So, I was doing some research online to find out the status of the solar energy bill, SB 1043. During my research I was sidetracked by a random solar energy item, solar ovens. What in the world is a solar oven? Well, the name is fairly self explanatory and takes living energy efficiently to a whole new level. For under $150, you use a small, 10 pound contraption to capture the sun’s rays and cook your food, much like a slow cooker. My initial reaction was that it seemed like a bit of a nuisance, but after further pondering, for Arizonans in particular it actually makes sense. Use the sun to cook your food. Seems like a no brainer since most of us ban our ovens during the scorching summer months. This inexpensive device would allow you to enjoy homemade cookies, pizza, and even baked chicken, without heating up the house and without using a single watt of electricity. Pretty amazing! Who knows, it’s even interesting enough that you may get your kids involved in cooking dinner! The solar oven is also promoted as a necessary addition to your survival kit. Maybe that’s a topic for another day, since I don’t have anything in my home resembling a survival kit. If you’re curious about solar ovens, do a quick internet search. You’ll find a ton of recipes and there’s even a solar oven society, so converts can band together and cook to their hearts content. Oh…and in case you were wondering, the solar energy bill was passed by lawmakers but hasn’t been signed by the governor.

Holly
Public Relations

What an exciting time! It seems that nearly every day when I open the newspaper, there are more and more advancements with solar energy. The last major news announcement was about the advancement of the solar industry bill, 1403, to attract new solar energy related companies to the state. The passing of this bill has the potential to position Arizona as a hub for companies involved with solar energy. The latest major announcement this week is that Arizona was among ten states to be awarded 50% of an approved $55 million of their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds through the State Energy Program. A variety of proposed programs will advance energy efficiency and renewable energy in Arizona, including solar energy projects. Among many programs, the grants and loans will help make government buildings more energy efficient; reduce energy consumption in Arizona schools; advance the development of renewable energy systems on high profile buildings and public spaces; and offer further incentives for solar energy users. It is not clear which of these projects will receive immediate attention; however the objective of the ARRA is to stimulate private investment, create jobs, and speed economic recovery. Let’s hope the approval of these funds will not only do just that but also put us on a stronger path to energy independence!

Holly
Public Relations

It’s very common for people interested in installing solar panels to wonder if they have room or if the solar panels will be unattractive on top of their home or roof. If you have limited space or are concerned about covering your roof, there are options for solar panels that are dual purpose. One such type of panel is a bifacial solar panel. The panels are translucent, allowing filtered sun to shine through them. They can be installed vertically or horizontally, so they make great use as shade for a garden, an awning for a patio, or partitions for a car port. Not only are these solar panels extremely functional, they look great! While they are a little pricier, they are more efficient than traditional solar panels, so the extra cost will pay for itself in the long run. If you want to find out if bifacial solar panels will work for your needs, contact an experienced Phoenix solar installer. They will be able to help you design the perfect solar energy system for your home or business.

Holly
Harmon Solar Public Relations

While I don’t claim to be an economics expert, I’m still interested in the health of the economy, particularly in our own backyard. A recent article in the Arizona Republic, with the headline “Arizona’s Economic Efforts Lagging,” had me concerned. The article talks about the outcome of three Greater Phoenix Economic Council forums recently held. The forums placed a heavy emphasis on solar energy companies, which is undoubtedly the next big thing for fueling the economy. A main point addressed in these forums is that Arizona appears to be behind the curve compared to other states with economic development efforts. The positive side to this story is that Arizona is a prime target for solar energy companies looking for a home. Although Arizona has abundant sunshine, more important to attracting solar energy companies are favorable business and tax incentives. It seems the Greater Phoenix Economic Council is on the right track, creating a document that addresses the changes needed to attract these solar energy companies. What’s not clear to me is where we go from here? A plan does no good if it sits on a shelf. Hopefully this plan will be approved and these programs fast tracked so that Arizona does not miss out on attracting solar energy companies to our state.

Holly
Harmon Solar Public Relations

Covered patios provide the perfect place for PV solar panels. We really wanted to go “Net Zero” on our electricity bill by installing solar on our home, but we didn’t have enough roof space. For years we’ve talked about extending our back patio and now we have a great solution for the extra panels we needed that wouldn’t fit on our roof. Our back yard will finally have the extra shade we wanted and we will be able to produce enough energy through our solar PV system to cover 100% of our electricity demand!

Lisa,
Harmon Solar Sales

Harmon Electric and S2 Energy Partners are proud to present two solar-powered homes in Surprise, AZ on this year’s National Solar Tour put on by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES).

Here is more info from the ASES web page:

The ASES National Solar Tour is the largest grassroots solar event in history. While energy prices continue to soar, this event offers participants the opportunity to tour homes and buildings to see how neighbors are using solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to reduce their monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change.

Last year more than 115,000 attendees visited some 5,000 buildings in 2,900 participating communities. Now in its 13th year, this event is coordinated nationally by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society. It takes place annually during the first Saturday in October in conjunction with National Energy Awareness Month.

An increasing focus of the tour is on energy-saving techniques and sustainability through building design, energy efficient appliances, and use of green materials during remodeling. Tours also provide helpful, real-world examples of costs and how to save money with federal, state, and local incentives,

Ultimately the tour inspires people across the nation to make sustainable energy choices that help lower costs, support energy independence, protect against power outages, and reduce carbon emissions.  We invite you to join the renewable energy revolution by participating in the ASES National Solar Tour.