If you’re contemplating solar power and curious about the number of solar panels required for your home or business, you’re in good company. This is a common question among homeowners and business owners as they research the benefits of solar energy. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the key factors that determine the optimal number of solar panels for your home or business. From the size of your building to your daily energy consumption, as well as regional sunlight exposure and other important considerations, we will delve into all the essential details. How Much Solar Energy Do You N ..read more

Are you a business owner in North or South Carolina? Are you looking for innovative ways to reduce your energy costs, maximize efficiency, and become more sustainable? Then solar energy can be the answer. Solar power is becoming increasingly popular across the United States as businesses move away from relying solely on expensive traditional sources of electricity. Investing in solar technology has tremendous potential for savings, economic benefits, and environmental gains — all while making it easier than ever to run a successful business. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why now is the ..read more

If you are considering installing solar panels for your home or business, it is essential to choose a quality installer. A good solar installer will not only ensure that your solar system is correctly installed, but they will also provide you with valuable guidance and support throughout the process. Here are ten things to look for when choosing a solar installer. 1) Specialty When choosing a solar installer, you should look for a company that specializes in solar energy installations. Specialization is key, as it means the company has in-depth knowledge and experience in the industry and can ..read more

Solar power is an increasingly popular choice among homeowners and business owners, offering an eco-conscious and cost-effective supplement to conventional electricity generation. Before you invest in solar energy, there are a few important things you need to consider. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the key factors you should keep in mind when going solar to make an informed decision. Your Current Energy Usage First,  take a close look at your current energy usage. How much electricity do you use on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis? Understanding your current energy con ..read more

Are you up to date on the latest changes in the Duke Energy net metering program? If not, now is the time to pay attention and get informed! Starting October 2023, net metering is changing and will look a little different for solar clients in North Carolina. While now is still an excellent time to go solar, the addition of batteries will protect against grid outages and utility rate changes. In this blog post, we take a look at some of the key takeaways from the changes Duke Energy is making that will impact solar in North Carolina.  North Carolina Solar Net Metering What is Net Metering ..read more

The Inflation Reduction Act is the most aggressive climate action in United States history. The Inflation Reduction Act provides a number of incentives for homeowners and businesses who install solar panels and standalone battery storage, including tax credits covering up to 30% of the installation costs. The Solar Futures Study finds that with aggressive cost reductions, supportive policies, and large-scale electrification, solar could account for as much as 40% of the nation’s electricity supply by 2035 and 45% by 2050. In 2023, solar power installations are projected to expand rapidly due t ..read more

For businesses and homeowners that have made the switch to solar energy, there may come a time when you want to upgrade your system. Maybe you’ve outgrown your current system or maybe you’re just looking for ways to make your home or business more sustainable. Whatever the reason, there are many different upgrades available for solar energy systems. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular upgrades and discuss how they can benefit you. Common Upgrades Available for Solar Energy Systems The solar industry has seen immense growth in the past decade. As the technology has becom ..read more

Diversifying your business’ sources of energy can have significant impacts, directly reducing power expenses and protecting your company from ever-fluctuating costs. An increasing number of businesses, farms, non-profits, congregations, and schools are switching to solar energy. The initial cost of installing solar panels can be daunting. However, businesses that decide to go solar experience fast returns on their investments through significant reductions in electric bills due to using less electricity from the power grid. In addition, federal tax credits and NC state tax incentives for busin ..read more

There has never been a better time to go solar! If you haven’t been following the news on the latest Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), then Renewable Energy Design Group (RED Group) has all the latest details for you.  We dive into the updates and topics in the blog below. Also, be sure to also check out this past blog post on tax credits and incentives as well for some original information on IRA and ITC we posted in August when the act was set to pass. Latest Updates on the IRA and Solar ITC Previously, the ITC, which is currently a 26%tax credit f ..read more

Are batteries included? Do I need batteries if I have solar panels? These are common questions we get when speaking with North Carolinians interested in solar power. If Duke Energy is knocked out and you do not have batteries, your solar panels will not produce power. Solar with battery backup allows users to keep the power on even during outages.  Here we dive into power outages, how battery backups work on solar panel systems, the benefits of battery backups with solar panel systems, and why many clients choose to have a battery backup in addition to their standard grid-tied solar insta ..read more