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As most know, solar panels work by allowing energy from light into the cell. The more light absorbed, the more power generated. Solar panels, because of their positioning are prone to dirtiness. Bird droppings, dust, pollen, dirt, and rain can even leave behind residue from the air after evaporating. This build-up has adverse effects on the panels, keeping them from their optimal output.

One of the questions we get frequently is, “Do I need to clean my solar panels?” The short answer is yes, and here are few reasons why.

This announcement follows the PUC’s (Public Utilities Commission) approval of the five-year plan for a more renewable generation.

Parker Dairies, of east London, has already gained 382 new customers since the new year, and 95% of them are having glass bottle milk delivery. “Before Christmas we were taking 30 calls a month. Since New Years we are getting 30 calls a week,” said depot manager Paul Lough.

Babcock Ranch, Florida is a town of the future. With an autonomous minibus and solar at every turn, it’s goal is to eventually exist entirely off-grid.

Buying locally is trending across the world, so what if there was a way to to buy solar energy…from your neighbors!? A New York startup company called LO3 Energy is working on a way to do just that.

A group at Stanford has set forth the most specific global vision for renewables to date, 139 countries to be entirely powered by wind, water, and sunlight by 2050.

As more and more Hawaii residents use photovoltaics and new renewable energy sources to power their homes and businesses, Hawaii Electric Co. is becoming increasingly aware of its grid system’s inability to effectively handle the new influx.

With a new generation of photovoltaics called “perovskites” that produce more efficiently but aren’t very durable, Stanford researchers are taking inspiration from the micro-lenses of fly eyes.

Many grid operators and utility companies across the country prepared for Monday’s total solar eclipse by setting up alternate power sources.

The panels are being installed by a nonprofit, GRID Alternatives, which runs with the goal of bringing alternative energy options to low-income families. The program is also being assisted by members of the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.

On the Big Island, the Hawaii Electric Light Company (whom already gets 54% of its electricity from renewables), is intent upon reaching the 100% renewable goal by 2030 instead of 2045. They are looking at new ways to help renewable installments pay for themselves so that it will be easier to provide access to their rural areas. Principals from KIUC, the Ulupono Initiative, and the Hawai’i County Department of Research and Development came together to do just that.

SynTech Bioenergy LLC, a Colorado based renewable energy company has opened an office in Hawaii.

Rock Art Brewery in Morrisville, VT broke the barrier and became the first brewery to take advantage of the power from the sun!

Daeneke is hoping that the photocatalytic paint could be a game changer for the hydrogen economy.

The full data for this March (2017) just came in and in the US, 10% of total energy generation nationally came from renewable sources; 2% from solar and 8% from wind.

Floating on a man-made lake in China, the world’s largest floating solar farm was switched on last week. The plant is capable of producing 40 megawatts of power — that’s enough energy to power 15,000 homes!

Best Bridge College in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area is taking a big step towards renewable energy training. The institution is now offering vocational and technical training on solar installation.

Did you know that humans consume 221 tons of coal, 1,066 barrels of oil, and 93,000 metric cubes of natural gas, every second?

It seems like the only news you hear about solar energy is full of technical solar jargon and price comparisons.

Currently, about 10% of Martha’s Vineyard power comes from local renewable resources.

Good news for the solar community! Scientists have discovered massive amounts of tellurium, a rare metal used in solar technology, in Ethiopia.

Although we still mostly depend on fossil fuels, many states have become committed to using renewable resources for energy.

Pacific Biodiesel planted its crops on land that was previously used for sugar cane production. The company says this is the largest biofuel crop in the state of Hawaii and the only one running on 100% renewable fuel showing the company’s community based intentions for sustainability and renewable energy.