Every year, the news keeps getting better and better for people considering home solar power. Solar prices continue to fall – with a 17% drop in one year (2009-2010). Last week, a new study was published by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy, showing the overall trend to more [...]
Continue reading about Solar Prices Continue to Fall: 17% Drop in One Year
In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy created the Solar Energy Grid Integration System, a competitive program that encouraged solar research that can better integrate solar energy generated by panels installed on rooftops or ground-mounted into the electrical grid. Among several goals of the program were: (1) help encourage utilities to accept solar power; and [...]
Continue reading about Solar Research for the Solar Energy Grid Integration System
Its not even officially fall yet, but retail stores have had holiday decorations on the shelves for weeks! One of the most popular items to purchase are holiday lights. These strands can brighten the exterior of your home, fences, patios and more. And when you chose home holiday solar lights, you don’t have to worry [...]
Are you considering installing solar panels? Good for you! Solar power has become practically mainstream in recent years as the prices have dropped and efficiency has increased. But before you make your investment, consider how to prepare your home for residential solar. With a few simple home improvement projects, you’ll be saving even more money [...]
Continue reading about How to Prepare Your Home for Residential Solar
We found this great post on EcoFriend regarding solar powered catamarans! Solar powered boating has been a favorite topic here, and our readers enjoy learning more about using solar energy for recreational purposes. I’ve enjoyed boating on “regular” catamarans. The twin-hulled design is fast, and can be powered by wind/sails, or an outboard motor. Now, [...]
Continue reading about Solar Powered Catamarans: Enjoy Solar Boating
While a solar powered clothes dryer has been around for centuries – in one form or another – a solar powered washer and dryer runs on solar electricity and can save you money. Miele & Solvis offers a new SmartGrid-ready washer and dryer. Not only do these appliances run on solar power, but the SmartGrid [...]
Solar pool heaters are an easy-to-install, clean and environmentally friendly way to extend your outdoor pool season. Many people heat their outdoor pools with natural gas, propane, heating oil or electric heat pumps. Among these options, heating your pool with solar power is the least expensive option – from initial purchase and installation, to the [...]
Continue reading about Solar Pool Heaters: Extend Your Outdoor Pool Season
Spray on solar power technology from Mitsubishi could transform everything from buildings, cars and clothing into energy-generating surfaces. Thin solar cells – less than 1 millimeter thick, and which weigh 1/10th of similarly sized crystalline solar panels – are the latest in building integrated photovoltaics. The Japanese-based company has been part of a clean tech [...]
Continue reading about Spray On Solar Power Technology from Mitsubishi
One of the reasons that rooftop solar panels are so popular is that they effectively use space exposed to UV light, with untapped potential. A solar parking lot using photovoltaics is a similar concept. Flat surface area that cannot be used for much else when vehicles are not present. Using solar technology that is being [...]
Continue reading about Solar Parking Lot Using Photovoltaics
Home solar power is really taking off in New Jersey! In case you didn’t know, the state is one of the top solar power generators in the U.S. That’s right – New Jersey. Commercial and residential properties alike are taking advantage of low costs of solar panels and generous government rebates that minimize the initial [...]
