Solar Power Blog » Solar Energy

Considerations When Choosing the Right Solar Panel

  Though the initial investment may appear pricey, installing solar panels can save you a lot of money in the long run. Since sunlight is free, solar energy is largely considered to be the cheapest source of energy in the world. So long as you live in a region that gets enough sunlight, solar panels will be able to sufficiently produce enough energy to meet your electricity needs.However, the efficiency of such an investment will depend on the quality of the solar panels you purchase. To help you get started, we’ve provided a list of criteria you need to consider when buying a solar panel. Conversion Efficiency In any solar panel, energy efficiency hinges on a component called the inverter,...

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How Much Do Solar Panels Weigh?

  Using solar panels is becoming increasingly common for most people around the world, especially in the U.S.  Our roofs aren’t only useful for protecting us from atmospheric changes like rain, snow, or heat. In fact, we can use them to install solar panels that help us generate the necessary power for our buildings and constructions.  With that being said, the first thing asked when installing solar panels is can my roof handle solar panels?  Luckily, in this article, we are going to answer all the questions that come to your mind if you are interested in installing a solar system on your roof.  How much do solar panels weigh? Most solar panels weigh around 20 to 50 pounds depending...

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How To Remove Snow From Solar Panels on a Roof

  Winter is coming, and that means snow will soon be on the ground. If you live in an area where there is a lot of snow, this can be quite a big problem, as solar panels and snow don’t get along too well. But how do you remove snow from solar panels on a roof? If you don't know how to get rid of the snow, your solar panels may not work properly or at all. Don't worry! We are here to help you. In this article, we will provide you with five tips that will help you to clear away the pesky white stuff from your solar panels, so you can power up your home with clean energy...

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The Most Exciting New Solar Power Technologies in 2021

  Solar power has always had exciting prospects. When it was first developed in 1954, the idea of gaining electricity from the sun was quite revolutionary. Three or four years later, solar panels were being used to power some of the world's first satellites. It's now becoming commonplace to see solar panels on rooftops. But as 2021 marches on, there are still many more exciting solar technologies to look forward to.   Adaptable Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Not everyone likes the way solar panels affect the appeal of their home. Unfortunately, properties with traditional features can often appear mismatched with this innovative technology. However, BIPV is providing the means of seamlessly integrating solar energy with any home. Solar power roof shingles...

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The Importance of Renewable Energy for the Future

Sustainable energy has enjoyed a considerable amount of publicity in recent times. Of course, this is due in large part to the undeniable effects of climate change. Although valiant efforts have already been made to reduce the emissions of fossil fuels, experts agree that further steps need to be taken.This largely involves the presence of renewable sources of energy. Not only are these methods sustainable from a long-term perspective, but their effects on the environment are not nearly as dire when compared to traditional sources. So, it is crucial to look towards the future. What advancements can we expect to witness? Are some renewables more viable than others? Why is solar power one of the most effective solutions currently available?...

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Can Solar Panels Charge EV’s?

  The global commitment to reduce carbon emissions has increased the sale of electric cars and the adoption of renewable energy. With the US government planning to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035, the transport industry must reduce its share of carbon emissions as it contributes a third of America’s carbon emissions. Many people are also embracing solar energy for charging electric vehicles since charging stations for electric vehicles are not as widespread as public gas stations. Using electricity can be costly since electric cars use a considerable amount of energy. In addition, since electricity comes mostly from fossil fuels, it increases your carbon footprint. That is why using solar panels to charge your vehicle is an eco-friendly solution that...

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Solar Products in 2021: Innovations to Look Out for This Year

With the summer solstice quite literally on the horizon, we have officially made it halfway through 2021. In June and July, total average sun hours are at their highest throughout the year, so what better time to talk about the most interesting innovations in solar power technology.  For years, the Solar Us Shop has been providing our customers with high-quality solar energy products and we are constantly on the lookout for the next big thing. In 2021, solar power production and storage technology has never been more advanced, with tons of people, groups, and companies researching, developing, and funding the renewable energy revolution.  From small devices to massive panel arrays, in this article, we take a full look at some...

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Solar Energy Potential in the US by Region, Season, and More

Did you know that solar energy is the cheapest and most abundant source of electricity in the world? We sure do.  Financially, this achievement was officially proclaimed last year as advancements in solar energy production large and small have made today’s solar panels more efficient and affordable than ever. Plus, sunlight is free, so every watt-hour produced by a solar panel is essentially cost and emission-free. In terms of availability, solar energy is generated anywhere the sun shines!  Here in the United States, the sun tends to shine a little bit differently everywhere you go. While most people learn this the hard way on their Florida vacation, scientists have used this information to devise precise information about the solar energy...

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Solar Flag Lights for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and All Summer Long

In many people’s minds, Memorial Day is the unofficial start to the summer, and this year is sure to be like no other. The summer of 2021 is guaranteed to be filled with parties, gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds in the wake of a global pandemic that changed the way our world works. This Memorial Day, we hope you are able to take a moment to honor the fallen members of the US military during the federally reserved holiday. Of course, one of the best ways to showcase your patriotism is with a properly displayed flag.  Is it illegal to fly a flag at night without a light? Although you are likely to be let off with a warning,...

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An Update on the Ariel Solar Pool Skimmer

  We wanted to create a page to host any Ariel updates as they become available. If you have purchased an Ariel or are thinking about purchasing an Ariel, we recommend adding this page to your favorites and checking back if you have any questions or concerns.   Latest Update: 6/7/21 Ariel Update from Solar Breeze   Solar Us Shop Update: 5/15/2021 Let us start off by saying Thank You for your interest in the Ariel Solar Powered Pool Skimmer Robot! Ariel is a brand new product and also an upgrade to Pivot-Solar Breeze's popular swimming pool skimmer, the NX2. We are very excited about this innovative product, and we can't wait for you all to get your hands on one!...

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The History of Renewable Energy Microgeneration (And How it Works)

In the last decade, the rise of microgeneration has helped millions of people around the world access affordable and reliable electricity. While many people may be unaware of their participation, it is safe to say that we are currently in a renewable energy microgeneration revolution.  At Solar Us Shop, the vast majority of our products utilize some form of renewable energy microgeneration. To help bring our customers up to speed with the history and terminology associated with small-scale renewable energy, we’ve developed this complete guide to microgeneration.   Microgeneration Fast FAQs To kick things off right, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about microgeneration in the 21st century.  What is microgeneration? Microgeneration is defined as...

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The History of Earth Day - And Why You Should Care

Happy Earth Day!  It’s time to wear green, enjoy the outdoors, and talk about the environment. In an era where every day seems to have its own unique holiday (is there anyone else celebrating National German Beer Day tomorrow?), many people do not know enough about the history, legacy, and importance of Earth Day celebrations.  At Solar Us Shop, we have always been strong environmental allies and proudly supply solar and other renewable energy products to help support the modern green revolution. In this article, we outline all of the important things that you should know about Earth Day to help you celebrate and fight for our very worthy planet.   Earth Day Origins After decades of pollution and environmental degradation,...

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Solar Breeze Ariel | Solar Powered Pool Skimmer Full Review

On a nice sunny day, there is nothing better than enjoying an afternoon relaxing at the pool. A clean pool, that is.  When it comes to taking care of your pool’s conditions, natural debris and routine cleanings can be both time-consuming and expensive, which is why people are constantly looking for new ways to decrease the time, energy, and maintenance costs and considerations.  Today, Solar Breeze has released the Ariel, an automatic pool cleaning robot that is designed to keep your water clear of debris using nothing but the power of the sun. With a free source of energy and automatic cleaning, what’s not to like?  What do we think of the Solar Breeze Ariel? We previously mentioned the Solar Breeze...

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Our Favorite Color is Green!

Solar Us would like to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day, and remind you of our goal at promoting sustainability and green energy! This year we added to our pledge of being great stewards of the planet by joining the Green Business Bureau. You can learn more about our pledge here. Becoming "green certified" means much more than providing affordable renewable energy applications for our customers. We are also committed to making our operations as clean and green as possible. This year, we hope to build on this pledge and continue offering great and new products such as complete solar power system kits, outdoor solar landscape lighting, wind turbine generator kits, home battery storage applications, and more! Please be...

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Top 10 Energy Conservation Quotes

Have you ever heard the saying “a dollar saved is a dollar earned”? Well, the same principle applies to the energy that you use throughout your day and lifetime. Every bit of energy (electricity or heat) that you do not use, allows for that same amount to be conserved for another person on the planet.  If you grew up being scolded for leaving the lights on around the house, chances are that you practice a few energy conservation techniques in your day-to-day life. While conserving energy helps reduce your power bill, it will also help lower your carbon footprint when using fossil fuel resources.  With the impending consequences of global warming, energy conservation has become more important than ever on an individual, community, and global level. ...

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