Solar Information

Download your free copy of our Solar Panel Buying Guide to learn everything you need to know about picking the perfect solar panels for your system.

Batteries allow you to store energy generated by your panels for later use. Download this free Battery Buying Guide to learn how to size your battery bank and pick the best batteries for your application.

Inverters manage the flow of power through your system. Download this free Inverter Buying Guide to learn how the right inverter can help you optimize your system's production.

Racking provides a solid foundation for your array and tilts your panels toward the sun to optimize output. Download this free Solar Racking Guide to explore the best way to mount your system.

When you go solar, part of your project costs can be claimed under the Solar Investment Tax Credit to offset a portion of your federal taxes. Download this guide to learn how to claim the credit.

Learn how to file permits through your local building office and connect your system to the utility grid (if applicable). Separate guides are available for both Grid-Tied and Off-Grid systems.

Not sure whether going solar is right for you? Grab your free copy of this guide to Getting Started With Solar and get a handle on the basics.

Hailing from Wisconsin, Dave wrote a report for the Clean Water Action Council about why going solar is a sound financial decision - even in a climate that gets about 40 days of snow per year.

This couple from West Virgina started small and expanded on their system as their budget allowed. They'll save more than $16,000 over the life of their system, even in one of the least solar-friendly states in the country.

Stacy went solar for less than what it would have cost to run power lines to his off-grid property - and built the entire system by himself. See how he did it.

Solar arrays should be sized 10-20% larger than your inverter's input rating to maximize your system's production. Here's how to find the "sweet spot" when sizing your array.

Learn how to retrofit your existing grid-tie solar system with energy storage to protect against power outages and make the most of your utility's net metering policies.

Wondering how many panels you can fit on your roof? This guide covers the dimensions of traditional solar panels to help you plan the physical layout of your array.

Learn the pros and cons of a variety of solar technologies. Covers monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline vs. thin-film panels, N-Type vs. P-Type cells, and more.

Net metering policies allow grid-tie solar system owners to receive credit for sending electricity into the public utility grid. In turn, those credits are used to offset the customer's energy bill.

Read our review of the Crown CR-430, a cost-effective flooded lead-acid battery from an established manufacturer, suitable for use in all battery-based systems.

Fullriver's AGM batteries are maintenance-free, making them a great choice for battery banks that go a long time between uses (like a vacation home or a grid-tie backup system).

Charge controllers are essential in battery-based systems. Their job is to regulate charging voltage so the battery bank remains topped off and healthy without overcharging.

This step-by-step guide explains how to fill out IRS Form 5695, which is required to claim your federal tax credit for going solar.

Astronergy produces budget-friendly imported solar panels backed by a third-party warranty.

Many off-grid solar systems are paired with a gas generator for backup power. Learn what size generator you need to pair seamlessly with your solar system.

The SolarEdge HD-Wave with power optimizers is designed to maximize your array's production, even when your panels are obstructed from shade or inclement weather. Read our review.

The Sunny Boy is a cost-effective inverter that shines in situations where your solar panels are unobstructed and will be fully exposed to sunlight year-round. Read our review.

Each IQ7+ micro-inverter controls the output of a single panel, optimizing the system's overall output and isolating equipment failures. Read our review.

Most solar panels are warrantied for 25 years, but there are other details to consider, like minimum production guarantees and third party insurance. Learn what to look for as you evaluate solar panel warranties.

String inverters are more cost-effective, while micro-inverters do a better job optimizing your array's production. Learn the pros and cons of each type of inverter to decide which is right for you.

Panel strings must be sized so that the voltage from the panels falls within the operating range of the inverter or charge controller. Proper string sizing is key to safe and efficient system design.

Learn what steps you can take to ensure your solar panels work as efficiently as possible during snowy winters.

Starting in 2020, California will require all newly-built homes to be outfitted with solar. This article explains how CA homebuilders and homebuyers can comply with the new regulations.

Racking is the foundation on which solar panels are mounted. Read our picks for the best racking products on the market.

Living life on the road? Check out our picks for the best portable solar panels for RVs, boats, and other mobile applications.

Senior design tech Wil B. gives a step-by-step walkthrough of the system design process, explaining how to account for factors that are unique to your project.

Compare the pros and cons of each type of lead-acid battery: flooded, gel, and AGM (absorbent glass mat), to decide which makes the most sense for your system.

Learn how to size your off-grid system based on your location, energy requirements, and desired days of autonomy (how long the system can run off batteries between charge cycles).

Solar panels should face directly into the sun to optimize their output. This article explains how to find the right tilt and azimuth angle to get the most production out of your array.

Solar trackers adjust automatically to face the sun, increasing the output of your panels. However, it's usually more cost-effective to buy a few more panels instead of investing in a tracker.

Explore historical pricing trends dating back to 1998 and learn what factors influence the cost of solar panels. Includes sample packages to help you benchmark the current cost of solar.

Lithium batteries cost more than lead-acid batteries upfront, but also enjoy a longer lifespan and don't require maintenance. Compare both options to decide which is right for your project.

We're huge advocates for solar power (obviously), but we recognize that going solar isn't right for everyone. Read about the pros and cons of going solar to decide if it's right for you.

In this article, we cover the differences between grid-tie and off-grid solar, and explain why grid-tie is usually the better option for people with access to power lines.

Electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWhs), which can be found on your electric bill. Understanding your monthly kWh usage is the first step to properly sizing a solar energy system.

The SolarEdge HD-Wave combines an inverter for your solar system with an integrated EV charger for your electric vehicle. Read our review.

Inverters are the "brain" of your solar power system, managing the flow of power throughout the system. Check out our picks for the best grid-tied inverters on the market.

Explore our picks for the best solar panels on the market in a variety of categories. Includes American-made panels, budget-friendly panels, portable panels, and more.

Compare the pros and cons of Discover and SimpliPhi, two quality manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries for solar applications.

Mistakes during the system design process can be costly. In this article, we go over 8 common mistakes people make when they plan and design their system.

Hiring a local solar installer can help you save a good chunk of money on your solar project. Read our tips on how to find an installer you can trust.

Check out our picks for the best solar batteries for a variety of applications, including off-grid homes, vacation cabins, RV/mobile systems, and storage for grid-tie backup power.

MPPT charge controllers continuously monitor and adjust the charging voltage from your solar panels to optimize the amount of power being produced.

There is no cost-per-watt difference between 60-cell and 72-cell panels, but space constraints may force you to choose one option over the other.

Most panels are warrantied by 25 years, but a study shows that 80% of panels outlive their warranty.

This guide explains how to quickly estimate system size based on your energy use, then figure out how many panels you'll need to offset your bill.

In off-grid systems, the power from your solar panels needs to match the storage capacity of your battery bank. Here's how to ensure your components stay compatible when expanding an off-grid system.

Ground mounts are more accessible for maintenance, while roof mounts cost less. Click for a full comparison of the pros and cons of ground mounts vs. roof mounts.

A recent study found that homes equipped with solar sell for more than equivalent non-solar homes. Learn how adding solar to your home can increase property value.

Read our picks for the best inverters on the market for a variety of applications, including full-time residences, vacation homes, and solar+storage systems.

What's the smartest way to finance your system? We compare the cost of three options: buying it outright, taking out a personal loan, or entering a lease agreement.

New to the world of solar and not sure where to start? Explore our Solar 101 page for answers to the most frequently asked questions we hear from newcomers.

Solar pays for itself by reducing your monthly power bill, eventually turning a profit when the initial investment is paid for. Learn how to calculate the payback period and ROI of your system.

Explore financing options including personal loans, leases and PPAs (power purchase agreements), and learn how each option impacts the ROI of your system.

Your solar system's production will change based on how much sun you get in your area. Check this US map to see how many daily sun hours you get (on average) in your location.

Take control of your solar project by sourcing your parts directly and installing your own system. This DIY solar timeline gives an overview of the entire process.

Inverters come in different configurations depending on whether they need to feed into the utility grid or connect a battery bank. This article explains what to look out for when choosing an off-grid inverter.

Though leases offer a way to go solar with no up-front cost, the terms of solar leases drastically cut into your system's ROI. We strongly recommend exploring other financing options before signing a solar lease.

Our in-house tech team can provide an electrical wiring diagram with your order, which is needed to file permits with your utility company and local building office.

Helpful tips on receiving your freight shipment, unboxing and sorting your order, and filing any potential damage claims.

Installing your own system? Follow these 5 quick safety tips to protect yourself.

Has anyone ever told you that solar panels don't work in the winter, or that solar is too expensive to pay for itself? We dispel these myths (and 15 others) in this article.

Tax credits, rebates, and exemptions, oh my! Learn about the various incentives available that can reduce the cost of your solar power system.

Lowering your energy usage can save you money on the cost of your solar power system, because it will take less production to offset your monthly bill. Check out these 53 tips to reduce your consumption.

Shade can dramatically reduce the output of solar panels, but micro-inverters or a string inverter with power optimizers can mitigate the loss of production.

Properly sized wires prevent against voltage drop and ensure your system runs as efficiently as possible.

In areas with high wind speeds, wind power can be an effective supplement to your solar power system. Read our introduction to wind power to see if it makes sense for you.

Before you can install your system, you'll need to file for a permit with your local building authority and (for grid-tied systems) your utility company. Here's what you need to know about permitting your system.

Efficient panels allow you fit more power into a smaller area, which is great if there are space constraints where you plan to build your system.

Under solar leases, you don't get to claim your tax credits, you're still subject to inflation, and they can make selling your home more difficult. Read about why we typically don't recommend leases to our customers.

This chart lists the approximate energy consumption of common household appliances. Useful for estimating daily power consumption while designing an off-grid system.

Your system is only as strong as the racking it's mounted on. Get a basic overview of solar racking products to learn which is right for your project.

Inverters manage the flow of power throughout your system, converting DC (direct current) from panels into AC (alternating current) to power your appliances. Click to learn the basics.

For grid-tied systems, your solar panels won't work during a power outage unless you add energy storage to your system.

Lightning can damage your inverter, charge controllers and other sensitive electronics. Learn how to properly ground your system to protect against damage from static discharge.

Learn the basics about deep-cycle batteries, used to store energy in off-grid and grid-tie + energy storage systems.

Explore general info about commercial solar systems, including financing information, interconnection requirements, and sample system packages.

Solar leases and PPAs offer homeowners a way to go solar for no up-front cost, but the tradeoff is much lower ROI over the life of the system. Learn how they work.

When you go solar, a significant portion of your project costs can be claimed as a credit toward your federal taxes. Learn how the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) works.

Knowing the difference between AC and DC watts is crucial to understanding system sizing and eligibility for incentives, among other things. This article brings you up to speed.

Know someone who's interested in going solar? Refer them to Unbound Solar and receive up to $199 for each person that buys from us!

Local installers partner with Unbound Solar to receive dealer discounts and expert support from our in-house tech team. Read about the benefits of becoming a Unbound Solar partnered installer.

Bifacial solar panels absorb light on both sides, giving them a modest efficiency boost over traditional panels.

Customers who source their own solar equipment and hire a local installer save an estimated 20% on their project. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process.

Looking for inspiration for your solar project? Browse photo galleries and interviews from real customers who went solar on their own terms. If they did it, so can you!

Micro-inverters control the output of a single solar panel. The one-to-one nature of micro-inverters optimizes your array's production and isolates equipment failure. Learn more about their pros and cons.

Read our answers to the most common questions that newcomers have about the process of going solar.

Wondering how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself? This guide helps you calculate your energy savings to decide whether solar is worth it for you.

"Voltage drop" refers to the slight loss of efficiency that occurs as electrical current travels through a wire. Learn how to design your system to minimize the impact of voltage drop.

We are able to provide you with the lowest price possible, due to increased availability and stabilizing supply chains! We are able to provide you with the lowest price possible, due to increased availability and stabilizing supply chains! Get the right solar kit for your needs!

This Free Workshop gives you a step-by-step roadmap to manage your solar project. Whether you're installing yourself—or hiring a contractor.

Learn all about solar panel monitoring, how it works, and see some of the best solar monitoring options on the market in 2020. Get the most out of your system.

Once your off-grid system is installed, the last step is the solar commissioning process. Here's an easy-to-use checklist to get you fully up and running.

Solar panels don't require much upkeep after installation. But be sure to review this information on solar maintenance and cleaning so you know what to expect.

Learn about solar cell technology. We'll compare monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels and help you figure out which to use for your project.

You've done months of planning, you have all the equipment - now it's time to install your solar system! Here is your guide to solar installation.

Meeting the proper electrical panel requirements for solar is a crucial step in the installation process. Learn more from the Unbound Solar® experts.

This free course is designed to give newcomers a grasp on the fundamentals of solar power in 1-2 hours. For more in-depth learning, explore our free Solar Workshop.

This free workshop takes a deep dive into all things solar, for those who like to research and understand every detail about their project. For a quicker primer on solar, explore our free Solar Crash Course.

Enter your ZIP code and monthly energy usage (found on your electric bill) to get a quick and easy estimate on how much it would cost you to go solar.

Enter your ZIP code and daily energy consumption data to estimate what size system you might need to power your off-grid property.

Explore our database of local & state tax credits, rebates, and incentive programs that reduce the cost of going solar. These incentives can be claimed in addition to the federal solar tax credit, so don't miss out!

Quickly and easily size your battery bank based on your personal energy usage. This tool provides an estimate that can be refined based on usage patterns once you consult with your design technician.

Curious about the data your monitoring software can provide you? Take a live look at the SolarEdge monitoring portal for the system installed on the roof of our Mount Shasta office.

Voltage drop is a slight loss of voltage as a result of current traveling through a wire. This calculator helps you determine the ideal wire size to minimize voltage drop in your system.

Under a new mandate, all homes built in California must be equipped with solar power. Use this calculator to see what size system you'll need to meet the requirements.

Senior design tech Cheyenne explains 8 common mistakes people make when designing a solar power system.

Senior design tech Jeremy explains how to properly design and size an off-grid solar system to meet your energy usage needs.

Senior design tech Jeremy explains the pros and cons of ground-mount and roof-mount racking systems.

Purchasing manager Courtney gives a quick overview of the SolarEdge HD-Wave 7600-watt inverter with a built-in electric vehicle charger.

In this quick 3-minute video, we'll help you figure out how long it will take for you to pay back your investment into solar.

Senior design tech Jeremy explains the pros and cons of lithium and lead-acid batteries, and gives his picks for the best battery brands on the market.

We've been installing tiny homes for years. Check out this video with Brent as he show us how to install the tiny home of your dreams.

In this video, Josh the Tech Guy explains how to program a Magnum MS4448PAE inverter with a Midnite Classic 150 charge controller.

Josh the Tech Guy explains how to program your automatic generator start module so that your generator turns on automatically when needed for backup power.

Josh the Tech Guy demonstrates how to use a refractometer to test the state of charge on flooded lead-acid batteries.

Josh the Tech Guy explains how to program AC input amps (shore amps) and charge rate settings on Magnum Energy ME-RC 50 and ME-ARC remotes.

Josh The Tech Guy talks about dipswitch adjustments on the Morningstar TriStar charge controller.

Josh the Tech Guy explains how to access and adjust the dipswitch settings in a MidNite Solar Classic Lite charge controller.

Josh the Tech Guy demonstrates how to properly attach spring clamp connectors, which are found in many solar components.

Josh the Tech Guy demonstrates how to program the Magnum Energy ME-BMK Battery Monitor Kit using the Magnum Energy ME-ARC Remote Control.

Josh the Tech Guy takes us on a tour of the brand new Magnum Energy PT-100 charge controller.

Josh the Tech Guy shows off the new Conext SW 2524 Inverter and Conext ComBox for controlling your system online from your computer or mobile device.

Resident installation pro Jeremy gives a 22-minute hands-on demonstration of how to install solar panels on your roof.

Not sure which batteries will work best for your system? Watch this 4-minute video outlining the best battery types for a variety of applications.

Need to produce power off the grid? In under 2 minutes, design tech Jeremy gives an overview of the components you need to make your off-grid solar system work.

Wondering what type of solar system works best for your needs? Learn the difference between grid-tie, off-grid, and grid-tie+energy storage systems with this short video.

In this video, product manager Josh explains the pros and cons of different mounting options, including roof mounts, ground mounts, and pole mounts.

Senior design technician Cheyenne gives an overview of the best grid-tied inverters on the market, weighing the pros and cons of inverters manufactured by SolarEdge, SMA, Enphase and Magnum Energy.

Product Manager Josh gives an overview of how to properly size your grid-tie solar system based on your personal energy usage.

Produced in collaboration with Primus Windpower, this 1-hour webinar goes over the principles of designing a hybrid wind+solar energy system.

Most solar panels are warrantied for 25 years, but other components typically have shorter warranties. Learn how long you can expect your system to last, and when you should plan for part replacements.

In this video, our Product Manager Courtney explains how solar trackers work - and why we typically don't recommend them for residential solar owners.