Returnable Beverage Cup Pilot Program This summer, Starbucks has been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, starting with a returnable beverage cup pilot program. In collaboration with NextGen, this program aims to reduce single-use cup waste, supporting a greener future. Customers can now enjoy their favorite drinks while contributing to environmental conservation. The roll-out has … Read more
The Best Solar Companies of 2024 Palmetto, Freedom, and Blue Raven Solar dominate the market as the most trusted solar companies in the U.S. Offering residential solar systems priced between $20,000 and $36,000, these providers have garnered high satisfaction rates. A June 2024 survey involving 1,000 homeowners revealed that 85% felt pleased with their installation … Read more
Amazon’s Renewable Energy Claims Amazon says it has reached a milestone by purchasing enough renewable energy to match its operations’ power use. This announcement, especially highlighting their status as the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, initially seems commendable. However, the devil lies in the details, which are conspicuously missing from their sustainability reports. … Read more
ComEd’s Solar Billing Fiasco Earlier this year, ComEd rolled out a new billing system, aiming to streamline their processes but inadvertently causing significant disruption. The rollout left millions unable to access their accounts or make payments for over a week. More critically, thousands of customers participating in the Illinois community solar program were left in … Read more
Savings Amid Rising Energy Prices Wholesale electricity prices have surged, averaging $133 per megawatt hour last quarter, a hefty 23% increase. A mix of reduced renewable energy output and higher heating demand during cold spells have driven these costs up. For example, lower wind speeds led to a 20% drop in wind energy production, worsening … Read more
Reasons Behind the Tariff Increase The increase traces back to TNERC’s 2022 tariff order, where it established a multi-year tariff framework, ranging from FY2022-23 to 2026-27. This decision was influenced by Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) trends, which had fluctuated between 4.9% to 6.3% from 2018 to 2022. The panel capped the annual increase at 6%, … Read more
Panel Longevity and Factors Affecting It The longevity of residential solar panels hinges on various factors, including climate conditions, the type of modules, and the racking system in place. While there isn’t a firm expiration date, the gradual decline in energy output often dictates when panels need replacement. Homeowners frequently enter long-term agreements, extending 20 … Read more
Understanding Solar Energy Savings Solar energy has gained immense popularity in recent years as more people look for sustainable ways to power their homes. The main attraction is, of course, the dramatic reduction in monthly electricity costs. Imagine paying just the basic connection fee each month – around $9 in many East Coast areas. This … Read more
Opportunities in Scaling Perovskite Solar Panels Innovations in scaling perovskite solar panels carry immense potential for the renewable energy sector. These next-generation solar cells aim to overtake traditional silicon-based panels through their efficiency and lower production costs. The pivotal challenge remains how to scale production while maintaining environmental integrity. Researchers believe this can be achieved … Read more
Unveiling the LASSO Prize The Large Animal and Solar Systems Operations (LASSO) Prize is an exciting initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s specifically aimed at innovative research that examines the co-existence of cattle and solar panels on the same land. Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus of the Solar Technologies Office highlights the ambitious goal of … Read more