Solar Industry News
How To Connect Your SunPower Monitoring Device to Wi-Fi
Connect your monitoring device to wi-fi The PVS (Photovoltaic Supervisor) is a compact device typically installed in your garage or…
Understanding Solar Inverter Functions & When to Schedule Repairs
Your solar system is only as strong as its inverter. Whether you’re using SolarEdge, Enphase, SMA, or Fronius, your inverter…
The Best Home Battery Storage Options for PG&E Customers in California
With California’s transition to the 2025 Net Billing Tariff (NBT), PG&E customers are seeking the best home battery storage solutions…
Solar And Battery Storage Can Protect Bay Area PG&E Customers From Rising Energy Costs
If you’re a PG&E customer in the Bay Area, you’ve likely noticed the strain of rising energy costs on your…
Should California Homeowners Switch to Solar in 2025
With California’s push for renewable energy and the increasing emphasis on sustainability, many homeowners are wondering whether 2025 might be…
Removing and Reinstalling Solar Panels: Process and Costs Explained
Going solar is a long-term investment with numerous benefits, but maintenance over the years is inevitable. Solar panels typically last…
Understanding PG&E Avoided Cost Rates and Their Impact on Bay Area Solar Customers
If you’re a Bay Area homeowner considering solar energy, understanding PG&E’s avoided cost rates is crucial. These rates play a…
How Does PG&E Net Metering Work?
Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) net metering program allows customers with grid-tied solar to earn credits for the excess electricity…
Navigating PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS): What Bay Area Customers Need to Know
Overview of PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Program PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) program is a critical initiative…
Why Now Is the Perfect Time for San Francisco Area Homeowners to Invest in Solar Energy
The Bay Area is known for its progressive, eco-conscious community and beautiful natural landscapes. Now, more than ever, San Francisco…
Learn More About
Solar + Battery Storage
Solar Industry News
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…
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…