Paying Solar’s Fair Share

New changes are going into effect for NV Energy’s net metering customers, mostly those with solar electric systems on their homes. I’ve received several calls about a letter that NV Energy sent out last week that outlines changes to the way certain fees will be assessed. The changes are a result of the passage of […]

The Devil is in the Details – Support Clean Energy!

Guest post by Lydia Ball, Clean Energy Project The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is holding a Consumer Session on October 16th. The purpose of the Session is to take comments from ratepayers about the merger between NV Energy and MidAmerican. If you care about clean energy in Nevada, this is important, and I […]

How Fresh is Your Energy?

There are many ways to heat water but in the end, it really boils down to how we make use of the sun’s energy. Consider these two scenarios: Scenario One: Ancient Energy The process starts hundreds of millions of years ago. The sun shines down on our planet providing energy for plants and animals to […]

Earth Day – It Should be Every Day

April is always a busy month for anyone with a bit of green in them and this is the week for premier events. Celebration The fourth annual GreenFest and the 17th annual Festival of Communities are being combined this Saturday, April 20, 11:00 AM -6:00 PM on the UNLV campus. This is a major event […]

Save Money – Go Solar

One of the most satisfying things we can do is gain energy independence. Start with efficiency. Get a professional energy audit and follow the recommendations, however mundane they may be. Then it’s time for the fun part, installing solar panels. We all want to save money and get a good deal, especially on big-ticket items. […]

Solar Power and Lifestyle Choices

I was recently contacted by a woman who had purchased a home with a solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) system on the roof. Let’s call her Britt. She had found my name in the paperwork left by the previous owner since I did the initial consultation and site survey. Britt sounded very nice on the […]

Keep Energy Efficiency Energized

Home energy efficiency is a very common topic around here. I believe it is one of the best investments a person can make. It’s also one of the best investments our society can make. Home efficiency saves resources, reduces pollution, increases comfort and improves the economy. The best results occur with the local utility gets […]

Rebates and Some Little Things

If you have been waiting for the right time to apply for a solar system rebate through NV Energy, this is your reminder. Rebate applications are only accepted during certain windows and one of them is currently open. In past years the program used a first-come, first-served application process that produced a mad rush at […]

Cool and Green

Green living happens when we apply conscious thought to everyday life; when vision coupled with planning intersect at appropriate times. Setting yourself up for success is the key. Since summer is here, let’s use an appropriate example. Most of us would not care to live in Southern Nevada without modern air-conditioning systems. We depend on […]

New Solar Thermal Incentives

Timing is everything, as the saying goes, and that certainly applies to act of purchasing a renewable energy system. There seems to be a constantly changing landscape of costs, rebates, incentives and supply that influence the final price of these systems. It would be great if we could gaze into a crystal ball to determine […]