One popular solar mounting option is a pole mount, which elevates solar panels above the roof. But how many solar panels can you actually fit onto a pole mount? The number of solar panels that will fit on a pole mount depends on several factors, especially the size and wattage of the panels and the…
You may already know that solar panel systems require specialized equipment, including specific cables designed for solar applications. This can lead you to wonder – what is the difference between solar cables and normal electrical cables? Basically, solar cables are engineered to withstand the unique demands of a solar panel system, including extended UV and…
The upfront cost of purchasing and installing a solar panel system can be prohibitive for many homeowners. To make solar more accessible, two popular financing options have emerged – solar loans and solar leases. But what is the difference between these two options and which one is better for homeowners? A solar loan allows you…
Solar power has emerged as one of the most popular renewable energy sources worldwide. More homes and businesses are installing photovoltaic panels each year to generate clean electricity from sunlight. However, solar panels can only convert sunlight into energy efficiently when they are pointed in the optimal direction. Properly positioning solar panel orientation is key…
Installing solar panels in your home can be a confusing endeavor, especially when it comes to choosing between monocrystalline and polycrystalline technologies. Both have advantages and disadvantages that impact efficiency, heat tolerance, space requirements, aesthetics, and Lifetime value. Ultimately, the decision comes down to assessing your budget, climate, space availability, and long-term energy goals. The…
With electricity prices continuing to rise across many parts of the country, solar power with the right inverter technology is an extremely smart long-term investment. However, the inverters that convert the panels’ DC output into usable AC power come in two main types – microinverters and string inverters. Choosing the right option up front is…
Solar panels are susceptible to various kinds of damage, from routine wear and tear to catastrophic weather events. One of the most destructive weather occurrences that can severely impact solar panels is hailstorms. Luckily, robust protective measures like specially engineered glass, panel tilt orientation, raised panel mounting, and hail guards can mitigate most hail damage. …
Choosing the right solar panels for your home can be an overwhelming task. With so many options to pick from, it’s hard to know whether 60-cell or 72-cell panels are better suited for you. Making the wrong decision could lead to system underperformance and lost savings over your solar panel’s 25+ year lifetime. The core…
Solar charge controllers play a critical role in regulating power from solar panels to batteries in off-grid and grid-tied solar systems. Among the different types of controllers, PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) controllers are a popular cost-effective option. But how exactly do PWM solar charge controllers work and what are their key advantages and limitations? In this…
Air conditioners are very useful for cooling our homes and offices, but they consume a lot of electricity. An environmentally friendly alternative is powering air conditioners using solar panels. But how many solar panels are needed to run a typical 5000 BTU residential air conditioning unit? In short, if you are using 250-watt panels, you’d…