Energy monitoring: Measure and save…
As “you can’t manage what you don’t measure”, energy monitoring devices have a range of capabilities. The principle is that the electricity consumption in your home can either be measured on a continuous basis, or exception basis, if it is outside an expected range. This data can be transmitted using wi-fi, Bluetooth, ethernet or cell […]
The rise and fall: Utility versus Solar prices…
It is a proven fact: Across the US, utility costs have risen 60% over the last 20 years, and solar costs have decreased 60% over the last 10 years. And here is why. The demand for electricity has grown steadily over the years and utility companies needed to spend significant money on new and existing […]
Sizing up a solar panel…
From the ground, it can be a bit difficult to judge the size of a solar panel up on a rooftop. Or to tell if all solar panels are the same size. Technology, design and suitability have all played a role in determining the size of solar panels. The two main types are residential and […]
Yes, Lightning can power your home…
It’s a compelling idea. Use lightning to power your home in the event of a multi-day grid failure. Now even though Ben Franklin’s lightning could get the job done, availability and safety are definitely two things we should be concerned about. Enter the other Lightning. The Ford Motor Company’s new F-150 electric pickup truck to […]
Solar vs Utility: What are the costs?
Utility power is more expensive than solar due to the added cost of fuel, transmission, labor, billing, customer service, continuous investment, maintenance, losses, taxes and profit. The assumption that economy of scale of a utility would result in lower costs for electricity does not hold true. Most of the power generated by public utility companies […]
Solar: If it feels good…do it!
As with all investment decisions, the property owner would be motivated to do so because it felt like the right thing to do. Contributing to this motivation would be a thorough understanding of the opportunity. All questions honestly and accurately answered. And the investment has to make sense, both in an economic sense and through […]
Solar: I’m feeling so inverted…
The magic of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is their ability to convert the sun’s energy, in the form of photons (rays), to electricity. The voltage and direct current (DC) produced by panels require conversion to the specific voltage and alternating current (AC) used in our homes, hence the need for inverters. The exception is off-grid […]
Solar: How do you put a premium on it?
Homeowners often ask if installing a solar electric system will increase their property insurance premiums. As these systems do increase the insured value of a property, ensure that the coverage limits of a policy are sufficient to cover this additional investment. Depending on current coverage limits, premiums may go up slightly or stay the same. […]
Solar: Powering your fuel freedom?
You’ve made the decision to drive an electric vehicle (EV). Likely reasons for doing so include environmental benefits, lower operating costs, and less maintenance required. To double up on these impacts, solar comes to mind for generating the required electricity to charge the EV batteries. A one-two punch of sorts. Hence the resulting question for […]
Solar: To grid or not to grid…
A solar electric system and the utility power grid are both tied into the property’s main electrical panel. The existing utility company meter will measure the amount of electricity taken from the grid and consumed at the property. Also, excess electricity produced by the solar system and not required by the property flows back onto […]
