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Do I Need a Main Panel Upgrade (MPU) for My Solar Installation?
As solar energy becomes an increasingly popular option for homeowners and businesses alike, many people are eager to make the switch to cleaner, more sustainable power. An often overlooked component of solar installations is the condition of your home’s electrical system, especially the main electrical panel. If your existing electrical panel can’t handle the additional…
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Commercial Solar Energy Systems
Cut Business Costs by 30% Within the First Year Switching to commercial solar energy isn’t just about going green; it’s about significant cost savings for your business. Did you know that businesses using solar can be eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% just by switching to solar? From small businesses to large…
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Solar Energy & Direct (DC) Current or Alternating (AC) Current
Introduction to Solar Power and Electrical Current Solar energy is rapidly growing as a clean, renewable resource that reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. As homeowners and businesses alike invest in solar panels, a common question arises: do solar panels generate alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC)? Understanding this is key to appreciating how…
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Why Solar Topps Stays Bright
A Future-Proof Choice in an Ever-Changing Solar Industry In the rapidly evolving solar industry, success isn’t guaranteed. From soaring to bankruptcy, many companies have faced financial turmoil, leaving customers with half-installed systems, broken promises, and no support. Titan Solar, Pink Energy, and the once-prominent SunPower have all collapsed due to poor financial management or rapid…
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The Future of Energy Storage: Tesla Powerwall 3
In an era where renewable energy has become a driving force for sustainability, efficient energy storage solutions are paramount for both residential and commercial applications. Tesla, renowned for its innovations in electric vehicles and solar energy, has launched its latest iteration of home battery storage—the Tesla Powerwall 3. This new model aims to revolutionize energy…
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Commercial Solar Financing + Government Incentives
Exploring commercial solar financing and government incentives can be a transformative step for businesses looking to invest in renewable energy. The combination of attractive tax credits and specialized financing solutions significantly lowers costs and enhances the feasibility of solar projects. Let’s dive into the various options available that can make solar energy not only accessible,…
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Are Free Solar Panels a Scam?
When considering solar energy, it’s crucial to navigate through the marketing fluff and advertising claims, particularly those touting “free solar panels.” The reality of such offers is more nuanced than they initially appear. This article will dissect what “free solar panels” truly mean, explore various financing options, and help you determine the best choice for…
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Residential Solar Panel Costs
The Guide to Residential Solar Panel Costs The demand for solar energy has surged dramatically in recent years. As environmental awareness grows and technology advances, more people are turning to solar panels as a viable energy solution since they provide a sustainable energy source and offer significant long-term savings. This guide delves into the various…
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Do Solar Panels Really Increase Your Home’s Value in 2024?
Investing in solar panels for your home can significantly reduce electricity bills and contribute to a greener environment. However, an important question arises for many homeowners considering this investment: Do solar panels really increase your home’s value in 2024? Homes with solar energy systems tend to sell at higher prices than those without. According to…
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Kilowatt-Hours (kWh) Explained: Understanding Your Energy Usage
Electricity usage is a crucial aspect of managing your household’s energy consumption, and the term “kilowatt-hours” (kWh) frequently appears on utility bills and in discussions about solar energy. Understanding kWh is essential for anyone looking to reduce their energy costs or explore renewable energy options. What is kWh a measure of? Kilowatt-hours are a standard…
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Seizing the Moment for Arizona’s Energy Future (Part 3 of 3)
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) elections offer a chance to replace those in power shaping Arizona’s energy future towards sustainability. The ACC’s recent decisions prioritize short-term gains, favoring utilities over renewable energy and rooftop solar owners. The Core of the Concern The ACC’s role in regulating investor-owned utilities is critical, encompassing decisions on rate increases…
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A Call for Democracy in Utility Governance (Part 2 of 3)
The Salt River Project (SRP) Utility Board and Council Elections on April 2, 2024, have come and gone, propelling us once more into the intricate dynamics that govern our utilities. Pivotal changes were anticipated, some seats exchanged hands, yet a glaring issue persisted: 49% of SRP’s ratepayers remain disenfranchised, stripped of their right to vote…
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Reimagining Arizona’s Energy Landscape (Part 1 of 3)
A Call for Support in Favor of Rooftop Solar Policy and Fair Utility Practices In an era where renewable energy, like favorable rooftop solar policy is not just an option but a necessity, the strides made by California in clean energy generation are both commendable and inspiring. Recently announced, within 31 days, California achieved a…
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Navigating Your HOA: Solar Installation Success
Understanding Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Solar Guidelines can represent a significant step towards energy independence and environmental stewardship. Yet, for homeowners within the HOA, this leap can seem daunting, wrapped in layers of regulations and restrictions. But don’t worry, we got you covered. HOAs and the Quest for Aesthetics vs. Sustainability HOAs stand as guardians of…
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Adding Solar Panels to an Existing System: What You Need to Know
When the sun in Phoenix, Arizona shines bright, and your energy needs grow, expanding your solar power system becomes an intriguing option. Whether it’s powering an electric vehicle or upgrading your home with energy-intensive appliances, adding solar panels to your existing setup can provide the additional power capacity you need. This comprehensive guide will walk…
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Solar Panels: Are they Safe?
Installing solar panels on your roof is more than just a trend; it’s a commitment to a healthier lifestyle and a safer environment. With the rise of renewable energy sources, solar panels have become a popular choice for many homeowners. But, amidst their popularity, questions about their safety and health implications often arise. “Is it…
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A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Panel Specifications
Solar energy has surged in popularity, promising a greener, more sustainable future with advanced solar panel specs. As homeowners and businesses alike consider making the switch to solar, the array of solar panel options available can be overwhelming. Understanding the specifications of solar panels is crucial in selecting the right panels for your needs, ensuring…
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Pros & Cons of Solar Energy for Your Home in 2024
Solar energy has surged in popularity as a key player in the renewable energy sector, promising significant electricity bill savings, environmental benefits, and a step towards energy independence. Yet, the decision to invest in solar panels is not without its considerations. This comprehensive exploration aims to equip homeowners with the necessary insights to weigh the…
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Utility Export Rates Explained
Export rates replace net metering, determining the compensation for surplus solar energy your system feeds back into the grid. Typically, these rates are lower than standard grid electricity costs, so generating and exporting excess power may not be as financially rewarding when compared to net metering. Additionally, this backdrop highlights the strategy of potentially opting…
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Which Solar Battery Option is Right for You?
Understanding your household’s energy consumption patterns and goals is crucial in selecting the right solar battery system. Whether for energy independence, reducing your carbon footprint, or backup power during outages, there’s a solar battery option for you. When selecting a battery backup option for your solar panel system, reputable brands like SolarEdge, Tesla Powerwall, and…
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Why Solar Batteries Make Sense
In today’s world, where energy demand is skyrocketing, and environmental concerns are more pressing than ever, solar energy emerges as a beacon of sustainable and renewable energy. However, the intermittent nature of solar power – with its dependency on sunny days – has often been a stumbling block in its path to becoming a primary…
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Navigating IRS Form 5695 and the Solar Tax Credit
Harnessing solar energy not only benefits the environment but also offers significant financial advantages through tax incentives. The Solar Tax Credit, accessible via IRS Form 5695, is a crucial financial tool for homeowners who have invested in solar energy. This comprehensive guide walks you through the necessary steps to claim your Solar Tax Credit effectively.…
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Why High Interest Rates Shouldn’t Deter Your Solar Investment
In the current economic climate, where interest rates are on the rise, making significant investments can seem daunting. However, when it comes to solar energy, the scales tip in favor of making the leap, despite the financial environment. This blog post explores why investing in solar energy remains a wise decision, even with climbing interest…
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3 Tips to Protect Your Solar Roof and Investment
Once you go solar, mitigating roof damage may be among a few things you can do to help ensure your system performs in the best way possible. Protecting your solar roof is an important step to protecting your solar investment. Let’s break down the essential tactics to keep your solar roof and system in peak…
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Home Energy Consumption: What’s Driving Up Your Bill?
Understanding the dynamics of home energy consumption is crucial for anyone looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. This article delves into the common appliances and activities that are the largest contributors to energy use in households and suggests ways to reduce their impact on your utility bill. Household Appliances Heating and Cooling:…
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SRP Solar Program Rate Plan Overview
For customers going solar in the SRP territory, SRP offers two types of Solar Rate Plans – Demand-based or Export-based – and each of these has two options, for a total of four different Solar Rate plans that a customer can choose from. Below, we’ll discuss each plan type in detail, empowering SRP customers to…
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APS Solar Program Rate Plan Overview
Process of Going Solar in APS When going solar with Arizona Public Service (APS) solar program, a homeowner can expect the following steps to take place which are primarily handled by the installer: APS Solar Program Once a homeowner goes solar, they must choose between two solar-specific rate plans: These Rate Plans have Seasonal Energy…
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2024 Federal Solar Tax Credit Guide for Homeowners
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the 2024 Federal Solar Tax Credit! If you’re a homeowner interested in solar energy and looking to save on your taxes, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Federal Solar Tax Credit, eligibility criteria, important deadlines,…
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Top 5 Reasons to Go Solar in Arizona
Arizona is one of the best states to reap the rewards of solar energy. Solar Topps believes you should use your energy, your way, and a solar installation is the best solution. Here are the top five reasons Arizona is one of the best states for Solar energy. #1: Solar Energy in Arizona: Plenty of Sunshine to…
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How to Choose a Solar Company?
Local vs National Installers: Pros / Cons Which company you choose to buy your solar system from can correlate to how much you will save by going solar. In this article, our goal is to help you understand what things you should look for when choosing your solar partner. We say “partner” because going solar…
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Understanding Your Solar Warranties
When deciding to go solar, it is crucial to understand the warranties that are being provided with your system. Knowing that your investment has coverage in case an issue arises is invaluable. This article helps breakdown the various warranties that you should look for or can expect with your solar system. Warranties comprise two key…
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The Inflation Reduction Act: Top 3 Things to Know
On Tuesday August 16th, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) into law, making its mark as the single largest clean energy investment in United States history. As part of this sweeping legislation, the federal government will devote approximately $386 billion dollars to combat climate change and boost U.S. energy production across…
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Solar Buyback Rate Cuts: A Step Backward for the Solar Industry
The recent vote by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) solar buy back rates cut has raised widespread concerns. This decision will have a significant impact on homeowners with rooftop solar installations and the broader solar industry. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this decision, explore its implications, and discuss why…
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Homeowners Insurance Guide for Your Solar System
A Solar system protected by homeowners’ insurance is a great investment for your house. Solar can increase the value of your home, save you substantially on your utility bill, and allow you to have the energy independence you deserve. However, one of the most important things to consider is, how will you protect your investment? …
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Storage + Tax Credits
With the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law, Solar Topps wants to ensure that you can maximize the return on your system by helping you take advantage of the extended Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). A great way to apply the ITC is by investing in a Solar Battery Storage System when…
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The Importance of Timing Your Solar Decision
Going solar in Arizona: why we recommend going solar quickly after you decide it is right for your family. Over the last several years, we have witnessed changes in utility rate structures, net-metering incentives, and rebate programs that made going solar “tomorrow” slightly less attractive than making the decision “today.” Despite these changes however, going solar in Arizona still makes a lot of economic sense…
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Getting Multiple Quotes When Choosing a Solar Installer: Helpful or Confusing?
Finding the right solar installer can be one of the most crucial parts to your solar experience. Many homeowners either choose the first provider they meet or opt for a “big box” name from the Stock Exchange. Most homeowners we speak with who elect one of these two methods tend to have disappointing overall experiences. In this article, we share top tips for selecting a solar…
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What to Look For in Your Solar Installation Agreement
The main mistake consumers make is not thoroughly reading their solar installation agreement. As a result, they often have no recourse when issues arise. Take time to review and understand your obligations, as well as those of the Solar Company, during and after installation. If a salesperson makes a promise, ensure you get it in writing,…
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How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
The key determining factor for solar panel longevity comes down to the quality of the products installed. Quality products perform better, for longer. But how much longer? With solar panels increasing in popularity and affordability over the years, more homeowners are making the switch to save on their energy bills from the utility company while…
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Arizona Solar Tax Credits: What You Need to Know
Solar energy is a popular and wise alternative for utility companies, especially in Arizona. In fact, clean renewable energy is now becoming required by law for utility companies to use when providing energy to their customers. According to the 2006 Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) ruling by the Arizona Corporation Commission, utility companies in…
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Which Solar Power Inverters are Right For You?
Solar power inverters convert the sunlight absorbed by the solar panel into an alternating current (AC) for use in your home by converting the direct current (DC) of electricity. Let’s discuss three main types of solar power inverters you can have installed on your home: string inverters, power optimizers, and microinverters. All three fundamentally serve…
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Calculating How Many Solar Panels You Need to Go Solar?
Quantity & Quality Solar Panels Calculating the number of solar panels needed to meet your energy requirements. When it comes to installing solar panels, people frequently ask us how many solar panels they need on their roof. The answer depends on a variety of factors: how much energy you use, the wattage and quality of…
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Navigating Solar System Financing: Pros and Cons of 3 Options
So, you have decided to go solar, so let us help you decide your solar system payment options. Typically, there are three main options to pay for your system: purchase, finance, or lease. Each of these options has its pros and cons and will impact how much you will save when going solar. Other options…
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Overview of the Solar Installation Process
With more than a decade’s worth of experience, Solar Topps has perfected the residential solar installation process into three simple steps. This process ensures a swift setup, enabling quicker savings compared to other installers. Here’s how we do it: Step 1: Site Survey and Engineering Your Solar System Install The moment we receive your order,…
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The Inflation Reduction Act Revives U.S. Solar Energy
Solar Energy Exceptions On August 16th, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) into law, providing historic investment in solar energy. This surpasses the Budget Control Act of 2011. The bill allocates over $300 billion to combat climate change, boost U.S. energy production, and make solar products and electric vehicles more…
