Among the most cited reasons that homeowners are wary of installing solar panels on their rooftops are their appearance. Traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are large, rectangular, blue-colored devices that some say decrease home values (one of the main complaints of homeowners associations that prohibit or restrict solar arrays). While the claim of lowered home [...]
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Many homeowners who are considering – or want to consider – installing solar panels are concerned most about the upfront cost of such a project. Fortunately, there are many ways you can save money on solar panels today. You don’t have to pay full retail price, or even put money down in some cases. Here’s [...]
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Solar power is picking up across the United States with more and more people installing solar panels for energy independence and to reduce their carbon footprint. Although residents of any state can find bargains and incentives on solar arrays, the top 5 states for residential solar panel installations (as of the date of this post) [...]
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While it may not seem like winter yet across much of North America, you should still know how to remove snow from solar panels when Old Man Winter finally arrives. Snow-covered solar panels are less efficient because they are obscured from sunlight. Removing snow from solar panels must be done carefully so as to avoid [...]
Here in my home state of Oregon, the number of home solar power systems have tripled in the past 3 years. In fact, more than 2/3 of all existing solar installations in Oregon have taken place since 2008. If you haven’t already done so, isn’t it time to resolve to go solar in 2012? The [...]
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One of the things on my bucket list is to help build Habitat for Humanity homes. Now, these community-built, free structures can be even cheaper to live in when they include solar panels. In Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona (among other cities), solar panels on Habitat for Humanity homes are available via donation and installation [...]
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Portable solar panels are the answer to two of the more pressing issues these days: (1) keeping electronic gadgets charged up, and (2) saving money and greenhouse gas emissions for the energy required. Electronic devices like cell phones, cameras, mP3 players and computers require a lot of power to recharge. Using solar panels is becoming [...]
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Solar panels on low-income housing provide a win-win for residents and other people in the local economy. Here in the Central Oregon region in which I live, $900,000 in federal stimulus funds is helping fund solar power systems for several low-income housing apartment complexes. The Energy Trust of Oregon is also committing funds toward the [...]
Let’s face it – two considerations usually stop people from seriously considering a switch to home solar: (1) the price; and (2) the hassle of installation. That’s why plug in solar power from Clarian, known as Smartbox Solar is an excellent alternative. Within minutes, you can start generating solar power with plug in solar. No [...]
Going with solar panels? Great! Before long, you’ll be saying goodbye to your high electricity bills and enjoying free solar power, as well as the security of knowing that your utility rates will not rise. But before your switch to solar, you’ll need to learn how to choose a solar panel installer. Consider these tips [...]
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