Solar Facts & Figures

Top 5 Solar Myths Debunked

1. It takes more energy to make solar panels than it saves. Solar panels only work for a short time and wear out and have to be replaced. The Embodied energy is the energy consumed by all of the processes…
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Roof Top Solar Power Installs in New York

Solar Power In New York Just Got More Affordable

I invite you to play along with one of my favorite online games, “Find the Solar Roofs.” All you need to play is Google Earth and a keen eye. Now thanks to new incentive programs in New York, that game…
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What makes up a silicon solar cell

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Did you know that the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth in a single hour would be enough to power the entire world for a whole year if we harnessed it all? Solar electric technology is transforming the way…
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First Steps For Planning An Off The Grid Solar Power System

First Steps for planning an Off The Grid Solar Power System

There are several reasons why people consider installing an off grid solar system. Most often, it is because it is in a remote location that would either costs tens of thousands of dollars to install the grid, or connecting to…
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Is Solar Affordable in Michigan? Federal and State Incentives say YES!

Is Solar Affordable in Michigan? Federal and State Incentives say YES!

When looking at the cost of a solar power system, it can often look like a very scary amount – the national average for installed solar can be anywhere from $3-5 per watt of solar panels installed. So a 6,000…
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New Solar Power Bill filed by Governor Baker in Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ previous Governor, Deval Patrick, had set a target for 1,600 megawatts (MW) of solar power in Massachusetts by 2020. We are currently at about 86MW. However, there is currently a restriction on installing any new solar power systems in…
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Micro Inverters, Optimizers, and String Inverters, Oh My!

The technology for grid-tied solar systems has changed rapidly since its start around the turn of the century. With many choices now available, it can be a bit confusing to decide which is right for you.

The Solar Lease vs. Buy Debate; A Question of Math

In an earlier blog, Financing Your Renewable Energy System, we made the statement, “The lure of no money down for leasing is tempting, but the economics show that owning your system offers much better payback over the life of the…
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Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Tick Tock, Time’s Running Out

The 30% Federal Tax Credit, the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), is scheduled to retire on December 31, 2016, dropping commercial incentives to 10%, and residential to zero. The ITC was first enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act…
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Solar Tracking Tips: To Track Or Not To Track?

The idea of installing a solar power system that automatically tracks the sun throughout the day, increasing its output by as much as 30% seems like such a great idea, but is it worth the extra expense and maintenance issues?…
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