Solar Industry News

Embarking on the solar journey is an exhilarating step towards sustainability and energy independence. But why trek alone when you can bring friends and family along for the ride? Convincing loved ones to embrace solar energy can be a game-changer for them and the planet. Here’s how to light the ...

Venturing into the world of solar energy is exciting, and full of the promise of clean, cost-effective power. But, like any great adventure, it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to choosing the right solar company. Let's liven up the quest with some essential tips ...

Solar energy is a remarkable solution for individuals looking to save on electricity bills while contributing to a cleaner environment. However, like any rapidly growing industry, the solar sector is not immune to misleading advertising. Some of the common misleading claims you might have come across are ads offering ...

Making the switch to photovoltaic (PV) solar power is a big change—an investment both financially and for the future. More people are doing it because they recognize solar power’s unique ability to save money in the long term and lessen their household’s impact on the environment. Do you know ...

The dawn of solar energy is here, painting a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable picture for our world. The year 2023 is witnessing an array of exciting trends in the solar industry, making solar technology more accessible and appealing to various segments of society. Here’s a roundup of the ...

The solar revolution doesn't stop at harnessing sunlight; it extends to storing this power for later use. With solar battery storage, you're not just generating clean energy; you're managing it smartly to maximize your savings. Here’s how solar battery storage can be a game-changer for your financial and environmental footprint: ...

A concern for many homeowners and environmentally conscious citizens is the daunting task of recycling solar panels as they come to the end of their usable life. The solar industry is working on what could have become an undeniable problem, working on solutions that keep solar panels out of ...

At a time when homeowners are increasingly drawn to the allure of affordable and dependable renewable energy solutions, the prospect of generating one's own power has never been more appealing. The realm of alternative clean energy holds a wealth of advantages for those wanting to reduce utility costs, secure ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Have you been thinking about making the switch to solar energy but are worried about having to completely replace your current energy system? Well, we've got some good news for you! It is possible to add solar panels to your existing system. Making the switch to solar energy can ...

There is no doubt that the residential solar market continues to grow rapidly. With the increased risks of blackouts due to severe weather and high demand, more homeowners are trying to take control of their own power production. But for many, the most pressing question is how much it costs ...

Of course, like most businesses throughout the nation (and the world), COVID-19 affected the solar industry. As we came out of the pandemic, the solar industry seemed to be coming back strong and very healthy. And it is still growing throughout the country. However, there are challenges facing solar companies ...

Going solar offers homeowners many great benefits. One of the best—for those who can take advantage of it—is net metering (also called net energy metering). With net metering, homeowners get credited for the extra energy their solar system produces that is sent back to the electric grid. Usually, you are ...

While generating power from the sun is without cost, the technology behind this process is not. The reality is solar panels are an investment, much like a home, that has an upfront cost but pays off in the long term. The installation can be compared to a small construction project, ...

A solar monitoring system can keep you apprised of your PV system’s performance. It offers information about energy consumption and generation, optimizing energy usage, and whether there is damage to your solar system, among other topics. It’s important to monitor your solar setup in some way; without monitoring, it can ...

We now live in a day and age where climate change has affected all of us in some way. Whether experiencing the impact of wildfires on the West Coast, torrential hurricanes to the East, or enduring wild winter weather in the South, it’s safe to say that no one can ...

Clean energy has been breaking records for the past few years, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. According to market insights provided by the Solar Energy Industries Association in partnership with Wood Mackenzie, solar PV accounted for 43% of all new electricity-generating capacity additions through Q3 2020. Similarly, ...

Most solar panels come with a 25- to 30-year warranty, but they may realistically last 25 to 40 years or more. Panels will, however, slowly begin to degrade over time, meaning they may produce less energy. Solar panel degradation rates are constantly improving. Currently, the standards are between 0.1 ...

SunPower® Equinox™ is the only all-in-one, complete home solar system. With a conventional solar system, it's hard to know what you're getting. And while the installer may tout that variety as a strength, it's more like a warning sign. Inconsistent product strategy and standards are no guarantee that you'll be ...

Renewable energy sources are, by definition, constantly replenished. Fossil fuels like coal or gasoline burn up and are gone, but the sun keeps shining and the wind keeps blowing, no matter how many homes use them to make electricity. The main types of renewable energy sources include solar, wind, geothermal, ...

Now, in the thick of summer, the nation’s first major heatwave has brought sweltering heat and back-to-back days with record highs. Homeowners from California to New York are cranking up the AC to achieve relief. Unfortunately, turning down the thermostat also results in an increase in your utility bill. And ...

Our Maxeon® solar cell is fundamentally different. And dramatically better. With its unique copper foundation, our solar panel cell technology offers unmatched reliability and allows us to build panels with a world record for the highest efficiency. Talk about illuminating. Performance Beyond Compare It’s easy to see why conventional panels ...

Most of us think of solar energy as rows of solar panels sitting in a field, collecting energy. Some of us know about (or may even have) solar panels on a portion of our roofs, keeping our energy costs down. But here are some examples of where the solar industry ...

CLEAN ENERGY NEVER LOOKED BETTER Things are heating up this summer at a time when our nation's concern regarding climate change, carbon emissions, and fossil fuels has never been more prevalent. When you switch to solar, you reduce your impact on the planet while simultaneously saving on your electricity bill. ...

Summer is here! That means longer days, blooming flowers, family vacations, etc. And, yes, the dreaded moment when your utility bill arrives. Let’s be honest: The air conditioner is one of man’s greatest inventions, so why not enjoy it? When you go solar, you can afford to beat the heat ...

Five reasons to consider going solar now. This post originally appeared on the SunPower Resources Blog.

Anyone in the market for a new home can tell you that the search process is both exciting and nerve-racking. Between location, school district, lot size, HOA fees, and property taxes, there’s a lot to consider. But what if that unicorn of a home finally pops up in your ...

Stepping into the world of renewable energy is like unlocking a superpower for your home. It’s a game-changer, a planet-saver, and, believe it or not, a wallet-friendly move. If you’ve been contemplating the leap into the renewable energy realm, here’s the nudge you’ve been waiting for. Let’s dive into ...