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How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Charge My Electric Vehicle?
Introduction One of the main benefits of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is that it allows you to forgo buying gas in favor of using electricity, which can save money. Why not go a step further and tap into clean, renewable energy like solar power that you can produce from your own home? Solar is…
Preparing for an Outage with SunVault Home Battery Backup
While you may not be able to predict when an outage will occur, it’s important to be prepared when they do with home battery backup. Here are some helpful tips for using your SunVault home battery to keep your lights on even when the grid goes down. Using Your SunVault™ System Generally, SunVault Storage requires…
The History and Evolution of Our Electric Grid
Introduction When you plug in your phone or charge an electric vehicle (EV), your are accessing electricity from the grid. The grid is the network of wires and electrical systems that transport energy from the production source to your home. Today, the United States uses 16 times more energy than was used in 1950. Modernizing…
Will Solar Panels Work During a Power Outage?
During a power outage, solar panels will not keep your lights on unless they are equipped and configured to do so. To power your home when the power goes out, you will need to add a home battery. In states like California where public safety power outages are expected to continue for the next decade,…
Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles
Electric cars are excellent for the environment and offer many benefits over traditional vehicles, but they do have some downsides. One of the biggest questions for potential electric car buyers is whether to purchase an all-electric vehicle (AEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or one that runs on gasoline. How Do Electric Cars Work?…
Solar vs. Wind Energy: Which Alternative Energy Source is Right for Your Home?
Incredible strides in alternative energy sources are making renewable power more obtainable than ever for American homeowners. Solar panels are now sleek and design-conscious. Incredibly efficient, greener batteries are making it possible to store the overbalance of solar and wind energy into homes. Technology upgrades, storage improvements and equipment capabilities all contribute to more efficient…
What Are Off-Peak Electricity Hours?
Off-Peak Hours: Everything You Need to Know About the Cheapest Time to Use Electricity Electricity is one of the most expensive utilities in your home. That’s why utility companies like PG&E who provide services to residential customers, are implementing innovative rate structures like time-of-use (TOU) plans to encourage customers to consume energy during times when…
Moving? How SunPower Helps Homeowners with Their Solar System During Life Changes
Buying or selling a home is a big change for any family. There are several things to consider during the process, including the question of what you’ll need to do with your solar system. The great thing is that the ins and outs of buying and selling homes with solar panels aren’t that complicated. Realtors…
Evaluating Commercial Solar ROI, Payback, IRR, and NPV
The amount your business can save over the 25 to 30-year lifetime of a commercial solar system depends on many factors, including how you finance it, federal and local incentives and your pre-solar utility rate. Business owners in states like California benefit since the state ranks within the top for available sunshine. How to Determine…
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
The industry standard for the productive lifetime of a solar panel is 25-30 years. While panels will continue to produce energy for years after the 25-30 year mark, its output will decrease slightly year over year. Most solar panels will offset your electricity use for decades. It’s important to research the solar products you choose…