Rick Chapo

Using the Sun for Power – How It Works

With massive rebate programs and tax credits being issued by state and federal governments, using the sun to generate electricity is very popular. So, how does it work? Generating electricity from the sun is all about converting sunlight into power. Im... Read >

Dealing with Bright Sunlight In Your Windows

You purchase a home with beautiful, large windows only to find the sunlight is blinding during the day and turns the home into an oven. Here's how you can deal with the issue. If you've ever doubted the power of the sun, the glare and heat generated i... Read >

Using Water As a Power Source

Water is used as a significant power source in many parts of the world. In fact, Norway uses it to produce 99 percent of its electricity. So, how does it work? Water constantly moves through a vast global cycle. First, it evaporates from water sources... Read >

Pros of Using Geothermal To Heat Your Home

After recovering from the shock of receiving your utility bill, you might be interested in alternative energy sources. Let's consider the pros of using geothermal in your home. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because it comes from the co... Read >

Negatives of Using Geothermal To Heat Your Home

Using the inherent heat in the ground, geothermal, is being pushed by many experts as a great energy source. While this is generally true, there are some negatives as well. There is no disputing that we need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels. While... Read >

Cut Utilities Bills By Auditing Your Home

Most people are shocked these days when they open their utility bill. By auditing your home, you can turn a monstrous utility bill into a minor annoyance. Home Energy Audit It happens every month. You pick up the mail and see an envelope from the u... Read >

Home Energy Audit – Fireplaces, Attics and More

Conducting a home energy audit is a smart way to cut your utility bills. Many people forget, however, to look at fireplaces, attics and other less obvious spots. Home Energy Audit – Fireplaces, Attics and More The purpose of a home energy audit is t... Read >

Million Solar Roof Initiative – U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy has been given a mission of reducing fossil fuel dependence and pollution in the country. Its answer is the Million Solar Roof Initiative. Million Solar Roof Initiative – U.S. Department of Energy For the past 20 years... Read >

Using The Sun To Cut Pool Heating Costs

One of the biggest energy expenses for homes is heating the pool. Using the power of the sun can keep you swimming in the middle of winter. If you have a pool, you know heating it can run your utility bill through the roof. Fortunately, there are a nu... Read >

Solar Lights for Walkways - Cut Costs

Over the last fifteen years, solar energy has become a highly flexible power source. One of the best ways to use it and cut costs is go with solar lighting for your walkways. A common misconception among many people is that solar energy requires large... Read >

Deterring Birds From Your Home

Bird watching is a growing phenomenon. It's great unless you have birds "raining" down on your home. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of bird deterrents available now. . If you're reading this article, you have concerns for the environment and tr... Read >

Using The Ground to Cut Your Utility Bill

As fossil fuels get more expensive, society in general is starting to get serious about finding new power sources. Geothermal heating is a simple answer for homes. Geothermal heating is a fairly old concept that has gained a new life through advances i... Read >

How to Select an Installer for Your Solar Panels

With the new rollout of massive federal tax credits, state subsidiary programs and net metering, going solar makes sense. So, how do you pick an installer for your system? Install My System As with any major part of your home, installation of a sola... Read >

Selling Solar to Your Utility – Interconnection Agreements

In many states, homeowners and businesses can now sell solar panel energy to utilities. Doing so requires an interconnection agreement with your local utility. Lowering Your Utility Bill In a majority of states, homeowners using solar can take adva... Read >

Do You Realize You Live In A Solar Home? Yes, you.

Mention the word solar in relation to a home and most people get ideas of panel systems on roofs. In truth, any home with windows is using solar energy. Easy, Free Energy You may not realize it, but you live in a solar home. In fact, every home you... Read >