It’s hard to exist today without a lot of electronic gear — from the keyboards we use to work at our computers to the sound systems that keep our parties rocking. And no matter how well-intentioned we are with keeping power cords organized, we all have that unruly mess of tangled cords around some of our power outlets. We might […]
When we talk about solar energy, most of us think of the traditional silicon-based photovoltaic cells that Jimmy Carter famously installed on the roof of the White House in 1977. They have become fixtures in homes, businesses, and large-scale solar farms. But in the future, solar technology could generate energy on almost any surface or window. Aaron Bates, founder and […]
If you want to try your hand at DIY solar, a small off-grid system is safer and easier to install than a full rooftop solar system. In most places, installing and connecting a solar system to the grid requires professional licenses or certifications. And, as we covered in our previous article, many states restrict residents from connecting a DIY system […]
The popularity of solar power has grown in recent years, thanks to plummeting equipment costs, climbing electricity rates, and the looming climate crisis. And with thousands of do-it-yourself guides and videos online, the DIY culture continues to attract more people. So, it’s no surprise that DIY solar power systems are garnering a lot of interest. As with any DIY project, […]
The U.S. Department of Energy recently released a study showing how America could decarbonize its power grid using solar energy and power 40% of the nation’s electricity by 2035. They predict the transition won’t result in higher electricity prices. This is good news for the environment. Solar prices have dropped so far it is actually profitable to install solar pretty […]
Despite setbacks from the pandemic, renewable energy deployment is increasing. The Inflation Reduction Act extends renewable energy tax credits and helps remove barriers for low-income households to use clean energy. Although supply chain shortages have created hurdles across the energy industry, 2023 has the potential to be a promising year for the transition to clean energy. Let’s examine the forces […]
Many states have seen rapid growth of community solar energy projects. By eliminating many traditional barriers to using renewable energy, these solar farms enable a larger segment of the population to take advantage of solar energy, including low to moderate-income households, renters, condominium owners, and homeowners with shaded roofs. There were 4.9 gigawatts of community solar installations in the United […]
Solar panels aren’t just found on rooftops and solar farms anymore — there are now numerous portable solar modules on the market for camping, RVs, and emergency preparedness. You can buy solar chargers with a small solar panel and battery to charge devices, larger DIY kits that can power an RV, and solar generators for backup power during outages. Portable […]
Although solar energy has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, many people aren’t in the position to install a rooftop solar system. Renters, apartment dwellers, condominium owners, low-income households, and people with shaded roofs are largely left out of the solar revolution. Enter community solar farms. This ownership structure is making solar power available to households, businesses, and organizations that […]
Even though the cost of a solar energy system has plummeted in the last decade, installing solar panels on your house still requires a significant upfront investment. After all, a home solar panel system costs roughly $16,000 to 20,000 without energy storage batteries. Thankfully, there is a federal solar tax credit that can reduce the total system cost by $4,000 or […]