The Tree Debate

As more states are adopting renewable energy standards and continuing to expand solar power, the tree debate often comes up. Is it worth it to cut down a tree to install a solar panel? What about acres worth of trees to build a solar array? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to these questions. Both […]

Indirect Sunlight

On a cloudy day, many people think that solar panels don’t produce any solar energy. They often believe that panels require direct and full sunlight. However, this is not the case! Although they are less efficient when it is cloudy, solar panels can still harness sunlight on a cloudy day.

Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Panels

There are two main types of silicon solar cells: polycrystalline and monocrystalline cells. The key distinction between the two is based on how each is made.

SMART Program FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Massachusetts SMART Program. For more information and an overview of the program, visit our SMART Program page.

Solar Battery Storage

Why install a solar battery? Batteries allow you to store solar energy and reduce your dependence on the grid. In turn, you use more solar power and fewer fossil fuels! How do solar batteries work? Most solar panel systems are connected to the grid and still rely on grid energy when they are producing below […]

All-Black vs. Traditional Panels

So, what is the deal with all black-solar panels? Most solar panel manufacturing companies now have an all-black model, which is becoming more and more popular with customers. However, many people get confused about the difference between the two, and don’t know which type of panel is better for their home.

All About Inverters

Definitions Before we dive into all the inverter details, here is a little refresher on how solar panels work. To generate electricity, sunlight shines on a panel and this panel converts the solar energy into DC current. This current flows to the inverter where the it converts DC current to AC current. Your home uses […]

Energy Independence

Global scale We can talk about energy independence on both a global scale and individual level. On an international level, energy independence refers to producing sufficient energy in the United States to meet our country’s energy needs. If we can meet our needs by producing energy domestically, we will not depend on resources from foreign […]