Residential Solar 101's blog

Declining CSI Solar Rebates Offset Price Reductions

The California Solar Initiative (CSI) is now in its fourth year and is nearly half way through the 1,750 Megawatt goal. Earlier this month, the CSI released the 2009 Impact Evaluation Report, which provides a program update and analysis. According to the report, from 2007 to 2009, the cost of residential solar power systems have declined 5% annually.

The Climate Bill and Home Solar Energy?

The Climate Bill and Home Solar EnergyHarry Reid abandoned efforts to push the climate change bill through the senate.  But what does that mean for residential solar energy?  Fortunately, residential solar rebates will not be directly impacted by the loss of the climate bill.  The bill was mainly set up to addres

Go Solar in Tucson for $1 a Day with a SolarCity Solar Lease

Arizona solar lease Homeowners in Tucson, Arizona can now take advantage of a solar lease program offered through SolarCity. The California-based solar company is currently moving to its new operations facility in the city also known as The Sunshine Factory.

Where Can I Get a Solar Lease?

Solar leases are a new way to go solar, which as the name suggests allows you to lease rather than own a home solar power system. The map below shows the states where solar leases are currently offered. Click on a state to find out which leasing companies currently operate in that state.

Maximizing Residential Solar Panel System Performance

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Solar Quotes in AC or DC Watts?

solar quotesWhen you receive a solar quote from an installer it will be broken down to a dollar per watt ($/watt) price.

The question is, is the quoted price in Direct Current (DC) or Alternating Current (AC) watts?

Solar Cities - Pasadena

Throughout the U.S. there are towns and cities that are offering amazing solar rebates and incentives on top of the 30% tax credit from the federal government. In this blog series that we are calling "Solar Cities" we are highlighting these towns and cities that are making it easier for their residents to go solar.

Two Approaches to Going Solar

solar energy systemsWhile there are any number of approaches or mindsets for going solar, here are the two approaches to going solar that we hear about most often.  First, are those who know they want to go solar but who do not want to make any other changes, and second are those who want to reduce their overall energy consumption in additio

Why is Solar Attracting Investors?

solar tax equityThere is a popular saying in the in investing world, follow the money. If you follow the money lately you would find that some of it at least is flowing towards solar.

Will Smart Grid and Smart Meter technology pay off?

Will smart grid & smart meter technology that allows home owners to watch energy usage fluctuate in nearly real time really help home owners consume less electricity?  I believe it will.  From a consumer's perspective the smart grid and smart meters will give them real time energy information so they can use energy more wisely.  <