There are a lot of factors to consider when determining a home’s solar potential. For one, there’s the amount of sunlight that will strike the roof and any adjacent objects that may shade the solar panels. Then there’s the size of the roof itself, as well as its pitch and the direction it faces. The…
Read more
What you’re referring to is “range anxiety,” and it’s a common concern among prospective EV buyers. Electric vehicles batteries last for a certain number of miles before needing to be recharged, but that number will depend on the model. In that way, it’s not so different than the differing miles-per-gallon rating of gas-powered cars. And…
Read more
In terms of carbon emissions, there’s no contest between EVs and gasoline-powered cars. EVs are responsible for fewer carbon emissions than gas-powered cars, because the grid is increasingly shifting away from fossil fuels. Per vehicle in Minnesota, EVs have about a third of the carbon emissions than that of traditional vehicles.
ChargeHub has a helpful map that shows nearby public charging stations. But it’s more likely you’ll do the bulk of your EV charging at home. That’s why it’s important to have a system that will quickly charge your batteries.
While EVs may cost more upfront, it costs less to fuel them. The reason is that electricity is cheaper than gas. The Union of Concerned Scientists said in 2017 that drivers could save somewhere between $400 and north of $1,000 per year in fuel costs by going electric. You can also use this tool from the U.S.…
Read more
That question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Not only does it depend on what kind of charger you’re connecting to, it depends on the car you’re driving. Broadly speaking, the more power you can deliver to your vehicle, the faster it will charge. That’s why the circuit in your garage or at your parking spot…
Read more
Solar panels have a lengthy shelf life. Generally, they’re considered to last 25-30 years. They do degenerate over time, but panels should generate most of the rated power for a couple of decades. Researchers have said the median degradation rate for solar panels is around .5% per year, meaning they’ll generate 90% of their power…
Read more
Since solar panels rely on light rather than heat, they work in the winter just fine. But since the sun is out for less time, they harness as much energy as the summer. In December, Duluth gets less than a third of the solar radiation than it does in July. It’s also important to keep…
Read more
Net metering means your power company will credit you for excess electricity you produce from your panels. The rate at which the power company credits the customer differs depending on the utility. We can help you navigate these agreements to meet your financial goals for your solar energy system.
The federal government offers a tax credit that reduces income tax obligations by 26% of the project’s cost. The credit is scheduled to be reduced and phased out for homeowners in the coming years. Minnesota Power also offers a rebate for 56 cents per kWh of energy produced by the system. Minnesota Power requires customers…
Read more
American-made solar panels: How to find them
Solar radiation: How it varies year to year
Commercial EV chargers: Wolf Track partners with ZEF Energy
Commercial solar incentives: How to get a bonus tax credit for your business
Solar for Schools grants in Minnesota: Learn how to apply in 2024
Recent Comments