A Breakdown of All the Costs Associated With Home Solar Installation

Solar power has gotten less and less expensive over the years, with the average cost of solar panels and the rest of what makes up a solar power system now costing roughly a third of what it did at the turn of the millennium. That said, figuring out how much a solar power system will cost you can be challenging. There are many variables involved, so the short answer to the question in this post is “it depends.”

In this post, we’ll get into some of the variables involved in estimating how much of a system you need and how much it’ll cost to purchase that system and have it professionally installed.

We’ll look at the effect your location can have on pricing, as well as the variability of equipment option pricing, and even what you may be able to count on for price offsets in different places across the country. But to truly get your head wrapped around what you need and what it will cost, you’re going to want to consult a local solar installation professional. more “How Much Will It Cost to Put Solar Panels on My House?” …

What Are the Basics of Net Metering Before I Switch to Solar Power?

April 8, 2019

Everything You Need to Know About Net Metering Programs Before you Go Solar

Depending on which state you live in, or in some locations, on your local utility company, net metering may represent one of the biggest incentives, one of the biggest cost offsets, for going solar. Installing solar panels on your home allows you to set up your own electric utility, just for your needs.

Net metering, however, allows you to sell the power you generate back to the grid you’re connected to, offsetting the cost of the electricity you draw from the grid when you can’t produce your own and run out of stored power. In some cases, this may even earn you money.

But of course, it’s not quite that simple. Net metering isn’t available everywhere, and net metering programs differ a bit from location to location, state to state, and utility to utility. In this post, we’ll go over the basics of net metering. more “What Are the Basics of Net Metering Before I Switch to Solar Power?” …

Solar Panel Solar Energy Solar Photovoltaic System

Solar Plus Storage: A Guide to Solar Power Storage for the Homeowner

April 1, 2019

Solar Power Generation Plus Storage for a Complete Solution

For many people considering taking the plunge and going solar, examining the staggering array of options available these days may be an early and high hurdle. At first glance, it may seem like solar power should be a relatively simple thing – if you leave out how the solar panels work themselves. You put the panels on your roof, pointed toward the sun. They generate electricity, and your house uses that power to run your lights, your appliances, your television, etc. Roughly speaking, that is certainly how it works.

Going solar will also require all of the necessary modifications to your home’s circuit breaker. There will also be additional equipment needed to convert the power that the cells generate into power that can be used to turn on your appliances, lights, and other electrical things. more “Solar Plus Storage: A Guide to Solar Power Storage for the Homeowner” …

What Are the Basics of Solar Power for the Interested Homeowner?

March 27, 2019

What Homeowners Need to Know About Solar Power

The results are in and the overwhelming majority of scientists agree that climate change is a serious problem. A recent study suggested that if something is not done, there will be catastrophic consequences to the environment within 12 years. Fortunately, there is one easy thing that every homeowner can do right now, which is installing solar panels.

If you have been holding out on installing solar panels for your home because you’re not really clear how it all goes together, here are the basics. more “What Are the Basics of Solar Power for the Interested Homeowner?” …

Understanding How Residential Solar Power Works

March 13, 2019

Understanding Solar Power

You’ve made up your mind to switch solar power, but now you’re wondering, “How does solar power actually work?” Glad you asked! Understanding how it works is a good place to start when you’re thinking about how and to go solar. And lucky for you, it’s simpler than you think. Read on to learn more about the ways in which solar power works in a residential environment.

Solar Energy 101

One of the main methods of converting solar energy into solar power is direct or photovoltaic (PV) conversion. In this case, you would use solar panels (or solar PV) for generating electricity. A solar PV system consists of solar panels, an inverter, a meter, and a few other components such as mounting, cabling, etc. more “Understanding How Residential Solar Power Works” …

5 Common Questions About Residential Solar Power

March 6, 2019

Here’s What You Need to Know About Home Solar Systems

It can be a big decision to switch to solar energy, but the reasons for doing so are growing – and growing more important – every year. Solar is a clean renewable energy source that helps the environment and decreases health-harming pollutants. On top of that, you will likely be saving money every month on your electricity bills. What’s not love?!

With that in mind, here are some of the most common questions to help you make the final decision when you’re considering making the switch to solar power in your home. more “5 Common Questions About Residential Solar Power” …

solar panels and bad weather functionality

Will My Solar Panels Actually Work in All Kinds of (Bad) Weather?

February 27, 2019

Using Solar Power When You Can’t Control the Weather

It’s a common question to ask before you invest in switching to solar power. After all, it’s a big commitment! Luckily, solar panels that simply don’t work as well in inclement weather is one of the biggest myths about solar power around. Let’s get this out of the way up front: to put it simply, yes, your solar panels will work in cloudy or bad weather. However, they may be operating at a slightly decreased level of efficiency.

How and in what ways your solar panels are affected will be determined by the type of bad weather, if your solar panels are properly maintained, and how you’re able to compensate for what weather comes your way. Here’s what you can expect in every type of bad weather when it comes to the efficiency and functionality of your solar panel system. more “Will My Solar Panels Actually Work in All Kinds of (Bad) Weather?” …