Going solar

There are many considerations to “going solar”, among them, practical, economic, environmental and political considerations. In this section, we offer you an overview what it takes, and means, to “go solar”. We don’t pretend that going solar is for everyone, although if you are a committed environmentalist — as SCD.Com Editor Christof Demont-Heinrich is, we believe there are few more concrete and effective ways to grow the “green economy” and the environmental movement in the United States and globally than to put panels on your home and/or garage and power your home and car that way!

Solar Rights Alliance aims to tap the power of 700,000 California rooftop solar owners

Jim Jenal

May 31, 2018

As you may have heard, starting in 2020, California will require that all new single-family homes include a solar power system. (At present, about one in five new homes has solar added when built.) This will help California meet its ambitious goals regarding greenhouse gas emissions, and will continue California's leadership in home energy efficiency.

Home solar panels with flowers in foreground.

Solar power growing at a rapid rate globally: An infographic

Christof Demont-Heinrich

May 24, 2018

Yes, solar is really taking off around the world! ...

Your neighbor’s solar system is saving utilities — and you! — lots of money

Jim Jenal

April 3, 2018

We hear a lot about the "cost" of solar when utilities attempt to weaken net metering rules. "Solar is only for the wealthy," they say. "Poorer ratepayers subsidize every rooftop solar installation out there." "Why should the poorest ratepayers help pay for a more affluent person's solar system?"

Going solar in sunny Colorado photo gallery

Christof Demont-Heinrich

June 4, 2015

Ever wonder what going solar and installing a home solar system entails? Wonder no more. We took hundreds of photos of our 5.59 kW solar system being installed by REC Solar workers. We selected the best ones an...

5 reasons to lease vs. 5 reasons to buy solar

Christof Demont-Heinrich

August 22, 2013

In the U.S., people interested in going solar are inevitably interested in the difference between buying a home solar system and leasing one as well as in the comparative pros and cons of each.