The U.S. is a proverbial mecca for do-it-yourselfers. From our ancestral days of pioneers and homesteaders, we’ve trusted nothing more than our own hands to get a job done right. America is a land of invention and innovation (even if the manufacturing has moved elsewhere). So, when the solar power  took off in lieu of global warming and high energy costs, many Americans stared right into the eyes of a technology widely regarded as scientific and esoteric and said, “Hey, I can do that!”

Photo Credit: GreenTerraFirma

Thus was born DIY solar. Indeed, in light of the high up-front costs of solar power panels, DIY solar is a very sexy prospect. A little sweat equity can cut installation costs in half. And in the internet age, there is no shortage of on-demand how-to tips and instructions. HOWEVER, going solar by yourself does have its drawbacks, given the nature of the work and the current slate of incentives out there promoting professional installations.

Here’s the skinny on DIY solar:

DIY: The Upsides

The upside of DIY solar is the same as DIY anything – no paying for labor. It may take more time and it may take more effort, but in the end, you’ve got a solar system for considerably less than the do-little neighbor next door. Right? Maybe. (more…)

Home solar payback is the million dollar question for solar energy systems. Unfortunately for solar installers, it’s not always an easy question to answer, as several variables affect the solution. It can be said that in general, it takes 10-20 years for an average-sized system to pay for itself in energy savings. In some cases, such as systems embedded into a mortgage, a system can be profitable from the get-go. In others, it can take more than 20 years.

Rebates and Incentives

Rebates and tax incentives are the number-one driver of shortened payback periods for home solar power panels. In fact, incentives are currently powering the entire solar industry as it works toward grid parity. Until 2016, the federal tax credit for home solar systems stands at 30 percent of up front costs. That’s available to every homeowner in the United States. Other incentives, including state tax credits and utility rebates, vary widely. (more…)

The 2009 Solar Decathlon is over, and although Team Germany took home first prize this year, every one of the 20 competing teams is worthy of honorable mention. Not least of which is Virginia Tech’s LUMENHAUS. The house is made with super-efficient glass walls and doors with an open-floor design to allow maximum light penetration.

But this is no glass house. LUMENHAUS is equipped with a shifting facade, called an “Eclipsis System,” that glides on tracks to cover or reveal the windows depending on time of day and weather conditions. LUMENHAUS finished 13th overall in the Solar Decathlon, but scored high in major categories, including engineering, market viability and third place in architecture.

The essence of LUMENHAUS, which by design is an homage to the Bauhaus architectural movement of the early 20th century, lies in its intelligence. The house automatically monitors in- and outdoor conditions and adjusts the sliding facade accordingly. Home conditions are displayed in the house on various screens, as well as remotely through a Smartphone application, allowing the homeowner constant awareness and control. (more…)