What is a Bypass Switch?
Understanding the Role of a Bypass Switch in Solar Systems Introduction Last week, I wrote about portable power stations, inspired by a customer who chose one to power their cabin instead of a full solar system. Since their energy needs are minimal, this solution works well. However, if the battery runs low at night, the…
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Portable Power Stations vs. Permanent Solar Systems
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Cabin Introduction A customer recently asked me to install a bypass switch in their cabin so they could easily connect a portable power station, such as a Bluetti or Anker SOLIX. The idea was simple, they wanted the flexibility to use one of these units instead of installing a…
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Protect Yourself from Solar Scams
The Importance of Education and Choosing the Right Installer Introduction I recently had a conversation with one of my connections through our network, and the stories he shared about the number of solar scams out there were really eye-opening for me. Innocent people are being taken advantage of, which caught me off guard. But on…
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Springtime Solar Issues
Essential Seasonal Checks to Keep Your System Running Smoothly Introduction As temperatures rise and spring approaches, many of my customers are returning to their off-grid cabins and homes. While some live off-grid year-round, others only spend time there from spring through fall, or even just during the summer months. This means that many of these…
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Dual Purpose Lithium Battery
High-Performance for Cranking and Deep-Cycle Applications Introduction When I first came across these dual-purpose lithium batteries, I saw them as a major leap from traditional deep-cycle batteries used for storage or electric vehicles. But then I remembered a video I watched years ago, where someone started a car using a small lithium battery and a…
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What Is A Microinverter?
How Does It Work And Where Would I Want One ? Introduction When I was first introduced to solar around 2008, the focus was primarily on off-grid systems. This may have been because I was deeply involved in the telecom industry, where power and storage were critical, and my work centered around battery backup systems.…
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Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Going Solar
Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Buy Introduction I have countless conversations with customers, potential customers, friends, and colleagues, I live and breathe solar every single day. Whether it’s batteries, the latest inverter technology, or system design, solar is always at the forefront. If you’re considering generating your own power, it’s essential to connect…
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Understanding Dry Contact Relays
How They Work and Why They Matter For Your System Introduction Imagine you have a light switch in your home, but instead of directly turning on a light, it simply tells another switch to do the job. This is similar to how a dry contact relay works. It’s a type of electrical switch that doesn’t…
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Grid-Tied Solar vs. Grid-Tied with Battery Backup
Which One Is Right for You? Introduction Here at IOTG Solar we are all about education. With today’s wide range of solar options, educating yourself is key to making the most of the opportunities available. From incentives and grants to adding battery backup, understanding your choices helps you design a system that fits your needs.…
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George Simon Ohm
The Legacy of Sir Simon Ohm: The Father of Electrical Resistance Introduction In high school, I had the privilege of taking two vocational courses, one in electrical work, focused on household wiring, and the other in electronics. Both courses, rooted in the fundamentals of electricity, naturally revolved around the formula created by Sir George Simon…
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