Summer is the perfect time for home improvements and renovations. But rather than going for aesthetic improvements, many homeowners are opting for projects that will improve home energy-efficiency and lessen their utility bills.

Here are a few ideas for household alterations that you can employ for increased home energy efficiency:

• Bulbs – A super simple and small part of home improvement is switching from conventional to LED light bulbs. This is also a relatively inexpensive switch to make, as most LED bulbs cost less than $10, and last longer than fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.
• Energy Audit – First thing is first when it comes to energy efficiency: You need to know which parts of your home need improvement. With a home energy audit, a professional will conduct an inspection of windows, doors, insulation and heating and cooling systems so you know which parts of your home are not generating or storing energy effectively.
• Windows – Properly installed, double-paned windows will help you to retain a comfortable temperature in your home. According to Wall St. Cheat Sheet, “Many homes have single-pane windows, which don’t effectively protect against extreme weather conditions. This causes the house to flux in temperature and air to leak out.”

As always, one of the most effective ways of lowering your utility bill and increasing your home’s efficiency is by installing solar panels on or near your home. If you are interested in solar energy in Colorado, contact Golden Solar. Our trained professionals are available for a free on-site consultation, and will help you design, plan and install your panels.

A year-long test has resulted in a huge step forward in the world of home building and energy efficiency. According to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the interior and exterior building products that people use in their homes play a huge role in the overall efficiency of the structure. To prove this, the group conducted a test project over the course of the past year in which they built a new house in the suburbs of Maryland. The home was built up to U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum codes, which is the highest standard for sustainable structures in the nation, Clean Technica states. In addition to the home’s insulation, which was enhanced for wind and air infiltration resistance, Clean Technica notes that “the house [was] installed with] solar water heating and 32 solar panels in order to produce its own energy, and was equipped with the most energy-efficient appliances.” Then, the researchers placed a virtual family of four into the home who used the same amount of energy as the average American family. According to the researchers, the average Maryland family would use 27,000 kWh of energy per year. This zero-net, energy-efficient house produced 13,577 kWh of energy through photovoltaics, and proved to be 70 percent more efficient than other homes its size. The end of the test found the home to use zero-net energy with the help of solar electric panels and other environmentally efficient materials. If you are interested in making the shift to solar energy, contact Golden Solar for your free, on-site consultation with one of our trained professionals.

There has been tons of buzz lately about the future of Colorado solar energy, and it looks like Xcel Energy has a plan to bring even more solar energy resources to the area’s residents. Earlier this month,  the utility company applied to the Public Utilities Commission for approval of its new voluntary program called “Solar Connect.” The initiative, which adopts the same idea as Xcel’s Windsource program, would allow consumers to buy short-term subscriptions to solar energy without purchasing their own panels for installation. The remotely located panels would then power subscriber’s homes, reducing energy costs across the board. This form of remote solar energy is intriguing to many Colorado residents, and will certainly cause a boom in the solar industry.”Solar Connect” is an idea in solar power that is separate from solar arrays installed on individual homes. The program will be a localized step towards expansion of the industry as a whole and the accessibility of solar electric panels to the public. According to figureheads within the industry, this program is a positive step towards a green future, but it just scratches the surface of what solar energy is capable of doing for the nation. Many industry leaders are hopeful that the development of solar energy will cause a growth of the job market for workers across the country. To become involved in the growth of solar energy yourself, call Golden Solar. With our solar electric panels, customers will be able to reduce their electric bill and save energy. Our staff of professionals are available for free on-site consults, as well to give advice on the placement and design of your panels. Give us a call to learn more!

Big ideas are always quick to get critics. NASA surely had their fair share when they proposed putting a man on the moon. The idea of the internet was laughed at when it was first presented as a concept. Steve Jobs had a following of non-believers when he suggested a personal computer that would change the way we view information and technology. So it’s really not surprising that the solar roads pitch is getting its cut of the criticism too. Born from the brain of Scott Brusaw, the idea of solar roads would essentially convert the nation’s highway system into America’s greatest source of renewable energy. Brusaw, along with his company Solar Roadways, is suggesting to lay solar panels below a thick, yet translucent sheet of glass as a substitute for pavement. This system, Brusaw says, could create three times as much energy as the United States uses in one year. In addition to the energy generating aspects that solar roadways would allow, replacing all existing roads, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. with this technology could also decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent. Critics suggest that solar panels under roadways would be hard to maintain and not supportive of the weight of a vehicle. But Brusaw points out that many companies are already developing glass that is stronger and more efficient than ever before. He suggests that the combination of a number of new technologies makes solar roadways more than possible. Before long, the nation will be looking for even more ways of incorporating solar technology into our energy system. So why not get ahead of the curve? If you are interested in pursuing solar energy in Colorado, contact Golden Solar. Our trained staff of professionals will help you to power your home with your own solar electric panels!

On Monday, June 2nd, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their proposed new initiative to expand clean energy. The Clean Power Plan is an effort put forth by the EPA at the request of President Obama as part of the administration’s Climate Action Plan. It aims to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants, which are reportedly the biggest contributors to carbon pollution in the United States. According to the official press release from the EPA, there are currently no regulations on the emissions of mercury, arsenic, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides and other particle pollutants from power plants, but this plan would set the first limit ever on carbon emission output. “Climate change, fueled by carbon pollution, supercharges risks to our health, our economy, and our way of life. EPA is delivering on a vital piece of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan by proposing a Clean Power Plan that will cut harmful carbon pollution from our largest source–power plants,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA administrator, in an official statement. “By leveraging cleaner energy sources and cutting energy waste, this plan will clean the air we breathe while helping slow climate change so we can leave a safe and healthy future for our kids. We don’t have to choose between a healthy economy and a healthy environment–our action will sharpen America’s competitive edge, spur innovation, and create jobs.” The ultimate goal of the plan is to decrease carbon emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030. Be a part of the change to clean energy by powering your home or business with solar energy. At Golden Solar, our solar electric panels will help you to become eco-friendly and economical!