Some homeowners may find that the biggest obstacles preventing them from purchasing and installing a solar panel array on their house are restrictions and policies put in place by their homeowners association (HOA). Due to a number of reasons, these groups often have serious reservations about allowing their members to build such systems on their rooftops. In response to this problem, the Solar Foundation (TSF), an organization that promotes solar energy, has released a guidethat seeks…

On March 26, the Lancaster, California, City Council passed an ordinance as part of the city’s zoning code that will require new homes to feature solar energy solutions, making it the first U.S. metro to push this kind of initiative forward. According to Greentech Media, a leading industry news source, the new regulation states that housing developers must implement a solar system of 1 to 1.5 kilowatts in all residential homes built on lots of 7,000 square feet or…

The public is slowly becoming more aware of the dangers of climate change and the need to decrease human production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. As such, utility companies and investors are spending more time and money developing renewable energy projects that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, provide a limitless source of electricity, and strengthen the economy. One such project is being built in the Mojave Desert, and promises to usher in…

Many utilities have resisted the growth of distributed solar generation (DSG) because they are concerned that it could eventually undermine their traditional business model. Their argument is that, as more customers switch to Northern California solar energy, rates for non-solar customers will rise, which will encourage even more customers to switch to a photovoltaic (PV) system. Additionally, they believe that solar customers are not paying their fair share of the fixed costs of maintaining a…

Solar power used to be relatively new concept that existed only on a small scale or in experimental projects that had little hope of being commercialized. As such, many Californians still think of it as a quaint technology that wouldn’t be viable or affordable. But photovoltaic panels have come a long way in the last few decades, and it’s no longer the case that solar energy is cost-prohibitive. In fact, it has become affordable for millions…

Media coverage of Northern California solar energy tends to focus on the benefits of solar electric systems and the value they provide in terms of lower electricity bills. One area that you may not know as much about is solar heating and cooling (SHC) systems, particularly when it comes to water heating systems that rely on sunlight instead of natural gas. A new plan from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) lays out a plan…

While more people across the United States are continuing to realize the benefits of solar energy solutions, we understand that having panels installed on your roof is still a big decision that requires a great deal of consideration. In a recent article, New York media outlet the Buffalo News highlights what you should keep in mind when shopping around for solar panels: Degradation rates and warranties – Over the years, panels will begin to produce less power,…

In early March, two influential green technology companies announced a joint plan to study the effects of solar photovoltaics (PV) on the electric grid in Sacramento, California – an initiative that could pave the way to greater solar power adoption throughout the city. Stem, an organization that analyzes energy consumption and develops solutions for optimizing it, is partnering with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) for a two-year research project that will use in-house technologies to measure…

Researchers at UCLA announced on July 29 that they had developed a new solar cell material that could lead the way for more flexibility in solar cell applications. Graduate students at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science have created a thin material that absorbs infrared light rather than visible light, making it transparent and suitable for use in windows and other areas that are meant to be see-through. The research is to…

It’s no secret that solar energy solutions are beneficial to the environment and enable homeowners to drastically cut costs on their monthly utility bills. But, according to new research from The Solar Foundation (TSF) – a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that uses education, research and market transformation to increase the use of solar power worldwide – embracing this form of renewable electricity has also helped create a significant number of jobs across the United States. TSF recently…

The expansion of California solar energy continues apace. EDF Renewable Energy, a company that develops utility scale solar and wind projects, announced that the Catalina Solar Project, located in the Mojave Desert, has been completed and begun producing electricity for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE). The 143 megawatt (MW) plant, which makes up just a small part of EDF’s 5 gigawatt portfolio, will generate enough power to electrify 35,000 homes. Situated on 900 acres of…