Using solar power as an investment vehicle

Solar power offers many different benefits for almost everyone, from lowered energy costs to a reduction in a carbon footprint. In addition to these advantages to using solar, this energy source also works as a great investment vehicle. For many individuals, companies and groups that opt to go solar, a significant return on investment can …

Demystifying the National Electric Code and how these standards impact the solar sector

Any product that utilizes and produces electricity needs to be regulated with a strict set of standards, and solar panels are no different. The National Electric Code, established by the National Fire Protection Association, a private trade association, codifies the rules for installing, operating and maintaining solar panels in a variety of settings, from residential roof tops …

How the national solar business code benefits companies and consumers

Although solar power provides end users with the freedom to generate a clean, renewable source of energy from their own property, there are some guidelines and rules that must be followed. These rules are designed to provide a basis for maintaining a safe and effective solar system. With a variety of solar panels, installation types …

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, …

Solar’s ROI potential for homes and businesses

The economic benefits of solar energy are becoming increasingly apparent as innovations in technology make photovoltaic systems more affordable while government programs also offer additional incentives for private and commercial investment in renewable technology. However, the fact remains, solar energy is not attainable without the upfront cost of purchasing and installing modules that will generate electricity. While …

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 …

Growing market demand for 1500V solar components

Despite being a relatively young industry, solar is growing at a breakneck pace as demand for clean, renewable energy increases worldwide. The technology that allows solar systems to harness the energy of the sun and transform it into electricity to power homes and businesses is also changing quickly. The changes are making solar more efficient and …

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 …

Tax incentives that make solar systems more affordable

While solar energy has proven its ability to reduce energy costs over time, as well as lower the carbon footprint of a home or business, solar systems do involve upfront costs. However, both the federal government and the majority of states offer tax credits and other economic incentives that help to offset these costs and …

Solar industry continues to generate jobs for thousands of Americans

Reducing pollution levels by providing a clean, renewable energy source is just one of the ways the solar power is helping to create a more sustainable planet. Another aspect of the solar industry that is included in this goal is to provide long-term employment for workers both directly and indirectly. As a major component of …