The Convert Solar Blog

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when researching solar energy is simple: how much electricity does a solar panel actually produce? The answer is straightforward on paper, but more nuanced in real life. A panel’s output depends on its rating, where it’s...

In 2023, more than 1.2 million homeowners claimed the solar investment tax credit (ITC). Back in 2022, the Biden administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which introduced various tax credits for the solar industry.  If you invested in solar energy, you...

“If you thought your 2025 was rough, wait until you hear about the year Solar’s had.” A lot of crazy changes have shaken up the solar industry, and the aftershocks are still to be felt. So with all the changes affecting residential solar we thought we’d ask if solar...

What does the future of solar look like? Not just next year, or next decade— what about next century? Next millennia? Next myriad (that’s 10,000 years)? But why bother thinking that far ahead? How can futurology— the science of trying to predict the future— help us in...

You might be looking at everything happening in the United States Solar industry and think, “Should I invest in solar before the tax credit goes away?” You’re not alone. Residential solar installations are spiking right now!  EnergySage, an online marketplace...

There’s a lot going on in the solar industry. Two months ago, we discussed how tariffs are kind of encouraging the solar industry to onshore manufacturing. However, new economic policies are shaking up the entire industry, and many do not have a bright outlook on the...

In fall 2024, a major Category 4 hurricane swept through the southeast coast of the United States. Hurricane Helene was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane to strike the United States mainland since Katrine.  It ripped through North Carolina, flooding streets,...

Can’t decide whether solar is right for you? A cost-benefit analysis will clarify the choice! So, let’s examine solar’s costs and financial benefits. We’ll explore payback periods and potential return on investments (ROI). By the end of this blog, we’ll answer: How...

We love backyard cookouts as much as the next person. Sizzling burgers, crisp leafy lettuce, and creamy condiments. Yum. But very rarely do we think about where our burgers, veggies, and condiments come from.  Around 90% of what Americans eat is grown...

78% of US adults are concerned about rising home energy costs. That’s from a 2024 CNET survey. There’s never been a better incentive to go solar.  But how can you make the most of your investment? How do you get the most energy from your system? Let’s look at an...

“I’d love to go solar, but I don’t know how solar panels hold up against the weather.”  That’s a very understandable sentiment. Residential solar is a huge investment, so it makes sense that if you want to see your returns, your investment will have to...

So you want to go green? Good for you! But where do you start? What are the basics of solar? You’re bound to have a lot of questions. However, you’re also bound to run into some misinformation and misconceptions.  Isn’t solar maintenance a big pain in the...

Solar empowers you to be self-sufficient and energy-independent. Solar is the top choice for those living off the grid, on self-made homesteads, or a nomadic lifestyle. Most of them choose the DIY route for various reasons we’ll explore. But what should you choose?...

Residential Solar Power Systems: Low Maintenance, Not No Maintenance Rooftop solar systems can provide you with reliable electricity for decades! However, they are not a “set-it and forget-it” investment. You will need to put in some work to reap the most rewards....

How do you Maximize the Efficiency of Your Home Solar System? After all, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of investment. If you take care of your solar power system, it will serve you for decades. You might have heard of getting the most out of your system, and...

Dear Valued Customer, Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your concerns about high winter utility bills. We understand how frustrating it can be to experience unexpected spikes in energy costs. Allow us to shed some light on some factors that may be...

Yes, residential solar is still a good investment. To explain why, we’ll summarize the broad national trends and then focus on our state of Virginia. Finally, we’ll focus on you, the individual homeowner, and discuss the solar investment in detail.  Solar is...

So, you want to go solar? You've done some research but want to make an informed decision. What question should you ask before making the leap? Solar is a huge investment; we want you to be a smart, educated investor.  This article is for those who've done some...

Solar's advancements and increased accessibility earn it more and more public attention. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) says the solar industry is growing at an unprecedented rate. However, with more attention comes more misinformation, misconceptions,...

Solar panels are generally a good, worthwhile investment for many people. However, there are certain situations in which investing in solar panels wouldn’t be a wise choice. Because there are so many questions that come up when people wonder if solar panels are a good...

At Convert Solar, we are proud to offer tailored and affordable energy solutions to communities in need. Our unique approach to sustainability involves working closely with each community to create comprehensive energy plans that meet their specific needs and budget....

The Benefits of Solar Power. Energy is something the world and its population rely on to live and function. Every time we turn on a light, plug in appliances, etc., we’re using energy. That energy can come from non-renewable sources or renewable ones. Solar power is...

Solar energy is energy that’s created in the sun. Because solar energy is coming directly to us on Earth from the sun, it’s the most plentiful, and essentially endless, source of energy out there. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and can take on many forms when it...

You’ve taken the time to do the research and have made the important decision to go solar in order to completely offset your monthly utility bill. The next big question that comes up is how to know how many solar panels your home will need to achieve your goal. The...

Just about anyone you ask will tell you that installing solar panels on your home can save you money. But exactly how much solar panels in Virginia Beach cost is a different story. That leads to the next question: is the upfront installation cost worth it in the long...