You’re ready for the eclipse on Aug. 21, with your non-counterfeit viewing glasses and travel plans set. Yet here’s something that you may not have thought of: How will a total or even a partial solar eclipse affect homes and workplaces that use solar power? [More]
solar power
Tesla, SolarCity Showed Off Their Work By Powering An Entire Island
By 11.22.16
You may have heard that Tesla recently completed its $2.6 billion merger with SolarCity — a company already chaired by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. But before the two companies could sign on the dotted line, they had to prove their partnership was worthwhile, and they apparently accomplished that by joining forces to power an entire island with solar energy. [More]
Tired Of Earth? Elon Musk Unveils Plans To Colonize Mars
By 9.27.16
Although the verdict is still out (there somewhere) on whether or not there is life on Mars, there soon could be Earthlings on the planet. At least that’s the latest plan from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who today unveiled the latest project for his SpaceX venture. [More]
Forget Solar Panels, Elon Musk Wants To Sell You A Solar Roof
By 8.10.16
Sure, a patchwork of solar panels may be sprouting up on everyone’s homes, but why dot your roof with the installations when you can just put up an entire “solar roof?” That could soon be a possibility, at least if Tesla and SolarCity have their way. [More]
Whole Foods Installing Rooftop Solar Panels At Up To 100 Stores
By 3.8.16
Whole Foods has seen the light, and it’s getting soaked up by solar panels. The grocery chain says it’s installing solar units at up to 100 stores and distribution centers in nine states. [More]
Solar Power Becoming More Affordable, Realistic
By 10.24.11
Engineers and manufacturers are ever-so-slowly getting better at helping you siphon electricity from that massive power generator 93 million miles away. Due in part to technological advances and growing demand, solar power is starting to grow a little more mainstream and practical. [More]
Got Solar Panels? Utility Wants To Charge You For Not Using Their Energy
By 7.26.09
Midwest utility Xcel Energy wants to charge anyone using solar panels a monthly fee for sustainably generating their own energy. According to company spokesman Tom Henley, “We just don’t think it’s fair that customers that don’t have solar panels on their homes should subsidize these solar panel customers any further.” Huh?
Here's A Cheap Way To Install Solar Panels On Your House
By 5.26.09
Cool Tools has an interesting suggestion for home owners who want to incorporate solar technology, but can’t afford the steep investment costs: let the solar panel company finance it for you. The trade-off is you won’t save as much money as you would if you paid for them outright, but you will save some money, and the company that’s paying for the panels has a financial incentive to keep them working properly over the course of the agreement.
