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This knowledge base contains information gathered on products offered by EcoDirect.
Net Metering & Battery Storage
How does NEM (Net Energy Metering) Work? Your PV System size is designed, based on your current consumption and may include future loads like EV for expandability. Your solar system produces power and feeds (power) all the loads that are on in your house first. If all the electrical needs in the house are met and
Pricing Increases – Renewable Energy
Notice to our customers about increasing pricing: Enphase IQ series microinverter costs are increasing 6% this month. We will honor existing pricing through the end of July. Pricing increase will be effective August 1st 2021. All orders must ship by July 31st to qualify for the reduced pricing. Ask your sales representative for more details.
Generac PWRcell: The Intelligent Energy Storage System
The Generac battery back-up system integrates solar power generation for utility off-set with a battery back-up system that will power a few loads during an outage or help off-set your peak time of use rates.
Top 6 Reasons to Go Solar in 2019
Thinking about going solar for this 2019 year? There is no better time than the present. We have put together some of the most compelling reasons to go solar in 2019. Take a look and see how many of them resonate with you! 2019 is the last year the Federal Tax credit will offer you
Top Batteries for Solar Energy Storage
Lithium-Ion vs. Lead-Acid Batteries Lithium-ion batteries are trending in the energy storage market. These reliable batteries are popular for several reasons including further depth of discharge, higher cycle life and longer overall lifetime expectancy.
Charge Controller Sizing – PWM and MPPT
PWM Charge Controller Sizing Solar panels that are the same “nominal” voltage of your battery bank use PWM style charge controllers since the input voltage is close enough to that of your battery bank to allow proper charging without overcharging the cells. The short method for sizing a PWM style charge controller is to take
How to Start Building Your Off-Grid System
You have read Home Power Magazine and their articles on off-grid living, helped your friend install his solar panels on his RV and are thinking about building your own cabin in the woods where there is no utility power. What do you need to know to be able to build your own off-grid home to support your simple, yet semi-electronic lifestyle? This article will tell you what you need to know before designing your off-grid home, what considerations to take into account and how you go about creating your own bill of materials to get started.
Helpful Solar Links
Solar 101 Learning the basics of solar electric technology is the best way to confidently move forward with choosing a contractor and installing a PV system appropriate for your needs. The Tax Incentives Assistance Project - TIAP The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP), sponsored by a coalition of public interest nonprofit groups, government agencies, and
Renewable Energy Articles
Welcome to the renewable energy section of the knowledge base. These articles are focused on the renewable energy industry, including trainings, solar electric systems, and wind power. We also offer some great information on the fundamentals of solar to hopefully answer some of the common questions we are asked. Solar Optimizers: A Hybrid Approach An
What is ARRA?
ARRA Compliant Solar Panels - Buy American Under the "Buy American" provision of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), public projects backed by ARRA funds must use ARRA-compliant products. This article explains exactly what "ARRA" means, and provides a regularly updated list of the ARRA-compliant products offered by EcoDirect.com. What does it mean