When it comes to finding the best solar installer for your needs factors to consider are installation costs, any solar loans available in your area, and any applicable tax credits or incentives.
Solar batteries are an important part of any solar energy system, allowing the energy from the sun to be stored and used later. Charging solar batteries is not as complicated as it may seem, but there are certain things to consider before doing so. This post will provide an overview of how to charge a solar battery, types of solar batteries, how long solar batteries typically last, whether you can charge solar batteries without a charge controller, and how much they cost.
A helpful tool for estimating your electricity usage when you don't have old utility bills handy - and an essential tool for planning a system that will meet your electricity needs.
Many of the folks who visit our site are interested in installing a solar or wind electric system for their home but they do not know where to begin. Although to a certain degree each situation is different there are a few basic things that we will need to know to get you started.
Improving your home's energy efficiency should be your first step before purchasing a renewable energy system. Every $1 spent on efficiency improvements can save you $3 - $5 on your system.
A brief description of the major components of a Solar PV System. Note that components vary depending on whether or not batteries will be used in your system. There are additional small components required for a complete installation that are not listed here.
Get to know the pros and cons of each kind of solar electric system: PV Direct, Grid-Tied, Off-Grid, Grid-Tied with Battery Backup, and Hybrid systems.
This 4-part video series covers the primary components of a solar power system: solar panels and storage batteries, charge controllers and inverters, solar panel racking, and overcurrent protection.
Solar electricity does not have to be complicated. However, becoming a PV system owner does require a basic level of understanding, and this article is a good place to start.
This 2-part video series discusses solar panel basics: voltage, current, power, grid-tied vs. off-grid applications, Standard Test Conditions, connecting modules, and mono vs poly solar cells.
Solar electric panels (or photovoltaic/PV modules) are devices that convert sunlight energy into electricity, but how do you know which one to choose and what are the differences between them?
Solar electric panels (also known as photovoltaic modules) are perhaps the most popular of the renewable energy technologies for home owners. This article goes over some of technical basics behind solar electric panels and how they are used in larger systems.
Every solar panel is rated to produce a certain wattage, voltage and amperage under specific conditions. Learn more about how modules earn these ratings and what factors affect energy production.
PV modules often come with special connectors (wires) on the back rather than just a junction box. There are several different types of connectors, and it's important to understand the difference between them.
Learn why you need an inverter in your renewable energy system, the different optional features that they offer, and the advantages/disadvantages of different inverter types.
Solar charge controllers are an essential element to any solar electric panel system. At a most basic level, charge controllers prevent batteries from being overcharged and prevent the batteries from discharging through the solar panel array at night.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is a popular technology that an increasing number of solar charge controllers offer. While MPPT charge controllers usually cost more than traditional solar charge controllers, the gain in overall charging efficiency makes them well worth it in most cases.
Read more about the deep-cycling batteries used in solar and other renewable energy applications and the differences between flooded lead-acid and sealed batteries.
This video series tests wiring mismatching solar panels in series vs parallel through an MPPT charge controller to understand how to maximize solar power production from an array made of different kinds of solar panels.
Quickly find the the typical power rating (in Watts) of many common household appliances. Use this information to help estimate how large your alternative energy system needs to be.
Learn some tips for using solar or wind power systems in your RV or boat - and what's different about this application from using one of these systems in your home.
In areas where power outages are common, backup power sources are extremely important. Depending upon what loads you need to run and for what period of time, you may need an actual battery based system.
Solar-powered pumps provide a welcome alternative to fuel-burning engines, windmills, and hand pumps. They produce best during sunny weather, when the need for water is greatest.
Wind turbine systems for homes are one of the more cost effective forms of generating electricity from a renewable energy source if you have the right site.
Wind power works very well on its own or in tandem with solar PV - under the right circumstances. Find out how to determine if wind power is right for you.
Homes from north Texas to Canada are using solar heaters in conjunction with their normal heating system to reduce their yearly heating bills by as much as 30% - 40%.
Water heating accounts for a substantial portion of energy use at many residential, commercial, institutional, and federal facilities - so it's important that it be done efficiently.