Monthly Archives: July 2017

Going solar is a big decision, one that requires careful thought. If you’re considering a photovoltaic panel installation, you probably have a lot of questions. But remember: Not everything you read online is true. To make the most informed decision, it’s important that you have facts and verified information from a source you can trust. To that end, we’ve compiled the best, most reliable resources for learning about going solar. General Information on Going Solar Do you want to understand how photovoltaic panels generate electricity? Are you looking for general information about making the switch to solar power? Several websites offer accurate and unbiased answers to these types of questions. These are a few of the best. U.S. Department of Energy — The DOE’s Office of Energy...

The federal solar tax credit is by far the most lucrative financial incentive for making the switch to photovoltaic power. The savings are substantial — homeowners and businesses can reduce their income tax liability by 30 percent of their PV system and installation costs. However, the solar investment tax credit (ITC) isn’t going to be around forever. That’s why it is important for potential solar adopters to learn more about when it expires and what any changes to the program could mean for your photovoltaic installation. Federal Solar ITC Phasedown Plan As it stands, the solar tax credit will continue to offer 30 percent savings until the end of 2019. For residential and commercial photovoltaic systems put in service after that, the credit amount won’t be quite...

Should you install solar panels if you’re thinking about moving in a few years? And if you decide to move, are you supposed to leave your solar array behind, or can you remove the photovoltaic panels and reinstall them at your new home? Yes, you can relocate solar panels; but you may not want to. Removing Solar Panels Can Leave a Mess Photovoltaic panels are tightly secured to the roof. In fact, the mounting components are literally screwed into the surface. Taking away the solar array leaves holes in the roof. And while you might not be able to see these holes from the ground, the penetrations can create problems for the next homeowner. This is particularly true if the holes aren’t filled and sealed against future leaks....

Although a solar PV system can be installed on any type of roof, tile roofing materials make the process slightly more complicated. Before undertaking a solar installation, you may need to give your roof a little attention to ensure you won’t have problems down the road. Consider Your Roof Underlayment Roof tiles can last for 50 to 75 years. But the roof underlayment — the barrier that protects your home against water infiltration — does not have the same durability. Underlayment loses its integrity faster, decomposing due to exposure to heat, UV rays and moisture. Most homeowners have to replace their tile roof underlayment in less than 25 years, and some need replacement in as little as 15 years. Most solar panels come with a 25-year warranty, and they often perform well for...

Net metering is a powerful motivation for many solar adopters. The prospect of offsetting your energy costs by selling extra solar power back to the grid, especially when you consider today’s ever-rising electricity bills, can be reason enough to consider installing a home PV system. Unfortunately, net energy metering (NEM) is not offered everywhere. Policies governing the practice have been under attack across the country, and many states are allowing utility companies to change or eliminate this financial incentive. Today, the future of net metering is uncertain. How Net Metering Works Net energy metering rules compel the utility company to give you credit when your home PV system sends solar electricity to the grid. Some states — including Colorado, Utah and Wyoming — have retail rate NEM policies. Homeowners in these states are credited on a...

Are you comparing solar panel options? Efficiency — the panels’ ability to convert sunlight into energy — is a feature you should consider. Before putting photovoltaic panels on the consumer marketplace, manufacturers test them and assign power ratings that indicate panel energy output (in watts). As you look at solar panel efficiency specifications, you’ll see both STC and PTC ratings. But what are these measurements, and what do they really mean in terms of a real-world PV installation? What Are Solar Panel STC Ratings? If you want an easy way to compare the efficiency of one solar panel to another, look for the STC rating. Standard Test Conditions (STC) refers to the fixed set of laboratory conditions under which every solar module is tested. Manufacturers use STC testing to ensure that photovoltaic panels with similar energy output can be...

Leasing solar panels can sound like a great way to make the switch to home photovoltaic power, especially if you’re on a tight budget. With no money down and promises of big savings on electricity, a solar lease can sound like the perfect scenario for many cash-strapped homeowners. And therein lies the problem. Leases sound much better than they actually are. In reality, leasing a photovoltaic system comes with several hidden costs and disadvantages — many of which you might not learn about until it’s too late. Leasing Won’t Save You Much on Electricity Bills Naturally, you expect your electricity bills to go way down with a solar lease; but don’t hold your breath. Although leasing solar panels will reduce your home energy costs, your bill probably won’t drop as much...

Solar power has reached a tipping point in the United States, as Americans from coast to coast are making this financially sound move to photovoltaic power. So why isn’t everyone going solar? Given the many advantages of installing a photovoltaic system, why are some Americans waiting to take the plunge? Most of the laggards cite three common reasons, but the logic isn’t sound. Myth No. 1: Solar Power Savings Are Overestimated Save thousands of dollars per year on electricity bills for the rest of your life? Bring your home energy costs down to zero? Cut the purse strings with the utility company? All of that sounds unbelievable, and for some people, that’s reason enough to put off making the switch to solar power. After all, if something sounds too good to...

Increasing the efficiency of your solar home can reduce or even eliminate your monthly electric bills. Fortunately, saving energy doesn’t have to take lots of planning or a large financial investment. In fact, we have assembled six simple — and free — steps you can take right now to reduce your solar home energy use. No. 1: Unplug Unused Electronics Chances are, if you look around your home right now, you’ll find device chargers, video game consoles, kitchen appliances and many other electronics that are always plugged in, even when you’re not using them. Did you know that these devices and appliances — known as energy vampires — use electricity even when they’re not turned on? They do, and in...

Crystalline photovoltaic panels are used in most residential and commercial solar installations. There are two main types — monocrystalline and polycrystalline. What’s the difference? And which is the better choice for your solar array? Pros and Cons of Monocrystalline Photovoltaic Panels Monocrystalline solar modules, made from a single, high-grade, crystal structure, are prized for their efficiency. These photovoltaic panels do a better job of generating solar electricity than their counterparts. Since they have the highest solar power output per square foot, you will need fewer monocrystalline PV panels — which makes more efficient use of your rooftop space. The downside to monocrystalline modules is price. Monocrystalline solar panels cost more to produce, and that translates to a slightly higher price...