8 Ways You Can Get the Most From Your Solar Energy Panels

More and more Americans care about their impact on the environment than ever before. Accordingly, more people rely on renewable energy options than ever before. Approximately 10% of the energy used around the country, in 2015, came from renewable energy sources. Solar energy use saves about 75 million barrels of oil every year. If you have solar power panels installed on your home, there are things you can do to get the biggest bang for your solar buck.

1. Use less energy. Conserving energy is a good idea no matter where you get your electricity. This can be pretty easy for most people to do. Merely changing your settings on your thermostat can do a lot. During the winter, lowering the temperature by two degrees can reduce your energy usage by 6%. You can also unplug devices when they are not in use. Small steps can make a big difference.
2. Use LED lights. LED lighting is much cheaper than incandescent light bulbs. Traditional light bulbs use most of the energy they use to create heat, not light. As much as 90% of the power consumed by an incandescent light bulb is turned into heat. That means only 10% is used to produce light. By contrast, all of the energy used by LED lights is converted to light. These also only need about 10% of the power of traditional bulbs. This is a great way to reduce energy usage.
3. Skip the standby option. There is a multitude of devices in your home that has "standby" as an option. These include televisions, gaming equipment, kitchen appliances, and computers. Whether you use renewable energy or not, these draw a lot of electricity while in the standby mode. There are two things you can do to keep them from running up your power bill when not in use. You can install switchable sockets or you can unplug them.
4. Have an energy audit done. After you have made the switch to renewable energy, it helps to get an idea of what devices are using most of the power in your home. You may find that making some selective upgrades can save you money sooner than later.
5. Get a new water heater. Traditional water heaters have a tank of water that is kept warm by a flame that needs gas to run. You can get an instantaneous water heater that has no tank but will heat water as it is needed. This will have the added benefit of giving you more hot water when you want it. Your solar power system can supply you the energy for all your hot water needs during warmer months.
6. Use appliances that need a lot of electricity during the day hours. If your renewable energy source is solar panels, if you use your washer, dryer, or dishwasher during the day, these will be powered by the solar panels. Your solar energy system is most productive during the time when the sun is up.
7. Reconfigure your heating system. Most solar power systems for homes have some storage capability. Often when this kind of renewable energy system has a storage system that is a decent size, you can use infrared radiators to heat your home. You can get these radiators in a number of styles. These are useful in taking advantage of any excess power from your solar system to keep your home comfortable when it is cold outside.
8. Charge all your batteries with solar. Most households use a lot of items that use electricity and have batteries. These include electric cars and scooters, wheelchairs, lawn mowers, and scooters. You can get the power to charge up all of these items with the solar power you generate on your roof. If you have an electric car, you will have to install a wall box charger to get it the power it needs.

Today's consumers are much more aware of the impact they have on the environment. The choices that are being made about renewable energy or what appliances to get are often influenced by a desire to lower their footprint. If that sounds like you, these tips can help you get the most from your new solar panel system.

The Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy

A lot has changed in the recent years of solar energy. Science has advanced and our understanding of the changing climate has called for more serious efforts in the solar energy market. In 2015, 10% of the energy consumed by Americans was from renewable sources. By 2017 that number was 11%, which is almost nominal. However, half of that renewable energy produces electricity and accounts for 13% of U.S. electricity consumption. Now renewable energy accounts for 17% of U.S. electricity consumption.

What that data dump ultimately means is Americans are generating around the same amount of electricity from renewable energy sources, but utilizing it more efficiently to create electricity.

That being said, there are still some pros and cons you should be aware of if you're looking to start using green energy.

Pros of Using Solar Energy:

• A Sustainable Renewable Resource
• This is the biggest pro because solar energy comes from the sun. This particular resource keeps on giving day after day.
• Generally Cheaper Than Traditional Energy
• In general, green energy services are often cheaper than other forms of energy. Because of up and coming solar farms and community solar energy projects, solar energy is a beneficial option for both you and the environment.
• Tax Credit For Using Solar Energy
• The federal solar tax credit was extended to 2020, giving you more savings for your solar energy.

Cons of Using Solar Energy:

• Can Be Costly To Install
• Though the overall cost of going solar can be a lot cheaper, getting fully installed solar energy panels on your home can cost more at one time than just staying with your current energy utility.
• You May Not Catch A Lot Of Sun 
• You could try to access a community solar farm if you're lucky enough to have one near you. Most likely you will want to install solar panels on your home. If your roof is covered by trees or you just don't catch much sun where you live, you may not be able to actually get solar power.

Green energy services are working every day to make it easier to access solar energy. Recent years have seen updates to important components to solar systems, like batteries which can hold better reserve energy when it's not too cloudy. Combine that with the falling cost of solar energy overall and you have a system where the pros are starting to outweigh the cons.

The Undeniable Benefits of Solar Energy

Over the past years, solar energy technology has evolved immensely. More people are using solar energy than ever -- which is a good thing because each year, 75 million barrels of oil are saved by those utilizing solar energy. But despite all the good solar energy and green energy services offer, people still aren't quite sure if solar energy is worth the investment. Well, we're here to tell you that it definitely is, and here are just a few reasons why.

It's good for the environment: This is one of the most obvious benefits of solar energy. As one of the most popular sustainable energy options, solar energy has little to no effect on the environment. This is compared to other non-renewable energy sources, like oil and coal, which emit harmful gases and contribute to global warming. When people decide to use energy from a renewable source, like the sun, they're significantly reducing their carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment. So when you choose to consider green energy services and invest in solar energy, you're doing your part to protect the environment from further harm.

It's affordable: Many people make the mistake of thinking that solar energy is extremely expensive and only the wealthiest of people can afford it. But that's not the case at all. In fact, solar panel systems are more affordable than ever because so many people have started using them. While the upfront cost of installing solar panels may be a little expensive, the money saved on energy costs down the line will outweigh that initial cost. Within a few short years, the system will pay for itself and then continue to help homeowners save money on energy bills for as long as the system is installed.

It's a secure energy source: Unfortunately, the resources we currently depend on to provide us energy will run out eventually. And then what? When we invest our time and energy into using things like coal and oil, we're just buying ourselves time. But that big, fiery ball in the sky? That's not going anywhere. That's one of the many great things about investing in solar energy -- you know you'll never run out of an energy source. Solar panels use next to nothing compared to the amount of energy the sun produces, meaning we'll never run out of energy when we utilize solar energy.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons to invest in solar energy -- and other green energy services as well. With the right services and equipment, you can enjoy clean, inexpensive energy from the sun for years to come.

What to Know About Using Solar Panels in the Summertime

It's no secret that we've come a long way in how we generate, use, and innovate with energy. More than 150 years ago, about 90% of the nation's energy needs were fulfilled with wood. But in today's society, there is a major focus on energy conservation and using renewable energy sources. While there are several renewable energy options, one of the most common options is solar power. Solar panels are becoming more accessible to people around the world and they can help significantly when it comes to energy conservation. But when the sun is beating down during the summertime, is this a good thing for solar energy users?

Summertime can mean both added benefits and slight downsides for solar energy users. Fortunately, the longer, sunnier days amounts to more energy produced by solar panels. Because of the added sunlight solar panels receive during the summertime, solar panel users can see a significant increase in the amount of energy produced. Which, of course, is a great thing, especially for energy conservation.

However, it's important to remember that solar panels convert sunlight into energy, not heat. So on those long, hot and humid days, solar panel users may actually see a decrease in productivity. This is because too much heat can actually cause solar panels to overheat and become less efficient. So even if the sun is shining, hot summer days can sometimes do more harm than good.

So how can homeowners make the most of their solar panels during the summer? First off, it's important to optimize cool, sunny days. With lowered temperatures but plenty of sunshine, solar panels will be working perfectly. Additionally, it's important to consider the location of the solar panels. Most homeowners use solar panels on their roofs, where they can get maximum sun exposure. But during the summer, the sun hits a direct angle -- this means solar panel users should position their panels at a slightly lower angle to catch the most sun. If solar panels are located places other than the roof, it's important to make sure they're not blocked by any shade throughout the day to ensure they're being exposed to all the sun they can get.

Solar panels are a great way to practice energy conservation and start leaning towards using more efficient energy sources. By remembering these few tips, solar panel users can make the most out of the long, sunny summer days ahead.

3 Ideas to Implement Energy Saving Technology into Your Home

3 Ideas to Implement Energy Saving Technology into Your Home

All around the world, people are stepping up to do their part in exploring sustainable energy options. Renewable energy is helping the planet stay healthy longer and can even have some added benefits for homeowners. So what kind of energy saving technology is available to homeowners? Let's take a look at a few eco-friendly investments you should consider making.

Solar panels: Solar energy is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reduce energy use. And with the innovations behind solar energy in today's society, it's becoming more and more accessible to homeowners. So installing solar panels is a great way to go green at home. Each year, solar energy users save about 35 Million Tonnes of carbon dioxide, which makes a huge difference. Solar panels are easy to use, they're convenient, and they can be used to power a lot of different things throughout the home.

Wind generator: It's no secret that big companies are investing more time and energy in developing windmill farms all around the world. And because of this, many homeowners think wind power isn't available to them. But in reality, there are plenty of smaller versions of wind generators that homeowners can invest in. There are several options for wind generators, ranging from simple DIY kits to working with your energy provider to have a professional system installed. Depending on the method used, homeowners can experience variations in energy savings. But all in all, wind generators are accessible and can save homeowners money on their energy expenses.

LED lights: Light bulbs have changed drastically over the years. Starting with incandescent light bulbs, homeowners saw their bulbs use tons of electricity while producing unwanted heat. Along with incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs were better about saving energy, but they too had unwanted side effects. Fortunately, LED bulbs are available now. These bulbs can reduce energy use by as much as 80% and can provide homeowners with brighter lights too.

As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to energy saving technology. With the right technology, homeowners can experience energy reductions and do their part in helping the planet.

Biggest Summer Energy Expenses and How to Reduce The​m​

If you're looking for ways to save some money so you can spend it on fun-filled summer activities, you should start by evaluating your energy expenses. Summer tends to cause an increase in energy bills -- fortunately, there are easy ways to reduce these costs.

Biggest Summer Energy Expenses

Like every other time of the year, summer comes with its own unique energy challenges. Let's look at a few of the biggest culprits for increasing energy bills.

Cranking up the air conditioning: When the temperatures start to rise, everyone's first instinct is to turn up the AC. And while it's nice to have a cool, comfortable home, air conditioning can cause your energy bills to increase significantly. So try to remember that the closer the temperature is inside to outside, the lower your energy bills will be. Try other methods to cool down like opening windows for a cross breeze and utilize ceiling and floor fans.

Letting cool air escape: If your home has cracks and leaks around windows or doors, you may be letting your cooled air sneak out of your home. While this may not seem like a big use of energy, sealing air leaks and ensuring your home is properly insulated can save you up to 20% on cooling bills. When there are even small holes or leaks, your cooled air can easily escape, making your cooling costs skyrocket.

Using more hot water: With the kids out of school, your dishwasher and washing machine are probably running more often. And it's important to remember that you'll use the same amount of water whether or not the machine is completely full. So to avoid wasting water and energy, make sure you're always doing a full load of dishes or clothes.

Renewable Energy Options to Consider

Fortunately, if you consider using sustainable sources of energy, you can save significant amounts on your energy bills all year long. There are plenty of sustainable sources of energy to explore to fit your wants and needs.

Solar panels: With solar energy becoming one of the most popular renewable energy sources, solar panel costs continue to decrease. Even if you can only afford one or two, utilizing solar energy is a great way to save money on energy expenses, especially with the hot summer sun beating down.

Solar oven: If you're looking for more of a DIY source of sustainable energy, you should consider making your own solar oven to cook your meals with. They're easily made out of a few common materials and work by trapping sunlight. This is a great project to get the whole family involved with too.

Hydroelectric power: If you have a source of flowing water nearby, you can make some of the water flow through a turbine to produce energy. While you may need a professional to help install the hydropower generator, it's a great way to utilize natural resources to help power your home.

By exploring some sustainable sources of energy and being smart about how you're using energy at home, you can significantly reduce your energy costs this summer.

Hawaii College on Track to Run Completely on 100% Renewable Energy by 2035

Three years ago, Hawaii pledged to use renewable energy sources to generate all of its electricity by 2045. While the whole state is working towards this goal, the University of Hawaii (UH) is stepping up to do its part. Working with the Hawaiian Legislature, UH set a goal for the university to be "net-zero" by January 1, 2035. "Net-zero" means the total amount of energy that is consumed by the university will equal the amount of energy it creates.

University officials announced that UH's Maui College is set to be the first U.S. college campus to use solar systems to completely make the switch from fossil fuels. The university hopes the system will be up and running by 2019 and will consist of 2.8 megawatts of solar PV.

"We are proud to move the entire University of Hawaii System closer to its net-zero energy mandate, to celebrate UH Maui College's achievement and to position the Oahu community college campuses within reach of 100 percent renewable energy generation," said UH Vice President for Community Colleges John Morton.

Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, and Windward Community College are not far behind the Maui campus and are planning to see reductions of fossil fuel use by at least 70%.

This sustainable energy project is not only saving the state energy and money, but providing educational options for these college students as well.

How Can You Start Saving Energy?

When you see the bill you get from your electricity company, you may be wondering how you can reduce your energy use at home. Let's discuss a few energy saving tips you can try.

Change your lightbulbs: Homeowners can reduce their energy use by up to 80% simply by utilizing today's energy-efficient LED, CFL, and halogen incandescent light bulbs. If you're still using traditional light bulbs in your house, now is the time to make the switch. Your electricity company may even have some suggestions for which light bulbs would be best.

Install new windows and doors. The windows and doors in your house might not be doing their job as well as you may think. Hot and cool air both escape through inefficient windows and doors, costing homeowners money on bloated HVAC bills. By choosing energy efficient models that stop air leaks, you can ensure your home stays comfortable without racking up your energy bill. 

While it may not seem like these little things make a difference, they really do! In today's society, every little bit of energy reduction helps -- so do what you can to reduce your energy use at home.

How Are Big Businesses Contributing to the Renewable Energy Movement

Renewable energy has been a major topic of discussion over the past few years. From individual homeowners to giant corporations, more and more people are going green when it comes to getting electrical power. In fact, over half of U.S. renewable power sources are used for producing electricity, with about 13% of U.S. electricity being generated from renewable sources in 2015 alone. But are big companies continuing to go green this year?
Despite the U.S. government seemingly going in the opposite direction, big companies are, in fact, investing more in sustainable sources of energy. In 2017, we saw a lot of companies head in the renewable direction, including Starbucks, General Motors, General Mills, and Target.
According to Kevin Haley, marketing manager at the Rocky Mountain Institute's' Business Renewable Center, "an increasing number of non-utility buyers ... believe they need to be part of the sustainability solution." Haley added that the decreasing prices of these renewable sources are sure to be a motivating factor as well.
Already this year, renewable energy deals are expected to surpass the 2.78 gigawatts worth of power last year's deals saw. Between 2008 and 2013, there were only four big companies that signed deals for renewable power sources. But between 2013 and 2018, 51 more companies jumped on the green train.

These companies recognize that climate change is a problem and that there is a relatively easy way they can help reduce their impact on the environment.

Benefits of Using Renewable Energy Options
So why exactly are people making the shift towards more sustainable options? For starters, these renewable sources produce little to no harmful emissions. Nonrenewable sources, like coal, produce harmful amounts of CO2 and are continuing to contribute to global warming. But by making the switch to sustainable choices, people can significantly reduce their CO2 emissions.
Additionally, these harmful emissions provided by non sustainable sources are impacting public health. The pollution emitted by coal and other energy sources has been linked to health issues like breathing problems, cancer, and heart attacks. Deciding to use wind, solar, or hydroelectric power doesn't have this same negative effect on public health.
With the numerous benefits sustainable energy sources can offer, like less harmful emissions and lower costs, there's no reason for people to not make the switch. These sustainable sources can constantly replenish energy sources and help the environment in the process.

Why is Renewable Energy Important?

Conserving energy is important to not only save homeowners money on energy expenses but also to protect the future of the environment. One way to conserve energy is to utilize renewable energy sources. This article is going to discuss the importance of renewable energy and what it means for our future.

First off, what is renewable energy? Renewable energy sources are those that are replenished constantly. Renewable energy is reliable and plentiful compared to non-renewable energy. Sources such as coal, natural gas, and oil are only obtained by costly explorations and possibly dangerous drilling. Furthermore, these sources will continue to become more expensive as supply decreases. However, renewable energy will become less expensive once the technology needed to access it improves.

Common types of renewable energy include:

• Solar
• Wind
• Hydropower
• Biofuels
• Geothermal
• Tidal

One of the biggest factors in the importance of renewable energy is that these sources produce neither greenhouse gases nor harmful emissions. Unlike non-renewable energy, renewable energy causes no harm to the planet. With this lower impact on the environment, the earth will be better off in the long run.

Because of the immense benefits renewable energy sources can offer, more and more people and agencies are investing in these sources. In fact, hydropower accounted for around 6% of total energy generation in the U.S. and 46% of electricity generation from all renewable energy in 2015. Along with it's reduced harm to the environment, renewable energy can offer other benefits as well.

Compared to non-renewable energy resources, renewable energy prices have slowly been decreasing. Because of this price reduction, the world has seen significant advances in ways to utilize renewable energy. More energy efficient equipment, better engineering designs, and technology have all been a major focus of implemented renewable energy.

Furthermore, renewable energy offers long-term certainty. Because renewable energy as a long lifespan and one solar or wind farm can last for around 30 years, this allows users to have time to further increase efficiency by the time the equipment is ready to be upgraded. Unlike non-renewable sources, renewable energy will continue to become more effective while becoming less expensive.

And lastly, renewable energy can offer security. Renewable energy can be utilized anywhere, anytime. This leaves endless possibilities for harnessing this energy. On the other hand, most gas and oil sources are found in certain regions. These areas can prove to be technically challenging and can be expensive to access.

Choosing to diversify the nation's energy supply and realizing the importance of renewable energy will allow for a secure energy future. It's important to have long-term, sustainable energy options in order to continue harvesting the amount of energy we need.

A Few Renewable Energy Options to Consider for Your Home

There's been a lot of talk lately about green energy and renewable energy options. While most of it may seem out of reach, the truth is that there are renewable energy options for every home.
Have you ever considered making your home a more sustainable, clean place to live? The renewable energy sources below will take you to a level far beyond installing a programmable thermostat and saving a mere 10% on cooling and heating costs.

Solar Roofing Panels
This might be one of the most obvious choices, but its benefits are practically endless. It's worth mentioning as one of the most easily accessible renewable energy sources out there, too! Depending on your roof and the orientation of your panels, it's possible to generate more than 10 watts per square foot of coverage. And solar power doesn't just mean electricity, either. In fact, you have the option of using solar power for household things like heating water and powering your air conditioning, as well. Bid your traditional electricity supplier goodbye!

Wind Turbines
Wind turbines are most typically found offshore or on large, empty plots of land, but nobody said you had to have a mammoth wind turbine in your backyard. In fact, any wind turbine powering your home would need to be scaled down to fit on your property. One of the biggest advantages here is that wind power is a bit more reliable than solar power in most cases. Where the sun may hide behind a cloud, it's a rare day that's without a good breeze.

Hydro Power
If your property houses a stream or any kind of running water, you're in luck. It may not be Niagara Falls, but a micro hydro power system can make powering your home an environmentally friendly breeze. Even a small stream can help you generate power at a price point that's lower than both solar and wind.

If you're looking to get involved in a cleaner, greener lifestyle, these renewable energy sources are excellent places to start. Who knows what other renewable energy tools may become available in the future? It's best to get started now.

GM Increasing Use of Renewable Energy to 20%

General Motors made a recent announcement that its manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Indiana will now use 100% renewable energy. GM is purchasing 200 megawatts of wind energy and by the end of 2018, 20% of GM's global electricity use will be powered by renewable energy.

Rob Threlkeld, global manager of renewable energy, told Energy Manager Today, "The first step in meeting our 100 percent renewable energy commitment is reducing the energy intensity of our operations overall. All seven facilities that will have their electricity needs met through this wind deal have achieved the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry, meaning they reduced energy intensity by at least 10% in five years or less."

GM has been one of America's biggest purchasers of renewable energy for decades. The company has saved approximately $5 million annually in doing so. They use solar power at 26 facilities and are continuously working towards using 100% renewable energy at all of their facilities.

Easy Ways to Save Energy At Home

There are multiple easy ways to save energy at home and contribute to the planet becoming more environmentally-friendly. If you don't know where to begin, read the list below to get some ideas on how to start saving energy.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle -- purchase minimally packaged goods, choose reusable products when possible, and recycle, recycle, recycle.

Insulate your walls and ceilings and update your windows. While this might be one of the more expensive ways to save energy in your home, it will pay off in the long run when you have to spend less on heating and cooling. You can also consider installing a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on your cooling and heating costs.

Replace and clean your air filters. Energy costs can go up when air conditioners or hot-air furnaces have to work harder to get air through dirty air filters. Simply cleaning your air filters can save up to 175 pounds of CO2 each year.

Switch out your light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs use one-fourth the energy of a normal incandescent bulb.

Make sure your dishwasher and washer are always full before running them to avoid wasting water.
If possible, walk, carpool, or ride your bike instead of driving your car. In doing this, you will reduce your carbon footprint.

There are many easy ways to save energy at home, and these are a few good places to start. Over time, it will become easier for you to go green and hopefully, the rest of the planet will join you.

Source: https://www.energymanagertoday.com/gm-power-20-global-electricity-load-clean-energy-0172057/

There are 9.8 Million Green Jobs Around the World

9.8 million people were employed by the renewable energy industry during 2016 according to the Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2017 report issued by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

But not all types of renewable energy are growing at the same rate. Roughly 1.5 million sustainable energy jobs are in large hydropower plants, which did not see any significant growth over the last year. Instead, other renewable energy sources such as solar (3.1 million jobs) and wind (1.2 million jobs) grew considerably – doubling the number of jobs from four years ago.

The largest creation of these jobs was in Asia -- China saw a 3.4% improvement alone, now employing 3.64 million people. Africa also made great strides forward, with small scale developments proving particularly useful in helping to develop sustainable energy in regions that have never had the infrastructure for a utility provider before.
Domestically, the explosion is even more dramatic. Solar-energy jobs in the United States are growing faster than the United States economy.

According to another new report, published by the Environmental Defense Fund's (EDF) Climate Corps program, wind turbine technician is the fastest growing job in the country.
The same EDF report has fossil-fuel jobs in 2016 decreased 4.5% from 2015, as more and more people opt for green sources of energy. Solar energy use, for instance, replaces 75 million barrels of oil annually.

The two predominant causes of this surge are the increased affordability and a greater effort to create policies that removed barriers for green energy across the globe. The cost of producing solar panels, for instance, dropped 72% from 2010 to 2015. This has enabled a much higher amount of energy generated by solar means, growing from 876 megawatts in 2010 to 10,727.
One of the more interesting figures to come out of these surveys is that 70% green energy jobs are with companies that employ 10 or fewer people. The implication is that most energy efficiency companies tend to serve a more local client base.

But whether or not customers have access to greener technology is still largely determined by whether or not they live in one of the deregulated energy states. Those that do have a much broader choice of where they get their energy, and what types of renewable energy they would like to utilize. If they don't live in a state with energy deregulation, they likely have many fewer choices.
Still, it looks like all types of renewable energy jobs will continue to grow in the United States, with solar power being poised for the most growth.

Explaining the 3 Most Common Sources of Renewable Energy

Nowadays, homeowners are looking for ways to both save on energy costs in the home while helping the environment. The best way to do so is by investing in renewable energy sources, but since there are so many available for use, it can be confusing to differentiate between all the options available to you.
So, to help prevent some of the confusion here is a short and simple guide on the different types of renewable energy that are available.

Biomass

Simply put, biomass is the breaking down of organic materials and converting them into other forms of energy. This is the most popular form of renewable energy and the focus on using biomass is to cut down on the release of carbon dioxide into the air. Across the nation, the two most common forms of biomass include:

-Biofuel: Also known as biodiesel, this oil is produced from fats and oils and is used instead of fossil fuels such as gasoline.
-Bioethanol: This fuel is created by fermenting carbohydrates found in crops such as sugarcane or corn.

Wind Power

Considered a very reliable form of renewable energy, this is the simple action of harnessing the wind to create electricity. Many utility companies prefer to use wind power as it is an incredibly consistent source of power and can be almost unlimited with the construction of wind turbines.

Solar Power

Have you ever noticed homes with large sheets of window-like panels on their roof? If so, they are utilizing solar power as an energy source. This is when you use solar cells, created by crystalline silicon that absorbs protons from the sun's heat and transfers them into electrons. Solar energy is so versatile that it can be used for anything from a small residential home to powering a massive commercial plant.

Even if you choose to utilize one of these energy sources in your home, there are still small things you can do every day that will save you money on energy costs, while helping the environment in the long run. For example, planting trees near your home! The reductions in energy use from shade trees can save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions per year!

Besides planting trees and incorporating renewable energy into your home, there are plenty of ways to save energy in your home!  Some quick internet research can help you find cost effective and eco-friendly energy solutions for you and your home.

What Happens to Solar Power During an Eclipse?

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On August 21st, 2017, the United States will see its first full solar eclipse in a generation. While solar eclipses are an exciting time for parents and small children, who experience them with wonder, they can also pose a number of difficulties.

Utility suppliers and anyone working at a green energy company in California are particularly inconvenienced by the eclipse. According to California's grid operator, the net demand for energy will rise by 6,000 megawatts as the solar output collapses -- that's roughly the equivalent to the power needs of Los Angeles. 

While renewable energy is growing in popularity in the United States -- with more than 13% of energy generation coming from renewable sources -- it will take time for utility suppliers to learn all of the subtle challenges inherent in every energy source.

For instance, hydropower can be susceptible to both drought and flooding, whereas oil is dependent on large economic costs and dangerous working conditions. 

While solar power is necessarily variable thanks to its dependence on clear skies, this total lack of energy generating ability comes at a high cost. According to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the amount of lost energy generation could amount to 70 megawatts per minute. 

There is also the challenge of the rapid decline and reintroduction of the solar light, which is significantly more than would naturally be experienced.

In order to compensate for the loss, energy providers are taking steps to prepare themselves. The first step is to set aside energy reserves to be used during the eclipse. The second is looking for ways to maximize the hydroelectric generation. 

One small blessing, according to Amber Motley, manager of CAISO, is the timing of the eclipse, which comes after a historically rainy winter season. 

3 Ways You Can Afford Solar Energy

Solar energy has long been considered one of the cleanest, least invasive form of sustainable energy available to us. Yet as of 2016, only 1% of energy produced by U.S. electric suppliers is generated by solar power. However, even that small percentage provides major benefits, including reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions by 35 million tons.
But if solar energy is such a great source of clean power, why don't more electric suppliers utilize it? Simple. The cost.

Solar energy can be expensive in the short term. In fact, that is the primary reason most homeowners choose traditional electric suppliers over this green energy option.
But the news isn't all bad. As more and more Americans realize the importance of renewable energy sources, solar and other forms of green energy are becoming much more accessible.
If you're considering investing in solar energy suppliers but are concerned about the cost, here are three different ways to make solar power more affordable.

Purchasing
Even though the prices of solar panels themselves are dropping like a rock, solar installation for a single home can cost tens of thousands of dollars. While the costs for solar paneling is restrictive for some homeowners, there are programs that help to make owning and installing your own solar panels more affordable. The largest is the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which offers a 30% rebate.

There are also a number of financing options that can help you spread the cost of owning your own solar panels out over the equipment's lifetime. Just like you make payments on your car loan or mortgage, these options let you invest in the future of green energy.

Leasing
If the upfront cost of installation is too high, you can consider leasing solar panels. While leasing does not qualify you for the same tax credit, it allows you to have access to clean, renewable energy at an affordable price.
Another perk of leasing your solar panels is that all maintenance is the responsibility of the company who is leasing you the panels. If you are uncomfortable with technology, and would prefer someone else maintain your equipment, this option might be for you.
This is a particularly attractive option for people who own several acres or more of unused property, which may be prime real estate for a solar array.

Solar Gardens
Solar Gardens are a popular option for groups of people who might not be able to afford solar on their own. In this co-op model, individual landowners, small towns, and municipalities pool their resources and invest in community-based solar harvesting equipment. An outgrowth of the cooperative culture, these gardens are especially effective for people who might not be able to afford their own solar panels, or who are prevented by trees or building limitations, like many renters and urban apartment dwellers.

Typically, a Solar Garden will work on a credit basis, meaning that the members of the solar garden will receive credits for their share the electricity produced at the garden, which will be deducted from their electric supplier bill.

Solar Energy is not as difficult to harvest as it has been in the past. And, hopefully, in the next decade we will see it become even more accessible to a wider range of people.  

How Can I Be More Energy Efficient?

Between computers, data centers, lighting, appliances, heating and air conditioning, businesses require a high amount of energy to function. This can lead to steep energy bills from the electric company and a significant environmental footprint. Energy saving technology and techniques can curb this cost, leading to a greener, more energy efficient home and workplace. Follow these simple tips to save energy in your business and home.

Schedule an energy audit. An assessment of your current energy consumption is a great place to start, as it will point to your specific problem areas. Depending on the nature of your business, you might only need to update specific aspects of your space to be more efficient. Be sure to take the energy professional's advice seriously.

Use natural light. By installing skylights and windows, you can rely on sunlight rather than electricity to light your office or commercial space. Reducing energy costs and consumption, natural light will also create a more pleasant working and living environment.

Control air leaks. If you have skylights and windows, be sure to check them for air leaks. You might find that inefficient seals are causing you to waste heating and air conditioning energy. Basic window repair and inspection can keep as much air inside of your home/building as possible.

Switch to solar energy. In addition to providing natural light, the sun is also a great renewable energy source. By installing solar panels, your home and business can cut down on energy costs significantly. This will make the initial investment worth it.

Install energy efficient appliances. By switching to energy star rated appliances, your home and business' savings will add up over time. Consider switching your traditional light bulbs for halogen incandescents, as these can reduce energy use by a third to 80%. When making the choices about which appliances to install, be sure to keep your energy audit in mind.

By making small changes to the way your home and business consumes energy, you will notice lower electric bills overall. Being mindful of your energy use will lead to a more energy efficient home and workplace.

Corporations Go Green, Rural Communities Stay Clean

According to a recent article by Forbes, corporations are increasing their investments on renewable energy sources and the benefits are mostly going to small, rural communities. Despite the government continuing to heavily rely on fossil fuels, many governors and corporate America, in general, are looking towards the future, towards sustainable energy.

The cost of investing in green energy, such as wind and solar power, has decreased incredibly, leading to an uptick in businesses using them instead of fossil fuels. This not only is incredibly beneficial to their businesses but, according to Forbes, the ones really profiting are rural communities.

To just give a few examples, it has been stated that around 70% of the United States' wind farms are located in low-income areas, with wind energy companies employing 100,000 workers across the U.S. last year.

Solar energy has seen its fair share of positives around the country as well. It's estimated that around 75 billion oil barrels are being saved each year by solar energy users. And solar energy companies have employed double the number of people that wind energy companies have over this past year.

More big businesses are getting into energy conservation each day. Places like Walmart and GM, two giants in the world of industry, are actively searching for ways to reduce their emissions and invest in safer ways to find their energy. It is an encouraging sign to see big businesses begin to take responsibility for the future of energy across the nation.

Going forward, we can only hope this sets precedents for an ongoing forward momentum for research into energy conservation for the whole nation. We hope to see big businesses continue to invest more in renewable and safe energy choices in our country and around the world.