The results of the study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released earlier this year illustrates how far the solar industry has matured. In just the last dozen years, home solar costs have fallen by 43 percent. The figure is even more striking when you consider that the trend is accelerating, with a 17% reduction in price from 2009 to 2010, and an 11% reduction in the first half of this year alone. (more…)

You can determine how much a solar panel system will reduce your energy bills, but you’ll need to know some important factors, including how large the photovoltaic (PV) system will be, how much electricity your home consumes, and whether the system will get enough direct sunlight to be a worthwhile investment for you. (more…)

While the world waits for leading consumer advocates to offer clear reviews of solar panels based on scientific research, homeowners are left trying to sift through piles of conflicting data to discover the best solar panels for their homes.

Residential solar systems have an assortment of ratings that measure voltage, power, heat and efficiency. Many solar panel ratings are technical in nature, and not so user-friendly. Fortunately, a few key ratings can help you choose a photovoltaic system at an affordable price that will efficiently provide power for years to come. (more…)