New Solar Panel Technology Generates Energy Without Direct Sunlight

Recent advancements in solar panel technology have led to the development of panels that can produce energy without requiring direct sunlight. This means even on cloudy days, you can still harness power. The journey of solar energy began in 1876 when Richard Evans Day and William Grylls Adams discovered that selenium can produce electricity when … Read more

Buying a House With Solar Panels Already Installed

Purchasing a home is not only a significant financial investment but also a major lifestyle change, particularly if you’re moving with family. Among the many benefits of homeownership is the opportunity to achieve greater energy independence through renewable energy sources. One rising trend among homeowners is opting for properties with solar panels already installed, making … Read more

Solar Parking Structure Supports TGS in Achieving Sustainability Goals

A new parking structure integrated with solar panels is playing a pivotal role in helping TGS, an oil and gas company, meet its sustainability targets. Commitment to Sustainability Houston-based TGS specializes in providing energy data and intelligence to clients around the globe. In 2021, the company set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by … Read more

What Do Texas Solar Customers Want from the Legislature This Year? Nothing.

As Texas legislators gather in Austin for the 2023 legislative session, there’s a clear message from solar customers: they want nothing from the government—not interference, at least. This year’s agenda includes various proposals aimed at overhauling the state’s electricity system. In a recent article in the Austin American-Statesman, I emphasized the importance of prioritizing Texans … Read more

51 Uses of Solar Energy

How is solar energy utilized? Discover the most popular applications of solar energy and what the future holds for its use. The sun is essential for all life on Earth, providing energy that can be harnessed in various ways. It generates two main energy types—light and heat—that we can utilize for diverse activities, from powering … Read more

Colorado Welcomes the World’s Largest Solar-Powered Steel Plant

Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, the Bighorn Solar Project is now home to the world’s largest solar-powered steel plant. This initiative, aimed at reducing emissions in the carbon-heavy steel industry, is a remarkable achievement for Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel, owned by Evraz North America, based in Chicago. In partnership with Xcel Energy and Lightsource BP, … Read more

Texas’ Clean Energy Industries Face Challenges in the 2023 Legislative Session

Texas’s energy sectors must “coexist, adapt, and evolve” to uphold the state’s leadership in energy innovation. An editorial in the Houston Chronicle highlighted the critical importance of different energy industries collaborating to lower costs, protect the grid, and maintain Texas’s status as an energy leader. While a subscription is needed to read the entire piece, … Read more

Tesla Powerwall: How It Works and Its Benefits

As advancements in solar technology accelerate, the Tesla Powerwall has emerged as a highly sought-after innovation for those looking to enhance their energy independence. This rechargeable home battery is designed to optimize your home’s use of renewable energy while providing a reliable backup power source, ultimately reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your electricity bills. … Read more

Is It Time to Prepare for Blackouts in Texas? Empower Yourself Against Big Energy

As Texas enters another potential blackout season, it’s time to reconsider our reliance on large energy providers and explore alternatives. The prolonged power outage in February 2021 brought national attention to the failures of the state’s power grid, which was unable to handle the skyrocketing demand during extreme weather conditions. Millions of Texans were left … Read more