Spotlight Article:
A New Guide for Solar Plan Reviewers, Code Inspectors, and Installers
When an industry grows as fast as solar, it can be challenging for consumers, contractors, and code officials to be in lockstep on the path to a successful installation—from plan review to inspection ...
Keep Reading
Tubular Daylighting for Sun Lovers
Many energy auditors have been getting questions from sun-deprived homeowners about tubular skylights. [continue reading]
California Supports PV with Net Energy Metering
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
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
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
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
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
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"
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]
Building Performance Journal Editors
Our Blog Has Moved
Thanks for your interest in contributing a blog to the Building Performance Journal (formerly Home Energy magazine). We’re ...
Jim Gunshinan
Is Energy Efficiency an American Value?
Energy efficiency is good for the economy, good for families, good for workers, and good for the environment.
