Solar
How Long Does It Take to Set Up Solar Panels?
Installing solar panels on your home can make you feel like you’ve traveled straight into the future (free energy from the sun? how next-level is that?), but sadly, your installation probably won’t move at warp speed. Though most solar installations wrap up in a matter of weeks, if you happen to be dealing a particularly…
Solar
No one can deny that solar is quite an investment. After installation, system prices top out at around $25,000, which may be more than the down payment you put on your house! And while solar is worth it in the long-run—especially when you factor in federal incentives and utility credits—those initial numbers can give you some…
Solar
What Kind of Solar Hot Water Heater Is Best for My Climate?
By now, you probably know that hot water heating eats up a big part of your energy budget. In fact, the Department of Energy pegs that number at around 17 percent of a home’s energy expenses—that’s a huge chunk of your utility spending. So how can you get a unit that won’t bulk up your…
Solar
Calculating Return on Investment for Solar Panels
Did the quote for your solar energy system just make your heart skip a beat? It’s no wonder—in some cases, the price for new PV unit can cost as much as a brand-new luxury car! But unlike a fancy new sports car, solar panels return your initial investment over time. The energy you offset with…
Solar
Do Certain Roof Surfaces Increase Solar Potential?
Ready to hit the button on solar? You might want to think about replacing your roof, too. A lot of homeowners find themselves contemplating a roof replacement when they go solar. After all, it only makes sense to get your roof in great shape before you slap panels over it. And that way, you won’t…
Solar
What You Need to Know About Residential PACE Financing for Solar
Ready to pick up the “pace” on your solar project? If you’ve been reading up on your lending options for a renewable energy system, you may have seen sites throwing around the words “PACE financing.” Property assessed clean energy, or PACE, is a payment structure initiated by the federal government that allows local municipalities to…
Solar
If you’ve looked into installing solar, you may have realized that your installation won’t be easy on your roof. The majority of solar mounts are attached directly to a home’s rafters, which means cutting into the roof. While installers generally take care to seal and flash holes to prevent leaks and water damage, those incisions…
Solar
What Are the Best Solar Panels for Colder Climates?
Live in a climate with cold winters? Then you might think that solar is out of your reach—after all, it works best in the sun right? Well, not necessarily. Research shows that solar panels actually harvest energy more efficiently in chillier weather. Furthermore, when there’s snow on the ground, your solar output may even improve.…