Solar Educational Videos

Big Dog Solar's online quote tool gives homeowners an early look at solar panels, battery options, pricing, and potential savings without a long back-and-forth. This video explains how an address-based estimate can help you decide whether a full site-specific proposal is worth exploring.

Industrial and technology growth across the Treasure Valley is increasing the amount of electricity the regional grid must deliver. This video explains how Boise-area homeowners can use solar and battery storage to gain more control over bills and essential power during outages.

The company you choose may matter more than a small difference in panel efficiency or upfront price. Mitch explains how installer stability, service capability, and clear warranty responsibilities protect a long-term solar investment.

Homeowners no longer need to wait days for an initial look at solar and battery options. This video introduces Big Dog Solar's online quote experience, which uses an address to show an early visual estimate without beginning with a high-pressure sales call.

Nuclear, wind, and solar all contribute electricity, but they operate at very different scales. Mitch explains why rooftop solar stands out as an energy source an individual homeowner can install and control directly.

Grid-tied solar customers may receive utility credits when their system exports more electricity than the home is using at that moment. This video explains the basic idea and why every homeowner should learn how their utility displays imported power, exported power, and the net difference.

The familiar homeowner tax credit changed, but this video explains a Big Dog Solar program intended to deliver comparable upfront value through a business-side structure. Mitch outlines the lease-and-buyout concept and why customers must verify current terms and availability.

The video explains a program that can provide eligible homeowners with upfront project savings even after the individual residential credit changed. Rather than waiting for tax filing, the value is reflected through a different ownership and incentive structure that must be reviewed carefully.

With time-variable electricity pricing, when a household uses power can matter almost as much as how much it uses. This video explains how solar and smart battery storage can supply stored energy during expensive peak periods.

The homeowner solar tax landscape changed after 2025, but Big Dog Solar describes a separate program designed to pass qualified commercial-side value to eligible customers as an upfront discount. This video explains the basic structure and why homeowners should review current written terms instead of assuming it works like a personal tax credit.

Time-of-use pricing means the same amount of electricity can cost different amounts at different hours. This video shows how a battery can store lower-cost or solar-produced energy and use it later when peak rates apply.

A simple thermostat schedule can help a solar-powered home use more of its own daytime production. This video explains how pre-cooling or preheating during sunny hours may reduce heating or cooling demand later when grid electricity can cost more.

Large data centers add substantial new demand to the same regional grids that serve homes and businesses. Mitch explains why that growth can influence future utility costs and how homeowners can begin with solar now while planning for batteries later.

Some utility plans charge a higher price after a household moves into larger blocks of electricity use. This video breaks down tiered rates and explains how producing solar energy at home may reduce the amount purchased in more expensive tiers.

Energy independence starts with producing more electricity at home and deciding how that energy is stored and used. Mitch explains how an owned solar-plus-battery system can reduce reliance on the utility while giving a homeowner greater control.

Electricity bills can rise even when a household's usage barely changes. This video explains how growing grid demand and infrastructure investment can contribute to higher utility rates—and how home solar may reduce exposure to those increases.

Ever wondered what actually happens during a solar install? In this full behind-the-scenes breakdown, Mitch from Big Dog Solar takes you step-by-step through a real installation — no fluff, just the real process from start to finish.

Off-Grid Solar 101: What You Really Need to KnowThinking about cutting the cord to the utility grid and powering your home with 100% solar?

Stop guessing when you should go solar.In this video, Mitch Workman breaks down why “the best time to go solar” isn’t always summer—and why waiting could cost you months of savings and key incentives.

Many homeowners jump into solar without fully understanding the potential pitfalls. In this video, we break down five critical reasons why installing solar panels might not be the smart financial move you think it is.

Skeptical About Solar? You’re Not Alone.In this video, we read a real review from a homeowner who wasn’t sure about solar at first — and what happened next might surprise you.

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Thinking about going solar in Idaho? This video breaks down everything you need to know to make a smart decision. We cover the real costs, savings potential, and whether solar is a good fit for your home based on

Thinking about going solar in 2025? In this video we break down every real-world advantage and drawback of installing solar panels this year—updated for today’s prices, incentives, battery tech, and utility-rate realities.

Do solar panels eliminate your electric bill? Not exactly — and if you don't know how solar billing works, you might be in for a surprise.

Frank’s power is out… again. And his steaks? Thawing fast. Good thing Carol’s Big Dog Solar system keeps her home powered and prepared for anything! No surprises, no stress—just reliable energy, even when the grid goes down.

Reliable energy in your home helps bring peace of mind and prepares you for the worst of surprises.

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Mother knows best, and these moms know just how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. Going solar with Big Dog solar is a major help in bringing peace of mind.

In this home, other than utility bills, surprises are my worst enemy. Yeah, I take no prisoners—if you don’t prepare for anything, things get out of hand real fast.

But with Big Dog Solar, I’m always prepared. No surprises, just solid peace of mind.

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As a mom, life can feel like a circus—you have to be prepared for anything! While I may not be psychic, I could definitely win a gold medal in disaster preparedness.

Thanks to Big Dog Solar, going solar is an absolute breeze. No more worrying about power outages, rising bills, or inflation. When the power goes out, our backup battery and solar panels kick in—keeping us up and running.

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We're breaking down the details of product and performance warranties, including how long your investment is covered. Find our why Big Dog Solar is your go to for reliable solar solutions.

Uncover the compelling tax benefits of solar power in our latest video! Learn how you can maximize savings with a generous 30% tax credit, which far exceeds the advantages of a standard tax deduction. Join us as we explore the financial rewards of transitioning to solar energy!

Discover the exceptional durability of our solar panels in our latest video! Learn how our panels are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions including snow, wind, and hail. With Big Dog Solar, you can count on reliability and strength for your renewable energy investment.

Learn how easy it is to maintain your home solar panel system with our latest video! Discover why a simple hose-down is often all you need to keep your panels shining.

Looking for the honest truth about solar? Our latest video breaks down the top 5 reasons why solar might not be the right fit for you. From considerations about your home's foundation to the impact of tree coverage and utility benefits, this video provides essential insights for your solar decision making.

Any time is a good time for solar, but there is a best time. Read More

What's the big deal? Having your own energy source is! Read More

Solar is a long term investment that will continue to pay back. Read More

A sneak peak of how the magic happens.

What's up with that Texas? Read More

Giving customers the ability to use their power when the grid is down. Why do people get battery backups?

Questions about maintenance? What if we told you there isn't much at all! Now, that sounds like a win. Read More

Set your worries aside and let's talk about what solar is, and what it's not. Read More

What's the difference between mono crystalline and polycrystalline solar panels? Well, we're here to explain the difference and the best situation for each. Read More

Solar panels are great, but some people have fears of having panels break on them. Well fear no more, as we put the Silfab 300 to the test with Ice Chunks, baseballs, and Golf Balls. Read More

Saving with solar energy doesn't have to be complicated. We try our best to explain the basic concept behind residential or commercial solar energy and where the savings come into play. Read More

Learning is fun. Here are 3 fun facts about solar in Idaho.

Lots of people ask about what to expect for the installations process for solar. Well, it can get pretty technical and detailed, but here is the basic overview of the process we go through with all of our customers to get them hooked up with renewable energy.