When it comes to finding the best solar installer for your needs factors to consider are installation costs, any solar loans available in your area, and any applicable tax credits or incentives.
A helpful tool for estimating your electricity usage when you don't have old utility bills handy - and an essential tool for planning a system that will meet your electricity needs.
A brief description of the major components of a Solar PV System. Note that components vary depending on whether or not batteries will be used in your system. There are additional small components required for a complete installation that are not listed here.
This 4-part video series covers the primary components of a solar power system: solar panels and storage batteries, charge controllers and inverters, solar panel racking, and overcurrent protection.
Solar electricity does not have to be complicated. However, becoming a PV system owner does require a basic level of understanding, and this article is a good place to start.
Get to know the pros and cons of each kind of solar electric system: PV Direct, Grid-Tied, Off-Grid, Grid-Tied with Battery Backup, and Hybrid systems.
Solar electric panels (also known as photovoltaic modules) are perhaps the most popular of the renewable energy technologies for home owners. This article goes over some of technical basics behind solar electric panels and how they are used in larger systems.
This 2-part video series discusses solar panel basics: voltage, current, power, grid-tied vs. off-grid applications, Standard Test Conditions, connecting modules, and mono vs poly solar cells.
Solar electric panels (or photovoltaic/PV modules) are devices that convert sunlight energy into electricity, but how do you know which one to choose and what are the differences between them?
Every solar panel is rated to produce a certain wattage, voltage and amperage under specific conditions. Learn more about how modules earn these ratings and what factors affect energy production.
PV modules often come with special connectors (wires) on the back rather than just a junction box. There are several different types of connectors, and it's important to understand the difference between them.
Learn why you need an inverter in your renewable energy system, the different optional features that they offer, and the advantages/disadvantages of different inverter types.
All inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, but that's where the similarities end between inverters. These days, a huge number of brands and options are available to consumers, and the correct choice for you depends on how you intend to use it.
Solar panel arrays can be mounted in many ways, so it's important to understand considerations like materials, costs, and orientation before deciding on a mounting system.
Quickly find the the typical power rating (in Watts) of many common household appliances. Use this information to help estimate how large your alternative energy system needs to be.
Learn to calculate NEC-compliant wire sizes for an off-grid or grid-tied solar PV system, including de-rating calculations for temperature, conduit fill, distance off the roof, and more.
Many of the folks who visit our site are interested in installing a solar or wind electric system for their home but they do not know where to begin. Although to a certain degree each situation is different there are a few basic things that we will need to know to get you started.
Watch the recorded webinar sessions given by OutBack, SimpliPhi, Sol-Ark, MidNite Solar, SMA, Morningstar, KiloVault, Schneider, and more during our 2022 Virtual Solar Conference.
Watch the recorded webinar sessions given by Sol-Ark, OutBack Power, Morningstar, KiloVault, Schneider, MT Solar, S-5!, and Tamarack Solar during our 2021 Virtual Solar Conference.