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…)

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Small businesses are the most susceptible to rising energy costs and limited consumer spending. When times are tight, pennies are pinched and cost effectiveness becomes tantamount to company survival. Now that may sound like a reason to avoid the high up front costs of adopting panels and solar power, but for many small businesses, it is instead a prime incentive for doing just that.

Small businesses face several energy usage challenges that many homes do not. First of all, businesses are at peak usage when electricity is at peak demand. So a solar power system will mitigate electricity costs when they are most expensive. Lighting and appliance loads are especially high for businesses, particularly those in the food and beverage sector. Switching to more energy efficient appliances and light bulbs is a vital first step, but solar power offers even more benefits.

Solar power is a wise investment for small businesses for a number of reasons:

• Rebates and Tax Incentives - The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has been extended through 2016, allowing businesses to recoup 30% of the initial cost, including installation, of a solar energy system. Many states also have lucrative incentives in place for businesses, a factor that may sway the investment in either direction. Recent additions to the small business incentive base came as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which include federal loan guarantees for commercial solar systems (among other technologies), as well as incentives for weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades to help businesses and homeowners get started on the solar path. (more…)

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Written by Brittany Mauriss and Taylen Peterson

If there’s one thing green bloggers can’t stand, it’s a half-cracked solar misconception. So let’s get a few things straight. Here are the solar myths and the facts that put those myths to shame.

#1 – Myth: Solar systems only work in really hot areas of the world

Photo Credit: About.com

Busted: Not only can solar systems work in most areas of the world, but Germany, the world leader in solar energy, lies farther north than most states in the EU. While solar panels will be able to gather more energy in super sunny areas, solar energy works even for people in Alaska, where the sky is crazy dark for months at a time. So whether you live in crispy Arizona or the cold, dark corners of the upper Midwest, solar power is always possible! (more…)

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