Monthly Archives: July 2015

The power grid in the United States is frighteningly vulnerable today, and that poses a real threat to our society. Being without power is not an experience anyone wants, especially on an extended basis. Power interruptions are not only inconvenient, they can be costly and potentially devastating. The most pressing threat to your continued access to undisturbed power today may be computer hackers. The possibility of power grid hacking is no longer the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters. This potential threat to our power and security will continue to increase unless we eradicate the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure. The Risk of Long-Term Power Outages You have probably experienced power outages due to weather, or in some areas, outdated or faulty infrastructure....

Customer questions about solar installation often come back around to roof-related issues. Although solar-powered energy-generating systems have become extremely popular throughout the western United States, many potential customers are still unfamiliar with the requirements for installation. The majority of solar energy systems are roof-mounted, so this concern is well-founded. Following are a few basic facts about system installation and requirements. Must My Roof be Fully South-Facing? The ideal orientation involves a sufficient portion of the roof with a due-south exposure; however, there are always exceptions to this guideline. While south is best, many systems can be installed with a modified orientation. Your roof does not necessarily have to be sloped either — many systems are installed on flat-roofed buildings with...

Is solar energy saving you money? If it isn’t already doing so directly, you are realizing some cost savings indirectly as an American taxpayer. The federal government recently set forth a requirement that, by 2025, every federal agency must derive at least 25 percent of its power needs from renewable sources. As the nation’s largest power consumer, the federal government racks up some hefty electric bills each year, all of which are paid for with tax dollars. The U.S Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program reports that, between 2009 and 2011, the government saved taxpayers $3.5 billion through the use of solar power* and other alternative energy generating systems, and it looks like that number will keep growing. Department...

Got power? If not, you need the G.O.O.D. Wagon. What’s a G.O.O.D. Wagon, you ask? It’s the power you need, right at your fingertips. Americans have become used to having power whenever they need it, not only in their homes, but in their vehicles and outdoors as well. That low battery signal sends users running for the closest charger so they don’t lose their beloved connections to the outside world. But what happens in a true blackout? Even if you have an alternative power source, unless it’s a hybrid, you can’t use it when the grid is down. Many people who live in an area prone to power loss, whether due to snow, wind, flooding or other types of disasters,...

Solar shingles are getting a lot of press these days. Heralded by the environmental contingent as a way of bringing renewable energy to the masses, some of the news coverage seems to indicate that these products are the way of the future for renewable energy generation. But are solar shingles, sometimes known as solar roof tiles, all they’re cracked up to be? Read on for a brief comparison between energy generating shingles and traditional solar panels. What are Solar Shingles or Solar Roof Tiles? In traditional rooftop panels, multiple photovoltaic cells are integrated in one plane, usually covered with a sheet of protective material such as glass. To make PV shingles, “thin film” technology is used to maintain the flexible...

Customers often ask how long solar panels last. Solar energy systems represent a significant investment, but in return pay for themselves many times over, thanks to their durability and reliability. The actual life expectancy of solar panels depends on the type of system you choose. Although solar systems do diminish slightly in efficiency over time, the amount is negligible. Even better, renewable energy systems using solar panel technology usually require little or no maintenance. The Type of Panel You Select Matters Renewable energy system technology has evolved over the years, and, as such, so have the types of panels from which you have to choose. The first type, known as thin film, is less expensive but less efficient than the...

Solar energy development is finally getting the hand it needs from the government. Different states have varying laws regulating solar power, and individual states can provide tax credits for investing in solar panels as well. But federal tax credits are also available to those interested in solar panel installation. Currently, taxpayers may claim up to 30 percent of installation costs for solar energy systems. At a recent speech at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of solar energy, and announced the federal government’s intention to train 75,000 people, including veterans, to work in the industry. Military to Set Example “We’ve got to lead by example, invest in the future, (and) train our...

If you think solar energy is only good for saving money on your power bills, think again. The alternative energy industry is putting U.S. military veterans back to work. Veterans often have trouble finding work after their service to their country ends. Although many individuals and agencies fight to solve this problem, the system has been slow to change. Encouraging veterans to enter the solar field is one solution that is making a real difference. Read on to learn more about how this industry is giving back to veterans. Government-Sponsored Programs Over the past several years, the U.S. government has increased its efforts to make sure that veterans find sustainable jobs after they are done serving in the military. One...

Wind power technology, also known as wind energy, is a form of solar energy, plentiful in many parts of the U.S. Geographic regions across the country are rated based on their wind power-generating potential. Wind speed is the most important factor for the generation of power. Fortunately, northern Utah ranks well on the U.S. Department of Energy’s wind energy scale. Read on for some basic information about how wind power technology works and how it can save you significantly on your home energy bills. What Makes Wind Wind energy is considered a type of solar energy because the sun helps to create the wind. Atmospheric pressures vary greatly between the Earth’s poles and the equator. The difference in atmospheric absorption...

Mobile solar generators can be mounted today on many types of vehicles. Common uses include both commercial and personal applications of virtually any scope, from disaster response to family outings in the wilderness. Although recreational vehicles and commercial transports are popular conveyances for alternative power generators, trailer-mounted generators offer the most versatility and scalability to meet your needs. Mobile Solar Applications The use of solar energy systems for RV power is growing in popularity. Scalable and flexible, photovoltaic panels can power anything from a small pop-up trailer to a luxury bus or fifth wheel. In the transportation industry, photovoltaic energy is used to power lift gates, cool large passenger vehicles, and to extend the delivery range of refrigerated transport trailers....