This is another entry in my ongoing series of articles I have been writing for GreenOptions. Check out GreenOptions every Wednesday to see my newest article, check this site for last weeks article.

I used to work for a renewable energy contractor. We would get calls from people all the time who wanted to install solar panels, solar thermal panels, wind turbines, even geothermal systems. The very first questions we asked were, what is your current lighting system, your current heating system, the amount of insulation in the home…it was around this point that they would interrupt us and ask what any of this has to do with the shiny new solar panels they want on the roof.

Solar panels are cool, they are the slick blue pimps of the renewable energy world. The concept is just so simple, shine sun on panel, get electricity. They have no moving parts, work for ever (25-50+ years) and are pretty easy to put up. What isn’t so sexy is making sure your walls have the proper amount of insulation, and that you replace all your old fashion light bulbs with CFL’s.

Continue reading How To Get Your Home Ready For Renewable Energy →