A decade ago, you simply did not see solar panels on mainstream and/or middle class homes. They were a unique feature, seemingly reserved for the ultra rich, or ultra green. Today, there are many reasons to switch to solar power, and more and more people are doing so! In fact, One Block Off the Grid [...]
We’ve written a number of posts on residential solar panels to help homeowners deciding whether to go solar. Among the top cited concerns is the cost of solar, whether you purchase an array, or go with a solar panel lease. Now, you can try out solar power with an affordable, easy to install solar panel [...]
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If you have considered switching to solar power, you’re not alone! Residential solar panels have been growing in demand over the past several years as prices have fallen, efficiencies have improved and solar rebates and incentives allow significant savings for homeowners. Before you plan this home improvement project, you probably want to know: how do [...]
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If you have or are installing residential solar panels, you may also want to also have a smart meter. These devices track the amount of energy that you use from the grid (i.e., non solar electricity), as well as excess solar power you have generated that you do not use, which is fed back into [...]
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The price of solar energy is not the same across the United States. Among other things, state incentives for solar, localized costs, and marketplace competition varies. The amount you can save by switching to solar power also depends on the price of grid-based electricity, in terms of kilowatt hours. States with expensive electricity – New [...]
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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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 [...]
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 [...]
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