What Is A Solar Panel? A Guide For Homeowners & Businesses
Solar energy systems grow in popularity every year in the U.S. The country’s current solar capacity is about 210 gigawatts, which is enough energy to power 36 million homes. Solar’s popularity grows each year, but even with a growing demand, the cost of solar is declining. In the last decade, the cost of installing solar […]
Generator vs. Battery Backup: Power Through Any Outage – Which One’s Right for You?
When it comes to protecting your home from power outages choosing the right backup power solution is essential. The world of home power backup presents a range of decisions, each with its own significance. Selecting the wrong system could mean living with suboptimal results during critical moments. But how do you make the right choice? […]
Apples to Apples: How to Accurately Compare Solar Quotes Using kW and kWh
It can really be confusing when you have multiple quotes for a home solar project because quite often different metrics and terminology can be used at different solar companies. The two most common terms you’ll encounter are kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt-hours (kWh). The two terms sound similar and often solar company reps use the terms […]
Let’s Go Solar in the PNW, Debunking the Myth!
There is a ubiquitous misconception regarding solar energy in the Pacific Northwest – it is not effective because of our reputation for cloudy weather…this could not be further from the truth. When we examine the actual data, we find the myth unravels. This map shows the estimated monthly peak sun hours across the United States […]
Comprehensive Energy Systems: What You Need to Know Before Installing Solar, Battery, and Generator Backups
As the momentum for clean energy continues to build, an increasing number of homeowners are exploring the installation of comprehensive energy systems that combine solar panels, battery storage, and generator backups. While the benefits of such systems are undeniable, the complexity involved in designing and implementing them can be overwhelming, especially for properties with multiple […]
Brace for Impact: Massive Utility Rate Hikes Looming for Puget Sound Residents
Significant changes are looming on the horizon for Puget Sound residents as utility rates are set to escalate. Both Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Seattle City Light (SCL) have announced substantial rate hikes starting in 2024, adding to the financial burdens already felt by households and businesses. Specifically, PSE’s electricity rates will increase by 1.7% […]
Financing Home Solar: What Consumers Should Know to Avoid Predatory Practices
If you’re considering financing a home solar array, it’s essential to determine whether to go with a solar company offering financing or to explore options through your local financial institution. Knowing the right questions to ask and the steps to take can help you avoid predatory financing and excessive interest rates. This blog post will […]
Harnessing the Power of Bifacial Solar Panels in the Pacific Northwest
In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, bifacial solar panels are emerging as a game-changing technology, particularly suited for regions with unique climate conditions like Seattle and the entire Western Washington. These innovative panels offer significant economic benefits, leveraging the Pacific Northwest’s diffuse light to maximize energy production. Energy Sage’s Guide on Bifacial Solar Panels […]
A PNW Guide to Understanding Loads in Batteries and Best Practices in Selecting a Battery Size
Understanding how loads work in batteries, deciding which loads should be powered during an outage, and determining the optimal battery size are essential for maximizing the benefits of a solar + battery system. In this blog, we provide information to get you on track to make the best-informed decisions when considering a battery backup clean […]
The Difference between Battery Arbitrage and Time-of-Use (TOU) and What it Means for the Pacific Northwest
Battery arbitrage and time-of-use (TOU) strategies both utilize battery storage to manage energy consumption and costs, but they serve different purposes and operate within different frameworks. In the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and the Puget Sound area, TOU rates are set by utility companies, where electricity costs vary depending on the time of day. Typically, rates […]