Duke Energy Progress is proposing a likely 16.7 percent rate increase for residential customers in NC—a record hike since it was called Carolina Power & Light in the 1980s. If the rate increase is fully-approved, residential customers could see their bills increase from an average of about $105 to $123 per month, adding about $216 over the coming year in additional power costs. Commercial and industrial customers would see an increase of 13.5 percent. The average across all customers would be 15 percent by the start of the new year. The power company made the filing with the N.C. Utilities Commission last week. The review, hearings, and legal proceedings may last through the winter before the Utilities Commission issues a decision. Duke Energy Progress is asking the Utilities Commission for a ruling in time for the new rates to go into...

Understanding Net Metering Let’s start with an exact definition. Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. For example, if a residential customer has a solar power system on the home's rooftop, it may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. In essence, net metering is a system of debits and credits that help your utility company even out your bills. Based on the difference between how much energy your solar panels produce and how much energy you are consuming monthly, your utility bill either will be debited or credited. Credits build when your solar power system produces more energy than you are using and vice versa. Bi-Directional Meters Not all meters are created equal. A bi-directional meter is unlike a...

The Future of Solar Power

It is safe enough to say that it is common knowledge that Donald Trump—love him or hate him—is not the most enthusiastic president we’ve had about renewable energy. He has been quoted throughout the years as holding his reservations regarding the payoff of solar power in particular, questioning the return on investment. Barack Obama before him in contrast was openly more receptive to various forms of renewable energy, especially solar power with numerous programs and incentives to help encourage more to move toward harnessing the power of the Sun. So many people are asking, “Will Trump stop solar power?” and “Is the future of solar looking bright?” Perhaps it is important to consider the possibility that we are asking the wrong question.

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Because solar energy isn’t just a phase that you go through, you need solar installers in Portland, OR who can help you get the system you need. This growing alternative is sweeping the nation and more and more individuals just like you are taking advantage of what solar installation companies can do for them. After all, who doesn’t want to save money each month on their energy bill by doing nothing more than having solar panels installed? With solar panel installation, it’s easier than ever before to keep more money in your pocket and do something positive for the environment at the same time.

Understanding How Solar Energy Works

With traditional power, your home gets its energy from the main power grid. You pay the utility company for the power your home uses. Depending on how much power you use and the time of day you use it, the utility company...

A majority of homeowners are losing money every day due to small household issues they overlook. Here are our picks for the top 5 ways homeowners lose money.

Insulation is used to trap in the heat and cold from leaving your home too quickly. Having proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable environment in your home.

A simple way to keep your home’s temperature from freezing while you have that heater cranked up or still hot when you’re blasting that AC is to take a look at your insulation. Make sure the walls and windows are sealed and undamaged. If your insulation is not there or damaged it's time to get new Insulation. This will keep your home comfy in all weather situations, which will save you money and keep your home energy costs down!

It’s happening . . . Solar power is on the rise in America now in more ways than one! Due to the limits of coal and fossil fuel energy both in terms of supply and efficiency, more Americans are opting every day to reduce their carbon footprint and go green with solar energy. Time has shown harnessing the power of the Sun to be not only a viable option to meet modern-day home and business energy requirements but clearly the most cost-effective and sustainable path moving forward.

Let’s take a look at some of the Facts:

U.S. installations have increased by 17 times since 2008, going from 1.2 gigawatts (GW) to an estimated 30 GW today. This is enough charge to power 30 large nuclear power plants. (Imagine that!)

Prices are dropping. Since 2010, the average cost of solar PV panels has...

A new report by analyst firm Frost & Sullivan projects that in 2017 solar PV will attract more investment than coal, gas and nuclear power combined.

The report, titled the Global Power Industry Outlook 2017, examines power market trends, including investment and regional growth. The report deduces that this year, renewable power investment will reach $243.1 billion globally, with solar PV investment comprising $141.6 billion of that total, followed by wind.

Although solar prices continue to decline, as does the cost of wind power, renewable investment is booming at the expense of traditional power generation because clean energy increasingly offers more profitable project costs and benefits from stable regulatory support across the globe, the report finds.

By 2020, say the analysts, non-hydro renewable energies will account for 65% of all power generation...