If you’ve been putting off going solar and were counting on that 30% federal tax credit to help pay for it, there’s news you need to know. That credit is gone. Not phased down, not reduced. Chopped, gone, as of January 1, 2026. Here’s what changed, why it happened, and what’s actually still available to …
Here we are, half way through 2026. Solar backup systems are more than just keeping the lights on during a power outage. They have become part of a big shift towards sustainable energy solutions. We as homeowners want more Earth-friendly and reliable ways to power our lives. Solar backup systems are a big step towards …
These 9BB, 12BB, MBB etc figures are the number of BusBars (BB) across the surface of a solar cell. These are the thin silver colored lines you see on the dark colored cells of a solar panel. They gather the electricity output from the cell surface and bring it to a place where it can …
Looking for a modern combination N-type and bifacial solar panel in the 200-watt range? Let’s look at two models in the 200 watt ballpark that combine N-type and bifacial technologies as one unit. The Renogy 200W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel and the EcoWorthy 195W N-Type 18BB Bifacial Solar Panel. Both use modern N-type cell technology …
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) solar charge controllers are a highly optimized type of solar battery bank charger. We want the most of every bit of sunlight hitting our panels, especially in areas where sunlight can be unpredictable or limited. MPPT technology helps turn the varying amounts of sunlight power from panels into steady usable …
Making sure solar panels and wiring connect safely is a vital step in any solar power system. The DC connectors used to connect solar panels together, and to your system, are extremely important. These play a big part in long term reliability, performance and ease of maintenance/upgrading. As solar electric technology has evolved, so have …
An old technology in semiconductors offers a new improvement in solar panel technology. If you’re considering solar panels for your home or business, you might have come across the terms “N-type” and “P-type” panels. These refer to the kind of semiconductor material used inside the cells, and they play a big role in how panels …
Shading is a real challenge for anyone using solar panels. Even a small amount of shade from a tree, a chimney, or a cloud can noticeably drop the amount of energy a solar system produces. I’ve found that anti-shading solar panels, sometimes called shade-tolerant panels, offer a practical solution by reducing the energy loss caused …
Solar panels combined with a battery storage system can provide reliable backup power during an outage. Looking for a straightforward way to keep your lights on during an outage? Want to reduce your dependence on utility electricity? Solar backup systems are a great choice. Even with limited space or a modest budget, you can still …
Solar storage options for homes have really evolved over the past few years. From living fully off-grid with solar panels to just cutting back on electric bills, we have options today that were unthinkable a decade ago. Here I’ll walk you through the basics, recent advancements, and things to keep in mind when deciding if …