Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity. This is a fundamental characteristic of photovoltaic technology. But your home runs on alternating current (AC). This difference is why a component called an inverter is a required part of every solar installation. Understanding the difference between AC and DC, why solar panels produce DC, and how inverters Read more »
Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both the front and back, producing 5 to 30 percent more energy than traditional single-sided panels depending on installation method. They’re the cutting edge of residential and commercial solar technology, but they come with higher upfront costs and specific installation requirements. Contents1 Key Takeaways2 What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?3 Read more »
Choosing the right size solar system for your home is one of the most important decisions in your solar journey. Too small and you’ll miss out on savings. Too large and you’re wasting money on panels you don’t need. Figuring out your ideal system size isn’t as complicated as it sounds. This guide walks you Read more »
Net metering is one of the most valuable financial incentives available to residential solar owners. It’s the policy that allows you to sell excess electricity from your solar panels back to the utility grid and receive credits on your electricity bill. Without net metering, solar panels would be far less financially attractive for most homeowners. Read more »
A solar collector is a device that captures energy from the sun and transfers it as heat. Unlike solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, solar collectors capture solar radiation and use it directly to heat water, air, or other fluids. They’re a core component of solar thermal systems, which are among the oldest and Read more »
Solar panel warranties typically last 25 years. But when a panel warranty expires at 25 years, the panel doesn’t stop working. It doesn’t suddenly become useless. The warranty ends, but the solar panel’s life goes on. This guide covers what really happens to solar panels after 25 years of service: degradation rates, why panels still Read more »
Solar shingles are a new category of roofing product that generates electricity while serving as your roof. Unlike traditional solar panels that mount on top of existing shingles, solar shingles integrate directly into the roof structure. The result is a home that generates clean energy without the look of panels bolted to the top of Read more »
Many solar homeowners produce excess electricity during peak sun hours that goes to waste or is sold back to the grid at low rates. A solar PV immersion heater, also called a power diverter or solar immersion controller, redirects that surplus power to heat your water. Instead of watching your solar investment export power at Read more »
Shade is the number one enemy of solar panel performance. A single tree, chimney, or nearby building can cut your solar output by 20 to 50 percent or more. If you’re thinking about going solar but worry that your roof gets afternoon shade, or if you already have panels and are noticing lower production than Read more »
If you’re thinking about solar but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you. We’ve stripped away the jargon and explained solar energy in plain language so you understand what solar panels actually do, how they work, what a complete solar system includes, and how to get started. By the end, you’ll have Read more »
