Palmetto Clean Energy News & Solar Energy Blog

DENVER, CO – Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Daniel Simmons announced the winning team of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2017 today in Denver, Colorado. The Swiss Team took first place overall by designing, building, and operating the house that best blended smart energy production with innovation, market potential, and energy and water efficiency. The University of Maryland took second place, and the University of California, Berkeley, and University of Denver team took third place.

AFTER MORE THAN a century peddling vehicles that pollute the atmosphere, General Motors is ending its relationship with gasoline and diesel. This morning, the American automotive giant announced that it is working toward an all-electric, zero-emissions future. That starts with two new, fully electric models next year—then at least 18 more by 2023.

Homeowner, solar energy saves you heaps of cash. It lowers or nearly eliminates your electric bills and provides safe, renewable energy that won’t harm the environment. As a result, you will enjoy some extra padding in your pocket and a healthier spring in your step because of the clean energy. To speed up the process of padding your pockets, you can even claim a solar investment tax credit, called an ITC.

The world of solar energy is a beautifully clean and refreshing place. From the moment sunlight glints off the shiny solar panels and sends a wonder of electricity through the conductors and into your home, it revitalizes the world around it with its clean energy while saving you money. How exactly does solar energy work to bring you that clean electricity? Here’s the rundown of the entire process. It comprises the solar energy basics that every person should know before going solar.

In today’s America, you have likely spent some part of your day immersing your taste buds in coffee. Perhaps you sloshed a bit of black liquid in a thermal on the way out the door this morning, or you waited patiently in the drive-thru for your creamy lunch-break latte. Thankfully, a couple of environmentally-savvy coffee masters have invented the next best coffee sensation—a solar roast!

Getting a solar power system has piqued your interest. You have heard that there many benefits of solar energy, and you like benefits. But really, is going solar a smart long–term investment that can reduce your carbon footprint?

The US Solar Market will double this year, providing economic benefits for everyone. Rooftop solar panels in particular have skyrocketed, putting solar energy system owners in control of their energy needs and reducing their electricity bill. The economic incentive for consumer-focused solar is great, but it is also important to understand the economic benefit solar adoption has for all of us.

The number of households making the switch to solar has skyrocketed this year, and it only makes sense when you consider the facts. Installing solar panels on your home cuts power costs and saves you money! Nonetheless, many people still have questions concerning solar energy and using it to power their homes. We want to ensure that we answer all your solar questions so you can go solar with confidence.

No matter the season, you can walk outside on a sunny day and get a pink glow tipping your nose and cheeks from the sun’s powerful rays. Although thousands of miles away, this bright star has more impact on the world’s function than hundreds of natural resources right here on Planet Earth. So why not harness some of that power to use for your everyday needs? You can, and here’s 6 reasons why going solar is actually important.

Solar energy opens a world of fresh air and clean resources. It helps support and sustain the environment, and it gives people amazing control over their electricity bills. Even better, people in many states can further the benefits they get from solar by using net metering. Essentially, it’s a backup for solar electricity that gives more people the freedom of going solar.    

Who doesn’t adore the idea of a zeroed out energy bill? Trust us: everyone does. As more and more economic-minded people discover the power of solar energy, and what that power means for their budget, they leap right into the sunny throes of solar panels. After all, those brilliant, warm rays could illuminate their way to thousands in savings. Unfortunately, these excited thrifters often lead themselves right to DIY solar, but the handyman route is not necessarily the best option.

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding solar energy is the belief that solar PV panels are only for the rich and wealthy. This was true ten years ago when early solar power systems were quite expensive due to the high cost to manufacture and install. As a result, early solar homeowners who installed solar panels were green-minded and had higher incomes to afford the costly solar systems.