Snowstorm Jonas and Backup Solar Power

Regrets and Winter Storms; I’ve Had a Few There’s nothing quite like an approaching storm to make you rethink some of your past decisions. “I’ll be cool with this snazzy rear wheel drive sports car”, “No need to replace my…
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DC Coupling – Another Way to Add Backup Power to Grid Tie Solar

DC Coupling as a New Alternative to AC Coupling Three years ago, we wrote a blog about adding deep cycle batteries to your existing grid tie solar system with AC Coupling.  It was the best way at the time to convert a…
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US Solar Industry, Politics and the US Senate

Solar for Oil – the Solar ITC Passes

Solar Future Stabilized with Approval Solar ITC You’ve probably already heard that the 30% solar ITC (Investment Tax Credit) was extended with the passing of the 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill, as well as not blocking the $500M that the US…
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Solar plus Heat Pump Water Heater – Smart Solar

(An update from our June 2013 blog) Solar is becoming more widely known as a practical way to save money on your electric bill, by making some of the power yourself rather than buying it all from the electric company….
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Black Holes, Solar, Trees and North Carolina

The internet has been all abuzz over the article this week speaking of a North Carolina town who rejected a proposed solar farm, and implemented a moratorium on solar farms. The residents, including a retired science teacher, were afraid that the…
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Top 5 Solar Myths Debunked

1. It takes more energy to make solar panels than it saves. Solar panels only work for a short time and wear out and have to be replaced. The Embodied energy is the energy consumed by all of the processes…
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Roof Top Solar Power Installs in New York

Solar Power In New York Just Got More Affordable

I invite you to play along with one of my favorite online games, “Find the Solar Roofs.” All you need to play is Google Earth and a keen eye. Now thanks to new incentive programs in New York, that game…
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DIY emergency preparedness solar power system

A Small, Inexpensive DIY Solar Powered Emergency Backup System

Winter is Coming, Solar to the Rescue. You know what winter means for those of us in non-tropical locations. Power lines downed by snow and ice can wreak havoc on the power grid, knocking out power for days or even…
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