Solar Planning & Education Blog
Factual, Clear, and Actionable Solar Education
Our editorial team compiles articles to help property owners understand the engineering, financial, and regulatory aspects of solar installations.
What Does a Solar Energy Consultant Do?
Learn about the difference between independent solar consulting and installer sales pitches. We outline what information is analyzed and how consultants support feasibility and proposal reviews.
Ten Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Solar Proposal
Arm yourself with critical questions for sales representatives regarding contractor insurance, workmanship guarantees, and solar panel degradation metrics.
How to Compare Two Solar Proposals
A detailed look at matching equipment specifications, comparing microinverters to string systems, and finding hidden fees inside payment terms.
What Factors Affect Solar Panel Production?
From temperature coefficients to tree shading, learn why solar panels do not always operate at their peak nameplate rating and how to estimate production variables realistically.
Is Battery Storage Worth Considering?
Understand the impact of California's NEM 3.0 Net Billing tariff and how adding home battery storage allows you to store power and offset peak rates.
Residential Solar Planning Checklist
A complete homeowner's checklist covering utility bill collation, electrical panel capacity verifications, roof age, and installer licensing reviews.
Common Solar Proposal Terms Explained
We demystify common acronyms used in proposals, including kW, kWh, DC rating, AC output, degradation rate, and time-of-use (TOU) schedules.
Solar Ownership, Loans, Leases, and PPAs Explained
An objective comparison of cash purchases, solar loans, system leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) regarding tax credit ownership and long-term costs.
Preparing Your Property for a Solar Assessment
How to compile roof measurements, identify electrical main panels, check attic access, and gather the physical documents a site engineer will need.
Commercial Solar Planning Considerations
A guide for businesses outlining peak demand charges, utility commercial tariffs, warehouse flat roof ballasted mounts, and solar canopies.
Why Estimated Solar Savings Can Change
Explore how utility company rate increases, export credit adjustments, weather patterns, and home power usage variables affect actual bill savings.
Mistakes to Avoid Before Signing a Solar Agreement
Learn about common pitfalls, including sizing system capacities without accounting for future loads, ignoring roof ages, and signing quotes without attorney review.