
In the past, there was only one answer to the question, “What’s the best direction for solar panels to be pointed?” In the Northern Hemisphere, that direction was south. Because the sun shines directly over the equator most of the time, south-facing solar panels have an opportunity to collect more sunlight and generate more solar energy.

While generating power from the sun is without cost, the technology behind this process is not. The reality is solar panels are an investment – much like a home – that has an upfront cost but pays off in the long term. The installation can be compared to a small construction project and each module contains multiple parts to make everything run smoothly. So, how does a homeowner ensure that taking a chance on clean energy solutions will be worthwhile?

It may seem obvious to say, but not all solar cells are the same. From the type of silicon used to the design of the solar cell, there are many aspects that determine the efficiency and durability of solar panels. It can be a bit overwhelming to understand what’s out there and what’s right for your home, so we’ll try to break it down for you.

In the past, there was only one answer to the question, “What’s the best direction for solar panels to be pointed?” In the Northern Hemisphere, that direction was south. Because the sun shines directly over the equator most of the time, south-facing solar panels have an opportunity to collect more sunlight and generate more solar energy .

The SunPower team calls from homeowners interested in solar, answers their questions and then connects them to one of our dealer partners partners . As you might imagine, questions range from the informational “How does solar work?” to the more complex “How efficient are SunPower's solar panels?”. The following are some of the most popular questions the team fields from those looking to go solar, save money on their energy bill and reduce their carbon footprint.

A well-designed solar system can meet the majority of the electricity needs for a homeowner, but there are times when power needs to be pulled from the grid. While many energy providers give the option of net metering to cover the cost of electricity used from the local power company, it’s not available to all solar homeowners. Having a backup supply of electricity can provide power during outages like PG&E's Public Power Safety Shutoffs and can also provide more electricity cost savings.

When it comes to installing a new solar system, most homeowners simply think about only buying the actual solar panels. There are multiple pieces of equipment that come along with your solar installation but did you know that additional product enhancements exist to further optimize your investment? Your solar provider may offer various add-ons like critter guards or even edge skirts. But do these add value? Or just add to the cost?