Solar panels don’t just power your AC on blisteringly hot summer days – they also take over some of the AC’s work themselves. This is according to a study from researchers at the University of California at San Diego, which says that rooftop solar panels not only produce emissions-free electricity, but also cool roofs and buildings to which they are attached. This lowers cooling costs, and offers an additional benefit of going solar. Continue reading →

The environmental benefits of solar power are often quantified in terms of an equivalent number of trees planted. Ironically, maximizing those benefits may involve cutting down trees. Does it ever make sense to sacrifice a tree for the greater good? Sometimes, the answer is “yes.” It’s not always an easy decision, so here’s some information that may help you decide if that’s the right way to go. Continue reading →

Last September, we asked, “Could the NFL Be Leading the Way in Renewable Energy?” We firmly believe that the more people are exposed to solar and other renewable energies in their daily lives, the more quickly these technologies can become part of the mainstream. Now, almost a year later, we’re happy to report that there is a definite proliferation of solar power use not only in the NFL, but in Major League Baseball, as well. More and more teams are recognizing the tremendous potential these systems have to save money, generate positive publicity, and reduce negative environmental impacts. Continue reading →

Historically, environmentalists and multinational corporations have usually been on opposite sides of the fence. Recently, however, the two groups have found some common ground: solar power. Corporations are realizing that what’s in the best interest of their businesses and what’s in the best interest of the environment aren’t mutually exclusive, and as the costs of installing solar panels have plummeted, many corporate giants are adopting solar as a way to slash their energy costs and increase profits, while also creating goodwill with their stakeholders. Continue reading →

Solar Lease/PPA vs Viridian vs NSTAR Green

In Part 1 of Going Green with No Money Down we introduced four ways to power your home with renewable energy for little or no upfront costs: solar leases, solar power purchase agreements (PPAs), Viridian Energy, and NSTAR Green. So, now that you know what your options are, let’s weigh them against one another to see how they measure up. Continue reading →