Domestic solar manufacturing has expanded significantly in the US, driven by supply chain policy and the Inflation Reduction Act’s domestic content incentives. Several major manufacturers now produce panels domestically, and choosing American-made panels can qualify commercial projects for additional tax credit bonuses. Why Domestic Manufacturing Has Grown Driver Effect IRA domestic content bonus Additional tax Read more »
The primary benefit of going solar is a significant reduction in your monthly electricity bill. But the financial case extends well beyond monthly savings — solar panels increase home value, protect against electricity rate increases, and can generate income through solar renewable energy credits in some states. Beyond finances, solar reduces dependence on fossil fuels Read more »
Winter presents a mixed picture for solar panels — colder temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, but shorter days, lower sun angles, and snow cover typically reduce overall winter production compared to summer. Net metering with seasonal banking helps smooth out this seasonal variation for most solar households. Temperature Coefficient: Cold Helps Efficiency Factor Winter Effect Read more »
A common misconception is that solar panels automatically provide backup power during a grid outage — in reality, standard grid-tied solar shuts off entirely for safety when the grid goes down. Only systems with battery storage and an islanding-capable inverter can continue providing power during an outage. Why Grid-Tied Solar Shuts Off During Outages Standard Read more »
Solar panel voltage is not a single fixed number — it varies with temperature, irradiance, and load conditions. Understanding the different voltage specifications on a solar panel’s datasheet (Voc, Vmp, Voc at temperature, and system voltage) is essential for safely sizing strings, selecting inverters and charge controllers, and ensuring NEC compliance. Most residential solar panels Read more »
Solar tube lighting (also called tubular daylighting devices or light tubes) brings natural daylight into rooms that lack windows or traditional skylights. They’re often cheaper and easier to install than skylights, but come with their own set of tradeoffs. How Solar Tubes Work A solar tube consists of a rooftop dome that captures sunlight, a Read more »
Solar panel installation requires permits in virtually every US jurisdiction — both a building permit and, separately, utility interconnection approval. Your installer typically handles the permitting process on your behalf, but understanding the requirements helps you know what to expect during your project timeline. Types of Permits Required Permit Type What It Covers Issued By Read more »
DIY solar panels — installing a home solar system yourself rather than paying an installer — can save a typical homeowner $8,000 to $15,000 on a residential installation. With modern racking systems, microinverters, and streamlined permitting in many states, the process is more accessible than it has ever been. But it still involves working on Read more »
Choosing between a 12V and 24V solar system is one of the most consequential decisions in off-grid solar design — and one that’s easy to get wrong. The voltage you choose determines your wire sizes, battery configuration, inverter options, and how well your system scales as you add capacity. Get it right early and your Read more »
Walking on solar panels is generally something to avoid whenever possible — while they’re engineered to meet certain load standards, foot traffic carries real risk of hidden microcracking that can silently reduce output over time. Panels can technically support foot traffic under IBC load standards, but repeated walking increases the risk of microfractures that degrade Read more »
