Monthly Archives: May 2015

Solar energy generating systems provide several obvious benefits, the most attractive of which includes reducing your dependence on utility providers and saving money by generating your own power. But did you realize that you can maximize your cost benefits and return on investment even more by making just a few lifestyle changes? Read on for some ideas for saving money and capitalizing on your renewable energy system even more than you thought possible. Give Up the Gas If you use natural gas in your home for cooking, heating, hot water or drying clothes consider your options for switching these items over to electricity. Most people are unwilling to give up their natural gas cooktop, but the rest of these tasks...

Where is the best spot for your wind turbine? The location is important, because it could mean the difference between a successful, lucrative project and a disappointing one. It’s important to consider all the variables before choosing the right place for your wind turbine. You can only put one where regulations allow it, so your first step is to consult your local zoning or planning board to determine what, if any, laws govern placement of towers. If you are in a conservation or historical area, you might run into problems, so it’s important to get the OK from all relevant governing bodies. And it doesn’t hurt to check with neighbors as well — you don’t want them suddenly complaining about...

Many consumers continue to resist solar energy and other alternative power generation systems, despite their many proven benefits and advantages. This problem has proven to be confounding for those who understand the true benefits of alternative energy systems. Some reasons that consumers cite for discounting solar energy’s many benefits include confusion and unreasonable demands, restrictions and fees posed by homeowners’ associations and public utility providers. Exacerbating the situation are the many misleading or discouraging stories proliferated by some mainstream media outlets. Today’s consumers deserve the straight story on solar and wind energy. Confusion or Misunderstanding about Solar Energy When it comes to getting information about alternative energy systems, sometimes you may be faced with too much of a good thing....

You may be eligible for a tax credit for buying a wind turbine. If you have been considering purchasing this renewable energy resource, now is the time, because in order to get your credit, your turbine must be installed by Dec. 31, 2016. Saving energy is not only good for the environment, it’s good for your pocketbook. Installing a wind turbine harnesses the earth’s natural energy — wind — and uses it to power your appliances, electronics, lights and anything else that plugs into the wall. It’s safe, clean and best of all — free! In fact, if you have extra wind energy left over at the end of the month, you can sell it back to your local electric...

Decorative solar panel designs are showing up in, on and around homes all across the country. As more and more Americans are switching to the money-saving, independent solar lifestyle, architects and designers are finding creative ways to make solar panels beautiful. If that sounds like an oxymoron, you might be surprised at how well photovoltaic panels can become architectural design elements. Solar Panels as a Decorative Patio Overhang An architectural firm in Seattle incorporated PV panels into the design of contemporary patio homes as cantilevered patio covers. These urban dwelling units were designed with a south-facing orientation, placing the panels at an ideal angle for collecting sunlight. Doing double duty as door- and window-shade structures, the reflective surface of the...

Community solar installations are a powerful and effective way of simplifying the process of adopting renewable, affordable alternative energy systems. You and your neighbors can derive some great benefits from pooling your collective resources and buying power. Ultimately, determining whether this approach is right for you, your family and your community will depend on several key factors. What is Community Solar? People who live in a planned community or belong to a homeowners association may share an interest in saving money and reducing their dependence on municipal utility providers. Individual homeowners may not know where to start gathering information or finding answers to their questions. All across the country, neighbors and community members are joining forces to learn about solar...

Solar power provides a number of benefits for homeowners, the most significant of which is cost savings. Solar energy not only saves you money, it offers the most efficient and environmentally conscious type of power available today and reduces or eliminates your dependence on public utilities. Utah is particularly advantageous for solar energy, thanks to a high level of generation potential and favorable solar metering and access laws. Determining the number of solar panels you need can be a confusing prospect however, requiring several complex calculations. Determine Which Type of System You Want The type of solar energy system you select will influence the size requirements, to best meet your consumption needs. You have many options in selecting the type...

The controversy surrounding solar surcharges is really heating up in the United States right now. Electric utility providers, as government-regulated services, are essentially federally sanctioned monopolies. Prior attempts to open up competition between utility providers have failed across the country. Today, power providers know that their heyday is potentially coming to an end. Meanwhile, they’re holding on by slapping solar users with surcharges to compensate for their antiquated business model. Surcharges and the Old Model of Utility Delivery Today, utility providers are private for-profit corporations or cooperatives, either publicly owned or municipal. Electricity is generated in a controlled market environment, where the government regulates supply and demand as well who can and can’t compete in the market. The industry design...

  How often were you without power this winter? A home generator is not only a convenience for your, but it sometimes can mean the difference between life and death. Winter weather is unpredictable — snow, ice, sleet, hail or high winds can all cause downed wires and power outages. Warm-weather months generally see fewer outages, but a powerful thunderstorm can still cut off electricity to homes and businesses. You are especially vulnerable if you live in a remote area, where fewer customers can be affected, making them a lower priority on the power company’s list. Threat of Cold A power outage can last from a few minutes to a few days, or in some severe cases, longer than a...