Learn > Solar Blog

StraightUp Solar Blog

Featured Article

Farmers See Financial Advantages to Going Solar

Farms going solar are a growing trend in Illinois. Knowledge of incentives and project financing is critical to helping farm owners maximize their savings.
How Solar Works
MISSOURI: How to Read Your Energy Bill with Solar

  Sometimes it’s a challenge to understand your solar production on your energy bill if you live in Missouri. Some …

Read More
ILLINOIS: How to Read Your Energy Bill with Solar

  Sometimes it’s a challenge to understand your solar production on your energy bill if you live in Illinois. Some …

Read More
VIDEO: How Does Solar Work for Your Home?

  Just like photosynthesis captures the power of the sun to grow plants, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system captures the …

Read More
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

Going solar is an exciting journey, and at times it can be a confusing one. Going solar with a knowledgeable, …

Read More
26% Federal Investment Tax Credit

Post updated July 11, 2021. What exactly is the Federal Investment Tax Credit? Watch StraightUp Solar’s own Professor Ky the …

Read More
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 …

Read More
What is a Solar Group Purchasing Program?

Going solar for your home has great benefits – from stimulating your local economy, to providing a cleaner environment to …

Read More
5 Steps to Make Your House a Solar Power Home

Updated 07.04.2021 So you’re ready to take the leap and make your house into a solar power home? Congratulations! Whether …

Read More
These Little Piggies Went Solar

Pork producers across Illinois are investing in solar technology. Why? Solar generation matches very well with hog production systems.  In …

Read More
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 …

Read More
Thinking about Batteries? 5 Things to Think About as You Get Started

 Decide What You Want Backed Up Home battery backup systems can keep the lights on and refrigerator running when the …

Read More
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. …

Read More
Backup Generator For Solar System Array

So you now that you have gone solar, what can you do to fully cut the cord and go off-grid? A backup generator may be the answer. Generators can run loads that are beyond your inverters capacity such as well pumps and certain heavy machinery. If you have a battery backup as well, the generator can charge your batteries or improve their performance through a process known as equalizing. We serve Columbia, St. Louis and Illinois.

Read More
Batteries – DC Coupling

Grid-Connected Solar Plus Batteries – DC Coupling February, 2014   DC Coupling is the standard method to combine a grid-tied …

Read More
Batteries + Solar – Secure Power Supply

The Utility is Down and the Sun is Up – You’ve Got Power (Without Batteries)! January, 2014   As previously …

Read More
Batteries + Solar – Options

Considering Solar and Batteries?  Welcome to Your Updated Options. January, 2014       The solar market continues to develop …

Read More