Tips and Tools

Streamline Your Solar System with Real-Time Data and Remote Access Introduction I recently installed a small 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC inverter to power a fridge at a customer’s cabin, where they typically use a larger inverter/charger system to power the rest of the cabin. To conserve energy, they shut down the larger…
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Essential Guidelines for Properly Grounding Your Floating Home for Electrical Safety Introduction Floating homes present unique challenges when it comes to electrical safety, particularly regarding grounding systems. Proper grounding is critical for ensuring the safety of electrical installations and preventing hazards such as electrical shock, equipment damage, and fire. In this article, we will explore…
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Essential Tips for Rain, Snow, and Limited Sunlight Introduction As winter approaches, your solar energy system will encounter new challenges—shorter days, heavy rainfall, and snow can all impact its performance. Proper preparation is key to ensuring your system remains efficient and reliable throughout the colder months. Whether you live in an area with frequent snowstorms…
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What are the Advantages of a Pole Mount Solar Panel Design? Introduction Over the years, we’ve installed numerous pole-mounted solar systems, ranging from small setups to larger installations. One of the key advantages we’ve noticed is that pole mounts typically require minimal land space, unlike ground mounts, and they keep the panels off the roof.…
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How Far Can My Solar Panels Be From My Solar System? Introduction When designing a solar system, distance plays a key role, especially in off-grid setups where DC home runs are involved. In grid-tied systems, distance is typically less of a concern, particularly with microinverters, since AC power is more resilient to long runs. However,…
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Lithium-Ion Batteries vs. Lead-Acid Batteries Introduction Today’s golf carts are a far cry from the simple vehicles once confined to the fairways. These machines now boast 6-inch lifts, fat off-road tires, and double or more the power, making them not just practical but exhilarating. Whether you’re navigating residential communities, cruising across farms, or powering through…
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Where would this matter in My Solar System? Introduction We have been designing and installing primarily off-grid systems for lake homes, cabins, vans, motorhomes, and similar setups for many years. If you already have or want an off-grid system because there’s no grid available, this article may not be directly relevant to you. However, if…
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What are the Factors Involved? Introduction We recently had a customer request the installation of a brand-new off-grid solar system, specifically one that could also charge his new electric truck. This system will be a 48-volt setup. Since there are various types of systems available, there are a few important questions that need to be…
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Which is the Easiest Method of Installing Solar Panels? Introduction Over the years, we’ve installed numerous solar panels in various orientations, sometimes in portrait, other times in landscape, and occasionally a combination of both when roof space was limited. While both methods have their place, I find that portrait orientation is generally the standard and…
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Harnessing the Synergy of Agriculture and Solar Energy Introduction If you have a backyard, you quickly notice in the summertime that items like sheds, sun umbrellas or lawn chairs can affect grass growth. When I go to cut the grass, I often find that it grows better underneath or around these objects due to the…
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