EnergySage, an online marketplace for consumers to shop for home solar systems and clean energy upgrades, unveiled the findings of its eighth annual Contractor Survey this week. For the first time, the survey has broadened its scope to encompass professionals operating in solar-adjacent fields, such as whole-home electrification, energy storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charger installations. The 2024 Electrification Contractor Survey provides numerous insights for solar energy and EV charging station installers on how to boost solar sales and overcome challenges.  At GreenLanc ..read more

As the world continues to warm, the renewable energy sector offers hope that we can reverse the trend and, at the very least, stabilize the climate. However, we can’t deny that there is a long and difficult road ahead. But there is progress, and one area where this is manifesting itself is in the manufacturing and data trends revolutionizing the renewable energy sector. The environmental benefits of renewable energy are well documented and understood. But just how can renewable energy manufacturing trends transform the sector? This article examines this question in depth. Read ..read more

Across the United States, there are approximately 370,000 homeowners associations (HOAs) regulating 40 million homes. Because they are so widespread, many potential solar energy customers likely live in areas with HOAs. But can an HOA restrict solar panels? Sometimes, solar shoppers are excited to install PV panels only to have them blocked by an HOA. Unfortunately, they have been known to prevent many households from installing PV modules, hurting the solar industry. Often, they want neighborhoods to have uniform appearances, and solar panels do not fit that mold. Understanding the rights ..read more

From hail storms to flooding, extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across the globe. Therefore, solar companies must take certain precautions to protect PV equipment and ensure solar panel durability in extreme weather. “We have a choice to build solar systems that can provide reliable electricity even when we have extreme weather damaging the grid,” said Dirk Jordan, senior reliability engineer for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). “Certifications, including education and utilizing the best practices for regional extreme weather, will pay for themselves ..read more

In the face of climate change and rising energy costs, more and more people are turning to renewable energy sources like solar power to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on utility bills. However, for renters, the idea of installing solar panels on a property they don't own may seem daunting or even impossible. But fear not! Integrating solar energy into a rental apartment is indeed feasible and can benefit both tenants and landlords alike. In this article, we explore some of the main benefits of solar power and offer some tips on how renters can integrate solar solutions in ..read more

In an era where energy independence is increasingly valued, DIY battery banks have emerged as a viable solution for individuals seeking autonomy over their power supply. These self-assembled systems allow users to store energy generated from renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines, providing a reliable backup during outages or a sustainable off-grid power solution. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of building your own DIY battery bank, from understanding the fundamentals to troubleshooting common issues. Understanding Battery Banks Battery banks serve as the h ..read more

Solar technology has been rapidly advancing, with one major breakthrough being the widespread use of bifacial solar panels. These innovative photovoltaic (PV) panels have the capability to harness solar power from both the front and rear sides, allowing for increased energy production per unit area. Research has shown that bifacial solar panels can significantly boost energy production in certain environments compared to traditional one-sided panels. The ability of bifacial panels to generate energy from both sides presents a promising development in optimizing solar panel efficiency and ov ..read more

Last year was a record-shattering year for solar energy industry growth, with 32.4 gigawatts of new electricity-generating capacity in 2023. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar power accounted for 53% of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the US grid in 2023, making it a significant contributor to the country's energy mix. The residential segment also saw substantial growth. In Q2 2023, the US solar market installed 5.6 GW of capacity, a 20% increase from Q2 2022 and a promising sign for the industry's continued growth. But what is the solar energy landsc ..read more

If solar energy use is to increase dramatically, many rooftops and plots of land need to be covered in photovoltaic (PV) modules. Roofs are often excellent for solar panels, but not all are well-suited for them, and vacant land is often scarce and expensive in urban and suburban areas. Another idea is to use the vast area of the Earth covered in water to generate solar power. Thus, a newer alternative, floating panel systems or floatovoltaics, is gaining popularity for certain applications. But are floating solar panels the new frontier of clean energy or too expensive and impractical? Let’s ..read more

With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), many condominium or HOA residents face the challenge of finding convenient and accessible charging options. While having a garage or personal parking space with an existing electrical outlet makes the process easier, charging an electric car in a condo without dedicated infrastructure requires some planning and knowledge. Read on to learn how to charge an electric car in a condo or community with an HOA. How to Install an EV Charger in a Condo Installing an EV charger in a condo involves several steps: Check Condo Rules: Review ..read more