Remodeling: Solar Heating + Power

Retractable Awnings: The Good Kind of Hangover

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:27:20 EST

The right awning can add visual interest to an outdoor space, with the added bonus of energy efficiency.

A New Leaf: Solar Ivy Thin-Film Photovoltaics

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:28:32 EST

Nature inspires an innovative new shape and installation for solar collectors.

Combined Savings: EchoFirst Echo+ Solar Electric and Solar Thermal System

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 03:22:20 EST

Help homeowners boost their renewable energy use with an integrated solar electric and solar thermal system.

Solar Controller: SMA America Sunny Portal Smartphone App

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:28:27 EST

Monitor your SMA PV system's energy use from anywhere with this mobile app.

Super Solar Cells Bring Greater Efficiency

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:28:25 EST

Compared to traditional photovoltaic cells, new high-performance cells produce at greater than 30% efficiency.

New Solar Technology: Spinach May One Day Help Energize Solar Panels

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:26:35 EST

New research into photosynthesis looks at how to use it for powering photovoltaics.

Giving the Green Light: A Remodeler Uses His Own Home as a Green Test Case

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:31:47 EST

A remodeler uses his own home to train himself and his crew in specific green practices so he can better inform clients.

Deep Green: A Sustainable Remodel With Appeal for Future Homeowners

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:20:49 EST

This LEED Platinum renovation has a long-range goal: to ensure the building's adaptability for the needs of future homeowners.

Off the Rack: CertainTeed Apollo Solar Roofing System

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:54:28 EST

At just 12 pounds, these solar roofing modules don't require structural reinforcement and stilll resist wind uplift.

Power Windows: High-Performance Photovoltaic Glass Units

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:47:54 EST

Pythagoras Solar's photovoltaic glass units combine low-E selective glass with integral PV cells and optics.

Value of Solar Power Far Exceeds Its Cost

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:01:38 EST

Solar power has a monetary value as much as 10 times higher than its energy value, thanks to its ability to reduce peak demand on the transmission and distribution system, hedge against fuel price increases, and enhance grid and environmental security.

The Folly of Deep Energy Retrofits

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:03:45 EST

MICHAEL ANSCHEL: Are deep energy retrofits all they're cracked up to be? And what, exactly, constitutes a safe deep energy retrofit?

The Future of Green Building: Integrating Solar Power Into Glazing

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:39:12 EST

Office buildings are covered in expensive glass that is usually designed to control solar gain, with tinting, mirroring, or fritting (patterns of dots). Israeli startup Pythagoras Solar has a better idea: instead of just bouncing or filtering out sunlight, they build photovoltaics right into the sealed double-glazed units. This is a big step forward, both controlling heat gain and generating electricity. (Treehugger)

Direct Gain Passive Solar

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:36:56 EST

One common and cost-effective approach for passive solar heating is direct-gain, which relies on south-facing windows to bring solar energy directly into a house. That sunlight is absorbed by materials in the house (floor, walls, furniture, etc.), which warm up, store some of that heat, and re-radiate it back into the room.

Solar Combo Generator Heats and Powers

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:34:10 EST

"A new type of solar thermal system for homes is being tested in Boulder, Colo., during the next few months. The SlowFlow system from CoolEnergy consists of solar collectors, a Stirling engine, a hot water heater, a space heater, an insulated storage tank, and the SolarSmart Controller, a computer with networked communications. The solar thermal system can provide heat, hot water, and electricity and could provide the average U.S. home with 80% of its heat, 100% of its hot water, and 60% of its electricity needs." (CNET News)

U.S. Sunlight Corp. 9915TR Solar-Powered Attic Fan

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:31:53 EST

The 9915TR Solar-Powered Attic Fan features a 15-watt solar panel and 14-inch fan for a ventilation capacity of 1,750 square feet.

Velux America One-Collector Solar Water Heating Systems

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:13:15 EST

Now available for use in electric or gas water heating markets, smaller one-collector solar water heating systems paired with a 60-gallon tank are ideal for one- to two-person households.

Rheem SolPak Solar Water Heating Systems

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:13:14 EST

SolPak solar water heating systems are now available with options of tankless gas or the maker's Marathon storage tanks.

SMA America Sunny Boy Solar Inverters

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:13:14 EST

Select Sunny Boy solar inverters are now available for projects requiring compliance with the Buy American clause in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

RenCon Energy Products Solectric Day-Light System

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:13:14 EST

The Solectric Day-Light System electronic skylight uses a roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panel and two high-efficiency LED light fixtures to simulate daylighting without cutting a hole in the roof.