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When you want to spend some time outdoors after sundown, the phone flashlight is always there for emergencies. But if you want to relax on your patio, gazebo, or pergola and enjoy the open air, maybe read a book or have dinner or even throw a party, you need better lighting than that. Solar outdoor

The things that go into making a solar panel are vital for its performance and efficiency. One of the crucial components of a solar panel is the material used for coating the surface. ETFE is the most commonly used coating material for flexible solar panels. Being a highly flexible material, its mechanical attributes come in

Curious about odd-shaped solar panels? This article offers you the whole story about triangular solar panels.  Their uses, applications, pros and cons, and also whether you should install solar panels of triangular shape – you will find answers to all your questions on the topic here. Why do we need triangular solar panels? If you

Wow! Have you ever considered using solar panels to recharge a Tesla? Tesla solar chargers would be the best thing you can do to save the environment without compromising on your luxury. But can you really use a solar panel to charge Tesla? Theoretically, you can. As long as you have a sufficient number of

In this guide, we’ll answer all of your questions about backyard solar panel pergolas and patio covers.  We’ll explain everything you need to know about these products, from their cost and benefits to the installation process. Plus, we’ll provide tips on how to choose the right product for your needs. Table of Contents Add a

Did you know that the US produces about 292.4 million pounds of municipal waste annually? This means that every person disposes of about 4.9 pounds of garbage daily. Managing waste through recycling and reusing can reduce the amount going into landfills. It also supports sustainability and preserves nonrenewable resources for future generations. Creating a sustainable

Looking to add some solar power to your golf cart? In this article, we’ll show you how to fit a golf cart with solar panels, so you can enjoy free, renewable energy while out on the course.  Solar panels are a great way to cut down on your operating costs, and they’re also very eco-friendly.

Silicon is a non-metallic element with the atomic number 14 and the symbol Si. This hard and brittle, bluish-gray member of the carbon family is a crystalline solid at room temperature and relatively inert. It is a metalloid and a semiconductor besides being abundant and having a high melting point. Are these the reasons why

If you depend on a well pump for your water needs, it would account for a big chunk of your grid energy consumption.  This also means the running cost is substantial. Is there a way out of this? Can you run a well pump without incurring a high cost? When you are searching for cheaper

Solar technology is progressing every day. People who grow plants indoors now have better ways to use grow lights, thanks to more powerful solar cells. Solar cells can now generate enough power to power all kinds of indoor growing gear, including grow lights. Solar grow lights are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways

Making your own Eco-Friendly Products is a great way to save money and help the environment. In fact, there are many different Eco-Friendly Recipes that you can make right at home with very little effort. The sustainable products industry is growing day by day. You will be surprised to find out that most of these

When the weather is cold, providing heat insulation can help prevent freezing problems like icicle formation and ice dams. However, in extremely cold conditions, mere insulation would be insufficient. So, what is the solution? Heat tapes are very handy in these situations. Again, heat tapes may do their job well but come with their own

The function of solar panels is to absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into usable electricity. This means the surface of the solar panels needs to be clean and clear to facilitate energy absorption.  The presence of dirt on the surface of solar panels will hinder this process. Depending on the quantity of dirt

The word “nuclear power” evokes fear and apprehension in most of us. Recent studies show that “disaster” is the first word that comes to our minds when we hear this word, even before energy and war. This is understandable considering the track record of nuclear power. On the other hand, is it fair to write

For the privileged lot living in cities, especially in a developed country like the United States, water is available at the turn of a faucet. Easy access and low rates give us the impression that water will keep flowing like this forever. As water is one of the essentials for the sustenance of life, access

When Tesla Solar Roof was launched in 2016 after the acquisition of SolarCity by Tesla, it was supposed to take the solar industry by storm.  To its credit, Tesla Solar Roof did create a few ripples and that is definitely something but not the kind of coup expected. Industry experts point to various reasons for

“Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his famous poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner puts our present predicament so succinctly.  There is no dearth of water on this planet. The oceans are veritable sources of water. The trouble is that seawater is not potable, let alone fit

A smartwatch is no longer considered an extravagant accessory reserved only for the rich and famous to flaunt their wealth. It has become a necessity that has even proved its utility as a lifesaver. A smartwatch is a device you wear 24×7 or almost round the clock. While some choose to take it off when

Do you know that America gets almost 20%of its electricity from nuclear energy? This is not all. Nuclear energy accounts for almost 55% of clean energy in the United States.  Despite this, it is regarded with suspicion and considered harmful and destructive. When nuclear power is the cheapest energy source for utility-scale power production, why

A portable solar panel is an incredible blessing for avid campers and those on the road in an RV. As long as the sun is shining, you will have free electricity to power your devices as well as charge your RV battery. When on long camping trips away from the grid, a portable solar panel

Having a large outdoor space is a luxury for most homeowners nowadays. If you can afford it, the extra space can come in handy during a party or grow a nice garden. However, maintaining the space is the hardest part. It is not safe to leave this space unlit after sundown. It is too expensive

Solar energy is synonymous with renewable and sustainable energy. It is clean as well as green. Solar power embodies everything that we aspire for from an energy source now as we realize the harmful effects of fossil fuels.  Solar devices aim to harness the energy in the sun’s rays and convert it into usable energy

Can you imagine that our beautiful green earth hides unbelievable amounts of heat a few miles down from its surface? You may have heard about how Greeks and Romans used the warmth from hot springs to heat public baths in ancient times. There are references in the history books of how in the Roman city

Ever watched a wind turbine up close? Are there any near your home? You may have driven past wind turbines. Have you ever stopped the car to stare at these mammoth pinwheels? Ever wondered how they generate electricity? Or what happens when the air is still? Once you begin to focus your attention on wind

Most of us assume and accept it as a fact that fossil fuels are nonrenewable. Have you ever really understood why? After all, fossil fuels are natural resources and they occur naturally and directly in nature. Coal, oil, and natural gas are formed on their own on earth and extracted as it is.  As these

Coal. It is the perfect example of a life-changing discovery turning into a nightmare.  The central role played by coal in triggering the Industrial Revolution is a well-known fact. As we discovered numerous uses for it and ways to tap into the potential of coal, our lives changed beyond recognition. We, humans, started enjoying a

Generating electricity using solar panels may seem nothing short of a miracle or magical like the wave of a wand. No moving parts. No generator. Just a blue or black panel that is exposed to sunlight. If you are not familiar with the photovoltaic effect or the working of a solar panel, you cannot be

The world is divided about many things; nuclear power tops the list of controversial topics. The reason for extreme views on nuclear energy is understandable. It is neither downright as villainous as fossil fuels nor can it be included along with the current sweethearts of the energy scene – renewable energy sources like solar and

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless mixture of hydrocarbons, consisting mostly of saturated light paraffins like methane and ethane. As coal and oil are being demonized for their carbon emissions, natural gas has gained in popularity due to its lower carbon footprint. Though usually considered a fossil fuel, natural gas can also be made from

Nuclear energy was first used commercially to generate electricity in the 1950s. As the world woke up to the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels in the next two decades, nuclear power gained more traction.  Now, there are more than 400 nuclear plants across the world, meeting almost 10% of the world’s energy needs. Even

Wind energy is the most efficient among all renewable energy resources. Clean, green, sustainable, and renewable, wind power is the fastest-growing energy source. How does wind energy work? As long as the sun is shining and heating the land, water, and atmosphere unevenly, the wind will blow. All we need to do is to have

Solar energy is the golden boy of the energy industry. Even among renewable energy resources, solar power occupies an exalted position due to its affordability and versatility. It is considered clean, green, and sustainable besides being a renewable resource. All these epithets are accurate for solar energy and at the same time slightly off the

The immense popularity of 100-watt solar panels is understandable. Compact, portable, easy to set up, and more than anything else, affordable – no wonder 100-watt solar panel kits are in high demand. Before we go further, you may want to know that a 100-watt solar panel cannot power most of your home appliances. In other

The world has witnessed numerous energy crises in the years since the Industrial Revolution. But it never has been as bad as it is now.  The basic reason for our present predicament is the overdependence on fossil fuels. The energy demand across the world seems to be growing at an alarming pace, which is not

You may be working remotely and want an independent power source to charge your laptop. Or you are on a camping trip or frequently on the move. When you are no longer working from the office, finding a reliable electrical power source can be quite challenging. A portable solar power laptop charger can help manage

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Binance Coin, Dogecoin… We have heard a lot of buzz about cryptocurrencies in the last few years. Your curiosity may have led you to gain more information about how they work.  Crypto mining forms the backbone of cryptocurrencies. Not only does it unearth new coins, but it also verifies transactions on the

As more and more homeowners are going solar, this is another one to add to the long list of chores! You may be prompted to ask whether it is necessary at all. After all, you don’t climb up to keep your roof clean. It gets washed by rainwater whenever it rains. Isn’t that enough for

Fossil fuels have become so much part of our daily lives for more than a century that we are using them directly or indirectly in every single thing we do. Sadly, we are paying dearly for this absolute dependence with carbon dioxide emissions, aka carbon footprints.  The food we eat, the clothes we wear, and

Humans must have learned to use the wind to their advantage from the beginning of their existence for the simple reason that it is available in plenty and easy to make use of. However, using mechanical devices like windmills and sailboats to harness wind energy for specific purposes came much later. After the industrial revolution

Geothermal energy always has had the tag of promising or up-and-coming renewable energy resource forever. The strange part is that it is one of the oldest energy resources tapped by humans, almost 10,000 years ago! Archeological evidence points to the use of hot springs by indigenous people in America at least 10 millenniums back. Much

The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), often referred to as federal solar tax credit, is the topmost financial compensation a US taxpayer can claim for solar power installations. For the current year (2022), the federal tax credit stands at 26%. Next year, it is coming down to 22%. And, after 2023, there is no guarantee

You have taken the first step in the right direction by reading this article. Well done! Here you will find everything you need to know about residential solar panels. You may be considering going solar for a variety of reasons – to save the environment, save money, get freedom from the grid, or power your

We are always in pursuit of more energy to meet our growing power demands. Do you know that it is impossible to create energy? The law of conservation of energy tells us that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Energy can only be converted from one form to another. This law applies to any

If any one invention can be classified both as boon and bane, it is plastic. This may come as a surprise to you that we, humans, have been using naturally-occurring polymers or “plastics” like animal horn, amber, latex from tree sap, cellulose, tortoiseshell, tar, and shellac for thousands of years. However, the history of plastics

Often we buy home appliances without considering the cost of running them. Do you know that for some energy-guzzling devices, the annual running cost exceeds their price? This may come as a surprise to many as your utility bill doesn’t offer you an appliance-wise breakup. The easiest way to check this is to compare the

Going solar is lauded as the best thing you can do for the environment. But is solar energy really clean and green as it is made out to be? The answer to this question is not simple and straightforward. There are many facets to the problem that need in-depth analysis and understanding.  To calculate the

Being a small homeowner, have you considered going solar, be it to reduce your energy bills or to enjoy freedom from the grid? You may have moved into a smaller home to save yourself from the high upkeep that a large house demands. Even small homes need electricity for lighting, cooling/heating, and running appliances. You

Energy resources, aka fuels, are the most sought-after commodities in the whole world.  Countries are ready to go to war to get access to oil reserves and coal deposits. Self-sufficiency in energy resources is considered the barometer to measure the development levels, prosperity, and power enjoyed by countries on the world stage. What makes energy

Ever since John “Iron-Mad” Wilkinson, an English industrialist, came up with an efficient oven to convert coal into coke in the mid-18th century, there has been no looking back. We, humans, powered forward just like the first coke-fuelled steam engines. Coal and coke are considered the supreme symbols of the Industrial Revolution. It opened up

The terms “renewable” and “sustainable” used to refer to clean or green energy are of recent origin. However, the concept of eco-friendly energy dates back to the beginning of human history. From the time human beings started inhabiting the earth, they turned to nature and its bounties to sustain themselves. Be it trapping the sun’s

Going solar is considered as a constructive step to alleviate environmental damage, at the same time enjoy some financial benefits.  The monetary advantages of solar energy have always been given secondary importance. This may make you wonder “Are solar panels worth it solely on the strength of their economic gains?” As a homeowner, when you

As the threat from global warming and climate change worsens with each passing year, our search for clean energy is intensifying. Even as new technological advances have made solar and wind power cheaper and more accessible, there is enough room in the power generation scene for new players to make their mark. One of the

Amidst all the disheartening and depressing news about global warming and climate change, renewable energy sources offer us the beacon of hope for the future. The share of non-hydro renewables in power generation in the US has grown from a measly figure of less than one percent in 2005 to 12.5% by the end of

In the past few years, our beautiful planet is witnessing never-seen-before extreme climatic events like floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and volcanoes. When we search for the reason behind such a turn of events, the answer that emerges is climate change. One of the major contributors to climate change is greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from

Are you looking for how to increase the efficiency of your solar panels? If so, you’re in luck! This blog post will discuss tips that will help you get the most out of your solar panels. By following these simple tips, you can maximize your energy output and reduce your carbon footprint. Let’s get started!

Are you considering adding wireless solar security cameras to your home but not knowing where to start? In this buyer’s guide, we’ll outline the top 10 things you should know before purchasing a wireless solar security camera.  Is the lack of access to a power source forcing you to compromise on your security?  This is

In 2022, security cameras have become so commonplace that it’s taken for granted. What was considered a luxury a decade or two back has become a given – something expected and counted on.  We expect every public place to be monitored by security cameras. Now the trend is spreading to the home surveillance scene as

Planning to go off the grid soon? A solar panel system can be your best companion for off-grid living. However, you must be aware that solar power is not available at night time. For a round-the-clock power supply, you must have a reliable solar battery to store the energy.  When you are off-grid, your only

The “Go solar” movement is fast gaining momentum in the United States.  More than ever before, this is the right time to make the transition. The technology has markedly improved in the last decade, bringing down the cost of rooftop solar systems and making them less cumbersome and more aesthetic.  Moreover, there are financial gains

Photovoltaic cells can generate electricity when sunlight falls on them. Advances in technology have made it possible for newer generation PV cells to achieve this even with indirect or diffused sunlight.  Also known as solar cells, they are an integral part of the photovoltaic systems used for residential, commercial, and industrial installations.  Going solar is

Every time the topics of global warming and climate change are discussed, renewable energy assumes the role of a messiah, a savior.  The clamor for changing to renewable energy is getting louder and louder in recent times. World countries are pledging ambitious zero carbon emissions targets and offering lucrative incentives to their citizens, businesses, and

Your reasons for going solar may be altruistic or economical but alternative energy lovers never had it this good ever.  Advances in technology have made home solar installations more efficient, less expensive, and easier to install. Federal, state, and local authorities are chipping in with a slew of incentives. Deals, offers, and discounts are pouring

A home solar installation can ensure energy independence, a “zero utility bill”, no power interruptions, and more. Affordability and reliability are the highlights of a solar panel system. But it depends on one single and vital factor – the availability of ample sunlight. Of course, sunlight is not available during night hours and this is

Since the Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century, the use of fossil fuels is on the rise. As more and more countries become industrialized and more industries came up across the world, fossil fuel use has reached mammoth proportions. However, until the mid-20th century, we were blissfully unaware of the fact that the availability

We all know what a home solar installation looks like – a few panels atop the roof or in the yard. Can you imagine what a solar farm will be like? When we are talking about the production of solar energy on a commercial scale, hundreds and hundreds of solar panels need to be lined

Switching to solar power is one of the most popular ideas for energy-saving and home improvement in recent years. What if the home you are planning to buy comes with solar power installation? This would be a great addition to the house as it can save you money as well as reduce the headache of

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

Are you thinking of going solar?  Or, are you facing issues with your solar panels? Solar panels, though excellent for monthly savings and the environmental cause, can be a handful when it comes to installation and maintenance. Finding the right panel for your home is not simple or easy either. That doesn’t mean you should

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