Solar News

Solar energy is becoming popular, and many people are now switching to it to save money and help the environment. But, as in any growing industry, there are some dishonest sellers lurking. They are known as fly-by-night solar sellers. This blog will explain who these bad actors are and how you can avoid them. What Are Fly-by-Night Solar Sellers? They are solar sellers who are dishonest or 'represent' fake solar companies. They try to take advantage of people's interest in solar energy to make quick money. Here are some things they might do: Offer prices that are much lower ...

The Top 3 Solar Power Questions Homeowners Want Answered Our team at Castaways Energy frequently fields questions from homeowners interested in adopting solar power. From straightforward inquiries like “What is solar energy?” to more complex ones such as “How efficient are solar panels?” we've compiled a list of the most common questions from those considering solar to lower their energy costs and carbon footprint. “Is solar energy free?” Unfortunately, some misleading advertisements suggest that solar power is free. This is not the case. However, numerous federal and local tax incentives can make solar more affordable. Homeowners who install a ...

Maybe, but don’t wait. An analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests home solar costs 2–12% more in early 2022 than in 2021. Extreme market conditions pushed up the price of modules, inverters, labor, and permits. The good news? Solar costs are very likely to decrease in 2023, making rooftop renewables affordable for more homeowners. In November 2022, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published its analysis of the cost of solar and energy storage (battery) system installations for the first quarter of 2022. The data shows higher solar prices compared to expectations. In fact, analysts noted that “extreme market ...

At first glance, it seems straightforward: you install solar panels on your home, and your utility bill decreases. Typically, that's true. However, there can be circumstances where your bill may not drop as much as you expected or, in rare instances, may even increase despite utilizing solar power. Why might this happen? You're using more energy than before. Perhaps you're spending more time working from home, or you've installed a new pool. Even subtle lifestyle changes can substantially impact electricity consumption. Seasonal variations also come into play. For instance, during warmer months, you might use your air conditioning more frequently. ...

Orlando, FL, September 6, 2023: GivePower, an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean water and clean power in developing regions around the world, has partnered with Castaways Energy. With each solar system installed, Castaways Energy gives the gift of power and clean water to communities in need. Their contributions as of June 2023 alone will give 275 people the gift of access to clean water for the next 20 years. GivePower’s Solar Water Farms utilize solar energy to desalinate either sea or brackish water sources. In addition to removing salt, viruses, and bacteria, the systems also eliminate other ...

In 2022, the U.S. passed the largest climate and energy investment bill, known as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This law is designed to help 100 million homes save money on solar power and make homes more energy efficient. A significant solar manufacturer conducted a survey to learn how Americans are reacting to this bill and their interest in clean energy. The survey revealed that many people have become more conscious of their energy consumption due to rising electricity costs. People are increasingly interested in government support for adopting renewable energy, particularly solar energy. In fact, 61% of those ...

One of the first questions homeowners ask when going solar is, “How many solar panels do I need to power my home?” The goal for any solar project should be 100% electricity offset and maximum savings—not necessarily to cram as many panels on a roof as possible. So, the number of panels you need to power a house varies based on three main factors: Electricity Consumption Sun exposure Solar panel power rating Here, we’ll show you how to manually calculate how many panels you’ll need to power your home. Once you have an estimate for the number of panels, you’re ...

Our 21st-century lives are full of household and business devices and appliances that need cleaning and maintenance. Frankly, we’ve got our hands full, and no one is excited about adding yet another system that needs care and attention. The good news is that a solar array requires minimal maintenance, making it a relatively hands-off investment. However, there are times when a solar system may require maintenance. The good news is that many common solar maintenance issues should be covered by an installer’s workmanship warranty or a manufacturer’s equipment warranty. So, if things go wrong, you likely won’t be on the hook. ...

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal solar incentive that has helped make solar energy more affordable for homeowners and businesses across the United States. The ITC is also known as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (SITC) or the Solar Tax Credit. We will explore the details of the ITC, how it works, and how you can take advantage of this solar incentive. What is the Investment Tax Credit? The Investment Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that allows homeowners and businesses to deduct a portion of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal ...