One of the hallmarks of a home’s energy efficiency is its thermal performance. So it’s important to understand the distinction between the concepts of thermal mass and insulation.
Goal Zero Yeti 150: Midsize Solar Generator & Charger
Just unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show, the Goal Zero Yeti 150 is a solar generator to keep bigger devices like laptops powered up off the grid. It’s a portable all-in-one design that emits no exhaust fumes, unlike gasoline or diesel generators.
Solar Roof Shingles: CertainTeed Apollo Solar Roof Tiles
Want to harness all that solar energy shining on your roof, but you’re not crazy about the space-age look of a massive PV panel rack? No problem. Apollo Solar Roofing uses lightweight, roof-integrated modules so a photovoltaic array becomes a subtle part of your roof.
Wenger Portable Solar Charger for Electronic Devices
Several solid-performing solar device chargers have appeared on the market recently. And now the folks at Wenger (the legendary swiss army knife maker) have joined the action with a foldable, all-in-one solar charger and battery pack.
New Solar Device Chargers – Sun Power For Phones & Tablets
A small, portable solar device charger can be incredibly handy to keep your phone or other mobile electronics powered up when there isn’t an outlet handy. For camping, travel, or emergency use, the Solar JOOS Orange and Solio’s Classic2 are a pair of our favorites.
Best LED Solar Lights For Gardens, Decks, & Walkways
Low-power LED solar lights are a great option for providing a bit of illumination in outdoor spaces like yards & walkways. They require no wiring from your home’s electrical system, and use only the energy that the sun’s rays provide.
Solar Micro Inverters Make PV Panels More Efficient, Reliable
Most household solar energy systems have traditionally used a central inverter within the home to convert DC power from the photovoltaic panels into usable AC current. But that trend is changing as individual solar micro inverters on each PV panel become more common.
DeckPower: Plug & Play, All-In-One Solar Panels
Interested in supplementing your home’s energy needs with solar power, but you don’t want to deal with a complicated or expensive installation? DeckPower solar panels are just for you.
Photovoltaic Electricity + Solar Thermal = Virtu Solar Tubes
Virtu solar tubes utilize a hybrid design that incorporates both PV cells for solar energy, and solar thermal conduction for heating. Best of all, the hybrid arrangement helps both components work better than standalone systems, proving the old adage that the whole really can be greater than the sum of its parts.
Home Solar Energy Guide: Part III
Pin It In Part II of our Home Solar Energy Guide, we took a brief look at different types of solar panels. Read on to learn more about the differences between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous solar cells – in manufacturing, price, and performance.
Stinson Beach House: Net-Zero, Energy Efficient Comfort
Northern California’s coastline offers some spectacular views, but it’s also an environmentally sensitive area. The Stinson Beach House, a recent Marin County project from the architects at Berkeley-based WA Design, is a perfect fit for this unique setting thanks to its small footprint and energy efficient design.
