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Understanding How to Benefit from the IRA
In 2022, the U.S. passed the largest climate and energy investment bill known as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This law is designed to help 100 million homes save money on solar power and make homes more energy efficient. A survey was conducted by a major solar manufacturer to understand how Americans are responding to this bill and their interest in clean energy. The survey revealed that many people have become more conscious of their energy consumption due to rising electricity costs. People are increasingly interested in government support for adopting renewable energy, particularly solar energy. In fact, 61% of ...
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need To Power a House?
One of the first questions homeowners ask when going solar is, “How many solar panels do I need to power my home?” The goal for any solar project should be 100% electricity offset and maximum savings—not necessarily to cram as many panels on a roof as possible. So, the number of panels you need to power a house varies based on three main factors: Electricity Consumption Sun exposure Solar panel power rating Here, we’ll show you how to manually calculate how many panels you’ll need to power your home. Once you have an estimate for the number of panels, you’re ...
5 Top Maintenance Problems with Solar
Our 21st-century lives are full of household and business devices and appliances that need cleaning and maintenance. Frankly, we’ve got our hands full, and no one is excited about adding yet another system that needs care and attention. The good news is that a solar array requires minimal maintenance, making it a relatively hands-off investment. However, there are times when a solar system may require maintenance. The good news is that many common solar maintenance issues should be covered by an installer’s workmanship warranty or a manufacturer’s equipment warranty. So, if things go wrong, you likely won’t be on the hook. ...
Solar ITC Explained
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal solar incentive that has helped make solar energy more affordable for homeowners and businesses across the United States. The ITC is also known as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (SITC) or the Solar Tax Credit. We will explore the details of the ITC, how it works, and how you can take advantage of this solar incentive. What is the Investment Tax Credit? The Investment Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that allows homeowners and businesses to deduct a portion of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal ...
Do Solar Panels Require Maintenance?
If you're considering installing a solar system for your home or business, you might be wondering if it will require maintenance. After all, solar panels are designed to last for decades, but will they still perform as well over time? The answer is yes; solar systems do need some maintenance, but it's minimal. What kind of maintenance do solar systems need? Solar panels are designed to be durable and require very little maintenance. However, a few key tasks should be performed regularly to ensure that your system continues to operate at peak efficiency. Cleaning: Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate ...
Add More Solar Energy To Your Existing System
Have you been thinking about making the switch to solar energy but are worried about having to completely replace your current energy system? Well, we've got some good news for you! It is possible to add solar panels to your existing system. Making the switch to solar energy can bring many benefits, like reducing energy costs and doing your part to protect the environment. But we understand that the thought of completely replacing your current energy system can seem overwhelming. That's why we're here to let you know that you can enhance your current setup with solar panels. Adding solar ...
What Affects the Cost of Solar Systems
There is no doubt that the residential solar market continues to grow rapidly. With the increased risks of blackouts due to severe weather and high demand, more homeowners are trying to take control of their own power production. But for many, the most pressing question is how much it costs to achieve energy self-sufficiency. There are many factors that affect the price of solar energy. The most obvious cost is the hardware and the components that make up the solar system. The solar panel itself contains an inverter solar cell plus the mounting hardware. Then there is the carrier channel ...
What Is The State Of The Solar Industry Now?
Of course, like most businesses throughout the nation (and the world), COVID-19 affected the solar industry. As we came out of the pandemic, the solar industry seemed to be coming back strong and very healthy. And it is still growing throughout the country. However, there are challenges facing solar companies that have increased costs and delayed installations. We are all working very diligently to overcome any barriers so that we can maintain the forward momentum of solar. The issues will come as no surprise. Supply Chain Like most industries, supply chain issues have affected solar installations. Coupled with inflation, this ...
What Is Net Metering?
Going solar offers homeowners many great benefits. One of the best—for those who can take advantage of it—is net metering (also called net energy metering). With net metering, homeowners get credited for the extra energy their solar system produces that is sent back to the electric grid. Usually, you are credited monthly until the credits are summed up annually. Net metering means that homeowners can use their solar system to offset their home electricity consumption over the course of the year—high-producing months help to offset lower-producing times when more power must be drawn from the utility grid. In most cases, ...
4 Reasons to Buy a SunPower® Equinox™ Home Solar System With Storage
Today, we announced our new all-in-one Equinox™ Storage home solar system with a storage battery, with limited availability starting in California and a wider nationwide release in 2020. Here are four reasons why you should consider it if you're thinking about going solar. Reason 1: You Crave Energy Independence Your electricity bill is a lifetime monthly financial obligation that you probably think you can’t control. And you’re right. As long as your home is powered by the utility grid, you’re beholden to your utility’s unpredictable rate hikes. Electricity prices will likely continue to increase annually, and as a homeowner, you’ll likely ...