At ECC Solar, we believe in building an energy solution system that meets the needs of you and your property, and that comes with many engineering considerations to make. One you may not have known about is whether the solar panels should go on your roof or be mounted on the ground. Roof-Mounted Arrays: The […]
Why are solar panels sometimes installed on a roof and sometimes on the ground? Read More »
For rural New Mexico properties securing a reliable power supply is a unique challenge. Long distance utility lines are vulnerable to lightning strikes, high winds, and heavy winter snows. To protect their homes, rural property owners typically look to two main storage strategies: Hybrid Grid-Tied Systems or True Off-Grid Systems. Selecting the ideal setup requires
Off-Grid & Battery Storage Options for Rural NM Properties Read More »
In recent years, New Mexico has become a prime target for “free solar” marketing. While our state is an ideal place for renewable energy, the promise of “no-cost” panels is often the hook for predatory contracts that can leave homeowners in financial distress. As of 2026, these scams have become more sophisticated, making it essential
The Truth About “Free Solar” Scams in New Mexico Read More »
For homeowners working with ECC Solar, the “Energy Pyramid” isn’t just a diagram; it is a strategic framework designed to prevent the most common mistake in renewable energy: overbuilding. This tool serves as a hierarchy of priorities, guiding you to address low-cost efficiency before investing in high-cost hardware. By following the layers of the pyramid,
The Energy Pyramid: A Proactive Savings Tool Read More »
The New Mexico monsoon season, typically running from June through September, brings much-needed moisture to the high desert—but it also packs a punch with violent lightning, microburst winds, and sudden hailstorms. For solar homeowners, these dramatic weather shifts often spark concern: can a system built to soak up the sun survive a pounding from the
Surviving Monsoon Season: How Hail and Wind Affect Solar Panels Read More »
Net metering is a great option for homeowners with solar panels, as it allows them to export excess solar energy to the grid during the day and then use that energy at night. Essentially, the utility acts as a 100% efficient battery to store the excess solar energy for later use. This option is available
How does Net Metering Work? Read More »
The recent snowstorm across Texas resulted in vast blackouts, stranding people in the cold. While being connected to the grid is convenient, it can fail from time to time. The best way to keep the heat on when the grid fails you is to have a backup. This backup is usually either a generator or
Worried About Blackouts? Read More »
There are two types of solar power systems available to homeowners: solar thermal, and photovoltaic. Solar Thermal systems collect heat from the sun, and directly use that to heat water or your home. Here at ECC Solar, we specialize in photovoltaic systems. A photovoltaic (PV) system takes energy from the sun and converts it into
How Does a Solar System work? Read More »
Most of you probably use the flat rate option on your electric bill. A meter measures how much electricity you use in a month, and multiplies that number by a flat price per kilowatt hour. But that’s not the only option. A Time of Use Rate (TOU) is an option for most residential homes and
Ways to save on Energy Read More »
When considering solar power, there are 3 main reasons people get photovoltaic systems: saving money on electricity, helping the environment, and becoming independent from the electric grid. Your priorities on each of these reasons will help determine what kind of system is best for your situation. If your goal is to save money on electricity,
Why get a PV System? Read More »