Solar light products are generally purchased through procurement where the lowest bidder gets awarded the project.  Generally, specifications are set to help guide the products to meet certain requirements.  In order for the procurement officer or purchasing agent to verify if the low bidder meets the guidelines they have to understand the technology.  Every industry has various levels of performance, longevity, and options which affect cost.  The difference with the solar industry is everyone is not familiar with the options or performance. 

Solar street lights are becoming more popular as a green alternative is becoming the go to option for sustainability.  Solar street lights provide a better value for cost, optimum lighting, a renewable source of energy, lower maintenance, and easier installation. With all these factors added up, solar street lights can be the best replacement for most applications.

In the race to end the world’s addiction to oil, scientists and researchers are more active than ever in seeking solutions to this problem. What if a fuel management system involved converting sunlight into fuel instead of just reducing the amount of fossil fuels fleets consume? How would this be possible? This is exactly the solution some researchers at UCLA have begun to develop. A small, innovative group of researchers and scientists has discovered a bioreactor that can store electrical energy and convert it into liquid fuel. This is done by using a unique, genetically engineered microbe. After conducting several tests, experts involved with the project labeled the alternative energy source “electrofuels.” Through the use of this energy source, the world would have a more efficient way to produce alternative fuel sources for vehicles and other machinery.

Many years ago, when solar lighting was in its infancy, all people would think of is the huge solar panels with the standard industrial fixtures that were starting to show up. Now, with the implementation of LEDs in conjunction with solar power, fixture options are changing dramatically. Instead of just seeing the standard Cobrahead style fixture, a more decorative line is now available.

One of the largest costs associated with new lighting projects is the cost of trenching in the electric from the main source. Trenching not only costs more, but it tears up the surrounding area and damages landscaping, structures, and pathways. Why not go solar instead and redistribute the money used for expensive trenching and put it into a renewable resource with an actual payback.

Switching to low-energy lighting is something a lot of us plan to do and yet stall when it comes to actually taking action. Sometimes this can be because of doubts about the quality of lighting in energy-savings bulbs, and sometimes it can be simply not knowing where to start. Energy-saving light bulbs save money and are more environmentally friendly – so why wait?

The warmer weather is quickly approaching and soon it will be time for outdoor entertaining. Although enjoying good food and great company outdoors is something that everyone enjoys, some of the parties can really take its toll on the environment. From the common disposable items that are generally used for parties and the energy used/lost through lighting and cooling, one simple party will not only gather high amounts of waste but also add up in cost as well.

Solar energy is becoming an increasingly desirable and viable alternative energy source. The sun can produce over ten thousand times more energy than our planet can, and many countries are now recognising the need to convert from traditional energy creation methods to those that are less harmful. These countries’ willingness to embrace this alternative energy source means that they are, as a result, leading the way in what is now a huge, multi-billion dollar industry that could shape the future of our planet forever. This blog post pays tribute to the top five, and the progress they have made in recent years.

Earth Day is Sunday, April 22nd. What are you going to do for it? I know here at SEPCO we are always working on ways to improve the earth. I wanted to share a few different ways you can both at work and in your home.

New technology in the solar panel kit market could make solar easier to install and more affordable than ever.