January 8, 2024
Solar power has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional sources of energy, offering numerous benefits such as reduced electricity bills and decreased carbon emissions. However, many residents in Maine are still unsure about the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of solar power in the state. In this blog post, we will delve into the specifics of… Read the entire post »
May 25, 2022
You’ve probably heard of the storm called “The Perfect Storm.” It occurred in 1991 off the coast of North America. It caused millions of dollars in damage, disruption, and took 13 lives including 6 seamen on the fishing boat Andrea Gail out of Gloucester, MA. The storm was written about and turned into a movie.… Read the entire post »
November 10, 2021
Data source: [1] As opposed to solar panel installations, Fossil-fueled electricity is at the highest price per million British thermal units (MBTU) since February 2014, says CNN Business. [2] And that price is not decreasing. National Grid [3] and Eversource Energy [4] recently filed for approval to raise their electricity rates. Though the changes are pending,… Read the entire post »
November 10, 2021
From Portsmouth to Keene to the White Mountains – New Hampshire’s vibrant land, cities, and bodies of water are prime spots for installing solar panels. The Granite States’ solar industry has grown to an eye opening degree over the past decade. And while it doesn’t have the incentive programs some other states have, existing benefits… Read the entire post »
August 12, 2021
The Biggest Little State of Rhode Island for Solar Too Now that you are familiar with solar incentives in Rhode Island, let’s look at just how affordable solar panel systems are in The Ocean State. Although the cost of solar panels has changed over the years, Rhode Island residents are looking at very reasonable prices… Read the entire post »
July 14, 2020
Can you install solar panels that are free? Dealing with spam calls and telemarketers seems to be a daily nuisance for almost everyone. If you’ve ever accidentally answered the call, it is likely that you’ve encountered a salesperson who claims to offer free solar panels. Now, instead of abruptly hanging up or avoiding the call… Read the entire post »
August 7, 2018
Skeptics scoff when told that solar electric systems pay for themselves. I understand the skepticism because very few purchases in life truly pay you back. But most people do get the concept of a purchase that saves money, like LED light bulbs or a more efficient water heater. Solar is like that, but better. You… Read the entire post »
March 1, 2018
I get it. Warranties are boring. And sometimes unnecessary (think extended warranties on kitchen appliances). But when it comes to putting a small solar energy “power plant” on the roof of your biggest asset – your home – you want to be confident in the workmanship, and that you are getting the performance and savings… Read the entire post »
May 25, 2016
What do you get when you mix months of uncertainty and doubt with a day of positive news? Lots more uncertainty and doubt, with some confusion thrown in. That’s the state of solar in Massachusetts. After months – no, more than a year – of legislative haggling over whether or not to increase the Net… Read the entire post »
March 4, 2015
Originally published in New Hampshire Business Review on Feb. 6, 2015. Re-printed with permission. Renewable portfolio standards requiring greater use of renewable energy sources do not “cost ratepayers billions of dollars throughout New England,” as Marc Brown wrote in “Cost to ratepayers pile up, but who’s listening?” in the Dec. 12-25 issue of New Hampshire Business… Read the entire post »
I started writing The Energy Miser in 2011 because I like to analyze energy issues and pontificate about my findings. Got a topic you want me to cover? Let me know.
