Not much is known about this option yet to say whether or not it’s going to be worth the investment, but I would say this may be an option where third-party options provide a better return on investment. (Though other enthusiasts have been calling that a negligible return.)

My favorite thing about technology is how one idea can lead to another … then another, then another. Solar power on the roof may not provide major benefits today, but by investing in it, are we encouraging advancements for tomorrow?

Post from: EveryJoe

Solar Power for the Prius

Somehow I missed GM’s ventures into solar energy, but they also have two of the largest solar rooftop systems in the U.S. — at plants in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, CA.

The systems are developed by Energy Conversion Devices, and are made of UNI-SOLAR, a thin film laminate product. Spectacular. :)

UNI-SOLAR products are available for commercial or residential installation, and are available through the following retailers.

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall
[Image: Uni-solar]

Post from: EveryJoe

GM … Leader in Solar Power?

From HR 6049, Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 (passed by the House):

Long-term extension and modification of the residential energy-efficient property credit. The bill would extend the credit for residential solar property for six years (through the end of 2014). The bill would also increase the annual credit cap (currently capped at $2,000) to $4,000. The bill would include residential small wind equipment and geothermal heat pumps as property qualifying for this credit. The bill also allows the credit to be used to offset alternative minimum tax (AMT).

Yeh! This provides some breathing room for owners of electric vehicles to create and fuel their autos using renewable energy, as well as a list of benefits for businesses (among other things.)
You may want to write your Senators and show your support now, before they go to vote on it. Extending these credits is very important, and I know there are complaints because this draws money from an unrelated tax source – potentially making taxes harder to complete on your own (though people affected by this bill probably should have an account already) and takes away a break formerly available to a small number of tax payers – but it provides a benefit to a much larger group of people.

For more information on solar opportunities, check out Solar 101 at the Environmental News Network. You can also check out Silicon Solar.

Source: Science Friday

Post from: EveryJoe

US House extends solar/wind tax credit, Need Help in Senate

Post from: EveryJoe

So, check this out. I pretended to…