Journal · 10 articles
Energy news, plainly explained.
News that affects your system, honest comparisons, and how-tos for the small jobs inside every install.
September briefing: a record battery quarter, a 580 MW home-battery dispatch, and a residential slowdown
Big batteries are booming. Home batteries just proved what they can do for the grid. And residential installs are dipping without the federal credit.
The FCC’s 2026 inverter ruling, explained for homeowners
Foreign-made, internet-connected solar inverters can no longer get new FCC approval. Here is what changed, what didn’t, and what it means for the system on your roof.
The homeowner solar tax credit is gone. Here’s what you actually have in 2026.
The 30% credit for buying solar ended December 31, 2025. Leases and PPAs still carry a federal credit, but it goes to the company. Here’s how to think about it.
Wind or solar on a Hudson Valley property? An honest comparison
Solar wins on most lots. Wind earns its place on open, windy land, especially paired with solar for winter nights.
The 15 EG4 problems owners actually report, and how long they lasted
We read through years of forum threads. Most problems are settings and wiring you can fix the same day. The long outages are warranty returns.
How to crimp and test MC4 connectors the right way
A bad connector is the most common cause of rooftop hot spots. Ten minutes of care prevents it.
Build a battery shelf that passes inspection
Lithium batteries are heavy, and inspectors look closely at how they’re supported, spaced and protected. Here’s how to build it right.
Mount an equipment wall: plywood vs. cement board
Your inverter, disconnects and combiner need a flat, strong, and sometimes non-combustible surface. Here’s how to choose and install it.
Find rafters from the roof without guessing
Every solar attachment must hit framing. Here are four ways to find it, and what to do when you miss.
Size wire for voltage drop: a five-minute method
Ampacity keeps wire from overheating. Voltage drop keeps your system from wasting energy. Here’s the quick math for both.