Solar Industry News
The 5 Best Electric Vehicles by Range
One of the biggest concerns people have when considering an electric vehicle is the fear of running out of charge,…
How Much Electricity Does a Refrigerator Use?
Introduction On average, refrigerators consume between 300 and 800 watts of electricity, depending on the age of the model. Most…
Are There Different Types of Solar Cells?
It may seem obvious to say, but not all solar cells are the same. From the type of silicon used…
Understanding Your Solar System Performance with the mySunPower® App
Performance monitoring is a crucial but often overlooked part of owning a solar or solar + storage system. After installation,…
Does SunPower Offer Tesla Powerwalls?
SunPower direct does not sell Tesla Powerwalls, it offers the SunVault home battery storage solution. However, the SunPower® Equinox™ solar panels…
What Are The Best Energy Efficient Light Bulbs For Your Home?
Introduction to Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Energy efficient light bulbs are a great way to save money on energy bills…
How Will California’s Net Energy Metering Policy (NEM 3.0) Affect Home Solar + Storage Customers?
On December 15, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) passed the new net metering policy, NEM 3.0. While the…
Does Energy Storage Qualify for the Federal Tax Credit?
Introduction The popularity of home batteries has increased over the years, particularly in conjunction with the installation of solar panels.…
Tesla Powerwall Home Battery Warranty Review
Introduction Home batteries allow you to store the excess energy produced by your solar panels for use at night, on…
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Solar Industry News
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…
How to Prepare Your Solar System for Winter Weather
Whether you live in a warmer climate where cold weather is touch and go, or you are used to freezing temperatures all season long, you may wonder what you need to do to prep your solar system for the winter. The good news is that a SunPower solar system is low maintenance. However, there are…
Home Battery Complete Review: Tesla Powerwall
With its legacy of reimagining existing products (along with the recently announced battery storage incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act), the Tesla Powerwall is in high demand with homeowners throughout California. Powerwall is an integrated battery system that stores the energy generated from your solar panels to power your home during evenings, cloudy days and…
Understanding Your PG&E Bill, Fees & Rate Schedule
If you live in California, there’s a good chance that you’re a customer of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). PG&E is a San Francisco-based company that provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 16 million people in the northern and central regions of California, making it one of the United States’ largest utilities. Here are…