Tag Archives: energy

Despite the traction achieved by the solar industry in the past few years, naysayers still rear their ugly heads sometimes, raising bizarre and unsubstantiated claims about why solar is a bad idea. I remember reading an article a while ago that said solar systems were “failing” because dirt was collecting on the panels and reducing…  Read the entire post »

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…  Read the entire post »

Often, people are crushed to learn their roofs aren’t solar-friendly — the neighbor’s towering pines cast too much shade, or the roof faces the wrong way to capture sunlight and convert it to electricity for your home. The good news is, more and more, home-owners, architects and builders are thinking solar before they design new…  Read the entire post »

Guest post by Roy Van Cleef, New England Clean Energy Technical Sales I generally tell customers that regular rain showers in New England keep solar panels clear of dust and pollen. But after a recent, particularly heavy accumulation of pollen on every exposed outdoor surface, I was curious as to the specific effect of the…  Read the entire post »

(This fourth and final post about shady solar workmanship offers tips on protecting yourself from unethical or incompetent installers.) Competition generally results in choices and lower prices. It can also create confusion and make it easy for shady solar installers to take advantage of people. In 7 years, I’ve seen my share of shoddy workmanship,…  Read the entire post »

(Third  in a series about shady solar workmanship, how to tell the difference between a good and bad solar installation, and how to protect yourself from unethical or incompetent installers. Thanks to Jonathan Williams, my partner and VP of Installation & Service, for contributing stories “from the trenches” for this series.) So we’re midway through…  Read the entire post »

(Second  in a series about shady solar workmanship, how to tell the difference between a good and bad solar installation, and how to protect yourself from unethical or incompetent installers. Thanks to Jonathan Williams, my partner and VP of Installation & Service, for contributing stories “from the trenches” for this series.) Most people think to…  Read the entire post »

(First in a series about shady solar workmanship, how to tell the difference between a good and bad solar installation, and how to protect yourself from unethical or incompetent installers. Thanks to Jonathan Williams, my partner and VP of Installation & Service, for contributing stories “from the trenches” for this series. ) Solar electric (photovoltaic)…  Read the entire post »