Unlike the engineers and project managers at big utility-scale solar PV arrays, you’re not getting paid to research and identify the best possible solar modules for your rooftop solar installation. Although these industry experts might have a bit of an inside track for their solar PV procurement, it doesn’t mean you have to blindly pick …
Category Archives: Residential
Testing bifacial solar PV modules: Outperforming energy output expectations
Once you’ve decided to install a solar PV array, you want to obtain the fastest possible return on investment (ROI). There are many options that will impact how quickly you recoup your investment, including the location of the installation, its layout and the smart solar features incorporated. One aspect of this equation that plays a very important role …
Harnessing residential and commercial enthusiasm for solar energy
In one hour, the sun delivers more energy to the earth than humans consume in an entire year. Indeed, one group of researchers once discovered that over a 90-minute period in 2006, the sun’s output easily outpaced total worldwide consumption for 2001. With such a surplus of power available, capturing at least a portion of …
How can you evaluate a company’s bankability?
For consumers investing in solar technology either through a residential, commercial or utility scale solar project, accessing a solar manufacturer’s bankability can be a valuable tool in determining the performance, reliability and durability of its systems. Bankability speaks to the confidence lenders and other investors have in a solar panel manufacturer. It can represent how systems perform over time, …
How the neighbor effect influences residential solar panels installations
People all around the country are rapidly learning of the many advantages involved in owning a rooftop solar PV system. While the cost savings and eco-friendly benefits can be displayed for interested parties in lists and charts, sometimes these data points aren’t effective enough to help people make the final decision to install solar panels …
Non-residential PV pipeline continues to grow
The North American solar market continues to grow as more than 4,000 individual projects of non-residential PV pipeline are now in the works. Throughout this region, the PV project pipeline has reached 62 gigawatts as of the third quarter of 2016, according to the IHS Solar Deal Tracker. The investment tax credit has driven much of the growth in …
What 2017 could hold for the solar industry
Looking back at 2016, it was a banner year for renewable energy in general and for solar power in particular. Although the political climate around the world was tumultuous and unpredictable throughout the year, solar deployments continued to make inroads everywhere from China to the U.S. Let’s look at what some of the major trends …
Top 5 things to consider when handling PV system shading
Installing a commercial or residential solar system is a great way to save money and contribute to creating a more sustainable society. By converting sunlight into electricity, you cut your electricity bills while also reducing carbon pollution emitted during the burning of traditional fossil fuels. While solar panels are a great way to accommodate these …
Solar industry on upswing despite low price of traditional energy sources
The energy industry is currently undergoing a major revolution as solar power continues to move into areas previously reserved solely for traditional energy sources. This shift toward clean energy production comes even as the price of traditional sources declines, indicating a growing demand for renewable energy sources that extends beyond merely economic factors, although cost …
