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, [...]

Continue reading about Switch to Solar Electricity or Solar Hot Water: What Would You Do?

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 September 5th, 2011

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 [...]

Continue reading about Solar Powered Washer and Dryer

Stephanie on August 28th, 2011

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

Stephanie on July 16th, 2011

Looking for a comfortable way to rinse off outside after a swim, a run, or a dip in the pool? Have you considered a solar powered outdoor shower?  You can save electricity for a pump and, if you go with one of the models shown above, there is no installation required.  No piping, no contractors, [...]

Continue reading about Solar Powered Outdoor Shower

Stephanie on June 25th, 2011

Recently, we learned that the push to install solar panel on the White House (again) might not end well.  Although Jimmy Carter had solar panels installed in the 1970s, when Ronald Reagan took office in 1980, the panels were removed and have never been replaced. After a long push by a number of organizations to [...]

Continue reading about Solar Panels on the White House: Or Not?

Stephanie on April 26th, 2011

One of the most affordable ways to switch to solar power is with a solar hot water system.  Instead of generating electricity, solar thermal panels heat water using sunlight, no matter what the temperature is outside.  Solar water heating is perfect not only for residences, but also commercial uses including hotels, car washes, nurseries and [...]

Continue reading about Save With Solar Hot Water

Stephanie on February 7th, 2011

One of the “easiest” ways to go solar without the big upfront expense is to install a solar hot water system.  Solar thermal panels, like the ones shown below, are relatively inexpensive and provide “free” hot water after installation.  No more energy required to heat water for showering, washing clothes and dishes. A new solar [...]

Continue reading about New Solar Thermal Rebate Program in Massachusetts

Stephanie on February 3rd, 2011

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 [...]

Continue reading about Solar Power Shining Bright in Nevada

Stephanie on September 11th, 2010

We have blogged several times about solar panels on the White House.  What better way for our Commander in Chief to set a green example by going solar? Back in the 1970s, Jimmy Carter had solar panels installed on the White House as part of a solar hot water system.  It was a great way [...]

Continue reading about Solar Panels on the White House: Why Not?