Archive of posts filed under the Renewable Energy category.
Solar PV Module Shading Problem Getting A Clearance
You may have heard that shading can reduce the electric production of solar electric modules (panels). The major cause of the lower output is because traditional solar PV systems use string inverters which convert the module output into usable house electric current. A string inverter is a separate unit that generally serves between 8 to […]
Easy Steps to Reduce Energy Use before Renewables
Distributed renewable generation systems such as solar electric and solar hot water systems are great ways to get clean energy. The price of these systems, in particular solar electric systems, has come down in prices so much in recent years that homeowners may want to consider installing them. While the energy generated is clean, the […]
Solar PV: Costs and Financing Options
The Solar Event, sponsored by the City of San Ramon and Sustainable San Ramon had a very good turnout at the San Ramon Community Center on June 5, 2012. The presentation of the event, targeted for the homeowner audience, focused on current information about costs of solar electric (also called solar photovoltaic or solar PV […]
10 Steps To Off-Grid With Solar PV Panels
This is like rehab, getting off of the power grid, but its not a 12-step to recovery – it’s only a 10-step toward power independence. Determine your historical energy use from your past electric bills. Pay attention to the difference between summer and winter power usage. Determine your roof area available for photovoltaic panels. the […]
Solar Heated Pools
Not too hard … You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They’re cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates and is very […]
Can You Afford Not To Have A Solar PV System?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. Many products are available on the market. Prices have come down. There are still federal and state incentives for solar PV installations. Solar PV systems offer great money and energy savings opportunities. Nevertheless, solar PV systems are still big-ticket items. The good news is […]
Energy Efficiency Rises from the Ashes
My story started six years ago in Moraga, California. All was well. The kids were out of the house, two on their own and one in college. Work was good. All the saving and planning was paying off. We had saved enough to do the kitchen remodel that we planned years for. With me doing […]
Conservation Comes With Comfort
A couple of months ago, I visited an early adopter of green remodeling in the Bay Area. She has been making changes to her home since over a decade ago, before energy efficiency gets on the minds of most people. Starting in the late 1990’s, she had windows changed to dual pane units, installed attic […]