Solar Industry News
Solar Industry News
Understanding Solar Panel Efficiency Isn’t Rocket Science… Except When It Is
Be honest—if your kid came home beaming with pride for getting a 20% on a spelling test, you’d be questioning their understanding of math as well as language arts. 20% just doesn’t sound impressive. But what if your grade-schooler was being quizzed on a list of 500 doctoral-level vocabulary words? You may then be tempted…
Want the Best Solar Panels? Choose the Right Solar Installer
At Solar Technologies friends and family often ask us: “Where can I buy solar panels?” But what they’re really asking is: “How can I buy solar panels and get them installed on my house?” In general, consumers don’t directly buy their own solar panels. Instead, homeowners work with solar installers, such as a certified SunPower dealer, who will provide…
8 Steps to Build a Compelling Case for Energy Efficiency Programs
When it comes to convincing a business’s decision makers and stakeholders that energy efficiency can contribute to a company’s success, the burden of proof may be somewhat daunting. This article by Smart Energy Decisions provides eight helpful steps in using and leveraging utility data to convince decision makers that a sustainability investment can provide a variety…
What is Solar Energy? Common Solar Terms Defined
Solar energy doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated. If you’ve been looking at solar systems for your home, business or school, you’ve probably heard some unfamiliar industry jargon. Fear not the words. We’re here to simplify your solar experience with this A-to-Z glossary, helping you learn more about this source of clean renewable power.…
7 Types of Renewable Energy for Your Business
INFOGRAPHIC If you’ve just started investigating potential sustainable energy solutions, this infographic is a great place to begin. It provides a high-level overview of the types of renewable energy that could be viable for your organization. Whether you’re motivated by corporate social responsibility, or looking for a way to reduce business electricity costs, commercial renewable…
Water and Energy: Solar Conserves a Precious Resource
The modern world runs on a partnership between water and energy production. Conventional energy sources use a tremendous amount of water to produce electricity, and — in addition — it takes a lot of energy to make drinkable water. A water shortage can mean a crisis for the energy industry. But the good news is…
The 3 Types of Onsite Commercial Solar Installations
When you decide to move forward with solar for your business, the placement and type of commercial solar installation are usually determined by the physical characteristics of your site. This video overviews the three typical onsite solar installation methods, including rooftop solar systems, ground-mounted arrays and carport solar panels. It also covers some of the…
Solar 101: How Does Solar Energy Work?
Our sun is a naturally occurring nuclear reactor. It releases tiny packets of energy called photons, which travel the 93 million miles from the sun to Earth in about eight-and-a-half minutes. Every hour, enough photons impact our planet to theoretically satisfy global energy needs for an entire year. However, solar-generated power currently accounts for just…
How Businesses Can Achieve Their Corporate Sustainability Goals with Solar
Many of America’s biggest and most successful businesses have gone solar to achieve corporate sustainability goals to reduce operating costs and their carbon footprint. The list includes industry giants like Wal-Mart, Target, Apple, IKEA, Macy’s, FedEx, Verizon, General Motors, L’Oreal and others. And every day, more companies, both large and small, are investing in solar…
Should I Put Solar Panels on My House?
If you’re thinking about going solar, you’re probably wondering: Is solar cost effective? Is my roof suitable for solar panels? Will solar energy generate enough electricity to power my home? Who makes the best solar panels? But first, it’s important to explore if solar panels for your home make sense. Here are some key questions…