Those who have already invested in solar energy or are considering making the green and clean switch are certainly interested in how to make it cost-effective and worthwhile. One way that owners can see a quicker return on their solar systems is by reimbursement of the energy produced from state or utility programs. Many people hear of a neighbor who “sells energy back to the utility company” and naturally become curious if it’s true and how that process might work.
Those who have installed solar already know that their new net-meter goes forward when energy from their utility company is used, and backward once their solar systems produce that energy. This offsetting effect lowers their utility bill or can practically eliminate it. But what if the solar system produces even more energy one month than the owners’ usage? Currently, a popular way solar system owners get the most from their panels is by net-metering, measuring energy production per month from the net-meter and any excess energy becomes an energy credit. Each utility company has their own policy on how to handle these credits. Sometimes they can be applied to the next month’s bill, and sometimes all the credits from the surplus energy are calculated at the end of the year to be reimbursed at a wholesale rate (per kW hour). If you’re curious about net-metering, check with your utility company on their own policies regarding surplus energy from a renewable source. [read more…]
by staff on March 28, 2012
No wall outlet required – just some cool new gadgets on the market that produce their own energy to help electronics defeat their batteries and keep your light bulbs powered. If you want to feel liberated from your plug-in outlet, check out some of these innovative products! [read more…]
by staff on March 6, 2012
Philanthropic efforts seem well-suited in the realm of renewable energy. GRID Alternatives, a non-profit solar installer based out of Oakland, is a prime example of how solar energy can benefit not just our environment but our community. They are known for their Solar Affordable Housing Program, which gives volunteers and job trainees the opportunity to get useful, hands-on experience installing solar electric systems for low-income families. Over 1,700 solar electric photovoltaic systems have been installed by GRID Alternatives since 2004 to benefit families in their community, who can use put the savings from their electricity bills toward other crucial necessities.
Around 8,000 community volunteers have gone through training with the Solar Affordable Housing Program. With the anticipated increase in green energy jobs, volunteers can take advantage of this free instruction. These projects unite environmental activists, low-income community advocates, aspiring solar experts, and homeowners, all who are enthusiastic about sustainable and renewable energy which delivers immediate results. GRID Alternatives stands by their vision that clean energy should be available to all members of a community, not just for the wealthy or large corporations, and especially for those who need the savings more than anyone else. [read more…]
by staff on February 16, 2012
The possibilities for implementing solar power lie beyond just providing electricity or heat for your home or business. The large multinational corporation, Samsung, saw the long-term potential in solar energy and how it could be incorporated into the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and philanthropic efforts. The collaborative result was a Solar-powered Internet School, a mobile classroom complete with laptops and tablets enabled with internet, video Wi-Fi cameras, and a 50-inch electronic blackboard, all powered by solar panels.
This innovative classroom fits into the space of a 12-meter-long shipping container large enough for 21 students and a teacher and includes a ventilation system to keep a bearable climate for optimal learning. The complete curriculum for each grade is also kept stored on the central computer file server which gives the teacher direct access to the resources to teach any subject or grade. [read more…]
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…]