Over the past few years, I’ve noticed something interesting in the solar industry — everyone suddenly wants an “all-in-one solar system.”You’ve probably seen them too: a single sleek box that combines an inverter, charge controller, battery, and sometimes even Wi-Fi monitoring — all advertised as plug and play, maintenance-free, and smart. Sounds amazing, right?Well, it’s…
When I started out as a solar installer, I was just excited to get my hands on projects. I’d take on complete installations for prices that barely covered materials. Back then, I told myself it was “good exposure” or a way to “build my name.” But years later, I’ve realized how common — and dangerous…
When it comes to solar installations, solar mounting is one of those things that looks simple—until something goes wrong. I’ve seen it all: panels shifting after a few months, leaks from poorly sealed penetrations, or systems producing less power than expected—all because of small mounting errors. Whether you’re a new installer or a seasoned pro,…
What 100 Solar Projects Taught Me Over the years, I’ve installed and overseen more than 100 solar projects — from small residential rooftops to large commercial systems. Each project came with its own challenges, surprises, and learning opportunities. Looking back, I realized that success isn’t just about using high-quality panels or expensive inverters. It’s about…
When “Working” Isn’t the Same as “Performing” If you’ve ever installed a solar system that technically works but doesn’t deliver the expected power, you’re not alone.As a solar technician, I’ve seen perfect-looking installations produce only 60–70% of their rated output. The panels are new. The inverter is fine. The batteries are solid.So why do so…
What They Don’t Teach You in Solar School Let’s be honest — no matter how much training you get, the real lessons of solar installation start on the job.When I began installing solar systems, I quickly realized that textbooks and YouTube tutorials don’t cover everything. Sure, you learn the basics — wiring, mounting, inverter setup,…
If you’ve ever wrapped up an installation, checked all your voltages, and thought “this system should be performing better than this…” — you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. The panels are fine, the inverter is working perfectly, and the batteries are fully charged — yet the numbers just don’t add up. It turns out,…
When Your Solar Inverter Fails Without Warning Over the years as a solar energy installer, I’ve seen countless homeowners panic when their solar inverter suddenly fails — everything shuts down, and they’re left wondering what went wrong. Solar inverter failure simply means your inverter has stopped functioning properly — either it’s tripping repeatedly, refusing to…
As a solar installer who has worked on countless projects, I’ve seen how solar energy can transform lives — but I’ve also seen what happens when it’s not done right.One of the biggest mistakes people make in solar installation is overlooking the risk of a solar fire hazard. If you’ve ever wondered what causes solar…
If you want to know how to calculate the cost of a solar system for your home, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you, step-by-step, through everything you need to measure, calculate, and budget for — written in plain English, with real-world examples and numbers so you can walk away with a practical…