Solar
The major appliances in your home need on-going care and upkeep to ensure they are operating to the best of their ability, and solar panels are no different. Any debris— including dust, dirt, pollen, and even bird droppings— can decrease the efficiency of your solar panels. Depending on your environment and weather, you may need…
Solar
Are Your Neighbors Getting in the Way of Your Solar Power?
Do you have a right to solar power? The short answer is: it depends. The long answer has to do with your state legislation, local permitting boards and zoning commissions, and the governing rules of your homeowners’ association. In many states, the government protects your right to install solar on your roof. However, where these…
Solar
Can you Install Solar Panels on a Tile Roof?
Whether you’re purchasing a home with a tile roof, or you’re about to have one installed, you’ve already made a sound investment in your home. Tile roofing is a beautiful way to enhance the appearance of your home while providing long-lasting protection against harsh weather and fire. While the cost of installation can be expensive,…
Solar
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Solar Tracker System?
If you clicked on this article, then there’s a good chance you already know a little bit about solar power. Just in case though, here’s a little background on solar trackers. The solar tracker is an automated module fitted to your system that reads the angle of the sun and adjusts your panels to compensate, thus…
Solar
Could a Ground Mounted Solar Installation Be Right for You?
We’re used thinking of solar panels as the exclusive domain of rooftops, but many of the most productive installations in the world are a lot lower to the ground. If your home doesn’t have the ideal orientation and slant for solar power, a ground-mounted solar installation may be better than one on your roof. Ditto if you…
Solar
Where to Install Solar — Instead of on the Roof
From the environmental impact to the low utility bills, you may love everything about solar. But many homeowners find they you quite fall in love with the way panels look. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between a bulky rooftop solar installation or nothing at all. Homeowners have several options to make use of the…
Solar
Microgrids Could Make Solar a Lot More Neighborly
What if you could set up your solar energy system and bypass your utilities altogether? With more powerful lithium ion batteries coming out on the market, some homeowners are beginning to see the electric company as an unnecessary middleman. That’s exactly what happened in Brooklyn this year. Residents there set up their own microgrid —…
Solar
Building-Integrated PV Looks and Feels Like the Future of Solar
Not to knock against solar panels, but they’re not always the most beautiful pieces of equipment. When you’ve spent time perfectly pairing your roof tiles to match your home’s siding, shutters, and trim, you risk altering the whole aesthetic when you slap panels on top. In fact, some homeowners groups and organizations even forbid residents…