Your solar panels produce less electricity on hot days than cool ones—a reality that surprises most people who assume sunshine equals maximum power. For every degree Celsius above 25°C, most panels lose 0.3-0.5% of their efficiency, meaning a scorching 35°C day reduces output by up to 5% compared to optimal conditions. This temperature factor matters…

Monitor your solar panel performance weekly through your system’s app or inverter display to catch efficiency drops of 10% or more, which typically indicate dirty panels or shading issues requiring immediate attention. Clean panels every 2-3 months during BC’s rainy season and monthly during summer, as a buildup of pollen, dust, and debris can reduce…

Ground-mounted solar panels offer a practical alternative when your roof isn’t ideal for installation. Whether you’re facing shading issues from nearby trees, dealing with an aging roof that needs replacement, or simply lack sufficient south-facing roof space, placing panels on your property can deliver the same clean energy benefits with added flexibility. British Columbia homeowners…

Calculate your solar panel’s efficiency by dividing its maximum power output (in watts) by the product of its surface area (in square meters) and the solar irradiance hitting it (typically 1000 watts per square meter under standard test conditions). This simple equation—Efficiency = (Power Output) / (Panel Area × Solar Irradiance) × 100—gives you a…

Apply for BC Hydro’s Home Energy Rebate Program today to access up to $6,000 in incentives for insulation upgrades, heat pump installations, and window replacements—over 45,000 BC homeowners secured funding last year alone. Start by booking a free EnerGuide home evaluation to identify your property’s biggest energy drains, then prioritize improvements based on potential savings…

Position solar pathway lights along your walkway at 6-8 foot intervals to create a welcoming, well-lit entrance that guides visitors safely to your door while reducing energy costs. Install motion-activated solar spotlights on either side of your front door to illuminate house numbers and create an inviting focal point that enhances security without running up…

Discovering you have 3-phase power in your BC home changes your solar planning approach, but it doesn’t make going solar impossible or even necessarily more expensive. Check your electrical panel or utility bill to confirm whether you actually have 3-phase service—many BC homes built before 1970 or properties with workshops and large equipment use this…

Claim your solar investment’s financial benefits by completing the appropriate tax forms—and you could recover up to 30% of your installation costs. British Columbia residents who installed solar panels in the current or previous tax year need to navigate both federal incentives and provincial programs, but the process is more straightforward than most homeowners expect.…

Expect to invest between $15,000 and $35,000 for a typical BC residential solar installation, with most homeowners paying around $2.50 to $3.50 per watt before incentives. Request detailed quotes from at least three local installers to compare solar installation costs, ensuring each breakdown includes equipment, labor, permits, and warranty coverage. Calculate your actual out-of-pocket expense…

Tesla Energy operates as a division within Tesla Inc., not a separate company. Since 2015, when Tesla acquired SolarCity, the electric vehicle manufacturer has integrated energy storage and solar solutions under its corporate umbrella, making products like Powerwall batteries and Solar Roof tiles part of the same innovative ecosystem that produces Model 3s and Cybertrucks.…