Category: Solar Systems

Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News! Although the majority of topics we cover on CleanTechnica are decidedly high-tech, and mostly not in the do-it-yourself realm, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a place for the application of both low tech climate solutions and DIY clean tech projects here. Over the years, we have published some articles that fall under the domain of DIY stuff, but not nearly as many as we really ought to, in my opinion. While some people…

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It costs an average of $20,000 to install a typical solar panel system in the U.S. This works out to about $3.00 per watt of solar installed. If the solar panels are paid for using a solar loan, the price may be over $4.00 per watt.  The upfront cost of solar can be surprising at first, but the electricity bill savings are substantial! Solar panels in most states pay for themselves in 12 years, sometimes less. Then, you get free electricity for over a decade!  The total price of installing…

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If you’re looking to install solar panels on your home, you’ll find a wide range of information. This can make it difficult to figure out whether or not solar panels are the right fit for you.  Solar has great benefits, but it’s not for everyone. To help you out, we’ve put together a conclusive list that weighs the pros and cons of solar. Check them out below. Check whether a solar installation would be worth it for you with our calculator On this page Solar energy pros and cons Looking…

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Cost and Financing Your electricity bill is based on how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity you use. Most homes use between 800 kWh and 1,500 kWh each month depending on weather, home size, energy efficiency and how many electric appliances are used. The price of solar electricity is typically expressed in terms of dollars per watt of installed power. Typical pricing for residential systems is in the range of $2.50 to $4.00 per watt, depending on the size and market economics. A 5 kilowatt (5 kW) solar system will produce…

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What is the best overall solar inverter? We examined the specifications of several of the most common and widely available solar inverters on the market. The SolarEdge Home Wave Inverter was our top pick. It was the most efficient inverter we looked at, meaning you’ll get to use more of the energy your solar panels generate. SolarEdge also scored well for strong warranties and for an app that received high marks from users. What are solar inverters? Without a solar inverter, you wouldn’t be able to use solar panels to…

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See at LG LGES 16H Prime Best affordable battery What is the best solar battery overall? The Tesla Powerwall 2 is CNET’s pick for the best solar battery overall. The Powerwall earned an average score in nearly every category, making it the most well-rounded solar battery we’ve scored; this makes it more likely to be a solid option for more homes. It’s also one of only two batteries we’ve seen that includes an unlimited-cycle warranty. It’s important to remember that batteries aren’t a one-size-fits-all product. Even though the Tesla Powerwall…

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We live in an exciting time with respect to electrical power, one in which it has never been easier to break free from mains electricity, and low-frequency AC power in general. A confluence of lower-power appliances and devices using low-voltage external switch-mode supplies, readily available solar panels and electronic modules, and inexpensive high-capacity batteries, means that being your own power provider can be as simple as making an online order. But which parts should you choose? Low Tech Magazine has the answer, in the form of a guide to building…

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In the not-so-distant past, powering a home with solar panels seemed outlandish. The technology was so new that it wasn’t realistic, let alone cost-effective. But now, that reality has changed.  The price of solar panels has fallen dramatically since 2010. They’re coming to neighborhoods near you, and they might be more affordable than you think. That’s good news for the environment, for your wallet and for the power grid.  “The big vision 10 years down the road is that there’ll be solar panels on house after house after house,” said…

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If you are looking to save money on a solar installation in New Jersey, you can take advantage of the following incentives. Claim Federal and State Incentives The federal and state solar incentives available in New Jersey can help homeowners significantly lower their system’s price tag. For instance, considering the above-mentioned average price of $19,175, homeowners can save about $5,752 by claiming the federal solar tax credit. Other incentives, such as the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program, can offer a rebate of $85 for every $1,000 kWh of energy generated.…

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