Condo owners face unique challenges with solar since they don’t own their roof outright, and shared building governance adds a layer of complexity that single-family homeowners don’t encounter. Community solar, balcony plug-in panels, and coordinated building-wide rooftop installations each offer paths to solar access for condo residents. Solar Options for Condo Owners Option How It Read more »
If you live in California and are considering residential solar, you’ve likely heard about NEM 3.0 (also called Net Energy Metering 3.0 or the Solar Billing Plan). The name might not conjure excitement, but the policy change behind it has dramatically reshaped the solar calculus for California homeowners. On April 15, 2023, California switched from Read more »
Despite falling costs and growing awareness, most US homeowners still haven’t gone solar. Upfront cost, roof or shading constraints, misinformation, and the recent expiration of the residential tax credit are the biggest barriers holding homeowners back. Top Reasons Homeowners Don’t Go Solar Barrier Why It Matters Upfront cost $15,000-$30,000+ before incentives Roof/shading issues Not every Read more »
Not every roof is an ideal candidate for solar, but most homes have at least one viable option once orientation, shading, and structure are properly assessed. The key factors are roof age, structural condition, orientation, shading, and available area — and a professional site assessment can confirm suitability even when a quick visual check leaves Read more »
Tiny houses have small roofs and often modest energy needs, making them well-suited to compact solar systems — but the right setup depends heavily on whether the home is stationary, mobile, grid-tied, or fully off-grid. A 1-3 kW system typically covers a tiny house’s energy needs, whether parked on a foundation or towed between locations. Read more »
Where you buy solar panels depends on whether you’re installing a full home system professionally or sourcing panels for a DIY project. Professional installers remain the standard path for home solar systems, while online retailers and specialty distributors serve DIY, portable, and off-grid buyers. Comparing Purchase Channels Channel Best For Considerations Local/regional installers Full home Read more »
An underperforming solar system produces meaningfully less than its expected output, and identifying the cause requires comparing actual production against a proper benchmark — not just a general sense that “it seems low.” Comparing your production against PVWatts or your original design estimate is the essential first step in diagnosing underperformance. Establishing a Production Benchmark Read more »
The solar inverter plays a crucial role in a solar panel system, converting DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power for use in the grid. In this article, we will explore the implications of a solar inverter failure, common issues that can arise, signs of inverter problems, steps to take when facing Read more »
A bad solar installation can mean voided roof warranties, underperforming systems, or years of paperwork battles with unresponsive installers. Vetting installer credentials, verifying permits, and scrutinizing contracts before signing are the best defenses against a bad installation. Red Flags of a Bad Solar Installer Red Flag Why It Matters High-pressure sales tactics Legitimate installers don’t Read more »
Both solar tubes and skylights bring natural daylight into a home, but they work very differently and suit different situations. Solar tubes are cheaper and easier to install with less heat gain, while skylights offer larger openings, views, and architectural impact at a higher cost. Solar Tubes vs. Skylights Comparison Factor Solar Tubes Skylights Installed Read more »
