Emily and David Takahashi are committed to living a low-carbon lifestyle. In 2012 they moved into their 60-year-old, 900-square-foot Boulder, CO home. David explains, “Our aim is to be independent of the electric grid as much as possible.” Their first step was to have their home retrofitted for energy efficiency, e.g. insulating ceiling and walls… Read More
Posts Categorized: Educational
Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, watched over by the iconic Flatirons, Boulder, Colorado is a 21st century hub for forward thinking technologies and lifestyles. The city is committed to environmental stewardship as evidenced by its innovative solutions to climate change and its commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient and prosperous community…. Read More
November 14, 2016 was the night of an extra-super supermoon. With volt meter in hand, founder and owner of Independent Power systems, Tony Boniface, and I set out to answer the question: Does moonlight create a photoelectric effect on PV (photovoltaic, i.e. solar electric) panels? For our test, we hooked up the volt meter to… Read More
The most efficient solar panel on the market is now available for home power generation. Avoid squandering roof space with a lesser solar panel. With an efficiency of over 22%, SunPower’s X22 360 watt panel offers more solar energy generation per square foot. The new X-Series residential panels convert more sunlight to electricity producing 38%… Read More
Over the years, I have been asked whether or not PV systems emit significant levels of electromagnetic radiation or in industry parlance, electromagnetic interference or ‘EMI’. EMI is also called radio frequency interference or RFI. Many electronic devices emit some levels of electromagnetic radiation; the amount and type is regulated by the FCC (Federal Communications… Read More
Get solar on your commercial building, reduce greenhouse emissions, save money, and greatly increase the value of your building. The C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) program for commercial properties has launched in Boulder county. The program will enable commercial property owners to finance up to 100% of the cost of a solar system (as… Read More
Let’s face it, electricity can be confusing. Electrons scooting through copper wires somehow illuminate your closet and charge your iPad. Things can get even more intimidating when you add solar panels into the mix, and you may think you don’t know enough about electricity to consider investing in a solar array. That’s not at all… Read More
Our civilization is imprinted with the modern infrastructure and technology necessary for our modern lives: buildings that we live and work in; roads and refineries for our transportation; power plants and the grid for our electricity, etc. From our kitchen gadgets to our communication devices to our vehicles, we are constantly surrounded by technology. And… Read More
Solar energy is one of the first things we think of when considering “going green.” What could be more renewable than the sun? Abundant, pollution-free energy that also has the means to dramatically reduce your electric bill. Of course, from sunshine to electricity for your home or office, there is an intermediary step or two…. Read More
So, you’ve decided to go solar. Awesome! As you shop around for contractors, ask these questions to make sure you are working with true professionals: 1. Is the company installing your solar system a licensed electrical contractor? Every electrical contractor has to have a master electrician on staff. 2. Are you NABCEP certified? This is the highest level… Read More