Latest news with #EnergySage
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla factory workers reveal surprising company directive before upcoming holiday — here's what they're saying
We all love a day or two off from work, but Tesla employees are reportedly starting to raise their eyebrows at the abundance of hourly cuts. As Business Insider reported, Tesla told workers on Model Y and Cybertruck lines not to come to work during the week of Memorial Day. The publication cited three Tesla employees at the Austin, Texas, factory. "The workers said their schedules had been increasingly inconsistent since February," Business Insider wrote. "Some said they had been sent home early on multiple occasions." The long upcoming break is a shock in itself, according to the report, as production lines were running during the same time frame last year. Moreover, the Austin factory has apparently been preventing employees from working overtime. While electric vehicle sales are high overall, Tesla's are on the decline, so it seems the company's 13% year-over-year drop in deliveries and plummeting stock have something to do with the schedule adjustments. According to Business Insider, "During the first quarter, Tesla reported it produced nearly 26,000 more EVs than it delivered, even after a drop in production of nearly 100,000 vehicles compared with the previous quarter." EVs are becoming a more prominent choice for drivers due to their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, as they don't require oil changes, gas refueling, or the frequent maintenance of gas-powered cars. Drivers who install solar panels can save even more money, as well, since recharging with solar energy can be cheaper than using public charging stations or relying on a grid that still uses dirty fuels, which spew problematic heat-trapping pollution when burned. For those interested in home solar systems, EnergySage can connect you with trusted advisers and provide free, comparable quotes. You could get up to $10,000 off your system. Despite all of these perks and the fact that Tesla is widely credited with pioneering the modern EV industry, the automaker has grown into an even more polarizing brand because of CEO Elon Musk's involvement in the U.S. federal government. Do you think Tesla's vehicles have lost some of their appeal? Definitely No way Some models — but not others For some drivers — but not others Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As a result, a number of consumers who view driving a Tesla as a political statement have started to explore other options on the EV market, which was already beginning to give Tesla a run for its money as companies like Subaru and Ford are making headway. Tesla did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment on the situation. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Contractor seeks legal guidance after HOA repeatedly denies neighborhood solar installations: 'Some HOAs think they are above the law'
One frustrated solar contractor in Ohio was stumped by a homeowners association president who refused to back down in the face of a new solar rights law. They posted about their baffling experience in the r/Solar community. "I am working with 6 customers in the same HOA in Ohio," they said. "They all stated that they want Solar, but the HOA is blocking them from going Solar." That story is sadly common. Solar panel installation (especially using EnergySage's money-saving tools to compare quotes) is one of the best methods available to reduce your energy bills. Solar panels turn sunlight into usable electricity, often enough of it to power your whole home for at least part of the year. It's great for your budget and also good for the planet, since this is clean energy. But HOAs often get in the way of this budget- and climate-friendly step, usually out of a concern for the appearance of the home. Much of the time, a homeowner's only recourse is to try to change the HOA's bylaws. But not so in Ohio, according to the original poster. "I looked up the laws and I see that SB 61 passed last year restricting the ability of the HOA to block Solar from being installed," they said. Even so, the HOA president would not budge. "I tried speaking with the property manager, and he said they can't block it due to SB61, but the HOA president said he wouldn't allow it when I spoke with him," said the original poster. "Has anyone in Ohio gone through the approval process for solar installs with a difficult HOA and found a solution?" Given that the law is on their side, some commenters thought the original poster should just forge ahead. "Some HOAs think they are above the law," said one user. "All you need is one homeowner to move forward with solar, and the rest will follow suit." "State law trumps any HOA bylaws or local ordinance," affirmed another commenter. "Sue, you will win if state law says that they can't interfere." The original poster could also help their clients by recommending EnergySage, which will help them with free services to make the solar installation process easier and cheaper. The average client receives almost $10,000 in incentives with this organization's help. What's the biggest factor stopping you from investing in solar panels? The cost The technology I'm a renter I'm already invested Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Car manufacturer unveils electric transformation of iconic vintage model: 'This project has been years in the making'
Restomods are a growing part of the electric vehicle market. For those with the means, it's possible to combine the rugged aesthetics of classic cars with the energy efficiency and high performance of an electric vehicle. Two companies are joining forces to launch a limited run of revamped Ford Broncos. As one of the makers, Icon, explained in the launch video, "this project has been years in the making." It was a combination of waiting for technology to reach that "sweet spot" and years of research and development. As Inside EVs reports, with a sticker price of $449,000, it's not for the mass market yet, but it could lay the foundations for future developments. The futuristic look of an EV is not everyone's cup of tea, so restoring classic cars is a good way to broaden the appeal. It also shows that consumers can still have the best of both worlds. While cost may be an issue for this particular car's potential customers, EVs are actually much cheaper and easier to run than a standard gas-powered vehicle. EVs require very little maintenance and cost, much less to charge as opposed to filling up with gas. The extent of the savings will depend on several factors, but the U.S. Department of Energy suggests an average of up to $2,200 per year. Of course, those savings will be even higher if charged with solar. EnergySage's guide shows how to get the best deal, and could help you save up to $10,000 in installation costs. The other massive plus for electric vehicles is the reduced environmental impact compared to gas-powered cars. Though the manufacture of an EV involves lithium mining and has a slightly larger initial pollution footprint, that evens out within the first year. A report by Reuters suggests that the break-even comes after about 13,500 miles. The longer the car stays on the road, the bigger the savings in harmful emissions. Adding more customizable options like this will only help speed up EV adoption in the long run. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New report ranks the most affordable states to go solar — see where your state lands on the list
Solar energy has never been more affordable nationwide — but dramatic price differences have emerged across the United States, according to EnergySage's Solar and Storage spring 2025 marketplace report. The newly released 20th edition of this report reveals that Arizona leads the nation with the lowest solar prices (at just $1.99 per watt), while Tennessee ranks as the most expensive ($3.35 per watt). This price gap means homeowners in Tennessee would pay over $15,000 more for a typical 11.5 kilowatt solar system compared to those in Arizona. Further, installing solar panels in Arizona costs nearly 41% less than in Tennessee, allowing homeowners to recoup their investment much faster while reducing their reliance on dirty fuel-generated electricity. EnergySage's report also shares that states with high solar adoption, like California, Florida, and Texas, all have median prices substantially below the national median of $2.50 per watt. These favorable economics have driven battery attachment rates to record highs in these states. Additionally, the report indicates that median solar prices decreased in all top 10 solar states between the first and second half of 2024, with Arizona maintaining its position as the most affordable state for four consecutive years. States with competitive solar markets tend to offer lower prices, regardless of their electricity rates. Finally, the report emphasizes that solar pricing varies by region, with the price spread between the highest and lowest-priced states increasing from $1.20 per watt to $1.36 per watt between the first and second half of 2024. Wherever you reside, going solar remains one of the best ways to save money on home energy while reducing planet-heating pollution. EnergySage's free tools make it easy for homeowners to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on installations thanks to rebates like those offered through the Inflation Reduction Act. However, these generous incentives may not be available forever. President Trump has said he wants to eliminate the subsidies to reduce federal spending, though this would require a congressional act. Either way, the future of these incentives is uncertain, and taking advantage of them earlier rather than later could be worth thousands of dollars. What's the biggest obstacle stopping your organization from using solar panels? They're too expensive Don't know where to start They're an eyesore We already use solar panels Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Congress has put valuable solar incentives on the chopping block — here's how to secure $10,000 for new panels before its too late
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is moving forward with a proposed plan to end the solar panel tax credit much earlier than planned. According to EnergySage, the House Ways and Means Committee is considering significantly accelerating the stoppage of federal tax credits for the installation of solar panels on your home. Currently, the tax credit would be in place until 2035, but the proposed budget would ax the program at the end of 2025. "If Congress eliminates the ITC without a reasonable phase-down, that's obviously going to cause immediate disruption within the solar industry," Aaron Nichols of Exact Solar told EnergySage. Solar panels are a fantastic way to immediately reduce your carbon footprint and save big on your energy bill each month. They reduce your reliance on the local power grid, which can be powered using dirty energy sources like oil and natural gas. And the federal tax credit makes them more affordable and accessible for families and households across the country. If you want to take advantage of these tax credits before they disappear, EnergySage's free tools are available. They can help you get in touch with vetted, reputable installers and get free quotes quickly in your area. With their assistance, you can save up to $13,000 on your panel installation, as they'll maximize the amount of money you can get through the federal tax program. Without the program in place, panel installation is going to be much more expensive and may not happen as quickly, as the loss of business from increased prices could see companies shutter, giving you fewer options to choose from. While the bill's future is in peril, its fate isn't sealed yet. Contact your representatives to tell them to keep fighting to keep the solar tax credit program alive. With so much uncertainty surrounding the program, it's best to take advantage of it now while you know you can still reap the benefits and save thousands of dollars. The free tools from EnergySage are the best way to ensure you're getting the best deal possible, from installers you can trust. What's the biggest factor stopping you from investing in solar panels? The cost The technology I'm a renter I'm already invested Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
