What is the difference between a kW and a kWh?
When you start researching solar panels for your home or business you start seeing kW and kWh everywhere, but what do they mean?!?! The Kilowatt (kW) Power is measured in watts, and kilo means a thousand. So a kilowatt is 1000 watts. For example, let’s say you have a 60 watt incandescent lightbulb, it […]
How fast do solar panels degrade?
Like all electrical devices, solar panels degrade over time. Climate, use, and maintenance alter their life expectancy. Remarkably, solar panels degrade slowly and require little to no maintenance. Panels in extreme climates degrade faster than panels in moderate conditions. In very cold environments, panels subjected to snow and heavy winds degrade the most. Panels can […]
What are the Various Components Affecting an Individual Solar Project’s Cost?
“How much does solar cost?” It is a question we get all the time. The short answer is that it varies. Solar arrays are tailored to fit each individual project and depend on answers to questions like: Would you like a roof mounted system, or a ground mounted system? How many solar panels do you […]
Roof Mounted or Ground Mounted System? That is the question.
Have you been looking into solar and cannot decide whether you want a ground-mounted system or a roof-mounted system? Here’s what you should consider when choosing between array types. 1) Typically roof-mounted arrays are cheaper overall, but if there are many obstructions (dormers, vents, etc) or many roof faces, a ground-mount may be less. For large arrays […]
Is your roof ready for solar? Find out!
Have you ever looked at your roof and wondered, is it a good roof for solar? Turns out that is a common question. First thing to consider is whether or not it is in good enough shape for solar. We recommend that roofs are replaced if they are older than 15 years old. If it […]
What happens with my utility when I go solar?
post updated 8/4/2021 Your community’s utility has a big impact on how solar will look for your home or business. Because your solar PV system will likely be tied to the grid, it is important to know how your home’s electricity interacts with your utility. Being grid-tied means that you take energy from the […]
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. […]
Explore Solar Energy! 2016 Solar Tour
Over 130 homes and businesses all across Illinois are hosting Solar Tour Open Houses this weekend on Saturday, October 1st from 10 AM-3 PM. Solar tour hosts include homeowners, small businesses, farms, and schools who have gone solar. They are opening up their doors to the public to share their experiences of being solar-powered, and […]
July 2016: St. Peters Remove & Replace
One hot day this summer, after a round of roughly palm-sized hailstones rained down on his neighborhood, Jim B. of St. Peters, Missouri noticed that his roof had sustained some damage. Thankfully the solar panels were fine, protected by their tough upper layer of tempered glass. Jim received a 9,880 Watt system in 2014 at […]
2015 Illinois Solar Tour this October!
Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) will be hosting the 2015 Illinois Solar Tour on Saturday, October 3rd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. As part of a national event, the Illinois Solar Tour is a free public open house. Home and business owners with renewable energy installations all across the state open their homes to the public to share their passion, […]
