Here we are in the “dog days” of summer. Record temperatures over much of the U.S. might have some people wondering, how does heat affect solar panels? The answer can be summarized in a single phrase: less power. As days get hotter – or in regions in which it is often warm – solar panels [...]
We’ve posted a number of times about solar powered air conditioning, also known as solar cooling. It should come as no surprise that solar electricity generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels can be used to operate A/C systems and solar attic fans. But solar panels cooling effects go beyond just creating solar energy. At UC San [...]
With rising energy costs and concerns about global climate change, many homeowners are considering renewable energy options. Under the current circumstances, including the economy and technology, you might be asking: should you install home solar panels? Residential solar panels are more affordable than ever. Federal, state and local incentives are still available to help you [...]
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Building integrated photovoltaics (or BIPV) is one of the hottest trends for solar power. For property owners looking to generate solar energy on site, but not willing to impact the aesthetic appearance of their home or building, solar panes that are incorporated right into the building design are the way to go. As shown above, [...]
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Powerfilm Inc., a manufacturer of flexible solar film has applied its roll-to-roll proprietary manufacturing technology to produce flexible thin film solar panels. Shown below, the thin film solar application includes interconnected backplane transistors with built in drivers for the front plane so that individual pixels can be turned on and off. Powerfilm manufactures flexible solar [...]
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We love the idea of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), yet beyond solar shingles or solar windows, what can you really do to integrate solar electricity generating building materials into your home? Consider these solar panels that double as skylights, developed by Architect Gerald Choi. Personally, Choi needed to update some skylights in his home, but [...]
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We have been pretty excited about the idea of leasing solar panels to avoid the upfront cost of purchasing a solar power system. For many homeowners, residential solar leasing is the only way they can switch to the renewable energy resource. A solar panel lease typically involves a company that owns, installs and maintains the [...]
Let’s face it. You can usually spot the home with solar panels, right? Residential solar power is convenient and efficient, but there are definitely a few strikes against it. Among them include the cost and aesthetic impact. With solar roofing tiles, you can go solar right away without compromising the appearance of of your home. [...]
Solar panels on state prisons in Colorado are saving taxpayers money. As of the date of this publication, nine state prisons have installed solar panel arrays to generate solar electricity and cut operational costs. By relying on solar power, the Colorado prison system is expected to save about $475,000 in utility bills over the next [...]
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We loved this post on Peachy Green about solar-powered hotels. With summer here and people considering vacation, its the perfect time to write about these eco-friendly hotels and resorts. Green travel is one of the hottest trends these days. Today’s travelers look for eco-friendly properties for both business and leisure travel. While there are companies [...]
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