Solar-Estimate.org News Archive for 2018

Community Solar: An Alternative to Owning or Leasing Residential Solar Energy Systems

12 May 2018

When consumers think about residential solar, they often think about owning or leasing. There is another alternative that may not be as well-known: community solar.

North Carolina Readies for Home Solar Boom With new Duke Energy Rebate Program

04 May 2018

North Carolina homeowners and renters get new incentives and options for going solar now that Duke Energy’s $62 million incentive package received final approval.

What is Community Solar?

27 Apr 2018

This article explains what community solar is, where it's available and what its advantages and drawbacks are, with input from leading community solar organizations.

Are Solar Panels Worth it in Hartford?

26 Apr 2018

Hartford has an annual average of 82 sunny days per year and 108 partly sunny days. Though it's a bit cloudy, it is still great for solar. There are great federal incentives and Eversource's net metering scheme.

Tesla cost table: Tesla Model 3 price, model x price and model S price for each battery option

25 Apr 2018

Price table for Tesla cars showing the Tesla model 3 price, the Tesla model S price and the Tesla model X price for each of the battery options

Finding the Best Silicon Solar Panels in the USA In Light of New Import Tariff

22 Apr 2018

Solar manufacturers worldwide have learned to be adaptable given the intense competition and fluid, at times rapidly shifting, PV market and industry conditions in and among different regional and national markets.

Shout It from the Rooftop: Elon Musk Goes Solar in a Big Way

21 Apr 2018

Tesla began taking orders for its Solar Roof in the spring of 2017 and installations began in 2018 to the delight of many. Tesla says its Solar Roof prices out at $21.85 per square foot.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit: How Should It Influence Your Buying Decision?

12 Apr 2018

The ITC is a federal tax credit that reduces the tax liability for individuals and companies by 30% of the value of their solar investment. Who claims the credit differs, depending on whether the customer is residential or commercial.

How long do lithium ion batteries last?

11 Apr 2018

Lithium-ion batteries aren’t just powering your cell phone and laptop anymore, they’ve gotten bigger and more powerful and now they’re powering cars, homes, and even the electric grid. They’re becoming increasingly less expensive and the technology b...

How many square feet of roof space is needed for solar panels

10 Apr 2018

On average, the typical homeowner in the United States will need to install 28 to 34 solar panels, but again, this depends on the rating of the panels. Remember, it is best to optimize the sun’s light. Although it’s okay to install solar panels in an...

Are Solar Panels Worth it in Oakland?

05 Apr 2018

In the end, there are many options to use solar energy at your home. There is the federal tax credit of up to 30 percent for a system you own. There are also solar loans to help you own a system with no money down and solar leases and PPAs, which giv...

Are solar panels worth it in Los Angeles?

02 Apr 2018

Los Angeles is a sun-drenched city of nearly 4 million. Because of its abundant sunshine, incentives, and other variables, the City of Angels has routinely been one of the best communities in the United States to install residential solar energy syst...