What is green building? Explaining eco-friendly construction What is green building? Simply put, it’s the environmentally-conscious construction (and operation) of buildings.  For many good reasons, construction using green technology is becoming more common. Several of these reasons are outlined in a recent article from Smart Cities Dive. But before we get to those, let’s first understand…

10 simple ways to reduce business energy costs You might not think much about paying your electric bill every month. And if you do, well, that’s just the cost of doing business, right? Not exactly. Take a moment to consider the energy you’re likely paying for that room in your office no one ever seems…

Millennials look beyond profit toward a more sustainable future Traditionally, companies have pointed to a positive bottom line as a benchmark of success, but a new wave of entrepreneurs may be changing that equation by factoring social and environmental measures into a triple bottom line.  Companies and organizations are increasingly adopting sustainable business practices to…

Go beyond Bike-to-Work Day: 3 easy ways to encourage biking to work for the benefit of your business Bike-to-Work Day is just one day a year. And for that one day a year, at least, everyone can agree—biking to work is a great idea. But, you know what? It’s pretty fantastic the other 364 days,…

5 Misconceptions about the effects of weather on solar panels If you hail from the Mid-Atlantic region, home of the dreaded Nor’easter, you’ve probably wondered about the effects of extreme weather on solar panels. Makes sense—Nor’easters are not just storms. These radical weather events occur when the southbound polar jet stream meets the warm air…

Big business takes lead in corporate renewable energy boom A growing number of Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies are committing to corporate sustainability goals—leading to an upsurge of renewable energy in business. In a wide-ranging examination of the subject published by Greentech Media, large corporations in the U.S. are reportedly poised to be the most…

Many private enterprises and public entities (e.g., government agencies and educational institutions) are looking for clean, renewable energy sources to meet their sustainable energy solution needs. The motivation can be financial, driven by regulatory mandates, a desire to be more socially responsible or all the above. Sustainable energy solutions are literally found in the air,…

The solar Investment Tax Credit, or solar ITC, is a federal incentive that can help eligible businesses offset their commercial solar system costs*. As part of the broader Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, the solar ITC can be a significant factor in helping companies determine if and when to go solar. The infographic below provides a high-level overview and…

New 10-Megawatt SunPower® Solar Plant Generating Power for OG&E OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE: OGE) electric utility subsidiary Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) and SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR) today announced completion of a 10-megawatt (AC) solar photovoltaic power plant in Covington, Okla. Approximately 85 jobs were created during peak construction of the facility. “With Covington online, we now have…

Cabot Corporation and SunPower Announce Helix® Solar-Plus-Storage Agreement Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) announced that it has reached an agreement to have SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) install a 1.12-megawatt solar project paired with a 470-kilowatt (940-kilowatt hour) integrated energy storage system at Cabot’s Business and Technology Center in Billerica, Massachusetts. This commitment is a first for Cabot and will contribute to its…

SunPower Closes Year with Industry’s Lowest Solar Panel Degradation Rate, Delivering More Reliable Electricity to Customers Over Time As 2018 comes to an end, SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) reflects on one of its most notable technology achievements to date: achieving the industry’s lowest solar panel degradation rate which means that SunPower solar panels deliver more electricity…

SunPower Customers Among Top 10 U.S. Companies Going Solar The Solar Energy Industries Association today released its fourth annual Solar Means Business report, and a number of SunPower corporate customers top the list of U.S. companies that have installed the most solar. According to SEIA, there has been a 59 percent increase in corporate and business solar installations since 2014, and a…

A Peek Inside Mexico’s First Landfill-Free Manufacturing Plant I recently had the privilege of joining SunPower’s Director of Sustainability, Marissa Yao, on a trip to SunPower’s solar panel manufacturing facility in Mexicali, Mexico.  The goal of the trip was to see firsthand what it really means to create a sustainable product from start to finish. While I…

SunPower® E-Series and X-Series Direct Current (DC) solar panels are now Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver. The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ designation is a great accomplishment for any product, but we’re especially honored that our E-Series and X-Series DC solar panels, manufactured around the world, are the world’s first to receive this distinction. The principles for certification include sourcing…

As you evaluate your solar panel options, you may come across the term “solar panel efficiency.” But what does that phrase really mean? How much does solar panel efficiency really matter in the long run? Is it the only thing, or are there other characteristics of commercial solar panels to be aware of when evaluating and…

Federal Solar Tax Credit Being Reduced after 2019 With the onset of this new year there is an important solar update that homeowners should be aware of. After 2019, the Federal Solar Tax Credit will be going down. The Federal Solar Tax Credit (also known as the Investment Tax Credit or ITC) will go from…

From solar panel cleaners to combat mules: The 5 coolest robots working in America today Say the word “robot” to any man, woman or child and they’ll probably conjure up images straight out of science fiction. Robots haven’t exactly enjoyed good PR since their public debut in 1939, and for a very human reason: We…

CARTOON: Well, that’s one way of installing battery storage for solar power   Wondering how to implement battery storage for solar power, or whether it even makes sense for your organization? Solar energy storage is a rapidly developing clean energy technology, so there’s a lot to keep up with.  It doesn’t look like the gentleman…

Learn about battery storage for commercial solar power In the last few years, commercial battery storage technology has advanced rapidly—making solar battery storage a practical option for many organizations. This video explains how to lower electricity costs using battery storage to reduce utility demand charges. Watch and see if a commercial battery storage solution might…

There’s no question about it, studies have proven most Americans agree that renewable energy is crucial to our future. In addition, while electricity rates across the country continue to increase, solar panels become more affordable and viable than ever. Yet, at a time when green technology is gaining popularity and prices are decreasing, one question…

Energy security is an increasingly critical issue for the U.S. military. One way to stabilize the U.S. electrical grid in vulnerable areas is to deploy solar-powered microgrids, according to a new report from Michigan Technological University (MTU). Solar microgrids can enhance energy security by localizing power production and preventing cascading blackouts.  The U.S. military already…

The expansion of community solar across the U.S. is bringing solar power—and its many benefits—to a number of individuals and businesses who might otherwise not be able to participate. Not so long ago, installing solar panels on your rooftop or undeveloped property was the only way to access solar-generated electricity. If you were unable (or…

When it comes to providing corporate renewable energy on the scale needed to attract big businesses, not all states are created equal. In a recent GreenBiz article, an analyst for the World Resource Institute cites nearly half of Fortune 500 companies are pursuing sustainability or renewable energy goals. How quickly they reach those goals depends in…

Company “annual meeting season” is the perfect time for organizations to evaluate how well corporate sustainability is being addressed… or how much more attention is required. Most corporations recognize that ignoring renewable energy goals is not an option. But many others still may not know what they don’t know. A recent article published by GreenBiz suggests it is up to a well-informed board…

If you’re thinking about investing in a new commercial solar panel installation, you’re in good company. Private businesses, public entities (like government agencies), and educational institutions of all shapes and sizes benefit from this clean, renewable source of electricity every day.  But is a commercial solar system the right solution for you? Answering the questions below…

From Peru to Punjab, the benefits of solar power energy in the developing world are helping to reshape national views on renewable energy development. An article in The Economist highlights the recent expansion of global solar capacity due to an increase in solar panel installations. It cites several examples that illustrate how solar power is “hitting its stride”…

For the first time, global energy markets in many parts of the developing world are registering solar power as the cheapest form of new electricity for renewable energy investment opportunities. The milestone is noteworthy as these lower solar prices do not include government subsidies or other financial support. This trending reduction in the price of…

Working toward energy efficiency is most successful when approached collectively. While energy managers may head the team exploring how to reduce energy costs in business, it’s an overall group effort that yields the best results. That’s the overarching message in a recent article published by Smart Energy Decisions, which describes how increasing employee engagement improves the chances of reaching…

In the not-so-distant past, the main benefit of commercial solar adoption was rooted in affecting environmental change. Early photovoltaic (PV) technology adopters saw it as a potential solution to what had become a global energy crisis.  And for that, they were called hippies, tree-huggers and any number of pejorative environmentalist monikers. But they didn’t care.…

Making the decision to go solar isn’t something you do in a day. And it certainly shouldn’t be done without a thorough evaluation and careful assessment of both the pros and cons. To help get you started, we’ve put together three of the top advantages—and disadvantages—of pursuing a path toward investing in a commercial solar…

“Without enough water, you can’t have power; without enough power, you can’t have water.” The relationship between water and energy production is extremely close and co-dependent. It takes a massive amount of water to generate energy, and it takes a huge quantity of energy to process water that can be utilized by humans for drinking…

As the cost of renewable energy becomes more competitive with fossil fuel cost, it may be the perfect time for fossil fuel divestment (aka divestiture). An article in The Guardian argues that energy investors could be at a tipping point when it comes to investment in renewables. Historically, the case for corporate sustainability has focused on improving public…

At the individual installation level, it’s rather obvious that commercial solar energy systems have positive impact on the environment—instead of using electricity generated by fossil fuels, your business utilizes clean, renewable energy from a limitless resource (the sun). But a recent article in The Atlantic takes a step back and evaluates solar as a whole,…

Whenever we choose solar energy power system, we consider only two options. First is on-grid and second is off-grid solar energy system. Both these systems are helpful to you in times when you have ample of sunlight. As soon as the sun is less bright, in night or in rainy seasons, these systems are not…

Trying to find ways to hit your corporate sustainability goals and reduce costs at the same time? A recent survey tells us that many of your peers are considering lower-cost renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, to help them to do just that.    With energy costs on the rise, facility managers who want…

How does a solar panel system work? The basic science is simple: light equals energy. But that doesn’t explain how that sphere of hot plasma in the sky is going to power your building.  So let’s start with the basics: how a solar panel system works. Then we’ll talk about all of the ways your…

Step 1: Learn more Become a thought leader on installing solar Understanding the pieces and considerations of a commercial solar installation will help you make the best decision for your company. Learning the basic system components is a good first step: Solar panels – Absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity Inverter – Converts…

Solar power is a great renewable energy source—and it’s also more affordable than you might think. With so many users across the world, solar energy technology continues to become more efficient and cost-effective. According to Jelor Gallego’s article in Futurism, countries such as India and China, among others, are now confidently investing in solar power. From…

Although investing in renewable energy and other sustainability efforts can benefit a business in many ways, you may want to make sure it’s the right decision for your company’s bottom line before going ahead.  In an effort to show corporate social responsibility, many investors push for the adoption of business sustainability strategies. But some businesses…

Why should businesses go green? A Houston Chronicle article points out five reasons why green business practices can be beneficial to your company. “Going green” at work—or adopting environmentally friendly business practices—is not just a trend, but also a way for socially responsible companies to benefit from a host of advantages. The article points to plusses such…

Solar power is one of the most efficient yet clean sources of energy we have access to. There are no increased fuel costs or dependencies, no ties to pollutants, and it’s both reliable and affordable. Of course, in order to harness solar power you need access to specific technology. This tech relies on either small-scale…

This day and age, you hear everyone talking about going green. Whether you want to admit it or not, at some point everyone will have to follow with the green movement. This is because at the rate we are going, the earth is simply not sustainable. That means that over the years, we will begin to…

Thinking about reducing your business’s carbon footprint? Looking for ways to hit your organization’s sustainability goals? An article from Sustainable Cities Collective tells how leading businesses are doing just that by focusing on reducing the amount of paper they use. Keeping cardboard boxes stamped with those green recycling logos in your hallways is not going to cut…

When you’re first investigating the possibility of implementing a commercial solar installation, the future looks bright. It’s exciting to think about the energy cost savings and the environmental and social benefits this clean, renewable resource will bring to your organization. But that’s someday, not today.   At this point, having made a commitment to go…

Most public entities and some large corporations must initiate solar projects through a formal process. They send out a request for proposal (RFP) and evaluate competitive bids before selecting a vendor for the job. If your organization plans to create a solar RFP, know that the quality and specificity of the proposals you receive will…

Your organization has committed to going solar. Now what? While you may have experience with other types of construction projects, taking part in a new commercial solar installation may seem like uncharted territory. This business brief offers a road map of what to expect on your journey from signing the contract to flipping the “on”…

When you’re ready to discuss how to go solar with photovoltaic (PV) solar system providers, you should also be ready to answer some key questions. Your potential partners in clean energy aren’t trying to be nosey—they’re simply attempting to collect basic information that will help determine the best solar power options to meet your organization’s unique requirements.…

Solar incentives, policies and advocacy: 5 info-packed sites to save and share As you might imagine, there’s a ton of solar information available to business leaders, but where to begin? We’ve handpicked five great sites that offer insight into the latest solar incentives and policies, in addition to the activism that’s shaping them both. Whether…

As we’ve seen, there are a number of important characteristics to consider when making a solar panel decision for your business. One of the most critical is understanding the degradation rate of the solar panels you’re evaluating, how it compares among manufacturers, and what impact solar panel degradation can have on your organization’s bottom line.  What do…

If you’ve been wary about the financial impact of going solar, you’ll be glad to know that it’s never been more affordable. In fact, there are some real financial benefits to commercial solar. An EnergySage article debunks the notion that you need to have deep pockets to invest in solar energy while calling it a “key strategic decision…

Net metering (also known as net energy metering or NEM) is a billing arrangement that allows businesses and individuals generating their own electricity to deliver unused energy back to their local power grid and get credited back for its retail price. While it’s a simple concept, it can lead to complex questions: Are all net…

More and more businesses are going solar. But are solar systems worth it or even a good investment for you? Understanding the true value of any business decision requires that you weigh the total benefit against the total cost. Evaluating potential solar solutions and determining the overall return on your investment goes well beyond a…

How businesses and public entities can pay for solar So your organization is considering going solar, but there’s concern about how to pay for it and a bit of confusion about the solar financing options available. That’s pretty common, so here’s a quick primer on the main ways a business, educational institution or public organization…

As you research your solar panel options, you may come across the term “solar panel efficiency.” But what does that phrase really mean? How much does solar panel efficiency really matter in the long run? Is it the only thing, or are there other characteristics of commercial solar panels to be aware of when evaluating…

“Making hay while the sun shines” is a particularly appropriate idiom when applied to the decision about when to go solar. Today’s solar industry climate has never been more favorable for organizations looking to install a commercial solar energy system. And while the extended outlook for solar continues to be bright, when you consider all…

Is your organization considering going solar and wondering what’s involved with solar panel maintenance and, in general, taking care of a commercial solar system? You probably want to know how often solar panels need to be cleaned, how to invoke a commercial solar panel warranty if needed, and more.  The good news is, while it’s smart to understand…

As we’ve seen, there are a number of important characteristics to consider when making a solar panel decision for your business. One of the most critical is understanding the degradation rate of the solar panels you’re evaluating, how it compares among manufacturers, and what impact solar panel degradation can have on your organization’s bottom line.  What do…

Schools are pioneering new approaches to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum through environmental education. But understanding how to teach green lessons in an engaging way while also satisfying educational requirements can be a challenge to the average time- and budget-strapped teacher. One teacher in the South Bronx has perfected an approach to environmental…

While many companies continue to mull over the benefits of investing in renewable energy, a recent World Energy Council study shows its steady and continued growth worldwide. Renewable energy now accounts for more than 30% of the total global installed power generation capacity and 23% of total global electricity production. And according to a Clean Technica article about the study,…

Like most commercial customers, you’re probably paying thousands of dollars every month for electricity. But do you really understand how those costs break down—and what, if anything, you can do to keep from paying more than you have to?  The fact is, a significant portion of your monthly energy bill may be made up of…

Visionary solutions to climate change are more likely to come out of a board room than a legislative chamber. According to a recent article published byGreenBiz, corporate clean energy initiatives are expected to be the near-term driving force toward adopting clean, affordable energy choices. The article is an excerpt from a larger report (The State of…

People who are nearsighted typically find it more difficult to read road signs or see distant objects clearly. It’s a condition easily corrected with the right pair of prescription lenses. But those looking to purchase a new commercial solar panel system may not even recognize they have a form of “investment myopia” that’s preventing them from seeing…

With the expected useful life of commercial solar systems ranging from 25 to 40 years, choosing the right solution to invest in at the outset is incredibly important. But which of the many solar power companies should you consider? The answer may be easier than you think. Solar is a long-term investment. Think about it—what other…

According to this Energy.gov article, 173,000 terawatts (TW) of free solar energy is striking the Earth all day, every day. Need a little real-world context to wrap your head around that number? That’s more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy use. If you’re considering commercial photovoltaic (PV) panels, you should be seeing dollar signs right about now—especially since just…

Many colleges and universities have embraced solar power to help achieve their sustainability goals, climate action plans and renewable energy targets. This movement has been driven primarily by student demand, rising awareness among institutions that fiscal and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand, and the understanding that addressing climate change is a critical part of an educational institution’s…

Universities and colleges can play a crucial role in the transition to power the U.S. with 100% renewable energy, according to a report highlighted in a recent Solar Industry article.  Hundreds of schools nationwide have adopted campus sustainability plans with carbon neutrality targets—and the best way to reach those is by setting renewable energy goals, according to the…

If enough US organizations properly used existing building management systems intended to improve energy efficiency, the reduced power consumption could equal the amount of electricity used by 12 to 15 million Americans—according to a recent article published by Clean Technica. A study cited in the piece says that while most large commercial facilities are already equipped with automation systems to control energy…

You want your company to use renewable energy, but you don’t have a clue about your options or how to weigh them. Don’t worry. It’s an increasingly common challenge as renewables gain in popularity.  There are seven main types of commercial renewable energy. All of them reinforce sustainable business practices, but—just like fossil fuels—all of them come with unique…

If your organization isn’t located in one of the more obvious top solar states, fear not. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) publishes a useful state-by-state list that details each state’s solar policies to help you make informed decisions about your own company’s renewable energy use. This is a great page to bookmark to keep track of…

FAQ You’re thinking about going solar. But you don’t know what you don’t know. So, what are the most common questions businesses ask when exploring the benefits of solar? 1. Why should I spend time or money on solar right now? A: Solar Technologies’ research reveals three primary reasons organizations choose to invest in a solar strategy:…

For many students this fall, the daily ritual of boarding a school bus is about to become a safer, cleaner, more fiscally and environmentally responsible experience. Driven primarily by long-term cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint, school districts from Minnesota to California have begun to incorporate electric school buses into their fleets.  Electric buses…

Commercial organizations are under increasing pressure to make better use of clean, renewable energy options. While solar is an increasingly popular choice, sometimes a business’s site isn’t ideal for solar. Not every rooftop, parking lot or piece of land is suitable for onsite commercial solar equipment. Plus, not every organization owns their facilities or has the…

The expansion of community solar across the U.S. is bringing solar power—and its many benefits—to a number of individuals and businesses who might otherwise not be able to participate. Not so long ago, installing solar panels on your rooftop or undeveloped property was the only way to access solar-generated electricity. If you were unable (or…

Are you looking to make the business case for the benefits of commercial solar power to your organization’s decision-makers? To tap the economic and energy potential of solar, commercial property owners (and long-term lessors) must objectively evaluate the pros and cons of going solaron each property, and track the projected return on investment (ROI) over time. Alta Energy,…

A recent article in the Harvard Business Review reports that some of the world’s most successful businesses are devoting themselves to developing energy efficiency in business. Many companies are beginning to understand that developing an energy strategy is not only helpful from a financial and environmental standpoint, but can also help them gain a competitive edge…

If you’ve started the process of learning about solar or other renewable energy sources to power your business or public organization, you’ve probably run across an organization called the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). But who are they? What do they do? Is their renewable energy research trustworthy? Valid questions. And to help you answer them, here’s a little…

While the cost of solar panels and systems for business continues to fall, your company may still be looking for ways to reduce the near-term financial impact of your solar investment. In fact, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind as you weigh the front-end cost of a commercial solar system against…

By most accounts, signs are pointing to an explosion in corporate renewable energy procurement. A recent article published by Green Tech Media summarizes these positive trends as well as a cautionary note about what could slow renewable energy demand. Increased adoption of corporate sustainability goals is cited as one indicator pointing to an expansion of the corporate renewables market.  (There are…

Companies exploring how to improve brand reputation may be tempted to simply highlight the benefits of sustainability as reflected in their products (or services). But how effective is this approach to actually gaining new customers? Or helping the environment? According to a recent article published by BSR (Business for Social Responsibility), marketing sustainability should be more nuanced and…

Early in your solar planning process, you’ll probably ask all sorts of questions to determine what type of commercial solar design would be best for your organization. Is commercial rooftop solar smarter than a ground-mounted solar system? What about solar carports? When does one kind of onsite solar installation make more sense than another?  If you’re asking…

If you’re wondering why there seems to be increasing focus on the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR), look no further than today’s consumers. According to a recent article published in Business News Daily, these potential customers are looking beyond material products or quality services when selecting a company. How products are made (or services rendered) is…

Solar Technologies, one of the Bay Area’s leading solar providers, announced today that even small organizations can expect to pay their energy utility more than a million dollars over the course of 25 years. “Switching to solar is one of the single best ways to reduce your company’s operating costs and environmental footprint,” said Solar…

When a money-minded publication like Fortune says “Like it or not, sustainability is now the core of your business,” you know a seismic shift in corporate social responsibility is taking place. The fact that some businesses are not yet sure what that looks like for them is irrelevant. The point is, when sustainable business practices…

While the news has been heavy with reports on the US government’s de-emphasis on the environment, the benefits of solar energy remain unchanged. There may be less top-down pressure on companies to go carbon neutral, but customers and investors increasingly demand a triple bottom line commitment. Climate Change and Business Strategy are Hard to Untangle…

Warranties are like spare tires: you never think about them until you really, really need them. But in the case of a commercial solar panel warranty, it’s definitely worth your time to dig into the details of what’s covered, for how long, and how likely it is you’ll use it—before making your purchase decision. What…

Is your organization considering going solar? Are you investigating different commercial solar financing options? A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) may be a viable choice. Here are four questions organizations often ask about solar PPAs to help decide if this financing option is right for their needs: What is a solar PPA? A PPA is…