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So, you already installed a solar power system, but your energy usage has increased. Can you expand your photovoltaic array in order to meet your household electricity needs? Most likely, the answer is yes. However, adding more solar panels to an existing photovoltaic array can pose a few challenges. Here are five factors to consider before making plans to expand your solar power system. No. 1: Space for Solar Panels Do you have room for more solar panels? If your photovoltaic array takes up most of the available rooftop space, expanding the system might mean looking for another installation spot. A carport, shed or gazebo could suffice, or you might want to pair your rooftop panels with a ground-mounted array....

When you install solar panels, you’ll save money on your utility bills, gain energy independence, improve your home’s value and enjoy a fast return on investment. Sounds great, right? While the benefits of going solar are undeniable, certain factors can affect your energy production and home PV system cost. Here’s what you need to consider as you plan your photovoltaic power project. Rooftop Structure Can your rooftop accommodate solar panels? Your home PV system will produce electricity for decades. Your roof needs to be in good condition before installation, as addressing problems later on will be both challenging and costly. If you’d rather not budget for roof repairs or replacement when you install solar panels, look at alternate placement options....

The federal solar tax credit offers huge savings on PV installation. Claim it, and you can reduce your income tax liability by 30 percent of your photovoltaic system costs – and the incentive has no cap on value. But if you want to take advantage of the full 30 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC), you’ll need to act fast. Put off your PV installation for too much longer, and you won’t save as much with the solar tax credit. Projects Must Begin By December 31, 2019 Thanks to a recent change in the ITC rules, you have a little more time to qualify for the full 30 percent solar tax incentive. The requirement to have your photovoltaic system in...

Are you looking for a solar contractor? Take care when making your choice of which professional to hire. Installing a home PV system is a sizeable investment in your home and your future, and you want to spend your money wisely. If you’re not sure where to start, this step-by-step guide should help you find the right photovoltaic provider to meet your needs. Step 1: Compile a List of Local Solar Contractors First of all, do a Google search for local solar providers. Include your city and state to ensure the results offer service in your area. Chances are, you’ll come up with quite a few options, so make a list. Step 2: Examine Solar Contractor Credentials Next, check the...

How big should your solar panel system be? Figuring out what size photovoltaic array to install isn’t easy. On the one hand, you want your PV system to produce enough energy to meet your household needs and eliminate your monthly electricity bills. But on the other hand, you’re concerned about costs – and though prices for solar panels have dramatically dropped in recent years, you don’t want to pay for more than you need. As you make plans to install a new solar panel system, you’ll need to consider the following to determine the right size for your photovoltaic array. Examine Your Electricity Bills Pull out your electricity bills from the past year or take a look at them online....

Why pay a professional solar contractor when you can buy a solar panel kit and install it yourself? Wouldn’t that cost less? Perhaps, but sticker price isn’t the only consideration. When you consider the bigger picture, paying a little less upfront and going the DIY route really isn’t a smart financial move. In the long run hiring a professional solar contractor can actually save you money. Time is Money How much do you know about installing solar panels? If you plan to handle your own photovoltaic installation, you’d better be ready to spend many, many hours reading manuals and watching instructional videos. The skills and knowledge you need to attain before embarking on the project include: How to evaluate a...

Solar trackers can boost the output of a PV system by as much as 20 to 40 percent. Trackers allow photovoltaic panels to follow the sun as it moves through the sky, which maximizes their exposure to sunlight and allows for optimal energy production. As a concept, tracker technology sounds great. Creating electricity is the goal, after all, and your solar panels will make more if they always face the sun. So, you might think that adding a solar tracker to your PV system is the right choice. Why, then, do professional photovoltaic contractors recommend fixed-tilt racks for most PV system installations? Solar Trackers Cost More than Fixed-Tilt Racks Fixed racks come at a fraction of the cost of solar...

Install a rooftop solar array, and you’ll have a steady supply of free electricity. Your PV panels will power all of your home appliances and electronic devices, slashing – or even eliminating – your monthly energy costs. But how does all of this actually happen? Solar Panels Capture Energy from the Sun Sunlight contains energy. When light from the sun hits something here on earth, this energy usually turns into heat – think of the warmth of your skin when you’re outside on a bright sunny day and you’ll get the picture. When the sun’s rays hit a rooftop solar array, however, the energy creates an electrical current instead of heat. Certain materials – including crystalline silicone, the main component...