We have published a number of articles on the benefits of solar power for Third World countries. Many of these regions are so far from grid-based electricity that the International Energy Agency estimates that half of those currently living without electricity (about 1.2 billion people) will never be reached by the grid. This means that [...]
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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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For developing regions in Third World countries, many of life’s basic necessities are difficult to achieve due to poverty and/or living far from the electrical grid. Keeping medical supplies at cool temperatures via refrigeration, making emergency telephone calls, lighting living spaces in a safe manner, and even purifying water and cooking food can be challenging, [...]
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If you are thinking about installing a solar panel system on your home, you may be wondering whether solar electricity or solar hot water is the way to go. There are probably several factors that you are thinking about: Cost Efficiency Appearance Return on investment Energy savings Tax rebates and incentives Comparing solar electricity (photovoltaic, [...]
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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 [...]
Thinking about residential solar power? You might be worried about the expense of this renewable resource. But there are ways to save money and also save energy while you go solar. In general, there are 5 things that affect the cost of solar panels: 1. Rebates and incentives. Even though governmental tax rebates are not [...]
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We think it only makes sense to showcase and utilize renewable energy at a natural family destination like a zoo. After all, most zoos these days have explanatory exhibits discussing endangered animals, habitat and ways to cut your carbon footprint. With an eye on nature, why not utilize one of the most natural forms of [...]
In general, many buildings have a very valuable resource that is overlooked: rooftop space. This untapped real estate is a prime location for solar panels on commercial buildings, which can generate free electricity and save thousands of dollars each year. In the past, the decision whether to go solar required financial analysis to determine whether [...]
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All across the “Land of Enchantment” the state of Nevada is shining bright with a solar power future. To the south, near Boulder City, over a million solar panels cover desert lands, generating utility scale solar electricity. Using First Solar panels, the project will generate enough clean electricity to power about 26,000 homes, saving 123,000 [...]
