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Solar Panel Buying Guide
Download your free copy of our Solar Panel Buying Guide to learn everything you need to know about picking the perfect solar panels for your system.
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Buying Guides
Battery Buying Guide
Batteries allow you to store energy generated by your panels for later use. Download this free Battery Buying Guide to learn how to size your battery bank and pick the best batteries for your application.
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Inverter Buying Guide
Inverters manage the flow of power through your system. Download this free Inverter Buying Guide to learn how the right inverter can help you optimize your system's production.
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Racking Buying Guide
Racking provides a solid foundation for your array and tilts your panels toward the sun to optimize output. Download this free Solar Racking Guide to explore the best way to mount your system.
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Federal Tax Credit Guide
When you go solar, part of your project costs can be claimed under the Solar Investment Tax Credit to offset a portion of your federal taxes. Download this guide to learn how to claim the credit.
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Solar Permit Guide
Learn how to file permits through your local building office and connect your system to the utility grid (if applicable). Separate guides are available for both Grid-Tied and Off-Grid systems.
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Getting Started Guide
Not sure whether going solar is right for you? Grab your free copy of this guide to Getting Started With Solar and get a handle on the basics.
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Articles
Why you should oversize your PV array by 10-20%
Solar arrays should be sized 10-20% larger than your inverter's input rating to maximize your system's production. Here's how to find the "sweet spot" when sizing your array.
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Videos
Video: 8 common system design mistakes
Senior design tech Cheyenne explains 8 common mistakes people make when designing a solar power system.
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Articles
How to add battery backup to your grid-tie system
Learn how to retrofit your existing grid-tie solar system with energy storage to protect against power outages and make the most of your utility's net metering policies.
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Videos
Video: How to size an off-grid solar-system
Senior design tech Jeremy explains how to properly design and size an off-grid solar system to meet your energy usage needs.
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Articles
How big are solar panels?
Wondering how many panels you can fit on your roof? This guide covers the dimensions of traditional solar panels to help you plan the physical layout of your array.
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Videos
Video: Ground mount or roof mount racking?
Senior design tech Jeremy explains the pros and cons of ground-mount and roof-mount racking systems.
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Articles
Guide to solar cell technology
Learn the pros and cons of a variety of solar technologies. Covers monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline vs. thin-film panels, N-Type vs. P-Type cells, and more.
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Videos
Video: SolarEdge HD-Wave with EV charger product overview
Purchasing manager Courtney gives a quick overview of the SolarEdge HD-Wave 7600-watt inverter with a built-in electric vehicle charger.
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Articles
Net metering guide
Net metering policies allow grid-tie solar system owners to receive credit for sending electricity into the public utility grid. In turn, those credits are used to offset the customer's energy bill.
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Case Studies
Case Study: Dave and Sher
Hailing from Wisconsin, Dave wrote a report for the Clean Water Action Council about why going solar is a sound financial decision - even in a climate that gets about 40 days of snow per year.
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Videos
Video: How to calculate solar payback period
In this quick 3-minute video, we'll help you figure out how long it will take for you to pay back your investment into solar.
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Articles
Crown CR-430 battery review
Read our review of the Crown CR-430, a cost-effective flooded lead-acid battery from an established manufacturer, suitable for use in all battery-based systems.
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Videos
Video: What are the best solar batteries?
Senior design tech Jeremy explains the pros and cons of lithium and lead-acid batteries, and gives his picks for the best battery brands on the market.
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Articles
Fullriver DC400-6 battery review
Fullriver's AGM batteries are maintenance-free, making them a great choice for battery banks that go a long time between uses (like a vacation home or a grid-tie backup system).
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Articles
Introduction to Charge Controllers
Charge controllers are essential in battery-based systems. Their job is to regulate charging voltage so the battery bank remains topped off and healthy without overcharging.
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Articles
Battery maintenance tips
Flooded lead-acid batteries require routine maintenance to stay in good shape. Follow these battery maintenance tips to care for your battery bank.
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Articles
Mission Solar panel review
Texas-based Mission Solar produces high-efficiency solar panels that are priced to compete with imported panels.
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Articles
IRS Form 5695 guide: how to claim the solar tax credit
This step-by-step guide explains how to fill out IRS Form 5695, which is required to claim your federal tax credit for going solar.
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Articles
Astronergy solar panel review
Astronergy produces budget-friendly imported solar panels backed by a third-party warranty.
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Articles
Generator sizing guide
Many off-grid solar systems are paired with a gas generator for backup power. Learn what size generator you need to pair seamlessly with your solar system.
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Articles
SolarEdge HD-Wave review
The SolarEdge HD-Wave with power optimizers is designed to maximize your array's production, even when your panels are obstructed from shade or inclement weather. Read our review.
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Articles
SMA Sunny Boy review
The Sunny Boy is a cost-effective inverter that shines in situations where your solar panels are unobstructed and will be fully exposed to sunlight year-round. Read our review.
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Articles
Enphase IQ7+ review
Each IQ7+ micro-inverter controls the output of a single panel, optimizing the system's overall output and isolating equipment failures. Read our review.
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Articles
Solar panel warranty guide
Most solar panels are warrantied for 25 years, but there are other details to consider, like minimum production guarantees and third party insurance. Learn what to look for as you evaluate solar panel warranties.
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Articles
String inverters vs. micro-inverters
String inverters are more cost-effective, while micro-inverters do a better job optimizing your array's production. Learn the pros and cons of each type of inverter to decide which is right for you.
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Articles
String sizing guide
Panel strings must be sized so that the voltage from the panels falls within the operating range of the inverter or charge controller. Proper string sizing is key to safe and efficient system design.
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Articles
Do solar panels work in the snow?
Learn what steps you can take to ensure your solar panels work as efficiently as possible during snowy winters.
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Articles
California solar mandate guide
Starting in 2020, California will require all newly-built homes to be outfitted with solar. This article explains how CA homebuilders and homebuyers can comply with the new regulations.
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Articles
Best solar racking products
Racking is the foundation on which solar panels are mounted. Read our picks for the best racking products on the market.
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Articles
Best portable solar panels
Living life on the road? Check out our picks for the best portable solar panels for RVs, boats, and other mobile applications.
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Articles
How to size a grid-tie solar system
Senior design tech Wil B. gives a step-by-step walkthrough of the system design process, explaining how to account for factors that are unique to your project.
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Articles
Lead-acid battery comparison
Compare the pros and cons of each type of lead-acid battery: flooded, gel, and AGM (absorbent glass mat), to decide which makes the most sense for your system.
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Articles
How to size an off-grid solar system
Learn how to size your off-grid system based on your location, energy requirements, and desired days of autonomy (how long the system can run off batteries between charge cycles).
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Articles
What is the optimal angle to tilt your solar panels?
Solar panels should face directly into the sun to optimize their output. This article explains how to find the right tilt and azimuth angle to get the most production out of your array.
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Articles
Are solar trackers worth it?
Solar trackers adjust automatically to face the sun, increasing the output of your panels. However, it's usually more cost-effective to buy a few more panels instead of investing in a tracker.
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Articles
Solar panel cost guide
Explore historical pricing trends dating back to 1998 and learn what factors influence the cost of solar panels. Includes sample packages to help you benchmark the current cost of solar.
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Articles
Lead-acid vs. lithium battery comparison
Lithium batteries cost more than lead-acid batteries upfront, but also enjoy a longer lifespan and don't require maintenance. Compare both options to decide which is right for your project.
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Articles
The pros and cons of solar
We're huge advocates for solar power (obviously), but we recognize that going solar isn't right for everyone. Read about the pros and cons of going solar to decide if it's right for you.
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Articles
Grid-tied vs. off-grid solar
In this article, we cover the differences between grid-tie and off-grid solar, and explain why grid-tie is usually the better option for people with access to power lines.
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Articles
What is a kilowatt hour?
Electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWhs), which can be found on your electric bill. Understanding your monthly kWh usage is the first step to properly sizing a solar energy system.
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Articles
SolarEdge HD-Wave + EV Charger review
The SolarEdge HD-Wave combines an inverter for your solar system with an integrated EV charger for your electric vehicle. Read our review.
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Articles
Best grid-tie solar inverters
Inverters are the "brain" of your solar power system, managing the flow of power throughout the system. Check out our picks for the best grid-tied inverters on the market.
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Articles
Best solar panels
Explore our picks for the best solar panels on the market in a variety of categories. Includes American-made panels, budget-friendly panels, portable panels, and more.
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Articles
Lithium battery comparison: Discover vs. SimpliPhi
Compare the pros and cons of Discover and SimpliPhi, two quality manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries for solar applications.
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Articles
8 costly system design mistakes to avoid
Mistakes during the system design process can be costly. In this article, we go over 8 common mistakes people make when they plan and design their system.
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Articles
How to find a local solar installer you can trust
Hiring a local solar installer can help you save a good chunk of money on your solar project. Read our tips on how to find an installer you can trust.
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Articles
Best solar batteries
Check out our picks for the best solar batteries for a variety of applications, including off-grid homes, vacation cabins, RV/mobile systems, and storage for grid-tie backup power.
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Articles
What is MPPT (maximum power point tracking)?
MPPT charge controllers continuously monitor and adjust the charging voltage from your solar panels to optimize the amount of power being produced.
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Articles
60-cell vs. 72-cell solar panels
There is no cost-per-watt difference between 60-cell and 72-cell panels, but space constraints may force you to choose one option over the other.
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Videos
How to install solar on a tiny home
We've been installing tiny homes for years. Check out this video with Brent as he show us how to install the tiny home of your dreams.
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Articles
How long do solar panels last?
Most panels are warrantied by 25 years, but a study shows that 80% of panels outlive their warranty.
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Articles
How many solar panels do I need?
This guide explains how to quickly estimate system size based on your energy use, then figure out how many panels you'll need to offset your bill.
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Articles
Expanding your off-grid solar system
In off-grid systems, the power from your solar panels needs to match the storage capacity of your battery bank. Here's how to ensure your components stay compatible when expanding an off-grid system.
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Articles
Ground mount or roof mount?
Ground mounts are more accessible for maintenance, while roof mounts cost less. Click for a full comparison of the pros and cons of ground mounts vs. roof mounts.
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Articles
Study: solar panels increase property value
A recent study found that homes equipped with solar sell for more than equivalent non-solar homes. Learn how adding solar to your home can increase property value.
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Articles
Best off-grid inverters
Read our picks for the best inverters on the market for a variety of applications, including full-time residences, vacation homes, and solar+storage systems.
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Articles
Financing your system: buy, lease, or loan?
What's the smartest way to finance your system? We compare the cost of three options: buying it outright, taking out a personal loan, or entering a lease agreement.
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Calculators And Tools
Solar Crash Course
This free course is designed to give newcomers a grasp on the fundamentals of solar power in 1-2 hours. For more in-depth learning, explore our free Solar Workshop.
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Calculators And Tools
Solar Workshop
This free workshop takes a deep dive into all things solar, for those who like to research and understand every detail about their project. For a quicker primer on solar, explore our free Solar Crash Course.
Join Workshop
Articles
Solar 101: FAQs for beginners
New to the world of solar and not sure where to start? Explore our Solar 101 page for answers to the most frequently asked questions we hear from newcomers.
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Calculators And Tools
Solar Cost Calculator
Enter your ZIP code and monthly energy usage (found on your electric bill) to get a quick and easy estimate on how much it would cost you to go solar.
Get Estimate
Calculators And Tools
Off-Grid Solar Calculator
Enter your ZIP code and daily energy consumption data to estimate what size system you might need to power your off-grid property.
Get Estimate
Articles
How to calculate solar return on investment (ROI)
Solar pays for itself by reducing your monthly power bill, eventually turning a profit when the initial investment is paid for. Learn how to calculate the payback period and ROI of your system.
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Articles
Solar financing options
Explore financing options including personal loans, leases and PPAs (power purchase agreements), and learn how each option impacts the ROI of your system.
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Articles
US sun hours map
Your solar system's production will change based on how much sun you get in your area. Check this US map to see how many daily sun hours you get (on average) in your location.
Read Article
Case Studies
Case study: Troy and Suzanne
This couple from West Virgina started small and expanded on their system as their budget allowed. They'll save more than $16,000 over the life of their system, even in one of the least solar-friendly states in the country.
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Articles
Introduction to DIY solar
Take control of your solar project by sourcing your parts directly and installing your own system. This DIY solar timeline gives an overview of the entire process.
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Calculators And Tools
Local solar incentives database
Explore our database of local & state tax credits, rebates, and incentive programs that reduce the cost of going solar. These incentives can be claimed in addition to the federal solar tax credit, so don't miss out!
Browse Incentives
Articles
How to choose the right off-grid inverter
Inverters come in different configurations depending on whether they need to feed into the utility grid or connect a battery bank. This article explains what to look out for when choosing an off-grid inverter.
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Articles
Why we don’t recommend solar leases
Though leases offer a way to go solar with no up-front cost, the terms of solar leases drastically cut into your system's ROI. We strongly recommend exploring other financing options before signing a solar lease.
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Articles
Electrical wiring diagram service
Our in-house tech team can provide an electrical wiring diagram with your order, which is needed to file permits with your utility company and local building office.
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Articles
Shipping information
Helpful tips on receiving your freight shipment, unboxing and sorting your order, and filing any potential damage claims.
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Case Studies
Case Study: Stacy
Stacy went solar for less than what it would have cost to run power lines to his off-grid property - and built the entire system by himself. See how he did it.
Download PDF
Calculators And Tools
Battery bank sizing calculator
Quickly and easily size your battery bank based on your personal energy usage. This tool provides an estimate that can be refined based on usage patterns once you consult with your design technician.
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Videos
Video: Programming your power center
In this video, Josh the Tech Guy explains how to program a Magnum MS4448PAE inverter with a Midnite Classic 150 charge controller.
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Videos
Video: Programming your automatic generator start module
Josh the Tech Guy explains how to program your automatic generator start module so that your generator turns on automatically when needed for backup power.
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Videos
Video: How to use a refractometer
Josh the Tech Guy demonstrates how to use a refractometer to test the state of charge on flooded lead-acid batteries.
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Videos
Video: Adjusting charge settings on Magnum chargers
Josh the Tech Guy explains how to program AC input amps (shore amps) and charge rate settings on Magnum Energy ME-RC 50 and ME-ARC remotes.
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Videos
Video: Dipswitch settings on Morningstar TriStar charge controllers
Josh The Tech Guy talks about dipswitch adjustments on the Morningstar TriStar charge controller.
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Articles
5 quick tips for a safe install
Installing your own system? Follow these 5 quick safety tips to protect yourself.
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Videos
Video: Dipswitch settings on MidNite Classic Lite charge controller
Josh the Tech Guy explains how to access and adjust the dipswitch settings in a MidNite Solar Classic Lite charge controller.
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Articles
17 common myths about solar power
Has anyone ever told you that solar panels don't work in the winter, or that solar is too expensive to pay for itself? We dispel these myths (and 15 others) in this article.
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Videos
Video: How to attach spring clamp connectors
Josh the Tech Guy demonstrates how to properly attach spring clamp connectors, which are found in many solar components.
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Videos
Video: Programming Magnum Energy battery monitor kit
Josh the Tech Guy demonstrates how to program the Magnum Energy ME-BMK Battery Monitor Kit using the Magnum Energy ME-ARC Remote Control.
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Articles
Guide to solar tax breaks
Tax credits, rebates, and exemptions, oh my! Learn about the various incentives available that can reduce the cost of your solar power system.
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Articles
53 ways to lower your energy usage
Lowering your energy usage can save you money on the cost of your solar power system, because it will take less production to offset your monthly bill. Check out these 53 tips to reduce your consumption.
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Articles
The effect of shade on solar panels
Shade can dramatically reduce the output of solar panels, but micro-inverters or a string inverter with power optimizers can mitigate the loss of production.
Read Article
Calculators And Tools
SolarEdge monitoring portal demo
Curious about the data your monitoring software can provide you? Take a live look at the SolarEdge monitoring portal for the system installed on the roof of our Mount Shasta office.
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Articles
Wire sizing guide
Properly sized wires prevent against voltage drop and ensure your system runs as efficiently as possible.
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Articles
Adding wind power to your renewable energy system
In areas with high wind speeds, wind power can be an effective supplement to your solar power system. Read our introduction to wind power to see if it makes sense for you.
Read Article
Calculators And Tools
Voltage drop calculator
Voltage drop is a slight loss of voltage as a result of current traveling through a wire. This calculator helps you determine the ideal wire size to minimize voltage drop in your system.
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Articles
Solar permitting info
Before you can install your system, you'll need to file for a permit with your local building authority and (for grid-tied systems) your utility company. Here's what you need to know about permitting your system.
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Articles
Solar panel efficiency guide
Efficient panels allow you fit more power into a smaller area, which is great if there are space constraints where you plan to build your system.
Read Article
Articles
Is a solar lease worth it?
Under solar leases, you don't get to claim your tax credits, you're still subject to inflation, and they can make selling your home more difficult. Read about why we typically don't recommend leases to our customers.
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Articles
Power consumption table
This chart lists the approximate energy consumption of common household appliances. Useful for estimating daily power consumption while designing an off-grid system.
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Articles
Introduction to solar panel mounts
Your system is only as strong as the racking it's mounted on. Get a basic overview of solar racking products to learn which is right for your project.
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Articles
Introduction to solar inverters
Inverters manage the flow of power throughout your system, converting DC (direct current) from panels into AC (alternating current) to power your appliances. Click to learn the basics.
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Videos
Video: Magnum Energy PT-100 charge controller overview
Josh the Tech Guy takes us on a tour of the brand new Magnum Energy PT-100 charge controller.
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Articles
Do solar panels work during a power outage?
For grid-tied systems, your solar panels won't work during a power outage unless you add energy storage to your system.
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Articles
Grounding and lightning protection
Lightning can damage your inverter, charge controllers and other sensitive electronics. Learn how to properly ground your system to protect against damage from static discharge.
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Videos
Video: Schneider Conext SW inverter overview
Josh the Tech Guy shows off the new Conext SW 2524 Inverter and Conext ComBox for controlling your system online from your computer or mobile device.
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Articles
Introduction to deep-cycle batteries
Learn the basics about deep-cycle batteries, used to store energy in off-grid and grid-tie + energy storage systems.
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Videos
Video: How to install solar panels on your roof
Resident installation pro Jeremy gives a 22-minute hands-on demonstration of how to install solar panels on your roof.
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Articles
Commercial solar systems
Explore general info about commercial solar systems, including financing information, interconnection requirements, and sample system packages.
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Videos
Video: Which batteries are right for me?
Not sure which batteries will work best for your system? Watch this 4-minute video outlining the best battery types for a variety of applications.
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Articles
Pros & cons of solar leases & PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements)
Solar leases and PPAs offer homeowners a way to go solar for no up-front cost, but the tradeoff is much lower ROI over the life of the system. Learn how they work.
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Calculators And Tools
CA solar mandate calculator
Under a new mandate, all homes built in California must be equipped with solar power. Use this calculator to see what size system you'll need to meet the requirements.
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Videos
Video: What’s in an off-grid solar system?
Need to produce power off the grid? In under 2 minutes, design tech Jeremy gives an overview of the components you need to make your off-grid solar system work.
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Articles
How does the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) work?
When you go solar, a significant portion of your project costs can be claimed as a credit toward your federal taxes. Learn how the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) works.
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Articles
AC watts vs. DC watts
Knowing the difference between AC and DC watts is crucial to understanding system sizing and eligibility for incentives, among other things. This article brings you up to speed.
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Videos
Video: What are the different types of solar systems?
Wondering what type of solar system works best for your needs? Learn the difference between grid-tie, off-grid, and grid-tie+energy storage systems with this short video.
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Articles
Unbound Solar referral program
Know someone who's interested in going solar? Refer them to Unbound Solar and receive up to $199 for each person that buys from us!
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Videos
Video: Solar panel mounting options
In this video, product manager Josh explains the pros and cons of different mounting options, including roof mounts, ground mounts, and pole mounts.
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Articles
Unbound Solar installer program
Local installers partner with Unbound Solar to receive dealer discounts and expert support from our in-house tech team. Read about the benefits of becoming a Unbound Solar partnered installer.
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Videos
Video: Best grid-tied solar inverters
Senior design technician Cheyenne gives an overview of the best grid-tied inverters on the market, weighing the pros and cons of inverters manufactured by SolarEdge, SMA, Enphase and Magnum Energy.
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Articles
What are bifacial solar panels?
Bifacial solar panels absorb light on both sides, giving them a modest efficiency boost over traditional panels.
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Videos
Video: Sizing grid-tied solar systems
Product Manager Josh gives an overview of how to properly size your grid-tie solar system based on your personal energy usage.
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Articles
How to save money by hiring a local solar installer
Customers who source their own solar equipment and hire a local installer save an estimated 20% on their project. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process.
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Articles
Customer showcase gallery
Looking for inspiration for your solar project? Browse photo galleries and interviews from real customers who went solar on their own terms. If they did it, so can you!
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Videos
Video: Designing a wind & solar hybrid system
Produced in collaboration with Primus Windpower, this 1-hour webinar goes over the principles of designing a hybrid wind+solar energy system.
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Videos
Video: How long do solar panel systems last?
Most solar panels are warrantied for 25 years, but other components typically have shorter warranties. Learn how long you can expect your system to last, and when you should plan for part replacements.
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Articles
What is a micro-inverter?
Micro-inverters control the output of a single solar panel. The one-to-one nature of micro-inverters optimizes your array's production and isolates equipment failure. Learn more about their pros and cons.
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Articles
The most frequently asked questions about solar
Read our answers to the most common questions that newcomers have about the process of going solar.
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Articles
Are solar panels worth it?
Wondering how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself? This guide helps you calculate your energy savings to decide whether solar is worth it for you.
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Articles
What is voltage drop?
"Voltage drop" refers to the slight loss of efficiency that occurs as electrical current travels through a wire. Learn how to design your system to minimize the impact of voltage drop.
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Videos
Video: What are solar trackers?
In this video, our Product Manager Courtney explains how solar trackers work - and why we typically don't recommend them for residential solar owners.
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Download "Getting Started With Solar"
New to solar? Download our free guide to learn the basics and get started designing a system that’s right for you.
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