Solar Blog
Who Can Install BIPV?
We don’t encounter much Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products out in the market place. Often times architects are drawn to the beauty of a window that can also produce electricity or shingles that function as both a roof and a PV array. The problem is that BIPV is often more
UTC May Regulate Solar Leasing in Washington
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) recently issued a formal policy, stating that the UTC may regulate companies that lease solar power systems as an electric company. What does this mean for Washingtonians? More consumer protection. Third party ownership (leasing) of solar power is not a viable option for
Is the Northwest Too Gloomy for Solar?
Believe it or not, the Northwest is actually an ideal climate for solar power. As native Northwesterners we know how hard that can be to imagine, but the system does not work in the way you might think. It’s our milder summer climate (read warm but not scorching) that makes
South Snohomish County Is Going Solar
Solarize Campaigns are all the rage. Solarize is put out by a local non-profit (NWSEED) to help communities leverage group buying power for bulk discounts. A&R Solar was just selected as the preferred contractor by the South (Snohomish) County community group for their Solarize efforts. The first workshop is coming
How Are Solar Panels Mounted to a Roof?
How you mount your solar panels to your roof is one of the most critical steps to having a long lasting solar energy system. Mounting systems installed correctly will protect your roof from leaks, wear and tear, and secure your solar array to the structure of the house to account
Leasing Solar in Washington State
On January 15, 2014 the Department of Revenue (DOR) issued a rule making order pertaining to the Renewable energy system cost recovery program, also known as the “production incentive program”. The rules clarified a few different matters, but by far the most interesting issue was surrounding solar leasing in Washington state. Leasing
How Much Would My PV Array Produce on a Day Like Yoday?
As easy a question as that sounds (and as often as I get that question), there is no easy answer. I would need one or more irradiance sensors, the temperature of the modules, their wiring configuration in the array and down to the inverter, the equipment specs and on and
Pros and Cons of Solar Energy
There is a growing trend in our global society to look towards renewable energy sources to increase our energy security by diversifying away from conventional fossil sources. There are great benefits to all of the renewable technologies—biomass, wind, wave, and solar to name a few—including free or cheap fuel sources,
Washington Solar Industry – 2013 Year in Review
NOTE: This information is possibly outdated. Please reference our incentives page for current information. Solar in Washington continues to grow at a rapid pace, despite cheap energy prices and the relative lack of sun west of the Cascades. The truth is that solar works in Washington State. Long summer days,
Best Practices for Solar
We often tell people that “solar is simple.” And from the outside it is. Solar panels go on your roof, there’s one or more inverters connected to your house, and voila you’re solar powered! So why not go out and pay for a do-it-yourself kit off the internet, spend a
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