If you’re considering installing a solar panel system, you’ve probably already had your share of exposure to solar marketing, whether through spammy ads promising free solar panels or a knock at the door signaling an eager solar salesman ready to convince you why you should go solar. To make the right decision for your home, you need to be able to distinguish between the real pros and cons of solar power and the solar myths that are sometimes communicated in the media.
Continue readingHow to calculate solar panel payback period (ROI)
The financial benefits of going solar are now well documented. Solar panel systems actually function as investments with strong rates of return, and homeowners generating solar electricity can avoid paying increased utility rates by eliminating their electricity bills. Multiple studies show that installing solar panels on your home can even increase your property’s value! If you’re reviewing multiple quotes, there are plenty of metrics that can help you make a decision about which solar option is best for you, but most solar shoppers rely on one metric in particular: the solar panel payback period or break-even point.
Continue readingSolar panel alternatives: what are your options?
For many solar shoppers, rooftop systems are the best home solar option. However, not every home has a roof that’s suitable for solar. Certain roof types, like slate and cedar tiles, are too fragile for solar panels. If trees shade your roof, you’ll have less-than-ideal solar electricity production, and some homeowners’ associations and historical associations have rules that restrict solar panel installations. Luckily, there are a variety of alternative solar options for every situation – community solar, ground-mounted solar, and solar sheds.
Continue readingTesla’s solar rental program: what you need to know
Tesla discontinued the solar rental program it initially launched in 2019. The program was a return to Tesla’s SolarCity roots, with a unique twist on the product that made SolarCity the leading national installer of solar prior to its acquisition by Tesla. Learn more about other options for going solar with Tesla here.
Continue readingAmorphous solar panels: what you need to know
When searching for the best solar panels for your home, there are many factors to consider including size, weight, and efficiency. As the solar industry continues to grow, so too do the product offerings – there are a variety of different types of solar panels available on the market today, some of which have unique advantages over traditional solar panels. One alternative to conventional panels are amorphous solar panels: thin-film solar panels that are constructed to be bendable while also using less material. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about this exciting technology.
Continue readingThe federal solar tax credit: all you need to know
The investment tax credit (ITC), also known as the federal solar tax credit, allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. The ITC applies to both residential and commercial systems, and there is no cap on its value. The average EnergySage Marketplace shopper saves nearly $9,000 on the cost of going solar as a result of the ITC. Curious as to how much you can save on solar? Read our article for more information based on your unique energy needs.
Continue readingShould I go solar now or wait?
For those asking themselves “should I go solar”, the cost of solar installation continues to fall. According to data from the EnergySage Marketplace, installing a residential solar energy system costs almost 13 percent less than it did just five years ago, which is great news for today’s solar shoppers. But the ever-decreasing costs of solar create a conundrum: should I go solar now or wait? For many, daily headlines that declare lower and lower prices can stir them to action. For others though, these same headlines can cause them to wait a few more years in hopes of saving even more money. So who’s right?
Continue readingHow many watts does an air conditioner use?
Your air conditioner is likely the most energy-hungry electrical appliance in your home, and in warm months, it’s almost always on! If you’re looking to cut down on your electrical bill or estimate how many solar panels you need to keep your home up and running, understanding how many watts of electricity your air conditioning (AC) setup uses is one important piece of the puzzle.
Continue readingTexas electric retail providers: what does it mean to have a “deregulated electricity market?”
Texas experienced a series of devastating power outages in February 2021 that some are blaming on its instability caused by its deregulated electricity market. However, proponents of deregulation say that it can help cut down on costs and improve services to customers. Given this recent discussion, we will explain what having a deregulated electricity market means, how Texas’s electric choice affects customers, and how it can impact your savings with solar.
Continue readingMost efficient solar panels: solar panel cell efficiency explained
In the past years, solar technology has been making huge leaps and bounds towards higher solar cell efficiency, higher power output, and overall higher quality. For those looking for the most efficient solar panels for their solar energy system, the first thing you need to know is how to compare efficiency metrics for different manufacturer brands. Solar panel efficiency is one useful metric used to determine how much power a solar panel produces compared to other products.
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