Solar-Estimate.org News Archive for 2017

Buying solar panels: Is solar panels cost your only issue?

20 Dec 2017

The cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has dropped far and fast in the U.S. Utility-scale solar generation costs.

Rising residential solar loans, cash sales pose threats, opportunities for market leaders

19 Dec 2017

Home and property owners across the U.S. continue to install solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems at a rapid pace, and they're increasingly purchasing their systems outright as opposed to leasing them or signing a power purchase agreement (PPA) wit...

California's latest self-generation incentive program gets off to a flying start, but does it make battery storage economic?

18 Dec 2017

"Behind the utility meter,” battery-based energy storage systems, California's latest Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) got off to a flying start in May.

Searching for the Best Solar Installer in the City of Angels

11 Dec 2017

More solar energy capacity has been installed in Los Angeles than any other U.S. city, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission pointed out in a May 25, 2017 letter recommending that the city amend the Los Angeles Municipal Code to require that solar...

Research now Shows Solar Adds Value to Real Estate

10 Dec 2017

An increasing number of studies are showing that solar power is adding value to homes when they’re sold. However, the studies are still limited in scope to a handful of states, but the experience in those markets shows that it’s likely to happen in m...

Solar Carports, Incentives and the Investment Tax Credit—It’s Complicated, Kinda

29 Nov 2017

Solar carports and canopies are ideal solutions for solar power when rooftop solar might not work, but as the Investment Tax Credit incentive has evolved what's covered in terms of solar carports has changed. Here's what you should know.

What solar module efficiency means—and why it matters

22 Nov 2017

Solar panel efficiency might seem opaque. But whether you choose ci-Silicon modules or thin-film solar modules, it can determine how well your system works.

What types of solar power systems can I get for my home?

15 Nov 2017

The most common types of solar energy systems for homes are grid-connected, grid-connected with energy storage (also called hybrid solar), off-grid (also called stand-alone), and DC systems.

Solar Energy in South Carolina

11 Nov 2017

Solar energy installations and capacity in South Carolina have taken a turn for the better since enactment of the state Distributed Energy Resource Program Act in 2014, and they have been rising since.

Comparing the Big Solar Installers: SolarCity, Sunrun and Vivint Solar

08 Nov 2017

All over the US homeowners have opportunities for going solar now. But three alone, SolarCity, Sunrun and Vivint Solar, have together installed about half of all the solar rooftops in the US. So if you’re considering one of these companies, here’s wh...

What are the steps to a solar panel installation?

08 Nov 2017

You've made the decision to join your neighbors and go solar. So now what? The process begins with a series of steps that can take months to be complete before you can enjoy making your own power with your solar panels.

Solar Energy on the Rise as Floridians Push for Clean, Resilient Energy and Consumer Choice

07 Nov 2017

Americans are increasingly willing and able to take advantage of the benefits of installing a solar home energy system offers, including in Florida. Nevertheless, solar energy continues to be a hot, politically divisive topic in many U.S. states. The...