by staff on January 10, 2012
(Guest Post by Solar Gaines LLC)
Solar may be getting more and more affordable, but for many people, it may be easier to start with a smaller investment and work your way up. One great way to do this – and to lower your electric bill – is to use solar as a source of energy for your water heater rather than electric or gas. Solar hot water heaters include two main components: a solar panel which collects energy from the sun, and the tank itself, which stores the water being heated.
As with whole-home solar panel systems, many people think solar hot water heaters can only be used if you live in a hot, sunny climate. Thankfully for people outside of these regions, that’s just a misconception, and you can reap the benefits of solar power nearly anywhere in the world. In fact, Germany – which is not exactly known for a tropical climate – is one of the leading users of solar power. So, how do you choose the right one for your family, your home, and your climate? [read more…]
by staff on December 29, 2011
Abstaining from electrical activity is one of the most important talks you can have with your family. There are many alternatives to fossil fuels, which are equally as exciting. The safety and consequences of these activities and the prevention of reproducing high electrical usage need to be topics of discussions in households. Having the talk with your kids doesn’t have to be dreadful, boring, or out of a science book. Here are ways to talk to your family about alternative energy. [read more…]
by staff on December 14, 2011
Depending on your location and climate, your heating and cooling costs may fluctuate greatly from season to season. Warmer climates tend to see high costs in summer months, whereas areas that have very cold winters see their costs rise during winter months. Keeping the costs down during peak seasons can be difficult for homeowners as they need to adequately heat or cool their home to keep it at a comfortable level.
It is already getting pretty chilly in some areas of the country and residents are beginning to turn on appliances to keep their homes warm. Here are some tips to keep in mind this winter to keep your heating cost at a reasonable level and not see too much of a spike. [read more…]
by staff on December 1, 2011
The solar industry is rapidly growing due to national initiatives that are in place to encourage the use of renewable energy sources. This growth has allowed the number of job opportunities within the solar market to quickly increase; solar has doubled its workforce since 2009! Because the field is steadily growing, it is a great industry to enter.
Having many talented solar panel installers is necessary for the solar market to continue growing. The solar installer field is unique in that it requires skill in both electrical work as well as roofing. Many people are realizing the demand for these positions and are interested in joining the field. Here are some helpful tips on how to become a certified solar panel installer and the skills necessary to be successful within the industry. [read more…]
by staff on October 27, 2011
As much as we all love Halloween, it is one of the biggest commercial events and the second most wasteful day, following Christmas, during the whole year. Americans purchase a ton of products for the holiday such as candy, costumes and home decorations, making the industry worth almost $6 billion a year. This consumption produces an incredibly large environmental impact that is seen long after Halloween day. There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint during Halloween; here are a few tips on how to do so. [read more…]