Selecting a PV provider

Part 3 of Arizona Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System. Who sells and installs PV systems? In some locations, finding a PV provider can be as simple as picking up the telephone directory and looking under “Solar Energy Equipment and Systems—Dealers.” Be aware, however, that many of those listings are for solar water-heating […]


Balance-of-System (BOS) Equipment: Self-Generation: Make your own power

Part 10 of Buying and Using Renewable Energy at Home. In addition to wind turbines, PV modules, or a microhydropower generator, you must purchase BOS equipment, when generating your own power. This may include battery charge controllers, batteries, inverters, wires, conduit, a grounding circuit, fuses, safety disconnects, outlets, metal structures for supporting the PV modules, […]


How do you choose among photovoltaic providers?

Part 10 of Get Your Power from the Sun. Compile a list of prospective photovoltaic providers. (Those closest to you should have the lowest travel costs). Contact these providers and find out what products and services they offer. The following questions may give you a good sense of their capabilities: Has the company installed grid-connected […]