This week, solar electricity made the news with high-profile investments by Google and the government’s energy department. Google announced that they are funding the installation of solar panels on 10,000 homes. The Obama administration’s investment will loan out about a billion dollars to electric companies developing their solar programs. When looking for the best places… ( read more )
September 29, 2011 | By Mike Gonet | Filed under: Articles, Education, Green News, Solar Energy
There’s no doubt that a solar electric system will cut your monthly utility bill. But will it save you money in the long run? That’s a tricky question. The upfront costs average about $15,000 to $25,000 (after financial credits and rebates). For a lot of folks, the discussion ends right there. But for people who… ( read more )
September 25, 2011 | By Mike Gonet | Filed under: Articles, Education, Green News, Solar Energy
Andrew Smolski, a specialist in Political/Economic Sociology, argues that alternative energy is a boom industry that needs government help in order to cover the initial losses that would be incurred by private industry: It will not “be some socialist evil over-centralizing,”, he concludes, “but it will allow America to rebuild an economy that hangs on… ( read more )
August 11, 2011 | By Mike Gonet | Filed under: Articles, Green News, Solar Energy, Wind Energy
Alternative energy investments often make sense for an individual homeowner; however, well-known investor advisory service “The Motley Fool” explains that the idea that widespread deployments of wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles will slash hydrocarbon consumption and give us a greener planet is flawed. These technologies are heavy users of industrial metals. Any significant… ( read more )
July 18, 2011 | By Mike Gonet | Filed under: Green News, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Wind Power
Imagine gliding along University Avenue in a light-rail car powered by solar-generated electricity and spotting solar energy panels on nearly every rooftop you pass. Better still, imagine that one of the buildings outside your window is a manufacturing site for solar panels, employing hundreds of workers. http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/47070762.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:U0ckkD:aEyKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
June 7, 2009 | By Mike Gonet | Filed under: Solar Energy