New to solar? Start here for simple explanations of how solar power works, key terms, and the core parts of a solar system—without technical overload.
A solar “true-up” is the annual settlement that reconciles your net metering credits and charges. This guide explains how true-up statements work, why you may still owe money, and what happens to unused solar credits (rollover, expiration, or payout at a different rate).
PVWatts (by NREL) is one of the fastest ways to estimate how much electricity a solar system can produce in your location—especially when you want a reality check before signing a quote. This step-by-step guide shows exactly what to enter (system size, tilt, azimuth, losses), how to read the monthly results table, and how to avoid the most common input mistakes that make estimates look “too good to be true.”
Most grid-tied solar shuts off in a blackout (anti-islanding). Here’s why—and the real ways to get backup power with batteries or daytime backup in the USA.
Solar PTO (“Permission to Operate”) is the utility’s final approval that lets your system legally run on the grid and earn credits. This guide explains each step—permits, installation, inspection, interconnection, net meter swap—plus a timeline table and a delay checklist so you know exactly what’s normal and what to fix.
Your electric bill is the fastest way to size solar and predict savings—if you know what to look for. Learn how to read your bill before and after solar, decode kWh usage, fixed charges, TOU rates, and net metering credits, plus a simple worksheet to compare quotes safely.
Net metering can make solar savings bigger by turning extra daytime production into bill credits. Here’s how net metering works, how credits are calculated, what “net billing” changes, and a checklist of questions to ask before you sign a solar quote.
Performance Ratio (PR) is the “reality factor” that turns ideal solar math into real-world estimates. Learn what PR means, what lowers it, and what number to use when planning or comparing quotes.
Peak sun hours aren’t “daylight hours”—they’re a simple way to estimate how much solar energy your location gets. Learn the definition, a quick formula, and how to use PSH for rough sizing.
kW and kWh look similar but measure different things. Learn power vs energy with simple examples so you can compare solar quotes and understand your bill.
Understand the key parts of a solar system and how to estimate the right size for your home. This practical planning guide covers panels, inverter types, batteries, and a simple sizing worksheet to prepare you for quotes.
