Solar performance blog
2026-05-25
Solar Panel Maintenance in New York: A Complete Guide
New York's diverse climate presents unique opportunities and challenges for solar panel owners. From the snowy winters of upstate regions to the urban canyons o
2026-05-22
Solar Panel Maintenance in Arizona: A Complete Guide
Arizona's intense desert climate presents unique challenges for solar panel owners, from extreme heat that reduces efficiency to dust storms that can dramatical
2026-05-22
Solar Panel Maintenance in California: A Complete Guide
California leads the nation in solar energy adoption, with over 1.3 million residential installations generating more than 10,000 MW of clean power. The state's
2026-05-22
Solar Panel Maintenance in Florida: A Complete Guide
Florida's unique climate presents both exceptional opportunities and distinct challenges for solar energy systems. With abundant sunshine year-round, the state
2026-05-22
Solar Panel Maintenance in Texas: A Complete Guide
Solar panels in Texas face unique challenges that differ significantly from other regions. From the hail-prone areas of North Texas to the humid Gulf Coast and
2026-05-15
Net Metering Explained: How It Works and Why It Matters
Net metering lets you earn bill credits for excess solar power — but policies vary widely by state. A plain-English guide including California's NEM 3.0 changes.
2026-05-13
Best States for Solar in 2026
Which U.S. states offer the best solar ROI in 2026? We rank the top markets by sun hours, electricity rates, state incentives, and net metering policies.
2026-05-13
What Happens When Solar Panels Are Recycled?
Millions of solar panels will reach end-of-life in the next decade. Here's how the recycling process works, what materials are recovered, and where to recycle your panels.
2026-05-11
Rooftop vs Ground-Mount Solar: Pros and Cons
Rooftop solar costs 15–25% less upfront, but ground mounts offer better tilt and easier maintenance. A full comparison covering cost, efficiency, and permitting.
2026-05-11
Solar Panel Degradation Rates by Brand
Not all solar panels age equally. We compare published degradation rates by brand, why they differ, and what NREL data reveals about real-world performance over 25 years.
2026-05-09
Solar Panel Fire Safety: Risks and Prevention
Solar fires are rare but preventable. Learn how DC arc faults and hotspots start fires, what rapid shutdown requirements mean, and how to keep your system safe.
2026-05-09
When Should You Replace Your Solar Panels?
Solar panels rarely fail overnight — they show signs first. Learn the physical and performance indicators that mean it's time to replace, and when repair still makes sense.
2026-05-07
Bird Proofing Solar Panels: Prevention and Solutions
Birds nesting under solar panels can cause hotspots, wiring damage, and costly repairs. Here's how bird-proofing mesh works and when it's worth installing.
2026-05-07
Solar Panel Insurance: What's Covered and What's Not
Most homeowner policies cover solar panels automatically — but gaps exist. A practical guide to what's covered, when you need a separate endorsement, and how to avoid claim surprises.
2026-05-05
Hail Damage and Solar Panels: What You Need to Know
Most panels are IEC-tested to handle 25mm hailstones, but damage still happens. Learn to spot micro-cracks and delamination, and when to file an insurance claim.
2026-05-05
Power Optimizers: What They Do and When You Need Them
DC power optimizers sit between microinverters and string inverters in cost and capability. Find out how they work, when they're worth the extra expense, and when to skip them.
2026-05-04
Solar Inverter Problems: How to Diagnose and Fix Them
Your inverter is the most likely component to fail in a solar system. This guide covers the most common solar inverter problems, how to read fault codes, and when to call a professional.
2026-05-04
Solar Panel Degradation: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about solar panel degradation — what causes it, how fast it happens, which brands hold up best, and when declining output signals a real problem.
2026-05-04
Solar Thermal Inspection: What to Expect and Is It Worth It?
A thermal inspection can find faults your monitoring app never will. Here's what happens during a solar thermal imaging survey, what it costs, and how to know if you need one.
2026-05-03
Is Solar Battery Storage Worth It?
Home battery storage costs $8,000–$15,000 with 7–12 year payback periods. We break down who benefits most and whether it pencils out for your situation.
2026-05-03
String Inverter vs Microinverter: Which Is Better?
Microinverters cost 15–25% more than string inverters — but they handle shading better and last longer. A head-to-head comparison to help you choose the right setup.
2026-04-29
Solar Monitoring Apps: What to Look For
Not all solar monitoring apps show you the same data. We compare panel-level vs string-level monitoring, the metrics that matter, and key features to look for.
2026-04-29
Understanding Your Solar Panel Warranty
Solar panels come with two warranties — product and performance — and they cover very different things. Know the fine print before a defect or output shortfall surprises you.
2026-04-27
DIY Solar Panel Checkup: What You Can Do Yourself
You don't need a technician for a basic solar checkup. This guide shows homeowners how to inspect panels from the ground, read inverter data, and spot early warning signs.
2026-04-27
How Often Should You Inspect Your Solar Panels?
Annual visual checks are the minimum — but how often should you book a professional inspection? A practical schedule covering different climates and system ages.
2026-04-25
Drone Solar Inspections: How They Work and When You Need One
Drone thermal inspections can scan thousands of panels in hours. Here's how they work, what they cost, and when a drone survey is worth it over a handheld camera.
2026-04-25
What Happens During a Solar Panel Inspection?
Not sure what a solar inspection covers? We walk through the full process — visual checks, thermal imaging, and electrical testing — so you know what to expect.
2026-04-23
How Much Does a Solar Panel Inspection Cost?
Solar inspections range from $100 to $500 depending on type. A breakdown of thermal, electrical, and drone inspection costs — and which is worth paying for.
2026-04-23
Solar Panel Output: First Year vs Now — What to Expect
Is your solar system producing less than it used to? Learn how to compare output year-over-year, account for weather variation, and tell normal degradation from a real fault.
2026-04-21
Solar Panel Efficiency: What the Numbers Actually Mean
A 22% efficiency rating sounds high — but what does it mean in real conditions? We decode solar panel efficiency specs so you can compare products accurately.
2026-04-21
Why Solar Output Drops in Extreme Summer Heat
Solar panels can lose 16% output on a hot rooftop day. Here's the physics behind heat derating, how temperature coefficients work, and which panels handle heat best.
2026-04-20
Do Solar Panels Work in Winter?
Solar panels keep generating electricity in winter — but output drops due to shorter days and lower irradiance. Here's what to expect and how to optimise performance.
2026-04-20
How Long Do Solar Panels Actually Last?
Most solar panels last 25–30 years, but their output gradually declines. Learn about degradation rates, what affects lifespan, and when performance drops signal a real problem.
2026-04-18
Why Solar Panels Lose Efficiency Over Time
All solar panels degrade — but how fast, and when should you worry? A data-backed guide to solar panel degradation rates, causes, and what you can do about it.
2026-04-17
How to Identify Solar Panel Hotspots
Hotspots are a leading cause of solar panel failure and accelerated degradation. Learn what causes them, how to spot warning signs, and when thermal imaging is needed.
2026-04-16
Is Solar Panel Cleaning Worth It?
Solar panel soiling can reduce output by 2–15%. But is professional cleaning worth the cost? A practical breakdown of when cleaning pays for itself.
2026-04-15
Solar Inverter Lifespan: How Long Should Yours Last?
Most solar inverters last 10–15 years — but some fail earlier. Here's what affects inverter lifespan, warning signs of failure, and when to consider replacement.