Embracing Solar Power this Self Improvement Month

September is Self Improvement Month, a time to reignite our motivation in improving ourselves. Who doesn’t want to live in a world where all people are aiming to become the best version of themselves? How peaceful and meaningful life could be if everyone is helping each other improve. The importance of self-improvement is tantamount to understanding mankind’s influence on mother nature. The more disciplined we become as individuals, the more disciplined we become as a species, and we can better manage our planet’s natural resources. A better environment means a better life. How residential solar systems improve our lives Here are three known benefits of utilizing solar energy. 1. Solar Power is Sustainable Solar energy is boundless, natural, and sustainable. The sun is up there, and its energy will never run out. At least not for an estimated five billion years. 2. Solar Power Requires Little Maintenance After the initial equipment and solar installation costs, your PV system requires little-to-no maintenance, produces its own energy, and eventually pays for itself. 3. Solar Power is Safe to the Environment Your photovoltaic system (“PV system“) doesn’t require any fuel to produce its energy. This means no pollution to the environment with no negative effects otherwise. Less pollution means less smog and less contribution to global warming, acid rain, and other environmental issues. Self Improvement Month is here. Let’s embrace the opportunity to better not only ourselves but the environment,...

Most Solar Efficient Nation? Germany

Germany is a country known for its cold weather with ice and snow covered streets. And it’s deeply rooted in coal mining industry.  Surprisingly, did you know that approximately twenty-two percent of Germany’s energy is generated by solar? In fact, the country’s state of Bavaria, which has a population of 12.5 million, has three highly efficient photovoltaic panels per resident. What’s more surprising is that those installed solar power units can provide more energy than the capacity of our entire country. Love it or hate it, Germany is now the most energy efficient country on the planet – a fact that created buzz among the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). How did Germany Become so Solar Efficient? Two decades ago, German legislators passed a renewable energy law in what would become the beginning of Germany’s solar power reign. There was a realization that the cheapest energy had to be the energy that doesn’t need production in the first place. It was solar. In return, the country invested billions towards renewable energy research, with solar being in the forefront. Paperwork for solar power was streamlined, and innovations began sprouting across the land. The government also provided subsidies to ensure that solar panels were readily available and embraced by the masses. The country didn’t stop there. They ensured that their studies would bring answers on how to make solar usable in large scales. And finally, they learned the most efficient methods of storing solar power so it could be used for days without sunlight. That was the ultimate breakthrough. In no time, Germany was reaping the benefits of its...

History of Solar Power [Infographic]

Solar power and photovoltaic technologies have had an amazing evolution. As early as 1839, a conductive solution was observed experiencing the photovoltaic effect. Melvin Severy received solar power’s first noteworthy patents back in the 1890’s. Albert Einstein even published a paper on the photoelectric effect in 1904. Hoffman Electronics created an efficient solar cell in 1959. About a decade later, Soyuz 1 became the first manned spacecraft powered by solar cells. Even the president, George Bush, became involved in solar in 1991 as he directed the establishment of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Various politicians have continued the trend of encouraging advancements in solar, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposing a solar roof initiative in 2004 and President Barack Obama ordering the installation of solar panels at the White House in...

Tokelau Island Solar Power

Tokelau Island is the first island in the world powered by 100% solar energy. With a population of roughly 1,500 people, the island successfully made the switch from fuels to a clean, renewable energy system via solar power. How? With the help of PowerSmart, around 4,032 solar panels were scattered all over Tokelau Island, exceeding residents’ power demand up to 150 percent. The project itself started with proposals coming in 2011. By 2012, it was targeted that the island would enjoy100 percent solar power. Budget The cost of installing the PV system design amounted to roughly $7 million – several times the entire GDP of the small island. Tokelau Island was able to make such a large purchase by structuring it as a long-term investment, thereby allowing theTokelau government to save millions per year. Since Tokelau spends roughly $829,000 a year in importing fuel from the mainland, it would take approximately nine years for them to recover the seven million dollar investment. Plan B – Coconut Fuel Tokelau Island enjoys plentiful sunshine most of the year. No doubt that their photovoltaic systems will have a consistent source of power. The fact that it can generate 150% more than the current needs makes it possible for Tokelau Island to store excess energy in the event of overcast days. According to reports, Tokelau residents have still planned further with a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t rally in their favor. This backup plan is the island’s “coconut fuel.” It’s calculated that the island has already harnessed enough coconut fuel to tie them over long enough that any realistic solar shortage...

Intersolar Conference

Intersolar is the world’s leading exhibition series for the solar industry where the world’s supplier and manufacturers meet to discover new advancements in solar technology. The dates for this year’s solar conference expo run from July 11 – 13 at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco. Next month’s Intersolar Conference, which is the most attended solar exhibition in the country, will feature A-list speakers. Currently scheduled speakers include Tesla’s co-founder and CTO, JB Straubel, Fraunhofer Institute Director, Eicke Weber, CALSEIA Executive Director, Bernadette Del Chiaro, and New York State Senator, Kevin S. Parker. Popular discussion points are sure to focus around solar energy solutions, market growth, and advances in technology. solar permitting policies solar engineering solar feasibility studies PV design and many other solar system design related solutions The conference focuses on the B2B side of solar systems. This makes the conference a premiere attraction for solar consulting and design companies looking to be exposed to the latest literature on solar power. For more information on the conference visit intersolar.us. For residential solar design or commercial solar permitting, contact DBM Solar by calling 801-690-6517. DBM Solar is an advocate of solar energy, and we are comprised of a team of experienced designers with over 20 years combined photovoltaic and solar thermal...