Rick Chapo

Charge Controllers for Home Solar Systems

Energy prices are rising. Many people are fighting back by using solar power systems for their homes. If you are thinking of doing the same, you may need to know about charge controllers. Solar panel systems are popular for homes. It is key, however, ... Read >

The Fundamental Elements of Wind Turbines

Wind power is the fastest growing renewable energy platform in the world. Ah, but just how do wind turbines work. Well, you have to understand the key components. At its core, a wind turbine converts the energy in wind into usable electricity. Wind, o... Read >

Solar – Off Grid or On Grid?

If you are considering solar as a renewable energy system for your home, one of the decisions you will have to make is whether to be on grid or off grid. Let's start with the basics. What is a grid? The grid as referred to in solar is the power grid m... Read >

How Solar Cells Are Manufactured

Solar power is being touted as one of the solutions to the energy needs of a hungry world. This brings up the rather fundamental question of how solar cells are actually manufactured. The vast majority of solar cells on the market these days are polys... Read >

Industrial Giants Now Worried About Global Warming

The debate on global warming, what is left of it, is often categorized as the far left versus business. Such a characterization is incorrect as shown by the US Climate Action Partnership. The debate on global warming is more or less over. The finer po... Read >

Looking to the Ocean for Energy

As fossil fuels become a more limited resource, society is casting around for new energy sources. Interestingly, a lot of interest in the ocean as an energy platform is starting to be generated. The oceans of the world are obviously vast. They also co... Read >

Solar Panels for Homes in Cold Climates

Solar power is one of the more promising forms of renewable energy. Ah, but is it still promising for those people that live in a cold climate? Energy is a major issue in modern society and it is only going to become more so as the years pass. Fossil f... Read >

Improve Your Home Energy Use with Trees

Nothing can be more annoying than trying to cut high utility bills. Many people just give up and assume there isn't much they can do about it. In truth, a couple of trees can make a big difference. Whether you realize it or not, you home is taking adv... Read >

The Popular Types of Renewable Energy

One can't go far these days without discussions of energy issues arising. Renewable energy sources are part of that discussion, but what exactly are the types available? Renewable energy is somewhat of a catch all phrase. It refers not to one energy pr... Read >

Building a Home to Incorporate Passive Solar Heating

As global warming and fuel prices encroach upon our daily lives, renewable energy sources are gaining a lot of attention. Solar is one form of renewable energy you can incorporate into a new home without using panel systems. Mention the phrase solar p... Read >

Active vs. Passive Solar For Your Home

Mention renewable energy and solar power is bound to come up. For most people, however, solar power is one thing. In reality, there are two different approaches. Green building is all about implementing environmental and energy efficient strategies in... Read >

Democratic Congress Goes After Big Oil On Tax Issues

As the Democrats took control of the House and Senate in Congress, they promised a flurry of legislation in the first 100 hours of office. One of the efforts was to go after big oil. Energy costs that last few years have certain come front and center ... Read >

China Taking the Lead In Renewable Energy

There is little doubt that China is a country coming into its own. With a massive population, the country is starting to wake up and grow economically. Of course, it needs power to make that happen. China is front and center when the future of our pla... Read >

Making Solar Power Cheaper Through Net Metering

Solar power is a renewable energy source that is extremely popular, but has a cost problem. Net metering is a concept the government is currently using to offset this problem. Solar power works by converting sunlight into electricity. With the abundan... Read >

The Nanotechnology Solar Cell Revolution

There is little debate that we need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels, but the costs of renewable energy platforms such as solar make it difficult. Nanotechnology definitely offers the answer. Solar power is considered one of the better renewable ... Read >