A common misconception is that solar technology was created in the 70’s. Yet, solar thermal systems have been in use for centuries. In fact, they date back to Roman times when hot water flowing beneath the floors heated not only baths, but also the living space. This simple concept is still being used today in radiant flooring. Solar thermal uses are expanding to areas such as heating and even cooling. However, the main use for solar thermal today is still in generating hot water for the home.

There is an ongoing debate over the impact of manufacturing biofuels. Skeptics argue that using crops for biofuels divert resources away from human consumption, therefore causing a choice in whether the crops are used for food or fuel. This reasoning connects biofuels to global hunger issues. This is based on the claims of some food industry groups that more than a quarter of corn crops are being diverted from food to ethanol production and yet the U.S. corn supply has outpaced demand since 1989. Most people with any amount of human compassion would easily say that food is definitely a higher priority than fuel. Before we oversimplify the situation, let us take a look at the factors.

According to a recently published bulletin from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) photovoltaic (PV) solar installations are increasing around the country, with some areas like California experiencing dramatic increases. Some reasons for this relate to perpetually increasing energy costs, rebates, federal tax incentives and a gradual decrease in the pricing of solar modules to smaller dealers, installers and DIY customers. Bottom line is that the cost per watt is becoming more affordable.

These days it seems that nearly every organization, state or country has some sort of cleantech initiative. There are a lot of hopes resting on clean technology to strengthen the U.S. economy. What is cleantech? Why has it become so popular? And can it really help the U.S. economy?

When thinking about the U.S. military the words green, eco friendly, and sustainability rarely come to mind. However, the Department of Defense has been on a mission for many years to create a greener military. The variety of strategies are quite surprising as well as the scale at which the strategies are being implemented. This begs the question … why?

It should be no surprise to hear that solar energy is growing at an amazing rate. In fact one would be hard pressed to avoid hearing something about renewable energy in the news. What is surprising is how well it is performing when compared to the U.S. GDP. A report published by Solar Energy Industries Association claims that "the U.S. solar market grew 67% in value in 2010” which is astonishing when compared to a GDP growth of only 2.8%.

For years it’s been touted as common knowledge that energy efficiency and renewable energy raise the overall resale value of a home. Recently Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released a new study. This study reviewed resale value of homes with solar panels in California and found sufficient data to support the claims of increased resale value.

On September 23, 2011, the competition will begin for the U.S. Department of Energy's fifth Solar Decathlon. This collegiate program promotes innovative thinking of zero-emissions homes. 20 international teams are given the opportunity to design and build the most attractive, cost efficient, and energy efficient home powered entirely by the sun. The entries are judged on more than just solar energy production and efficiency. They must also balance other criteria including consumer appeal, affordability, livability and comfort.

After over six months of construction, the North Shore in Hawaii is now producing wind power. The U.S. renewable energy company, First Wind, has partnered with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to erect a 30 megawatt commercial operation. The Kahuku Wind project will supply enough energy year after year for 7,700 homes on the island.

With the popularity of renewable energy and going green, many companies these days are looking for ways to offset their carbon emissions. From this demand multiple voluntary producers of renewable energy have emerged to sell their carbon offsets in the unregulated renewable energy market. Thankfully, various independent organizations are here to help consumers know which green power products actually come from certified renewable energy sources.