Why Is My Solar Production Low? Normal Variation vs Real Problems
Seasons, weather, shade, dirt and faults all lower production. Here is how to tell normal variation from a problem using your monitoring data.
DIY Home Solar
DIY Home Solar helps homeowners decide what solar setup makes sense for their home. We explain rooftop, grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid systems, home batteries, sizing from your own bills and how to compare installer proposals, without quoting prices or promising savings.
Latest Reviews
Expert opinions on the newest products
Types of Home Solar Systems: Grid-Tied, Hybrid, Off-Grid
Most homes choose between grid-tied, solar plus battery and off-grid systems. Here is how each works and what it means during an outage.
Solar With or Without Batteries, and Other System Comparisons
Should you add a battery, or choose microinverters? Here is how common home solar configurations compare by what each actually changes.
Solar Monitoring Alerts Explained: What to Do When an Alert Appears
Inverter and monitoring alerts range from harmless to serious. Here is how to sort them and what a homeowner should do for each kind.
Residential Solar Panel Specifications: Efficiency, Temperature, Degradation
Efficiency, temperature effects, degradation and warranties separate one panel from another. Here is what those specifications mean for you.
Solar Financing Compared: Cash, Loans, Leases and PPAs
Cash, loans, leases and PPAs change who owns the system and who gets the incentives. Here is how each option works and what to watch for.