The question everyone asks before going solar: Should I wait for prices to drop further? The short answer is no—waiting won’t deliver meaningfully cheaper solar panels. Yes, panel costs have plummeted 90% since 2010, but nearly all that hardware cost reduction has already happened. Solar modules now cost 15-25 cents per watt wholesale, down from Read more »
As domestic solar manufacturing experiences growth following policy incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, more U.S. consumers ask which solar panels are actually manufactured in America. The solar panel supply chain is increasingly global, but a growing number of manufacturers produce panels or panel components domestically. Understanding which panels are made in the U.S., where Read more »
From residential rooftops to online ads, industries to government schemes, solar energy systems are extremely popular. In fact, this renewable energy source has become highly affordable in recent years. Solar power reduces electricity bills, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and helps decline carbon footprint. However, some consumers might think twice about solar investment due to the Read more »
Here’s something a lot of solar salespeople don’t volunteer upfront: most solar panel systems do not keep your lights on during a power outage. Even if the sun is blazing, a standard grid-tied solar system will shut itself off the moment your utility goes down. It’s not a defect. It’s a deliberate safety feature. But Read more »
One of the biggest misconceptions about solar panels is that they don’t work well in winter. If you live in a cold climate—Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, Colorado—you might assume solar is pointless when it’s freezing outside. In reality, solar panels produce electricity year-round, and cold weather actually improves their efficiency. Winter is a real production Read more »
You have probably seen a typical solar panel and wondered about the mysteries it holds. The need for conventional power systems is growing, and America is at the forefront. Indeed, the country has successfully introduced solar energy and produced 3% of its electricity. Now is the time for you to move from conventional sources to Read more »
Yes, you need a building permit to add solar panels to your home in almost every jurisdiction in the United States. Building permits ensure that solar installations meet electrical codes, structural safety standards, and utility interconnection requirements. The good news: your solar installer handles the permit process as part of their installation service, and modern Read more »
DIY solar panels allow homeowners, businesses, and professionals to build custom solar systems tailored to specific needs, climates, and budgets. Unlike traditional construction approaches that offer limited scalability and cost efficiencies, building your own system provides flexibility, differentiation, and the ability to build incrementally according to cash flow. This guide explains DIY solar panel design, Read more »
If you’re planning a solar power system for your home, cabin, RV, or remote equipment, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing the right system voltage. The two most common options are 12V and 24V systems, and understanding the differences between them is crucial for building an efficient, scalable, and cost-effective setup. Many Read more »
If you have solar panels on your roof and need to access the roof for cleaning, inspection, or maintenance, you’ve probably wondered whether you can safely walk on the panels. The short answer: you shouldn’t. While solar panels can technically withstand some weight, they’re not designed for foot traffic, and stepping on them risks invisible Read more »
