Often, the first thing someone wants to know about solar is: How much does it cost? When I talk to people about their interest in solar power, I try to emphasize that this is not only a difficult question to answer, but often, it isn’t the correct one to ask in the first place. Having [...]

Solyndra, the California-based manufacturer of thin film solar PV in cylindrical tubes, has filed with the SEC for an IPO.

Two weeks before Copenhagen, India announces a national solar energy policy, with the ultimate goal of having 20,000 MW of solar energy installed by 2022.

Solar leasing is an emerging business model to bring solar energy to individuals who cannot afford the initial upfront investment. This article looks at Urban Eco Electric, a Philadelphia-based solar leasing company.

Interested in installing a solar energy system but not quite sure how to best finance it? In this white paper, we introduce five common approaches: low-interest loans; energy efficient mortgages (EEMs); power purchase agreements (PPAs); leasing; and collective purchasing.
Here it is, available for download (PDF): “Getting Solar: 5 Things Buyers Should Know About Financing a [...]

Not that the recent economic downturn/crisis/recession/depression/whathaveyou has us in the best mood to be financing large purchases—like solar PV systems. But seeing as federal taxes are due next week (yay), I thought I’d make a quick note on why energy efficient mortgages—or EEMs, for short—make a lot of sense when it comes to bankrolling your [...]

(1) Cash. This is how P. Diddy rolls. If you can swing it, paying cash for your solar PV system is the best way to go, especially in times (like these) when credit is tight. Added bonus: you may get to share rank with America’s brightest stars, like Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson and [...]

At GetSolar, while each of our individual interests diverge, we share a common belief that solar energy makes sense. That is, we believe solar PV is a viable means of producing electricity for individual homeowners, as well as for companies and other collective interests. We believe that solar can be a good investment and can [...]

While we’re all keeping an eye on the economy, I thought I’d review again a few of the main factors that go into the pricing of a solar energy system. How do things look for 2009? Whether solar makes financial sense for you will depend largely on the following:
(1) Cost of system and installation: OK, [...]

It’s evident Florida lawmakers and regulators are taking steps to ensure that the Sunshine State lives up to its nickname. As reported by the Miami Herald, the Public Service Commission (PSC) will increase the rate paid to owners of renewable-energy systems. At issue is net metering, the process by which excess electricity from such systems—called [...]