“Do you sell solar panels made in America? I really want to buy American.” I hear this a lot from people considering going solar. I don’t mind the question at all. I support buying American, too. (Even more, I support buying local, but that’s another blog article.) It’s not that easy to buy a solar […]

I love helping people help the planet with solar. So it dismays me to see sub-par installation work that could ultimately give the solar industry a black eye. Homeowners can’t be expected to know what qualifies as a good vs. a bad installation. Recently, one of my employees pointed out this installation to a friend […]

On December 13, 2012, I published my original “Tree Math” article here on The Energy Miser. Nearly three years later, it continues to be our most visited blog post. But much of the source data for my original analysis has since disappeared from the “Inter-Tubes”. So, allow me to present “Tree Math 2” with updated […]

New England Clean Energy and Canadian Solar recently extended our partnership with Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester (HFHMW/GW) to provide mini-solar energy systems for playhouses built by Habitat donor corporations to benefit selected Central Massachusetts military veterans and their families. Say what? Let me back up. We’ve always wanted to support Habitat for Humanity in some way, because we believe […]

The more mainstream solar becomes, the more those with different agendas denounce this clean, cost-effective energy source. That’s to be expected from utilities and others resistant to change. But it really frustrates me when factions within the solar industry spread false information for their own gain. Recently, I read an article from a commercial solar […]

Spring may be here officially, but tell that to the squirrels here in New England. They are still risking suffocation by snow as they scramble from tree trunk to tree trunk. Given the options, hanging out in a cozy nest under a canopy of solar panels sounds pretty good. Unfortunately, squirrels and solar don’t mix well for […]

Is it better to buy or lease a solar electric system for your home? I think the solar industry has room for both models, just like the car industry does. Still, the debate rages on, fueled by new information about the pros and cons of leasing, and of purchasing, which are just coming to light […]

Guest post by New England Clean Energy Customer Carl Howe Since my solar energy system was installed in Dec. 2013, and turned on in Jan. 2014, I’ve had a lot of questions from friends and neighbors about the process. Here is a summary of how I went solar through the Stow Solar Challenge in Stow, […]

Guest Post by New England Clean Energy Customer George Snyder Installing a solar photovoltaic system to generate clean, cost-effective electricity fulfilled a long-standing desire for me and my wife. On many days it provides more energy than we use. However, it could not reduce the frustration of power failures. Grid-tied solar electric systems are required […]