Latest articles by The Solar Nerd

Big news! The federal tax credit for homeowners and businesses that install solar, which was previously set to expire, has been extended for two years. Disclaimer: I'm a solar nerd, not a tax nerd. Please consult a tax professional for authoritative advice on this issue. This tax credit, often called the Solar Investment Tax Credit, gives homeowners and businesses a break on their federal taxes worth 26% of the gross price of a solar photovoltaic system.

General considerationsTechnicalEnvironment General considerations Should I go solar? Maybe. We’re big fans of solar (obviously) but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everybody. While there are options such as community solar that allow potentially anyone to benefit, you’re more likely to see a financial return on investment if some or all of the following criteria apply to you: You own your home, and plan to live in it for at least as long as your calculated payback period.

Solar has grown an average of 50% every year for the past decade. There’s now more than two million solar installations in the United States. It’s no wonder that more and more people are thinking of adding solar power to their homes. Solar power isn’t new. Edmond Becquerel first demonstrated the photovoltaic effect way back in 1839. Still, how it actually works in your home to turn sunlight into electricity is a bit of a mystery to many people.