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Understanding Solar Storage

Going off the grid: from living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle to developing effective strategies for improving quality of life in remote locations, there’s an increasing interest in this lifestyle. One of the core challenges for families moving off the grid is sustainable energy storage. How can you ensure you’ll have energy at night or during bad weather? Solar battery storage provides one option for moving toward a fully independent electrical system or having reliable, round-the-clock electricity in case of emergency. Learn more about residential solar energy storage and how it can move you closer toward energy independence. Understanding Battery Storage…

The Truth About Solar

Sunlight travels 93 million miles in just under 8.5 minutes providing warmth, light, and energy for the whole planet. While the ability to harness this energy is not a new idea, it is now an affordable one. Given that in the 70's adjusting for inflation solar was $96 per watt and today records have been broken where electricity is generated for less than $.03 per kWh. According to a recent report from Lazard the costs of producing electricity from renewable sources are continuing to decline. Energy from utility-scale solar plants — plants that produce electricity that feed into the grid…

Support a Healthier Planet with These 8 Environmental Friendly Home Features

In honor of Earth Day, we’ve rounded up the best environmentally friendly home improvements that will positively impact the health of your home, and the planet. On April 22 we celebrated Earth Day, to raise awareness for environmentally friendly measures to help preserve the planet we call home. We think that action should begin in our actual homes, by creating eco-conscious environments that not only support our families and lifestyles, but protect our larger surroundings, rather than contribute to their demise. “Many green investments help save the planet, but they can also save you money over time as you spend…

Increase Your Home’s Value with Solar Panels

There are many reasons to add solar panels to your home, from developing an environmentally friendly footprint to lowering energy costs. One of the most important aspects to consider financially may be the increase in your home’s property value. According to research from Zillow, homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than the national average, adding approximately $9,274 to the cost of a median-priced home. The returns can be even higher in markets with premium home prices. In New York City, for example, solar panels added 5.4% to the sales price — or $23,989 to the average home. Below…

Sorting Through Solar Energy Rebates

Everyone knows that going solar is great for your well-being—and that of the environment. It makes the air you breathe cleaner and shifts your home towards a sustainable future that isn't reliant on polluting fossil fuel power from the grid. What you might not know is that it can also be a fruitful little side hustle, slashing your energy bills and even earning you a small profit. There are several Texas solar energy incentives available to homeowners who install their own residential solar energy system, and it can easily get overwhelming. Here's a look at some of the main financial…

Solar Energy Costs in San Antonio

What to Know About Solar Power For Your San Antonio Home If you're like most San Antonio residents, you're probably interested in saving money on your home electricity bills and solar panel installation in San Antonio, right? A residential solar power system can generate thousands of dollars worth of energy, costs are at an all-time low, and there is even a federal tax credit of 30% for going green and installing a new solar energy system this year. With all those perks, it's never been a better time to switch to solar and go green. Here's all the information you…

How Much Does Solar Cost in San Antonio?

U.S. solar installations grew by 95 percent in 2016, and there’s no question that 2017 will be another great year for clean energy technology. Texas is one of the leading states in this rapidly growing industry, ranked in the top ten for installed solar and #3 for solar jobs in the country. While Austin has long been recognized as one of the top cities for solar in the U.S. thanks to an incredible array of solar incentives, there’s a new solar star rising in Texas. Thanks to some major developments with CPS Energy and local installers, San Antonio has become…

How Much Does Solar Cost in Austin?

If it feels like everyone is going solar, it's because they are! U.S. solar installations grew by over 95 percent in 2018& 2019, and there’s no question that 2020 will be another great year for clean energy technology. Lucky for you, Texas is one of the leading states in this rapidly growing industry, ranked in the top ten for installed solar and #3 for solar jobs in the country. Austin has long been recognized as one of the top cities for solar in the U.S. thanks to an incredible array of solar incentives, and there's more reason than ever go…

Does Solar Make Sense for You?

If you're like most residents of Austin and San Antonio, you've probably wondered the same thing about solar energy: does residential solar make sense for you and your home? If you like the idea of generating your own electricity at a reduced cost compared to the ever increasing utility company rates, then the answer is a resounding yes. The average residential solar system can pay for itself in 8 – 10 years, or perhaps even sooner depending on your electric company's usage rates. What's more, these systems actually last for decades, as solar systems are very reliable. There are other…

7 Reasons to Consider Solar

If you've been checking into our services here at IES Solar, you probably know that solar energy is the power provided by the sun that can be used to power your home or business. It is sustained through a technology called photovoltaic (PV) cells – turning sunlight directly into electricity. Homeowners and business owners around the nation are installing solar panel systems on their roofs to take advantage of this clean and renewable way to generate power. Not sure if you should go solar and how it would benefit you? Take a look at the top 7 reasons why you…