Tag Archives: solar energy

Do solar panels work in the winter? Solar snow performance explained

Memories of cold, snowy winters past can be discouraging even for the hardiest homeowner. If you’re considering going solar, you might be wondering whether solar panels and snow are a bad combination. On the contrary, EnergySage marketplace data has indicated that solar shoppers can often find the lowest quotes during winter months when competition is reduced. After all, if you look at solar as an investment, then it should be able to generate returns throughout the year as other investments do. Luckily, plenty of people have both solar panels and snow, and some of the most popular regions in the U.S. for solar have snowy winters. Don’t let winter weather discourage you from going solar!

Continue reading →

What is solar energy?

Simply put, solar energy is energy from the sun. It’s the most abundant energy resource on Earth and can be converted from radiant energy from the sun to electrical or thermal energy. We use solar energy for many purposes, such as powering and heating homes, businesses, utilities, and more. Solar power is a renewable resource and, as such, is a critical part of our clean energy future. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about solar energy, including how it works and its applications.

Continue reading →

What are the pros and cons of renewable energy?

Wind power, geothermal energy, solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, hydrogen, and other renewable technologies are a widely popular source of energy throughout the world today as we move toward a zero-carbon future. Countries, corporations, and individuals are adopting clean energy for a number of great benefits, from reduced air pollution to financial savings. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy.

Continue reading →

How many panels do you need for your EV?

One of the primary benefits of purchasing an electric vehicle is that it allows you to transition from paying for gasoline to lower-cost electricity. But why not take that one step further and power your car with clean, solar power you produce on your own property? Here’s a quick breakdown to help determine how many solar panels you need to power your electric vehicle (EV) with solar.

Continue reading →

Benefits of solar-powered air source heat pumps

If you’re already considering installing solar panels, you’re probably familiar with (and looking forward to!) the positive impact it will have on lowering your monthly electric bill. But what if you could also substantially decrease your monthly heating and cooling bills with your new system? You can maximize your energy bill savings and reduce your carbon footprint by pairing your solar panels with energy-efficient air source heat pumps.

Continue reading →

Solar system components and setup: what you need to know

Once solar panels are set up on a property, they’ve relatively maintenance free. This is because the majority of solar panel systems have no moving parts; as long as they’re receiving sunlight and the products aren’t faulty, they will be a reliable source of electricity for at least 25 to 30 years.

Because of their ease of use, most people don’t think about the actual setup of a solar panel system. What parts are required? And how do they all connect to produce power for your property? Here’s a quick intro to the most important solar system components, and how they’re set up on your home or business.

Continue reading →

When expectations meet reality: new certification program helps companies follow through on diversity promises

As consumer expectations change, it’s on businesses to change with them. Many customers want to know that the companies they’re supporting are trying to make the world a more equitable place, and expectations around corporate social responsibility are higher than they’ve ever been.

To be successful in this evolving marketplace, businesses need to meet customer demand for action with serious commitments. That means it’s time for companies to prioritize important issues such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) to create a more inclusive work environment, serve their communities and hire diverse talent.

Continue reading →

Comparing solar to other investments

If you’re considering solar, you’re probably thinking of it as a good way to save on your electricity bill and possibly as a way to escape grid dependence. And it’s true: solar can definitely help you achieve those goals. But what if we were to look at solar from another perspective, like a decision to invest money in the stock market or a money market account for retirement? Just like a traditional investment, putting solar in your home is a way to generate returns or ROI.

Continue reading →

The Solar Futures Study: how we can get to 45 percent solar electricity by 2050

On September 8, 2021, President Biden made a big announcement for the solar industry: solar has the potential to power 40 percent of U.S. electricity by 2035, and 45 percent by 2050 – an increase of over 1,000 percent from where it stands today. Produced by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Technologies Office (SETO) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Solar Futures Study served as the basis for Biden’s announcement, explaining the role that solar will need to play in decarbonizing the electric grid and how we can achieve these targets in a cost-effective way. In this article, we’ll answer some of the major questions you might have about this study and what this solar transition could look like.

Continue reading →

Passive solar heating: an overview

Electricity is not the only thing that can be created by harnessing the sun’s energy. One of the most economical ways to take advantage of the sun’s power is to design your property with passive solar design in mind, or to say, to take full advantage of the site, materials, and climate of your home to maximize efficiency and minimize energy usage overall.

Continue reading →