Is it better to hire a local solar contractor, or is a national photovoltaic installer a better idea? A handful of large, national contractors handle the lion’s share of photovoltaic installations across the country. This isn’t surprising, since the industry behemoths have much larger marketing budgets and brand recognition. However, working with a professional local […]
Are you ready to go solar, but wonder if the timing is right? You’re not alone. Countless homeowners throughout the Intermountain West are debating this very issue. Perhaps you’re waiting to see whether photovoltaic panels will become more efficient or less expensive — or both. After all, the media keeps telling us that the next […]
Solar energy systems are a natural fit for schools. And thanks to the many benefits that renewable photovoltaic power offers, educational installations are on the rise. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), U.S. schools collectively had 303 kilowatts of photovoltaic capacity at the end of 2003. By the end of 2013, that number […]
Gas stations running on commercial solar power is a growing phenomenon in the U.S. In 2013, a downtown Salt Lake City gas station installed photovoltaic panels to provide power. Soon after, Oregon and Vermont also became home to solar-powered gas stations. Now, a multinational oil and gas company has announced plans to add 200 megawatts […]
Solar panel glass is incredibly strong. Photovoltaic modules are fabricated using commercial-grade tempered glass, which is much more resistant to breakage than normal glass. However, although the glass is designed to withstand heavy use, it can break. This doesn’t happen often, but understanding what can compromise the integrity of your solar panels could help you […]
Can a new solar panel manufacturing process revolutionize the photovoltaic energy industry? Bill Nye, widely known as “The Science Guy,” recently put his name behind an advanced solar technology that promises to drive down prices and create less waste. The goal is to make photovoltaic systems cost-competitive with other energy sources. This technology is interesting, […]
Do you know how the federal solar tax credit works? If you’ve researched rooftop photovoltaic systems, you’ve probably read that you can save 30 percent just by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). The ITC can dramatically lower your overall photovoltaic system costs. However, some information online paints the wrong picture […]
Your home solar battery bank may be one of the more expensive components of your photovoltaic system. And unlike most other solar components, your batteries will eventually need to be replaced. However, with proper maintenance, you can squeeze some extra life out of your battery storage bank and reduce the overall cost of your photovoltaic […]
Switching to an off-grid solar lifestyle can be a bit of a shock if you’re not familiar with it. Although energy independence and freedom from utility bills are compelling reasons to go off the grid with solar power, this lifestyle may not be right for everyone. Will “pulling the plug” turn your life upside down, […]
A repeal of the solar tax credit would have a dramatic impact on the U.S. photovoltaic market. In late 2015, the federal solar tax credit was extended, giving the renewable energy industry a much-needed boost. Originally set to expire at the end of 2016, the financial incentive was extended for five additional years. Currently, the […]
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