Designing a solar system is more than counting panels — installers go through a structured process using energy analysis, satellite/site data, and specialized software to produce a system sized correctly for your home. Understanding this process helps you evaluate whether a quote was actually engineered for your home or just estimated. Step 1: Energy Usage Read more »
Misinformation about solar panels is common, and some persistent myths can lead homeowners to make poor decisions about whether solar is right for them. The most damaging myths involve outdated tax credit assumptions, exaggerated cold-weather concerns, and inflated home value claims — all worth correcting with current data. Myth 1: The 30% Federal Tax Credit Read more »
The balance of system (BOS) refers to every component in a solar installation except the solar panels themselves. This includes the inverter, racking and mounting hardware, wiring, disconnect switches, charge controllers (for off-grid systems), monitoring equipment, and all structural and electrical components required to connect panels to the grid or battery bank. BOS components typically Read more »
Solar PV systems come in three main types: grid-tied (most common), off-grid (standalone with batteries), and hybrid (grid+battery). Each type has different costs, benefits, and use cases. This guide covers system types, performance characteristics, economics, and which type suits your situation best. Grid-Tied Systems Most common type. Panels connect to grid inverter; excess energy feeds Read more »
Selling excess solar power back to the grid — net metering — used to be a straightforward, generous deal in most states. That’s changed significantly, especially in California, as utilities shift to lower export compensation rates. Understanding your state’s specific net metering policy is now essential to accurately projecting solar savings. How Net Metering Works Read more »
Oversizing a solar array relative to inverter capacity — a technique called DC/AC ratio oversizing — can boost total energy harvest, but it comes with tradeoffs worth understanding before committing. A modest oversize (DC/AC ratio of 1.1-1.3) is common practice and usually beneficial, while excessive oversizing wastes panel capacity to clipping losses. What Is the Read more »
Comparing solar quotes goes well beyond the bottom-line price — equipment tier, warranty terms, and installer credentials all significantly affect the long-term value of a system. Using $/watt as your primary comparison metric, along with careful attention to equipment specs and warranty coverage, helps you evaluate quotes on equal footing. Key Metrics for Comparing Quotes Read more »
Charging time for a solar battery depends on panel wattage, available sunlight, and the battery’s total capacity — there’s no single answer, but the underlying math is straightforward once you know these three variables. A basic sizing calculation using peak sun hours and charge controller type gives a reliable estimate for planning purposes. The Basic Read more »
Pole-mounted solar panels offer a flexible installation option for smaller arrays, particularly useful when roof space is limited or unsuitable and a full ground mount isn’t practical. Top-of-pole and side-of-pole configurations each suit different array sizes and site conditions, with tracking options available for either. Top-of-Pole vs. Side-of-Pole Mounts Type Best For Considerations Top-of-pole Small-to-medium Read more »
When solar panels stop producing power or show a sudden output drop, the cause is usually one of a handful of common issues — and most can be diagnosed with your monitoring app before calling a technician. Inverter faults, shading, soiling, and wiring issues account for the vast majority of solar production problems. Common Causes Read more »
