One of the biggest questions people have when they are considering solar power is, how do clouds affect solar panels? For a definitive answer, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (“NREL”) recently published a study after extensive research on the effect of cloud cover on solar power installations. NREL is a national laboratory that is part [...]
Looking for easy to install, affordable residential solar panels? You might want to consider solar panel kits. Solar kits include everything you need for a renewable energy installation on your home. Whether you are looking for a DIY home improvement project, or simply trying to avoid the hassle of contracting with a solar power company [...]
Solar cell phones have been gradually hitting the market over the past year. But the most popular phone, Apple’s iPhone may soon take solar cell phones mainstream. Many have been wondering, is a solar iPhone in the works, after discovering that Apple won a patent related to use of solar power in mobile devices. Although [...]
We all know that fast food isn’t good for us. Yet, as a working mom of 4, I have to admit that about once a week, I let one of these outlets make dinner for us. Perhaps I can cut down on the guilt by looking at the fact that many of these outlets are [...]
Continue reading about Solar Powered Restaurants: Fast Food, Green Energy
Over the past few years, we’ve been posting about solar powered parking structures. These include parking garages or park-and-ride facilities that use solar panels to either power the lighting and other electricity needs and/or re-charge electric vehicles (EVs) that are stationed there. With more consumers considering EVs, there is a need for people using parking [...]
For residential property owners considering solar power, there are many questions that you’ll want to have answered. Beyond cost and efficiency, some of the most pressing inquiries have to do with the effects from installing rooftop solar panels. In other words, how will things change for you and your property after putting in a solar [...]
Continue reading about What Effects From Installing Rooftop Solar Panels?
For people who want to switch to solar power, but are worried about the cost and appearance of solar panels, building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) may be the answer! Expense aside, many homeowners do not want to impact the aesthetics of their property and – perhaps even worse – some homeowners associations prohibit solar panels because [...]
Continue reading about Building Integrated Photovoltaics: Solar Shingles
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 [...]
Continue reading about Should You Install Home Solar Panels?
