Ask The Solar Genius: Tips For New Builds
Luke from Madison County asked, “I’m planning a new build and considering putting solar on my roof. What do I need to know?” Thanks for your question Luke and happy to help. I’ve developed a list of best practices: Design large south (180 degrees) facing roof to optimize sunlight collection. […]
Why Are My Inverters And Solar PV Array Not The Same Size?
A common question in solar is “Why are you installing a 260 watt solar module on a 215 watt microinverter?” Or for central inverters, “Why is my system a 9,000 watt system on a 8,000 watt inverter?” Solar modules don’t produce their nameplate (DC) rating even with perfect sunlight that is perfectly oriented to the […]
Off-Grid + Solar
Off-Grid Solar Battery Systems March, 2014 Off-grid solar systems were the starting point for much of the solar industry years ago. Now, the majority of solar arrays are connected to the grid with a relatively small percentage of those providing battery backup. However, for certain, select customers, an off-grid system may […]
Batteries – DC Coupling
Grid-Connected Solar Plus Batteries – DC Coupling February, 2014 DC Coupling is the standard method to combine a grid-tied solar system with batteries to provide power to your house when the grid is down. In this approach, DC electricity is fed from solar panels to a charge controller and then to batteries. The batteries […]
Batteries + Solar – Secure Power Supply
The Utility is Down and the Sun is Up – You’ve Got Power (Without Batteries)! January, 2014 As previously discussed, there are now numerous options to have safe, secure power when the grid is down. In the past, this was essentially considered an “all-or-none” option – either you had the grid with no solar […]
Batteries + Solar – Options
Considering Solar and Batteries? Welcome to Your Updated Options. January, 2014 The solar market continues to develop at a wonderfully rapid pace. One of the primary reasons to consider solar has always been energy independence. For some, independence was freedom from power outages – or, even more so, complete independence from the electric grid itself. […]
Batteries + Solar – AC Coupling
Retrofit Your Existing Grid-Connected Solar System with Batteries – AC Coupling – February, 2014 AC Coupling provides a mechanism to utilize an existing grid-tied solar system and inverter (no batteries / no power when the grid is down) combined with an additional battery-based inverter to provide power to your house when the grid […]
Considering Solar and Batteries? Welcome to Your Updated Options.
The solar market continues to develop at a wonderfully rapid pace. One of the primary reasons to consider solar has always been energy independence. For some, independence was freedom from power outages – or, even more so, complete independence from the electric grid itself. For others, independence meant creating clean power for a fixed […]
StraightUp Featured in Solar Builder
StraightUp Solar has been featured in Solar Builder Magazine for our pioneering efforts. We were the first installer to offer AC modules. This technology uses built in micro-inverters to take the pain out of DC power conversion. StraightUp is always seeking new ways to innovate and simplify the solar process so that we can build better relationships […]
The newest in solar technology arrives: SunPower AC PV panels
In July, StraightUp Solar began installing the newest in solar technology: SunPower AC panels. The AC panels are a highly efficient, aesthetically-pleasing module backed by SunPower’s industry-leading 25-year warranty. StraightUp Solar is one of only a couple companies authorized to install SunPower products in the region. Already, many of our clients are choosing the AC modules for their […]
