Stephanie on January 17th, 2012

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 [...]

Continue reading about 5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Solar Panels

Stephanie on January 13th, 2012

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) [...]

Continue reading about Top 5 States for Residential Solar Panel Installations

Stephanie on January 2nd, 2012

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 [...]

Continue reading about Oregonians Should Resolve to Go Solar in 2012

Stephanie on December 14th, 2011

While it is possible to go entirely off-grid with solar panels, most people considering residential solar want grid-tied solar power systems. Summarized briefly, net metering benefits both the property owner and the utility company.  If you have solar panels installed and generate more electricity than you require, the excess is fed back into the grid [...]

Continue reading about Net Metering for Grid-Tied Solar Power Systems

Stephanie on November 19th, 2011

For homeowners considering installing solar panels, there are 5 things you should know about residential solar.  As more and more people decide to switch to renewable energy options like solar power, keep these considerations in mind: 1.  You may be eligible for group solar discounts.  Before you enter into a contract to install home solar [...]

Continue reading about Residential Solar: 5 Things You Should Know

Stephanie on November 6th, 2011

Solar power panels can help you save money and energy.  But did you know you can save more energy with solar hot water, too? Solar hot water, also known as solar thermal systems (or solar thermal panels), use energy from the sun to heat water for domestic uses without the need for electricity.  For homes [...]

Continue reading about Save More Energy With Solar Hot Water

Stephanie on November 4th, 2011

Should you go solar?  Have you been thinking about solar power for your home? Like many people, you probably want to save on your utility bills.  You might even want to reduce your carbon emissions by using less grid-based electricity (generated from burning coal or natural gas).  You can do both! Residential solar panels are [...]

Continue reading about Five Reasons You Should Install Solar

Stephanie on November 1st, 2011

Thinking of installing solar on your home?  Do you own or manage a building on which solar panels will be installed? Before you go forward, consider this solar installation checklist: 1.  Research the solar installer beforehand.  Check the Better Business Bureau, and read reviews of their past projects.  Ideally, you should contact customers to ask [...]

Continue reading about Solar Installation Checklist

Stephanie on October 28th, 2011

Anaheim, California is known for sunshine and Disneyland, but its also one of the best places to live if you want to save on solar power.  Since 2008, Anaheim has had a generous solar incentive program that allows homeowners to save big money on the installation of solar panels. The municipal electric utility in Anaheim [...]

Continue reading about Solar Panels Save Homeowners Big Money in Anaheim California

Stephanie on October 12th, 2011

After years of anticipation, Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingles are finally available this month, and they stand to transform residential solar.  In case you have not heard about this amazing product, it combines regular roofing material with solar panels to create building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).  Solar roofing materials allow people to both re-shingle their rooftops and [...]

Continue reading about Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingles to Transform Residential Solar