We at EnergySage are very excited to introduce to you our newest online, educational tool: the EnergySage Buyer’s Guide. Launched earlier this month, the Buyer’s Guide is a first-of-its-kind educational tool for researching and comparing different solar equipment. As a part of the product release announcement, we want to provide an explanation of what the Buyer’s Guide is, describe how you can use it, and offer some ways you might find it useful.
Continue readingTag Archives: inverters
Solar equipment: should you care what’s in your quote?
If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve likely received a knock on your front door to be presented with a solar sales pitch. At the end of the pitch, you walk away with a document displaying cost numbers and information about how to proceed. However, these types of quotes often neglect to disclose details about solar equipment–panels and inverters–that will actually be installed on your home.
Continue readingAn overview of power optimizers
To convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity for your appliances, you’ll need an inverter. There are multiple inverter options to consider when selecting solar equipment for your system. In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of power optimizers, a popular module-level power electronic (MLPE) often paired with string inverters.
Continue readingString inverters: what you need to know
Inverters are an essential part of any solar panel system – they convert direct current (DC) electricity produced by your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity. There are a few different types of inverter technologies to consider. String inverters are a tried-and-true inverter technology, and one of the oldest options available in the market today.
Continue readingBest solar inverters review: SolarEdge vs. Enphase vs. SMA vs. Tigo
If you want to maximize your solar energy system’s production, finding the best solar inverter is as important as the solar panels you choose. For an “uncomplicated” roof – one that faces south and has no gables, chimneys, or other obstructions that can cast a shadow – the best solar inverter for you may be a standard string inverter. At the same time, more than half of new residential solar installations are using module-level power electronics (MLPEs)–such as power optimizers and microinverters–to maximize electricity production on more complicated, less ideal rooftops.
Continue readingWhat size solar inverter do I need?
Solar inverters are one of the most important components of a solar panel system. They’re responsible for converting direct current (DC) electricity from your solar panels to alternating current (AC) electricity to power your appliances. When it comes to designing your solar panel system, the size of your inverter will play an important role in overall electricity production. In this article, we’ll discuss what impacts solar inverter sizing.
Continue readingWhy are solar panels so expensive? Understanding the cost of a solar panel system
While the most expensive part of going solar is paying for the equipment, it still only represents 25 percent of the overall expense. Soft costs, or the outlays that installers spend just trying to find you and appeal to you, also contribute a significant percentage. Here’s a breakdown so that you can understand the cost of a solar panel system, plus tips on how you can save money!
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 readingSolarEdge EV charger – an integrated electric car charger & solar inverter for your home
While installing solar can save you money on your electric bill and reduce your carbon emissions, homeowners are going even further and using solar electricity to charge their electric car. Thanks to an innovative new product from SolarEdge, powering your car with solar electricity is easier than ever.
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 reading