Solar Power Blog » Solar Panels

Exploring PV Solar Production Beyond the Panel

  When you think of solar energy, what is the first thing that comes to mind?  Barring the sun itself, if you’re like most people, you will immediately think of photovoltaic (PV) panels when the idea of solar is introduced.  While there are certainly no incorrect answers here, you may be interested to know that there are many new and interesting ways to generate solar power both now and in the future.  For DIY installations and massive commercial projects alike, renewable energy production is taking many forms in the 2020s, so we’ve developed this guide to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest solar power innovations “beyond the panel.”  Rigid vs Thin Film Solar Panels  While classic...

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Community Solar: Renewable Energy for All

Most people can agree that solar energy is a great way to generate emission-free electricity. but unfortunately, personal solar panel installations are not always a viable option. For example, residential solar panels must be installed by homeowners, so renters are often out of luck. Likewise, those that live in an apartment building or on a heavily shaded property lined with large trees may not have enough usable roof space for a cost-effective solar energy system.  That’s where community solar comes in.  At Solar Us Shop, we love all forms of solar, from handheld devices to massive utility-scale arrays. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how community solar works in order to help more people connect with renewable...

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Solar Energy & Electric Vehicles - Summer 2022

  Whether you’re watching television during a commercial break or are out on the road somewhere this summer, the presence of electric vehicles in the United States is at an all-time high and certainly more visible than ever.  Of course at Solar Us Shop, we couldn’t be more excited as, when in use, electric vehicles produce less overall emissions than traditional combustion chamber engines. With a greener future ahead, it is actually a bit shocking when you realize that cars are now being powered by the sun, via photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems, all around the world.  Last summer we answered the question, “Can solar panels charge EVs?” to showcase exactly how small PV systems can power personal vehicles. This...

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Top Four Tips to Save Money on Electric Bills in 2022

  We cannot deny that the rate of electricity is increasing day by day. Everyone cannot survive with the increase in the inflation rate. We need to study some ways to control the cost of electricity. Electricity is an essential part of life, and every electronic appliance is wasted without the connection of electricity. The rate of electricity is at its peak. If you want to save your money and use electricity, go for solar energy. There are different types of solar lights depending on your need. Other than this, you can limit the timings and control electricity usage. Try to hand the laundry and dry the clothes in the direct sunlight instead of using the washing dryer.  Below are...

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Gear up for a Solar Powered Summer

  Aah… the summer. Longer days, warmer weather, and a calendar full of vacations, BBQs, and outdoor get-togethers.  As Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, it's time to begin thinking about what gear you’ll need to make sure that the fun never stops, and at Solar Us Shop, we’d like to encourage our readers to look upward and power this season with solar energy.  Solar Powered Products for Summer 2022 Although the White House called 2021 the “Summer of Solar”, there is no reason to stop while we're ahead. From utility-scale projects to handheld renewable energy devices, solar is everywhere in 2022, and we are thrilled to be along for the ride.  With 12 hours of sunlight on...

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How To Save Energy at Home: 10 Tips

  With gas and electricity prices on the rise, it's never been more important to keep an eye on your energy usage. A few simple changes to your daily routine will not only help you save on your energy bills but will also make your home more sustainable. Need some pointers? Read on for 10 effective ways of saving energy at home.  1. Carry Out a Home Energy Audit Before you start making any significant changes to your everyday habits, it makes sense to carry out a home energy audit. Many companies offer this as a service, but you can undertake an audit yourself with little effort. Inspect your property for things like air leaks that might lead to unwanted...

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How to Heat a House With Solar Panels 

Energy costs are on the rise. The biggest contributor to the average fuel bill is heating. In the northern hemisphere, many of us still rely on energy converted from fossil fuels to provide year-round heating. If you're looking to make your home more sustainable, it's well worth exploring the benefits of solar panel technology.Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable and easy to install, with many suppliers providing ongoing support for customers. With more products available than ever before, it's simple to find a solar-powered solution to heat just about any home. When properly implemented, solar-powered systems can provide you with all the energy required to meet your heating needs. Choosing the best solar heating solution for your home Thermal solar...

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How is Solar Stored at Home?

  Solar energy is the least expensive form of electricity in human history. It’s clean and efficient. And contrary to what you may have heard, it’s incredibly reliable - as long as the sun exists, solar will continue to be an excellent way of creating electricity.  So why isn’t solar everywhere? It’s hard to store. That’s the main problem with solar energy. The batteries that are currently available can certainly store some electricity - a lot, even - but they can’t store it for very long. That means you can’t rely on solar batteries to carry you through the winter in northern climates. Fortunately, there are other ways of taking advantage of solar power. We’re going to discuss storing solar...

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Considerations When Choosing the Right Solar Panel

  Though the initial investment may appear pricey, installing solar panels can save you a lot of money in the long run. Since sunlight is free, solar energy is largely considered to be the cheapest source of energy in the world. So long as you live in a region that gets enough sunlight, solar panels will be able to sufficiently produce enough energy to meet your electricity needs.However, the efficiency of such an investment will depend on the quality of the solar panels you purchase. To help you get started, we’ve provided a list of criteria you need to consider when buying a solar panel. Conversion Efficiency In any solar panel, energy efficiency hinges on a component called the inverter,...

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How Much Do Solar Panels Weigh?

  Using solar panels is becoming increasingly common for most people around the world, especially in the U.S.  Our roofs aren’t only useful for protecting us from atmospheric changes like rain, snow, or heat. In fact, we can use them to install solar panels that help us generate the necessary power for our buildings and constructions.  With that being said, the first thing asked when installing solar panels is can my roof handle solar panels?  Luckily, in this article, we are going to answer all the questions that come to your mind if you are interested in installing a solar system on your roof.  How much do solar panels weigh? Most solar panels weigh around 20 to 50 pounds depending...

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How To Remove Snow From Solar Panels on a Roof

  Winter is coming, and that means snow will soon be on the ground. If you live in an area where there is a lot of snow, this can be quite a big problem, as solar panels and snow don’t get along too well. But how do you remove snow from solar panels on a roof? If you don't know how to get rid of the snow, your solar panels may not work properly or at all. Don't worry! We are here to help you. In this article, we will provide you with five tips that will help you to clear away the pesky white stuff from your solar panels, so you can power up your home with clean energy...

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The Most Exciting New Solar Power Technologies in 2021

  Solar power has always had exciting prospects. When it was first developed in 1954, the idea of gaining electricity from the sun was quite revolutionary. Three or four years later, solar panels were being used to power some of the world's first satellites. It's now becoming commonplace to see solar panels on rooftops. But as 2021 marches on, there are still many more exciting solar technologies to look forward to.   Adaptable Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Not everyone likes the way solar panels affect the appeal of their home. Unfortunately, properties with traditional features can often appear mismatched with this innovative technology. However, BIPV is providing the means of seamlessly integrating solar energy with any home. Solar power roof shingles...

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Can Solar Panels Charge EV’s?

  The global commitment to reduce carbon emissions has increased the sale of electric cars and the adoption of renewable energy. With the US government planning to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035, the transport industry must reduce its share of carbon emissions as it contributes a third of America’s carbon emissions. Many people are also embracing solar energy for charging electric vehicles since charging stations for electric vehicles are not as widespread as public gas stations. Using electricity can be costly since electric cars use a considerable amount of energy. In addition, since electricity comes mostly from fossil fuels, it increases your carbon footprint. That is why using solar panels to charge your vehicle is an eco-friendly solution that...

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Solar Products in 2021: Innovations to Look Out for This Year

With the summer solstice quite literally on the horizon, we have officially made it halfway through 2021. In June and July, total average sun hours are at their highest throughout the year, so what better time to talk about the most interesting innovations in solar power technology.  For years, the Solar Us Shop has been providing our customers with high-quality solar energy products and we are constantly on the lookout for the next big thing. In 2021, solar power production and storage technology has never been more advanced, with tons of people, groups, and companies researching, developing, and funding the renewable energy revolution.  From small devices to massive panel arrays, in this article, we take a full look at some...

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Solar Energy Potential in the US by Region, Season, and More

Did you know that solar energy is the cheapest and most abundant source of electricity in the world? We sure do.  Financially, this achievement was officially proclaimed last year as advancements in solar energy production large and small have made today’s solar panels more efficient and affordable than ever. Plus, sunlight is free, so every watt-hour produced by a solar panel is essentially cost and emission-free. In terms of availability, solar energy is generated anywhere the sun shines!  Here in the United States, the sun tends to shine a little bit differently everywhere you go. While most people learn this the hard way on their Florida vacation, scientists have used this information to devise precise information about the solar energy...

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