Bright Saver, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, is helping to reimagine how people access solar power, especially those who’ve been shut out of traditional solar systems. Instead of a large rooftop array of solar panels and complicated permits, the company is offering an affordable, plug-in solar solution that can work for … [continued]
EcoFlow, a company already respected in the portable power and off-grid energy space, has just unveiled a product that could help reshape residential solar: the STREAM Ultra Plug-and-Play Home Solar System. Designed with a modular, DIY ethos in mind, the STREAM Ultra isn’t just an innovation, it’s a new category … [continued]
With the passage of Utah House Bill 340, the state has officially legalized residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200 watts AC, marking a major step toward decentralized, homeowner-installed PV. The law exempts these systems from conventional utility interconnection agreements, provided they include anti-islanding protection and do not exceed branch … [continued]
A few years ago, I constructed a “plug and play” solar system concept, which contains a 12 volt solar power input, charge controller, lead-acid battery, 120 volt inverter, and 120 volt receptacles for experimental purposes. I wanted to see if this packaged concept could be practical, so I’ve been using it to power things such as my stereo, laptop, and tablet using a 20 watt solar panel. So far, I’ve had no issues with it, as the charge controller handled everything for me.
Last month, Silicon Valley startup Sunculture Solar unveiled its solar-plus-storage solution, to Jobsian fanfare. SolPad™ was all over the tech media on the morning of September 22 (here, there, and seemingly everywhere).
Two new, commercial-ready plug-and-play home solar photovoltaic systems were recently demonstrated by the Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems at the organization’s “2016 Demo Day,” according to a new press release. The new plug-and-play solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are, according to Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, simple … [continued]
The California-based SMASHsolar Inc has been awarded a $1 million accelerator grant by the US Department of Energy in order to aid the introduction of the company’s snap-together PV module mounting system — the SMASH PowerStation — to the market, according to recent reports. According to the company, the SMASH … [continued]
Working in the solar industry, I’ve noticed that the number of people calling who are interested in installing solar-electric (photovoltaic) systems increases substantially after a natural disaster. It’s very understandable considering that after Hurricane Sandy, for example, 8.1 million homes lost power in 17 different states as far west as Michigan, and for … [continued]
DIY: Three letters that have the power to send either titillations of excitement or bolts of pure terror down your spine. Myself, I fall into the second group. To me, “Do-It-Yourself” sounds more like a threat than an exciting proposition. DIY solar panels?! You’ve got to be kidding me. … [continued]
The average cost of turnkey solar power plants in Switzerland decreased by a whopping 40% between 2011 and 2012, a new report indicate. 94 installers and 402 photovoltaic solar power plant operators were interviewed for this report. Feed-in tariffs were actually reduced by 8% early this year in Switzerland. Last year, … [continued]
