(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?

First, look at the types of systems available. The method of heating water can be either direct or indirect circulation. Direct systems are best for regions that rarely experience a freeze, since they are, as the name implies, directly heated by the energy collected by the panel. Indirect circulation systems are better for regions that regularly experience freezing weather, since the energy from the panel is conveyed to the water by a heat-transfer fluid, which can have anti-freeze properties.

Another important aspect to consider is whether the solar hot water heater functions actively or passively. The difference is that a passive system does not include a pump and relies on the natural tendency of heated water to move upward (convection), while an active one uses a pump to circulate water or whatever heat-transfer liquid is being used. A passive system requires much less maintenance and comes at a lower cost, but it may not be as suitable for those living in very cold or very warm climates, since it provides little protection from overheating or freezing. Passive solar tanks must also be placed higher than the collector (solar panel) since the heat has to travel up to circulate the fluid.

Active systems, on the other hand, are more expensive but are also more flexible in their use. This setup includes a pump to move the water or heat-transfer fluid, and it can be either an electric pump powered by your home electric system, or a bubble pump, which is powered by solar. The tank can be placed lower than the collector and even hidden. Active systems are also more efficient, provide protection from overheating, and give the user more control. In fact, some active systems include a control pad which displays temperature and allows the user to set and monitor other features.

For those living in colder climates who want a direct and/or passive system, solar water heaters can also be hooked up to an auxiliary energy source to ensure it doesn’t fall below a certain temperature. Gas or electric home central heating systems serve as one possibility, but heat from a wood stove chimney can also provide enough power to keep the water hot well into winter.

Ready to start looking at systems? Check out a solar company in your area. They can help you figure out what size and type of solar water heater is best for your needs, and install it for you once you’ve made your decision.

Solar Gaines LLC, is a full service Solar PV Installer serving the Baltimore and Washington D.C. Metro areas.

(Image Credit: http://dnr.mo.gov/energy/renewables/solar6.htm)

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.

Consider Their Ages, Maturity and Detail Level

Depending on their ages and how much your kids already know about renewable power that they may have picked up in class or at recess, you may need to start at the beginning – what renewable energy is and why it’s good, and why engaging in the irresponsible electric use is bad.

You might be able to skip the basics and go right to advanced topics – like what it might mean to the political landscape, the global economy or future generations. Renewable energy is a very important (and politically-driven) topic today. Using a renewable source of energy not only benefits you by saving a lot of money, but also helps the earth.

First of all, try and teach your kids what renewable energy means. Renewable energy is that form of energy that doesn’t exhaust the non-renewable natural resources of the Earth, such as fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and wood. This means using renewable sources of energy, we do not use up fuels that cannot be recreated or made available again after they have been used once. Energy like wind energy, solar energy, hydro-electricity generated in the dams, and geothermal energy are all examples of renewable sources of energy. You can use sunlight, wind, and water indefinitely. By this, kids will understand why these renewable sources are unlimited and how they can help preserve the Earth’s ecology.

Protection

Teaching kids’ conservation, to wait until they have found the right use of energy, and being conscious of the use of energy will put your mind at ease knowing your kids are well informed and taking precautions. Teaching your children the potential hazards of irresponsible uses of fossil fuels and other non-renewable sources often cause heavy pollution, causing trouble for the earth, making it dirty and polluted. Moreover, explain to them how the environment is affected when a resource gets used up. Lastly, when dealing with renewable energy for kids, it is a good idea to talk about energy preservation as well. If they are taught good habits at an early stage, they will follow these ideologies and help to make the world a better and cleaner place.

Lights Off in the Bedroom

Don’t freight, this is a sign your kids understand the importance of energy conservation. Dimming the lights, turning off the lights; as well as turning off any electronics not in use, putting computers and laptops in sleep mode while not in use, unplugging appliances and electronics when they are not being charged, and closing doors to unoccupied rooms will significantly reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint. Small, everyday changes can make a big difference—teaching the importance of carpooling, ridesharing, and public transportation to limit the use of car fuels and recycling have a high impact on the environment.

A great resource to teach your children about energy, alternative energy, and our planet is the Energy Star Kids website. You can learn more about solar energy and find an installation professional at Cooler Planet.

(Image Coursey of: http://myfreeenergyblog.com)

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.

1. Lower your thermostat. Your body will hardly notice a change if you slightly lower your thermostat but your bill will definitely notice the change. You can eliminate about 5-10% of your heating bill by lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees. It is especially important that you further lower the thermostat if you leave your home for several hours.
2. Keep the heat in. Don’t let the heat escape unnecessarily by leaving windows or doors open while the heat is on. Also make sure to turn off bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans if they are not needed. This will help to keep the heat within the home and allow it to warm up much quicker.
3. Learn to love socks. Your whole body’s temperature is affected by the temperature of your feet. If your feet are freezing, it’s likely that the rest of your body will also feel cold. Try staying warm around the house with a nice pair of socks and maybe even some slippers. If that’s not enough… bundle up in a cozy sweater or blanket.
4. Use curtains wisely. Using your curtains appropriately will help maintain a warm temperature within the home. Opening the curtains during the day, especially those on south facing windows, allows the rays of the sun to help warm the living space. Closing curtains at night prevents the heat from easily escaping and keeps the cold air outside at bay.
5. Turn down your water heater. Similar to lowering your thermostat, if you lower the temperature of your water heater you will probably not notice a difference but your utility bill will. Most water heaters are preset to 140 degrees Fahrenheit but by lowering the temperature to about 115-120 degrees you will see a decrease in your power usage.
6. Spin your ceiling fan in the right direction. In warm weather you want the ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise so that the air gets pushed downward to create a nice breeze. The opposite is true for cold weather. During winter months, reverse the fans direction so that it spins clockwise at a low speed. The blades will push the air upwards and the reverse air circulation will help to push the warm air downwards.
7. Plug the leaks. Small gaps can make a big difference in ability for your home to stay warm.  To solve this problem you first must find where the leaks are. The spots are easily found by lighting a candle, holding it near windows and doors, and see if the flame moves in a horizontal direction. If so, you have spotted an air leak and it is a likely spot where heat is easily escaping your home. To fix the leak, install low-cost caulking or weather-stripping. The easy repair can save you 10% on your heating bill.

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.

Training and Licensing
Currently each state has their own licensing requirements needed to become a qualified member of the solar sector. The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has a helpful map of the U.S. that provides information on each state’s requirements for installing photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. Find out what the licensing requirements are in your state. 

Going through training courses is typically the first step in acquiring the licenses needed to install solar panel systems legally. The IREC has developed quality and competency standards for renewable energy training programs, and Solar Energy International is a great place to receive the high-quality training. Solar Energy International provides both hands-on and online training done by some of the most experienced solar installer professionals in the country.

Certification
After receiving the appropriate amount of training, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers certification and certificate programs for solar energy professionals throughout the U.S.  They consider themself to be the “gold standard” in PV and solar thermal installation certification. They offer programs and services geared towards both entry-level workers as well as those who are more experienced in the field.

Skills to be Successful
You need a sufficient amount of training and certifications to enter the solar installation workforce, but you also need certain traits and qualifications in order to be successful. As you will be dealing directly with home and business owners, it is essential to have great customer service skills. A PV system is a fairly large investment for most people so they are heavily involved in the process and must feel comfortable working with the installer to develop their PV system.

As a solar panel installer, you will be performing a large amount of manual labor. You will need the physical strength and stamina to complete the work, as well as the ability to tolerate all sorts of weather conditions as you will be working outdoors. In addition, it is essential that you are not afraid heights because many PV systems are installed on rooftops.

Many solar installer positions also require experience with power tools and small machinery. A background in construction and experience working with all types of building materials are highly preferred.

Once you have all the necessary training and certification and if you think the industry is a good fit for you, begin your search for open positions at Great Green Careers. Good luck!

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.

• Support a local farm by purchasing your pumpkin from a local patch. Going to the pumpkin patch is always a fun family event… just don’t forget to wear your rain boots, it can be muddy!
• Instead of purchasing a new costume, get crafty by working with materials you already have and visiting thrift shops to make one yourself. This is a great way to not only be more eco-friendly, but is also allows you to have a completely unique outfit.
• Resist purchasing candy that uses tons of packaging. Instead, try baking your own treats such as cookies or cupcakes and decorate them with orange and black frosting. Your friends will love the personalized treats!
• For those who lack baking skills or the extra time to prepare the treats, make sure to purchase organic or fair trade candies. Try purchasing slightly healthier sweet snacks such as dried fruit, fruit and nut bars, or popcorn packages.
• For all the trick-or-treaters out there, avoid purchasing a new plastic or paper bag to hold your pounds and pounds of candy. Instead, use a pillowcase (you can probably fit more candy in there anyways!) or a reusable canvas bag that you can use later on for grocery shopping.
• Whether you are taking your kids trick or treating or participating in the event yourself, make sure to walk instead of drive. Try and go to a neighborhood within walking distance to save the gas needed to drive to your destination.
• When you are trick or treating or out at night use a LED flashlight. This will help to conserve energy and protect the environment, and keep you safe at the same time.
• If you are attending a party for the holiday, refer to our post about Green Booze to choose a green beverage to drink at the event.

The holidays are a great time to loosen up on your diets and take some time off work if possible, but that doesn’t mean it’s a time to forget about how your actions are affecting the environment. Most holidays involve a lot of consumerism so it is an especially important time to consider making more sustainable decisions. Hopefully these tips will help start your holiday season off right! Stay green and enjoy your Halloween!

(Image Courtesy of orbitcast.com)

With the hype of the highly anticipated iPhone 4S, many current iPhone users are preparing for the upgrade. While crowds are forming many may encounter a disposal dilemma of an existing cell phone. Apple and other companies are taking environmental strides by offering recycling programs of old phones. Discarded cell phones account for nearly 65,000 tons of toxic waste each year. More than 500 million unwanted cell phones are either awaiting disposal in the home, or seeping hazardous lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic into the environment. With new features available every year, a cell phone’s average life is now less than 18 months, adding more than 140 million cell phones and their batteries to our landfills each year.

Need to recycle your iPhone? There’s an app for that. Apple will determine if the iPhone you’re not using can be reused. If so, you can receive an Apple gift card to use at an Apple retail stores or the online store. If your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even PC doesn’t qualify for reuse, Apple will recycle it responsibly at no cost to you. The used equipment is disassembled, and key components that can be reused are removed. Glass and metal can be reprocessed for use in new products and a majority of the plastics can be pelletized into a raw secondary material. With materials reprocessing and component reuse, Apple often achieves a 90 percent recovery rate by weight of the original product. Apple-controlled voluntary and regulatory programs worldwide are processed in the region in which it was collected. The recyclers must comply with all health and safety laws, and do not dispose of hazardous electronic waste in solid-waste landfills or incinerators.

Another option for disposal is using electronics re-Commerce company Gazelle. Gazelle collects working electronics and sells them to retail and wholesale outlets for reuse, and is teaming up with Costco.com and Walmart.com. The Electronics Trade-In program at Walmart.com is currently offering customers up to $250 in eGift cards for iPhone 4 32GB models. The program isn’t just for iPhones; customers can trade in a wide variety of old, unwanted electronics including cell phones, laptop and desktop computers and cameras, in exchange for Walmart.com eGift cards ranging from $5 to $1000. In an effort to keep e-waste out of landfills, even electronics that are broken or otherwise have no value can still earn an eGift card, and each piece will be responsibly recycled by Gazelle. To recycle your iPhone or other unwanted device, simply answer a few questions, and an online calculator will determine the value of each item you want to trade in. Then download a pre-paid shipping label from Gazelle, and ship your items to them at no cost and they email you a gift card within a week.

This month marked revolutionary news; Apple lost its core Wednesday, October 5th. Steve Jobs was an extraordinary innovator of our time, and his mark on society, technology, consumerism, and popular culture will continue to enrich and improve our lives.

(Image Courtesy of: Mother Nature Network)

Some countries are heavily installing and investing in solar energy, while others are not feeling a strong need to do the same. Why are some countries so successful within the solar market while others aren’t even playing? Let’s take a look at which countries have discovered the importance of utilizing renewable energy sources and the ways in which they are taking action.

As of May 2011, Germany had more than 18,000 MW of solar energy capacity, making them one of the world’s top PV installers. Solar energy is currently powering about 2% of the country’s total electric consumption and some analysts expect solar PV to provide about 25% of their total electric needs by 2050. Germany’s high number of solar installations is primarily due to government involvement. The German Renewable Energy Act introduced the Feed-in Tariff which costs 1 billion Euros a month to subsidize solar installations. The government has established a goal of having 66 GW of PV installations by 2030. They currently have 12.1 GW installed which is more than the total output of Japan’s entire 6-reactor nuclear power plant!

China isn’t necessarily a leader in PV installations like Germany, but they are leading the industry in the production of PV materials. They currently have about 400 companies that together produce over 23% of PV products worldwide. China produced about half of the world’s total production in 2007, although roughly 99% of it was exported. In comparison to other countries, China uses a small amount of domestically installed solar capacity. They have about 80 MW of PV installations but they extensively use solar water heating. In 2007, the National Development and Reform Commission announced plans to increase their solar capacity to 1,800 MW by 2020. China will have a very bright future in the solar industry if companies are able to continue producing low-cost, reliable PV modules. Some U.S. and Japanese companies have a technological edge over Chinese rivals but it is very rare that a company can compete on cost.

Spain is also one of the most advanced countries in the solar industry. Not only are they one of the largest manufacturers, but they are also taking advantage of the many hours of sunlight they receive by also installing numerous domestic PV systems. By 2010, Spain had 4 GW of solar capacity and about 2.7% of their total electricity coming from solar energy. The government has encouraged use of solar energy as they were committed to having 12% of the primary energy in the country to come from renewable sources by 2010. They also have a Feed-in Tariff, which slightly differs from the German model, to make solar installations more affordable for homeowners. The Spanish government has also implemented new building codes to promote sustainable building design. They are mandating solar hot water for new or remodeled private residencies and photovoltaic installation to offset a portion of the electric usage of commercial buildings.  In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, they had to cut subsidies for solar power which not only affected installations within Spain, but it also affected the solar industry worldwide.

Here in the United States, solar is becoming more of a topic of conversation as homeowners, businesses and state and federal governments are increasingly aware of the importance of investing in renewable energy sources. The U.S. has many utility scale solar plants; the largest in the world being the Solar Energy Generating Systems in California which produces 354 MW of solar energy. California is currently the state in the U.S. with the largest solar capacity and the governor established a goal of having 33% of electricity to come from renewables by the end of 2020. The federal government is also taking initiative to advance the solar market by subsidizing solar installations and investing in research and development. Until 2016, there is a 30% federal tax credit on residential and commercial PV installations, which the government expects to create 440,000 jobs, 28 GW of solar energy, and a $300 billion market. The U.S. Department of Energy is investing in large scale PV projects and the development of advanced PV materials with the goal of reaching grid parity. State governments are also implementing statewide incentives such as Feed-in Tariffs or Solar Renewable Energy Certificates to help reach state requirements.

Germany, Spain, China, and the United States are all large players in the solar industry. Some countries shine in the manufacturing of PV materials, while others are intent on having a larger portion of their domestic electricity to come from renewable sources. Either way, the fact that is important is that these countries are taking initiative to do their part in investing in the solar industry. One thing to take away from the commonalities of these countries is that government involvement and support plays a large role in the success of solar within the nation. Hopefully countries worldwide will see the opportunities available to become a part of the solar market and the benefit of doing so.

(Image Courtesy of  http://www.mygreenerhome.co.uk)

Football fans, jersey chasers, avid tailgaters-rejoice! Football season is in full swing and that means time to tailgate. Consistently a wasteful event, leaving parking lots full of waste of single-use cups, plates, cans, and bottles, there are a few ways to make your tailgate an eco-friendly touchdown.

Carpool or use public transportation to the event to save emissions and money. Carpooling gets a few vehicles off the road, makes the football traffic more tolerable and splitting the cost of parking at the tailgate saves you money.

Planning an environmentally sound menu is easy. Just a few tweaks to the traditional American tailgate meal of hot dogs and hamburgers can reduce carbon footprint. Try to keep your menu as vegetarian as possible, which may sound irrational to the seasoned tailgater. Plant-based options are always best for the planet, and buying local is key. Buying meat from a local butcher, and hot dog and hamburger buns from a local bakery, support local businesses and farmers, and reduces travel of food from the farm to your tailgate. Additionally, packaging is usually minimal of food bought at a farmers market or butcher, compared to its highly-processed alternatives.

Beer is usually an essential at a tailgate. But this necessity doesn’t have to waste countless bottles or cans. Depending on the size of the tailgate, consider buying a keg. Go to a local brewery or beverage distributor and ask about half-kegs, quarter-kegs, or sixth-kegs. Sixth-kegs are usually the smallest most distributors carry, and they hold about 40 pints of beer. Split the cost with your fellow tailgaters, and this could be the most economical option. Like tailgate food, buy organic beer if possible to sip even greener. For the non-drinker, a non-alcoholic beverage dispenser for soda and juice like the Igloo Earth Series can be a tailgate favorite. Or, just opt to bring reusable water bottles and fill with your drink of choice.

To be the greenest tailgate drinkers, ditch the cups and just do keg stands. If this doesn’t appeal to you, there is another (more mature) alternative. Switch out your usual plastic party cups for cups made from polylactic acid, also known as corn-cups because they are naturally derived from corn. These corn cups from NatureWorks durable and affordable, less than $10 for a sleeve of 50. Substitute disposable tableware and try Preserve reusable tableware, which is sturdy enough to withstand multiple uses and made from 100 percent recycled plastics. Instead of paper, plastic and foam single-use products opt for a plant-based alternative. Eco Products makes a biodegradable sugarcane plates that are naturally heat and grease resistant, and they cost about the same as the disposable plates you usually buy (the 6-inch plate starts at $4 for a set of 50).

Get you grilling going, but with a propane or charcoal barbeque? According to a study by the Environmental Impact Assessment Review, propane grills release far less GHGs than their charcoal-powered counterparts. Charcoal uses 998 kg of CO2 – almost three times more than propane, which uses 348 kg of CO2.

More and more stadiums are going green and provide recycling bins and compost bins. Utilize these resources, and locate the closest to your tailgate for an optimal green clean-up. If the stadium doesn’t, create your own recycling and compost container in your trunk, and dispose the waste at a recycling site on your way home.

Use a portable solar electronic charger for your electronic needs at the tailgate. A solar charger like the JOOS orange is able to power smart phones, MP3’s, ipods, low wattage Fans and heaters, small refrigerators, and much more, perfect for tailgating without electricity. It’s only $149.00, and for reading Cooler Planet’s blog, we will offer a $5 discount. Just enter the discount code: JOOSME at checkout, and click here to purchase.

Grill up; drink up, while cooling down the planet. Enjoy the football season!

This is a followup to our How To Green Your Football Season post.

(Image Courtesy of Bleacher Report)

The rants and raids of Solyndra have been buzzing around the past several weeks. The collapse of the solar panel manufacturer was only the beginning;  filing for bankruptcy after receiving a federal loan of nearly a half-billion dollars, investigative raids on the company’s plant and the CEO’s home, truancy at the first congressional hearing, pleading the fifth for fraud at the convenient second hearing. Cynics have climbed on their soapboxes, claiming the entire solar industry must be deteriorating. False. Though shocking, it is not the end of the solar industry. In fact, the U.S. and global solar markets are still booming, and that is part of the reason why Solyndra warped.

The solar industry still has market growth, job creation, and a promising future. According to a host of sources, he U.S. solar market grew a record 67% last year, and will continue to grow. Prices of photovoltaic modules continually decrease while fossil fuel prices increase. Consider the Solyandra loan was only 1.3 percent of government money used for clean energy projects. Though the $535 million Solyndra loan is significant, the clean energy loan guarantee program has $38.6 billion.  Even though the sun doesn’t always shine, researches are finding ways to provide constant and consistent energy using different forms of battery backup systems. The U.S. has an estimated 24,000 megawatt capacity for solar thermal energy.

Where did Solyndra go wrong? Concisely, the main reason for the bankruptcy was the inadequate technology. The company launched a tubular solar technology in 2009, which claimed to be more efficient and could absorb sunlight from any angle.  Prices for convention solar panels decreased by 70% and Solyndra couldn’t compete – the prices stayed high because they could not produce fast enough. When the Fremont, California Company filed for a Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on August 31, 2011, 1,100 employees were immediately laid off. However, 100,237 workers were employed by US solar businesses as of August 2011.

The loan guarantee was granted in spring 2009. Solyndra’s misleading and dwindling financial past included The Department of Energy’s rejection to a request for a second refinancing to receive further private funding, and lead to bankruptcy. Even after nearly $1 Billion raised by private investors, Solyndra closed its doors. In a Securities Exchange Commission filing in March 2010, post loan guarantee and pre refinancing, independent auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers said several negative financial factors “raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.” Even so, Obama visited the company’s panel plant two months later, hyping the stimulus. This isn’t an uncommon visit; over half of the Presidents out of town business visits are to renewable energy companies. The Energy Department’s loan-guarantee program has backed nearly $38 billion in loans for 40 projects around the country, but only a small fraction of that goes to solar energy. Although Solyndra signifies only 1.3 percent of that group, it is the only loan that has turned. Other recipients of solar loans, like SunPower and First Solar are still enduring.

Looking past the Solyndra scandal, solar energy has a bright future.

It’s no secret that many third world countries struggle to produce and provide, what we consider, basic necessities for its inhabitants. Many of the things we take for granted in developed countries: access to clean water, (mostly) reliable electricity, technology etc. are not easily accessible and often come at a premium. However, solar technology is now being utilized by many nonprofits to enable impoverished communities around the world.

Enablement through electricity does not imply that a PV system is simply installed and suddenly a whole village has light. One company, SELF, used loans from development agencies to buy single-family photovoltaic systems in bulk which were often enough for an entire village. (This further goes to show Americans’ severe excess in electric usage.) Each participating household would pay a 20% down-payment and pay off the remaining balance (usually around $300) over the next few years. As the program evolved, “The buyers’ payments were pooled in a local revolving loan fund from which their neighbors could borrow to buy their own solar power gear.” In fact, the company was able to establish dealerships in which local residents could be trained as solar installers. This allowed the communities to remedy any issues that may arise with the system, without return visits from the organization; thus reducing overall costs for both the residents and organizations.

The impact of the solar electric systems in these developing villages went far beyond improved living conditions. Access to electricity increased agricultural efficiency and allowed many of the women who worked from the home to develop their own businesses. The Asian Development Bank conducted a study which illustrated the clear benefits electricity provides by comparing rural homes in India with and without access.

Electrified households:

• Derive proportionately more income
• Experience less smoke-induced health issues
• Take a fewer number of sick days from work
• Provide a better educational environment for children

Keep in mind, this study was conducted in villages that used traditional electricity rather than a photovoltaic system. Using a source of renewable energy allows the communities to remain self-sufficient without volatile subsidies from the government. This way they avoid the risk of being unable to afford electricity when energy prices increase. Many areas, especially in Africa, are so remote that the cost of transporting energy from the power plants makes it impossible. Solar energy continues to prove its economic benefits, even for impoverished communities.

Many developing countries have less than reliable sources of electricity. Power goes out for days at a time even metropolitan and large cities. While some have grown accustomed to living without electricity, hospitals, schools and other government agencies often find themselves in dire situations when the power is out. It interrupts children’s education for days at a time and prohibits a majority of hospital function, leaving patients at the mercy of the power plants. One student from the University of Pennsylvania saw the great benefit of implementing off-grid solar projects for hospitals in Gambia. She founded Power Up Gambia which provides solar electricity to health care facilities throughout Gambia. Within the first year, the hospital was able to care and treat over double the amount of patients.

While solar energy often gets the reputation of being too expensive, lacking efficiency, etc., it’s clearly a sound economic choice that can cross socio-economic lines.