Blog

In case you thought that to be eco-friendly, you need a huge upfront investment, you got it all wrong. In fact, it is just the opposite of that. A green lifestyle translates to frugal living, money-saving, and minimizing your carbon footprint.  Going green means making the best of the resources available to you; using them

Humans have harnessed the sun’s energy for billions of years. From sun-drying foods and starting fires to sunrooms and drying clothes, we have tapped the warmth and energy of the sunlight since the beginning of time. By the mid-19th century, the scare of running out of coal deposits drove the scientific community to come up

You may have heard of the terms “sustainability” and “corporate social responsibility” but do you know what they mean?  Sustainability is the ability of an organization to operate in a way that does not compromise the future availability of natural resources or the environment. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a company’s voluntary commitment to being

If you are a farmer, rancher, or landowner experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, your sense of despair is understandable.  With extreme temperatures, droughts, floods, and hurricanes ravaging your land, your very survival is at stake.  If you are thinking of selling your property, wait! There is some good news for you. You can

You installed solar panels in your home after much research and deliberation. And, you never regretted the step even for a moment.  Now, you want to sell the house. When you are looking for buyers, some see the solar installation as an asset while others consider it a liability. This must have left you wondering

You may have heard about the environmental benefits of solar energy.  Clean, green, renewable, sustainable. Such terms are bandied about in this context.  Before going solar, you may want to know more about solar energy, solar panels, and why and how it is good for the environment.  In case you have already done some market

Did you know that over 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year?  Plastics take centuries to decompose and often end up harming marine life. If you’re looking for a way to reduce your impact on the environment, consider using eco-friendly or biodegradable plastics. Or better still compostable plastics.  These

If you’re considering solar for your home or business, you’ll want to ask the installer a few questions first.  You want to go solar because you know that it will help reduce pollution, bring down the use of fossil fuels, and save the environment. However, switching over to solar doesn’t come cheap; it is a

Camping in remote places requires an alternative source of power to charge phones and other electronic gadgets. Solar power banks are good alternatives to power mobile phones and other small electronic gadgets. The devices enable vacationers to charge their smartphones using solar energy. Key considerations in identifying the best portable solar charger include battery capacity

Do you know that your solar power installation is programmed to shut down during a power outage in the grid? The solar panels installed in your home require a grid connection to work. Although they automatically generate electricity, your solar panels will not feed electricity into your home when there is no power in the

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably went solar with the intent of saving money on your electricity bill. But what do you do if you find yourself in a contract that’s costing more than you’re saving? Or you signed the contract on a whim and now you are having buyer’s remorse. Or maybe you

Solar panels are a sustainable source of energy. The abundance of sun radiations in many regions allows homeowners to tap and store solar energy for use. Individuals and businesses who have installed solar panels enjoy cheap, clean, and unlimited power. However, solar panels installed in the roofs are affected by diverse problems that can cause

Should you buy a house with solar panels? Find what to consider before purchasing, including the pros and cons of buying a house with solar panels. Plus, learn about choosing an installer to fit your needs! Should you buy a house with solar panels? You’ve probably heard the phrase, “going green.” There are many ways to

Regular inspection of the solar energy system is essential in maintaining efficacy and safety. Solar panels are susceptible to diverse problems such as corrosions, shades, delamination, and micro-cracks. Strict adherence to the solar system maintenance schedule enhances the durability and reliability of the systems. Comprehensive care aims to minimize chances of system shutdown due to

Are you having a problem with birds nesting under your solar panels? Pigeons can cause serious damage to your solar panels, which is why it’s important to get rid of them as quickly as possible.  There are no two ways about it. Pigeons and solar panels don’t gel well. When you’re dealing with pigeons nesting

In this day and age, it’s more important than ever to be conscious of our carbon footprint. One of the best and most efficient ways to reduce your impact on the environment is by using solar energy. Not only does it reduce emissions from traditional power plants, but it also doesn’t rely on finite resources

One of the terms used frequently by environment lovers is “sustainable living”. You may have come across this multiple times in various contexts. Are you aware of its true meaning? The dictionary defines the word “sustainable” as “being able to be maintained at a certain rate or level” and “conserving an ecological balance by avoiding

Wind energy is a widely available source of renewable energy. Onshore wind turbines are located on land, while offshore are set up in water bodies such as oceans and seas. An ideal location is based on wind patterns, speed, and the availability of space. Evaluation of the benefits of onshore and offshore wind farms pros

The United States stands second only to China in installed renewable energy capacity. However, energy consumption in the US is so high that the share of renewable energy consumed is an abysmal 12%. Almost 80% of the energy consumed in the US comes from coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Pioneers in the renewable energy sector

Choosing the best solar generator for a refrigerator is important. But, there are so many options out there. There’s no way you can test them all in person. Which one should you choose? These reviews will help you determine which of these generators performs best if your refrigerator runs on solar power. Solar generators are

The severe weather conditions we are witnessing in recent years, be it heavy rains, intense summers, extreme winters, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, droughts, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, or blizzards, are attributed to global warming and climate change.  These two weather phenomena – global warming and climate change – are considered threats to our existence

A reliable source of electricity is essential for residents living in remote places without access to the main grid. The use of solar generators is desirable because it is a clean, quiet, and portable energy source. The all-in-one solar generator allows users to tap the sun’s rays and utilize them to power home appliances. The portability

Wind turbines are an efficient and cost-effective way to generate renewable energy. However, various environmental concerns have been raised about the negative effects of wind turbines on the environment. Humans learned to harness wind energy a long time back with sailboats and windmills. Now, the developments in technology have made it possible to generate electricity

If you have a solar installation or planning to buy one and your location is prone to hailstorms, you should continue reading. Does hail damage solar panels? Solar panels need to be placed out in the open to capture the sunlight and convert it to electricity. So, there is not much you can do about

Solar energy is a great way to save money, but the initial cost can be high. You want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your solar panels so that you get all the benefits from them. Follow these steps and learn how to increase solar panel efficiency for your home or

Do you know that more than half the population of the world live in urban areas and a lot more are expected to migrate? This is expected to increase energy consumption by more than 50% in the next two decades. And, a staggering 60% of the energy consumed is used to run the buildings.  Green

Most of us would consider this question irrelevant in normal circumstances. Why would we want to consider a dystopian scenario? You are rudely awakened to this possibility during snowstorms and power outages.  With extreme weather conditions becoming more frequent in recent times than you would prefer due to global warming and climate change, power outages

Electric vehicles (EVs) are fast gaining popularity, but with so much being written about them, it can be confusing for a casual reader.  Whatever you have heard about electric cars – both positive and negative – has piqued your curiosity. Your interest is aroused enough to invest some time and energy in knowing more about

As our freshwater sources are limited, dwindling, and inadequate for the ever-expanding population, rainwater can be used to bridge the gap between supply and demand. Theoretically, rainwater is the purest form of water. When water evaporates by the heat of the sun from the earth’s surface, it leaves behind undissolved and dissolved impurities. When the

Solar cell, solar panel, solar array, solar module – different terms we use interchangeably to refer to the electrical device that helps convert the Sun’s energy into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Are they the same? If not, what is the difference? Read on to learn more about the photovoltaic effect, and how it is

Renewable energy has become more attractive and cost-effective. Find out why renewable energy is good for the future of our environment and global economy, what it can do to help you achieve your sustainability goals. Countries across the world are making pledges to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. State and local governments are bringing in regulations

If you want to save money by being more efficient with your water, it can be hard to know where to start because there are so many different ways to reduce your impact on the environment. This guide will teach you how to increase water efficiency in green buildings and the basics of water efficiency,

Are you looking to learn more about hydroelectric power? This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectricity and a few other lesser-known facts about this popular source of renewable energy. Hydropower is one of the earliest technologies used to generate electricity. It is one of the cheapest and the greenest.  It makes use of

The automotive industry is characterized by continuous transformation. Leading companies have extensively invested in research and development to produce efficient and reliable hybrid vehicles and all-electric car models. This article highlights a key difference between hybrid and electric cars, including their features, performance, pros & cons. The strategy is attributed to the need for car manufactures

The environmental benefits of green building are numerous. This article will explore the benefits of environmentally friendly building construction, including energy efficiency, reduced water usage, and more! Humans have been exploiting the riches that nature has provided for a very long time. In recent times, this has reached such mammoth proportions that we are forced

It’s no secret that our planet is in trouble. But what if we could do something about it? Find out how does recycling plastic help the environment and benefit you! Humans have progressed considerably from the time they learned to make implements using stone to make their lives easier.  From stone, they learned about metals

You know that hydroelectricity is a clean and safe form of energy, but you’re not sure how it all works. This article will explain exactly how is hydroelectricity produced step by step to understand this fascinating technology! Hydropower is the primary source of renewable energy. The environmental benefits and the unlimited potential of the falling

Biomass energy is a renewable source of fuel that can be used to heat homes, power vehicles or as an alternative for fossil fuels. This article helps you understand the basics of biomass energy or bioenergy. It takes you through the bioenergy advantages and disadvantages and enables you to make the right choice. There is

Electric cars are the future of transportation, with their environmental benefits being unmatched by any other form. This article will find the pros and cons of electric cars on the environment so you can make an informed decision before purchasing one as your next vehicle. The transport industry significantly contributes to carbon emissions. Cars using

Many people wonder whether installing solar panels for homes is a good investment. Check out the pros and cons of solar panels for home to see if they’re right for you. Focus on sustainable energy sources is instrumental in the protection of biodiversity.  Solar energy is one of the best and more reliable sources of

You may have heard the terms “renewable” and “non renewable” bandied about in the discussions on climate change and global warming – the hot topics in today’s world. This article offers a list of 10 examples of non renewable resources.  You may also know that solar energy comes under the renewable category and fossil fuels like

Save money, cut your energy consumption, and live more environmentally friendly. Discover 50 ways to make your home more energy efficient. A unit saved is a unit generated. This is the slogan for everyone working towards energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is a topic discussed on many forums – from home budgets, power generation, and energy

In this post, we’ll talk about how you can make a difference by conserving non-renewable resources. If every one of us makes an effort, then collectively, we can do our part in preserving these natural resources for future generations. Earth has bestowed a bountiful supply of non-renewable and renewable resources on humanity. These resources generate

If you are looking for ways to reduce electricity consumption at home, you have come to the right place. High electricity usage not only increases your electricity bills but increases your carbon footprint too.  Did you know that electricity providers generate the second-largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.? Yes, approximately 62% of

Even though most people think that one person can’t make a difference in the world, it isn’t true when it comes to recycling. One person can make a lot of difference and save the planet at the same time by recycling waste products.  An American produces approximately 1600 pounds of waste each year of which

Since you are already here, you probably know about the benefits of going solar. And, you must have compiled information on different types of solar panels and the components of a solar panel system. In case you would like to read up more on the topic, you will find more resources here.  This article focuses

Are you aware that heating your homes consumes more energy and costs more money than any other appliances and devices? Irrespective of the heating system or fuel used, home heating needs constitute nearly 45% of electricity bills. The good news is that you can reduce your bill amount substantially by taking advantage of the free

Solar power is often referred to as “free electricity”. Is it really free?  There are costs associated with financing, installing, and running solar energy systems. And, none of them come cheap. If you have to make such heavy investments in buying, setting up, and maintaining the system, why is solar energy referred to as “free”?

The answer to this depends on your purchase power and financial goals. The two choices – buying and leasing – have one main difference. While purchasing will give you ownership of the solar system, leasing doesn’t. And, this makes a world of difference in the claimable incentives and rebates and in its home value addition.

Going solar is gaining traction in recent times, what with the price of solar panels coming down substantially in the past decade. The numerous government incentives and rebates have only made the deal more lucrative.  Switching to solar power has always been a top priority for environmentally-conscious consumers. And, when you add to this the

The earliest recorded use of solar energy by humans was in the 7th century BC when the magnifying glass was used to light fire. Later, in the 3rd century BC, Greeks and Romans harnessed solar energy to light torches for religious ceremonies using mirrors.  The “sunrooms” in Roman bathhouses and much later the solar-powered ovens

One of the obvious questions that crop up when thinking about going solar is “how long do solar panels last on average?”. And, this is an essential aspect to understand the value you are getting for the money spent. Though the lifespan of the solar panel is a vital factor, equally important is the effect

Clean, Green, Renewable, Sustainable – these are words that we often find being used interchangeably to describe non-polluting and environment-friendly sources of energy.  Do they mean the same? What exactly is clean energy? How clean is it in reality? How does it benefit us? Which energy sources qualify as one?  Read on to learn more

No rooftop to install solar panels? Staying in a rental property? Do not have funds to purchase solar equipment? Don’t worry. You can still go solar. Replacing grid energy generated from fossil fuels with clean renewable energy like solar power is a big step forward in reducing our carbon footprint and reversing climate change. As

You may have come across ads touting that solar power installations can save thousands of dollars. When presented in a particular way, this sounds attractive. In fact, it sounds too good to be true. Is that the real story? Are solar panels worth it? The average price tag of solar equipment with a 10-kW capacity

It is common knowledge that we can save money with solar installation. And, we have often heard about exporting surplus solar energy generated to the main grid with a net-metering mechanism. So, is a residential solar installation a potential income generator? Let us examine the facts and find out the answer to this question. Table

Going solar is one of the best decisions you can make on many levels. Besides doing your bit in the fight against climate change, it can help you save money and gain energy independence. In this process, you can also help the country achieve its clean energy goals. Before going solar shopping, you need to

Environmentalists and scientists have been sounding the alarm on climate change for a while now. And, it is getting louder and louder. We have been witnessing the disastrous effects of environmental degradation in recent years. It is no longer an issue to be dealt with in the future. It is high time we take action

Solar power is considered the solution to many problems we are facing now – from the degradation of the environment, carbon footprint, and climate change to saving money, freedom from the grid, and creating jobs.  Solar energy is free. And, it is available almost everywhere. All we need to have is the setup to tap

For an overwhelming number of homeowners, their homes are the biggest assets. Before planning any addition, modification, or renovation on it, it is natural to weigh the pros and cons. The crucial questions that come up are: Does it offer value for money? Will it enhance or diminish the aesthetic appeal? Will it add value

If you are considering switching to solar energy, this is one of the first questions that would pop up in your mind. And, naturally so. How can a solar energy system work at night without the essential component sunlight?  Once you find the answer to this, so many more are bound to follow. Do solar

The federal, state, and local governments and utility service providers offer incentives to encourage investment in renewable energy installations. By the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the federal government introduced the solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC). Originally, it was offered for a limited period and was set to expire

Installing home solar power systems in homes is trending across the country as a means of transitioning out of the fossil fuel power grid to a cleaner, greener source of energy. With authorities actively encouraging this, the benefits for homeowners are too many – lower carbon footprint, a lower electric bill, and higher home value.

Our energy dependence is increasing day-by-day, with the ever-expanding population as well as the introduction of more and more appliances and gadgets in the market promising to make our life easier and better. Do we ever seriously think about where the energy to run these devices, small or big, is coming from? Most of them

Solar energy is a comparatively new concept that is remarkably different from other types of energy resources – both renewable and nonrenewable. Solar power is generated without any moving parts in the installation, unlike the rest. All the rest convert different forms of energy into electrical energy using the age-old concept of turning the turbine.

Generating electricity at home has multiple benefits. In addition to securing your energy source and keeping the energy rates in check, it can save you a bundle or even better earn you money or credits. However, something that will appeal to the environmentalist in you is the chance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and

A common question from homeowners planning to install solar panels is “Is it possible to power the entire household using solar energy?” The simple answer is yes, it is possible. However, it is not a question that can be completely explained with a simple answer. It is more complicated.  Before we go ahead and answer

More and more domestic energy consumers are switching over to solar energy to benefit from its long-term cost-effectiveness and freedom from the grid. In case you have not already jumped into the bandwagon and considering the option, look no further. In addition to all the personal gains, solar energy would also make the environmentalist in

How often have you felt like getting away from this materialistic world and living life on your own terms? Have you considered living off the grid? What is the meaning of ‘off the grid living’? The term ‘off the grid’ means independent and not connected to basic services such as electricity and water supply. Off

The sun is an abundant energy source, providing us with clean and sustainable energy. An hour of sunlight received by the earth is calculated to be sufficient to meet our energy needs for a year! However, it is not without its potential disadvantages. The environmental disadvantages of solar energy include habitat loss, alteration in land

Solar energy is now occupying centerstage for being an environment-friendly and renewable energy source. It also comes with another huge benefit for the consumer – bringing down the electricity bill and saving money.  As the electricity rates are increasing at a steady pace each year, installing a solar system is an attractive proposition for the

Going off the grid need not be that hard, but it requires lots of planning and preparation. Once you decide to move off the grid, you should draw up a checklist of things to do before making the move.  There are many things you take for granted that need to be sorted out before starting

The cost of installing new power capacity is increasingly becoming cheaper for renewable energy resources when compared with that of fossil fuels. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in its annual report ‘Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2019’ elaborates on “how decisively the tables have turned”. “Solar photovoltaics (PV) shows the sharpest cost decline over

Solar energy, the energy that the earth receives from the sun throughout the day, is one of the most abundant and green of all renewable energy sources. In fact, it is roughly estimated that an hour of sunlight received on the earth is sufficient to meet the energy needs of the entire world for a

Have you ever wished that the monthly energy bills would disappear from the face of the earth? If so, there is good news for you. There are ways to go off the grid and do away with those annoying bills.  The first step in this direction is by restricting energy usage is by increasing the