters available so that you can choose the best equipment for your home.
Continue readingTop Community Solar States: Minnesota vs California, Massachusetts Colorado Community Solar
Community solar – the concept of leasing or owning a share of a large solar array rather than having a personal solar installation on your rooftop – continues to gain popularity across the continental United States. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), there will be a 1.8 gigawatt (GW) increase in installed photovoltaics from community solar arrays over the next five years. Minnesota, Colorado and California – the undisputed best states for community solar – will drive the majority of that growth. You might wonder, why are these states so ideal for roofless solar compared to the 47 others in the U.S.? Here’s how these community solar leaders rose to the top.
NRG Community Solar: the complete review
(Update: As of late 2018, NRG Community Solar operates independently under Clearway Energy.)
NRG Energy is one of the biggest builders of solar energy systems in the United States, including utility-scale, commercial, and home solar. In 2015, the company began building community solar farms for homes and businesses in the United States. In EnergySage’s NRG community solar review below, learn how it works, what NRG is offering, and whether community solar is the right option for you.
Continue readingSolar news: SunShot Initiative sets new goals and funding, Salt Lake City doubles solar capacity, and another exciting development for solar window technology
The winning photo from the U.S. Department of Energy Sunshot Initiative’s recent photo contest.
The Department of Energy expands the SunShot Initiative, Salt Lake City announces a doubling of their municipal solar capacity, and progress on solar window technology in this week’s Solar News Roundup.