Another Solar Myth Bites the Dust

Way back in 1978, I installed my first solar water-heating system. I continued with solar thermal, installing new systems until tax credits expired in 1986, and I kept nearly all the local systems up and running for ...

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California Supports PV with Net Energy Metering

Author: Steven Bodzin

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May 01, 1996

California has enacted a "net energy metering" law that lets residential photovoltaic (PV) power producers store their electricity in the utility grid, rather than in batteries. [continue reading]

Small PV Grows in the Garden

Author: Steven Bodzin

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May 01, 1996

Small, freestanding, photovoltaic lights are becoming more popular, as both contractors and do-it-yourselfers are attracted to their simplicity. [continue reading]

Swimming Pools Soak Up the Sun

Author: Dan Cuoghi, Paul Hesse and Thomas Schiller

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May 01, 1996

In nearly every part of the country, solar pool heaters are a practical and economical way to make pools more comfortable and extend the outdoor swimming season. [continue reading]

Building the Suncube

Author: George Matthews

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May 01, 1996

Armed with a home equity loan, a contractor's license, and some knowledge of energy-efficient technologies, I built an affordable, passive-solar house in Chico, California. [continue reading]

SMUD Customers Pay a Premium to be PV Pioneers

Author: Abba Anderson

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May 01, 1995

Sacramento residents are signing up in droves to pay a 15% premium (about $3-$7 per month) on their electric bill, in exchange for the pleasure of hosting tiny utility power plants on their roofs. [continue reading]

Manufactured Homes Go Solar

Author: Ted Rieger

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November 01, 1994

A federal program that assists with the development of photovoltaic (PV) products for the U.S. building market has led to commercial development of factory-built modular homes with built-in PV systems. [continue reading]

Solar 1994 Sheds Light on "Sustainability"

Author: Abba Anderson

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September 01, 1994

The sky was appropriately sunny for the Solar '94--the twenty-third annual conference of the American Solar Energy Society and the 19th National Passive Solar Conference--held June 25-30 in San Jose, California. [continue reading]