Note that unless otherwise noted, this article focuses on solar panels utilizing crystalline silicon (c-Si) cells – by far the most common type of cell currently used in solar panel manufacturing. It’s no surprise that as solar PV has become…
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Solar panels are so durable and work for such a long time that you may never have considered what to do with them when one breaks or the array finally stops producing power. But nothing lasts forever – and if…
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There are two versions of the Federal Solar Tax Credit: the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit (a personal tax credit) and the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (corporate tax credit). This article pertains to the residential version. Updated 8/25/22 –…
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It is with a very heavy heart that we share news of the passing of our beloved Solar Queen Amy Beaudet, affectionately known as ‘The Solar Queen’ and a pioneer in the field of renewable energy, passed away on Sunday,…
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bluShift Aerospace launched the Stardust 1.0 prototype sounding rocket from the Loring Commerce Centre in Limestone, Maine, marking Maine’s first commercial rocket launch and the world’s first commercial rocket launch powered by bio-derived fuel. On January 31, 2021, just as…
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Update: Terrific news came recently. As part of the recent spending package signed on Dec. 28, 2020, the Solar ITC federal tax credit stepdown has been delayed until 2023. That means all applicable solar systems installed in 2021 and 2022…
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It’s time. Your RV or boat’s lead acid battery bank had a good run, but just isn’t able to hold a charge anymore – so what should you do? Using battery desulphators could help squeeze some more life out of…
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It’s now been a full year since altE acquired Real Goods, the California-based purveyor of solar and off-grid living supplies – and what a year it’s been! 2020 has thrown a lot at us all, and the challenge of integrating…
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Rapid Shutdown Recap When last we met, we discussed NEC 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements for inverters. For Part 2 of this topic, we are going to discuss options for Rapid Shutdown (RSD) for charge controllers. As there were initially very…
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Rapid Shut Down In 2014, the National Electrical Code included a new requirement, 690.12(1) through (5). It was a short requirement – only six sentences. PV system circuits installed on or in buildings shall include a rapid shutdown function that…
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