Like other types of electronics, solar panel modules go through rigorous testing before installation. These tests are critical to determining the quality and performance of panels under particular environmental stresses, as well as confirming they meet mandated safety requirements. In this article, we’ll review the most common testing and certifications for solar panels on the market today.
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350-watt solar panels: are they right for you?
One important metric to consider when comparing solar panel options is a panel’s power rating, referred to as wattage. 350-watt (W) solar panels are close to the average wattage of solar panels available today and are a great panel option for many types of solar projects.
Continue readingShould you buy Grape Solar panels from Costco or Home Depot?
Installing solar panels is fast becoming a home improvement project that any homeowner can take on. Now that you can buy solar panels at Costco and Home Depot, you may even be considering installing a home solar energy system yourself. One of the most popular DIY options is to purchase a solar panel kit from Grape Solar, an Oregon-based solar panel manufacturer whose products are for sale at Costco and Home Depot. But before you make a Costco solar purchase, we recommend you learn more about how Grape Solar panels compare to other solar panel brands.
Continue reading300-watt solar panels: are they right for you?
One important metric to consider when comparing solar panel options is a panel’s power rating, referred to as wattage. 300-watt (W) solar panels are close to the average wattage of solar panels available today and are suitable for many types of solar projects.
Continue reading250-watt solar panels: are they right for you?
One important metric to consider when comparing solar panel options is a panel’s power rating, referred to as wattage. 250-watt (W) solar panels are close to the average wattage of solar panels available today and are a great panel option for many types of solar projects.
Continue readingWhy is my solar panel system more expensive than my neighbors?
It probably doesn’t surprise you to learn that the cost of solar varies by state, but what other factors make a solar panel system more or less expensive? If you’re comparing quotes with your neighbors and notice a big difference in cost, it’s probably due to one of five main factors:
Continue readingHow to go solar in three steps
Going solar can seem like a daunting and complicated process, but to simplify things, you can break it down into three main steps: deciding if solar is right for you, comparing real solar quotes, and ultimately making a smart decision. Here’s an easy framework to walk you through the process:
Continue readingHow to decide if high-efficiency panels are worth the cost
High-efficiency solar panels are becoming increasingly popular, and can impact how much solar power you can produce on your roof or property. Given all of the options for high-efficiency products, though, it can be hard to get a feel for how the efficiency of your panels influences the costs you pay for solar. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine if high-efficiency solar panels are worth the added cost when comparing your solar options.
Continue readingNavigating the California Solar Mandate: a helpful guide to buying a new home with solar panels in California
Buying a home is one of the most significant and rewarding decisions you can make. As of January 2020, Californians will have the added exhilaration – and potential stress – of acquiring a rooftop solar panel system at the same time.
That’s because the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) approved a state-wide mandate requiring most new single-family homes, including multi-family residential buildings up to three stories, to install solar panels. The first-of-its-kind California solar mandate is designed to make new homes in California far more energy-efficient while saving homeowners tens of thousands of dollars on electricity costs.
To help people understand what it means to buy a new home with a solar energy system, EnergySage created the California Solar Mandate Guide: an educational resource for knowing what questions to ask prior to buying a solar-powered home. But before we dive into our tips and suggestions, let us first explain why paying a bit more for your new home just to have solar on it makes a ton of sense.
Continue readingHow to review solar quotes
So you’ve got a few solar quotes from different installers, each with different pricing, equipment and savings estimates – what’s next? With all the information available, comparing solar quotes can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make it as easy as possible. If you’re sitting down to review multiple solar quotes for the first time, here are the most important questions to ask yourself, and the factors to consider as you’re evaluating one solar quote against the another:
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