Solar homeowners may be tempted to take net energy metering (NEM) for granted. If your grid-connected solar system came into operation receiving full 1:1 credit, then you’ve gotten used to an equivalent price between every bit of your solar energy send out through your meter to the grid and the grid energy you take. It may seem like that arrangement will never change, but not so fast. But from California to West Virginia, battles are playing out in many states to determine the appropriate rate for net meter crediting going forward. What does this messy, contentious topic tell us about what’s ..read more

The communities we live and work in define us, and the choices we make affect the people around us. While every person can support their community on an individual level, businesses can also have a powerful effect as a collective. Now more than ever, businesses are uniting their green energy goals and their ethical impact to drive positive community growth. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by becoming a B Corporation. This esteemed label is difficult to earn and is indicative of a company that puts community first to foster a better world for all. The mission of B Corp (Benefit Co ..read more

You’re thinking about going solar. Home solar system cost is probably the first thing on your mind. Across the country, some solar systems cost a little more or a lot more to install than others, but the price ranges don’t mean much out of context, so let’s break down every part of the cost. After all, a thorough understanding of where solar costs come from, your funding options, and exactly how homeowners see those dollars come back to them over time, will basically guarantee you will have a positive experience going solar!   Ipsun Solar Installation in Rockville, MD   Price per Wa ..read more

Technological innovations continue to drive efficiency in solar panels, resulting in more energy being produced at a lower cost for the system compared to a decade ago. However, other factors also impact how efficient a solar array can be, including where it is placed on a property, the angle of the sunlight it receives, and even what time of year or day it is. Many people assume that summer is the best time to take advantage of solar panels, because the continuous sunlight for the extended hours of the day produces energy consistently. In reality, solar winter is also a valuable time in ..read more

A Brief History of the Solar Industry in the DMV  Across the globe the solar industry has continued to evolve at a rapid pace. Over the last four years, solar energy has consistently taken the lead in adding generating capacity. In fact, an astonishing 48% of all new electric capacity integrated into the grid in 2023 can be attributed to solar energy. This is even more remarkable compared to 2010 when that figure was less than 5%. The technology powering the panels themselves have driven the cost per watt down by almost half in the same amount of time. Panels are smaller, lighter, and ..read more

Solar panels are praised for their ability to convert sunlight into electricity—but what happens when the sun goes down for the night? Understanding how solar panels function over their entire 24-hour cycle is critical when planning for their use on your property. Thankfully, with technological advances in the solar industry revolutionizing the way that arrays can power a structure, more options than ever are available to ensure your energy needs are met no matter the time of day. Uncover the science and technology behind solar panels and find out if they can generate electricity during the ..read more

When people envision solar panels, most tend to think about how those panels will function on a bright, sunny day in the middle of summer. However, winter weather can impact solar panels and the amount of energy they produce—though not in the way you may think. If you are preparing for winter for your solar array, or if you need more information on what winter looks like for solar panels before you make your decision, know that winter does not equal a dramatic drop in performance. Discover essential insights and practical tips regarding the interaction between snowfall and solar panels, ensu ..read more

Installing solar panels can provide a host of benefits boosting reliance on renewable energy, lowering utility costs, and even improving the value of a home. However, one advantage that is often overlooked is the ability to earn solar tax credit from the federal government for operating solar panels. This program was originally slated to be removed at the end of 2021. Now, however, the tax credit has been extended through 2032, so homeowners and businesses that are preparing for installation this year can still benefit. Here’s what you need to know about how a solar tax credit works, includi ..read more

Businesses in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland utilize significant amounts of energy as part of their everyday processes. For many, turning to green energy is more appealing than ever—not only to reduce the environmental impact of their carbon emissions but also to decrease costs by producing their own energy rather than consuming it from the grid. However, the jump to commercial solar may leave businesses wondering about their options. Is the benefit worth the expense? The good news is that for many businesses, due to state and federal commercial solar incentives, the answer is “yes ..read more

Many residents of Northern Virginia are noticing an increase in solar panel usage throughout their community in recent years. Now more than ever, homes and businesses are investing in solar panels as the technology continues to develop and prices drop. A solar array can offer a wide range of advantages, from reducing or eliminating your monthly utility bill to removing your dependence on the grid and providing power during outages. For these reasons and more, solar panel installations in Fairfax, VA have been up by popular demand. However, it’s not just the advantages for their wallets over ..read more