Solar electric panels have been built using a number of materials, but with recent technological developments, solar arrays could be made to become even more efficient. Researchers at MIT have found that new solar panels can be made from lead-acid car batteries. These types of batteries are often retired and replaced with more efficient lithium-ion batteries. According to the study conducted at MIT, the lead from these older batteries can be recycled into making more efficient solar panels. Additionally, reusing the lead would prevent its integration into local landfills, increasing eco-friendliness even further for this industry. Another plus is that because the solar cells do not require much of the lead – called perovskite – just one car battery could supply enough solar panels for up to 30 homes, according to The Washington Post. This also makes the new design of panels even less expensive than the current models. “They’re definitely cheaper,” Angel Belcher, Professor of Energy at MIT and co-author of the study, tells the source. “And the efficiencies right now are at almost 20 percent, which is competing with the 20 to 25 percent in silicon.” From a manufacturing standpoint, perovskite is easier to work with than silicon, which is currently used for panel construction as it requires lower temperatures and less specialized equipment. While this panel technology is very exciting, it is still very much in the research stage of development. If you want to get involved now in the environmental revolution, consider purchasing solar electric panels for a home rooftop installation. If you are interested in learning more about your options, contact Golden Solar.

With the widespread growth of the solar industry, many smaller niche markets have sprung up as major players within the renewable energy field. One such area is the expansion of solar carports, which has grown substantially over the past few years. According to GreenTech Media, the generating capacity of solar electric panels installed into these structures will exceed 100 megawatts for the fourth year in a row. In a report conducted by GTM Research entitled “The U.S. Solar Carport Market 2014-2018: Landscape, Outlook and Leading Companies,” it was projected that over 180 megawatts of energy would be added to solar carports this year in the U.S. alone. “The U.S. solar carport market has historically been driven by solar incentives dedicated to government and educational entities coupled with physical and regulatory limitations for rooftop systems for these customers,” writes Scott Moskowitz​, the report’s author. “With the average system price of solar carports continuing to fall, commercial solar developers can offer increased value to customers in the form of larger project sizes and greater electricity savings.” California currently remains the market leader, responsible for over half of the nation’s total solar carport installations. However, by 2016, GTM Research predicts that the market value of solar carports in the country will reach approximately $843 million. With so much potential for growth and development in such a niche market, more home and business owners are looking to become involved in the carport arena. At Golden Solar, we offer a variety of arrays in this market and can offer sage advice for creating your own solar-powered carport at your house or business. For more information on solar panel installations, contact us today.

Colorado has long been a leader in the solar power industry, pioneering endeavors like rooftop and community solar programs. In recent news from the area, Adams County in Colorado announced this week that they have signed a deal that will create a governmental reliance on community-generated solar power. The deal allows all of the government buildings in Adams County to be powered by energy generated by the local Community Solar Garden program. This plan allows consumers to purchase energy from pre-installed solar electric panels that are located somewhere in the community. The power that customers purchase is fed from the array into the main power grid and grants individuals credit on their bills for the amount allocated by their shares. This program, initially established in late 2010, was the inspiration for endeavors that are now found around the country. “Adams County has made an important first step in moving to cleaner energy,” said Nick Kittle, Adams County’s performance, innovation and sustainability manager, in an official statement. “We believe that this project is a winning opportunity for our organization, our community and our citizens and we are excited to be the first county in the nation to be a partner in a community solar garden.” While community solar is growing in popularity across the nation, rooftop installations are also highly desirable because of their customizability and cost-effectiveness. Colorado homeowners interested in their own rooftop installations for home solar power systems are encouraged to contact Golden Solar. Our staff of trained professionals will provide a free on-site consultation install the units for you. For more information, visit us online or schedule an appointment today!

With the growth and development in the popularity of alternative power sources like wind and solar energy, many utilities have been looking for ways to expand their offerings to more of the consumer market. Colorado, which has long been an innovative state for the creation, implementation and use of solar energy, is also leading the charge in this venture as developers in the area have discovered a way that would make integration of solar technology into new buildings even easier. Many contractors have been including solar electric panels into new buildings already, as they save homeowners measurable costs on utility expenses. Builders, in conjunction with the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA), like to design with solar technology from the start of construction as they know it will save homeowners on power costs as well as prove their commitment to reducing energy use. Now, there is another form of solar technology that can be used in addition to solar paneling. Solar shingles are incorporated with the roofing of new construction homes to lower carbon footprint and increase energy savings. In test homes, it has been shown that some are actually receiving checks back from utilities because the shingles generate so much energy. With these shingles on part of your roof, as a homeowner, you are then free to incorporate solar panels on the section that is shingled with regular tiles, or to install a display on the lawn near your house. In a statement to Proud Green Home (PGH), State Rep. Dominick Moreno said that leading the solar industry is good for Colorado as a whole. “In Adams County and across the state, we need to make it easier for rooftop solar to thrive,” he told PGH. If you are interested in being a part of the solar revolution, contact Golden Solar for a free, on-site consultation.

With the recent surge in solar and wind energy usage across the nation, we often forget to highlight the importance of everyday, small upgrades that anyone can make that will help make your property more energy-efficient and decrease your utility costs. According to Triple Pundit, the nationwide investment into energy efficiency projects peaked at approximately $2 billion in 1992, and now resides at around $1.2 billion. Part of the problem is that savings are not consistent state-to-state. As a result, it is hard to say what the best practices for energy efficiency are across the board, while solar panels and wind turbines that are properly installed in high-impact locations tend to be consistent on savings yielded. Another major impediment when it comes to implementing energy efficiency on a wider scale is finding the financing for incentive programs. Allowing homeowners to borrow money from states using loans for clean energy investments requires significant funding that many municipalities cannot maintain, especially in an economic downturn. But some industry professionals say that the energy efficiency trend is going to be making a comeback, and soon. Most attribute this expectation because of an increase in awareness at a corporate level. Businesses are being more conscious of their energy decisions, which makes their employees more savvy. They then carry that over into their own homes and lives. Even with a resurgence in energy efficiency popularity, the fluctuation of savings is so great that many homeowners are still opting for solar or wind as they are consistently reliable in reducing utility costs. If you are interested in reaping these benefits for yourself with Colorado solar leases, contact Golden Solar today!