Using Green Microgrids to Become Disaster Proof

A microgrid is essentially a localized electricity grid that draws energy from nearby power sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. Although these microgrids are often connected to the larger utility network, they can also disconnect and operate autonomously. Anyone...

The Rise of Remote Community Solar Gardens

We’ve talked extensively about community solar gardens in the past. Instead of financing and installing a photovoltaic (PV) installation on your own property, you can buy into a “shared” solar PV system installed somewhere else. Basically, anyone in the community can...

A Potential Compromise on Solar Net Metering?

Solar net metering is a powerful green incentive that allows photovoltaic (PV) customers to sell excess solar electricity into the grid – usually at full retail rates. Available in most states, these net metering programs have helped jumpstart the solar industry and...

Worldwide Investments in Green Power Booming

Earlier this week, we covered a developing story in Florida. State utilities are desperately trying to pass a new amendment that would make it harder for area residents to go solar affordably. And this trend isn’t limited to the Sunshine State. All over the country,...

When Solar Energy Legislation Is Deceptive

It’s common practice to market new policies in the best light possible. In fact, many politicians use deceptively ambiguous language to hide their true intentions. Think back to George Bush’s Healthy Forest Initiative or Operation Enduring Freedom – programs that left...

Why Big Name Retailers Love Free Sunshine

Last week, we profiled Walmart – the country’s largest corporate supporter of solar power. To date, it has almost 350 photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on its stores around the nation. And these installations harness free sunshine to generate over 140 MW of clean...

Should There Be Energy Storage Incentives?

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of the federal solar tax credit. Under this incentive, those who install PV panels receive a 30% “tax credit” to help pay for their installations. In essence, their PV systems become 30% cheaper than they would otherwise be....

Tips to Help You Save Money in the Bathroom

This is a guest post from our friends over at Steam Showers Inc. The bathroom is the one room in our homes where water is king. The toilet, steam shower bathtub, sink … every single one of those fixtures uses water, and every drop of water equals money going...

What Happens When Solar Penetration Reaches 15%?

Back in 1962, economist, Everett Rogers, proposed that when an innovation reaches 15% adoption, that new invention becomes mainstream. We’ve already seen this trend happen with computers, the Internet, smartphones, and countless other breakthroughs. These inventions...

How Energy Efficiency Increases Solar ROIs

We never get tired of talking about the many benefits that solar power brings. By installing PV panels on your residential or commercial property, you’re able to create your own clean electricity. And this solar investment helps you: Reduce reliance on the utility...