Solar Power Blog » Sustainable Energy

Environmental Risks that can be Reduced by Renewable Energy

  Since the dawn of time, man has been one with the environment, using its resources to create the best possible life on earth. However, after a few millennia of development, the human race has most recently had the greatest negative effect on the natural environment since the last ice age.  So who is to blame? Although there are plenty of deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and industrial manufacturing processes that are contributing to the greenhouse effect of rising global temperatures, burning fossil fuels like oil and gas are the absolute main cause of the majority of human impact.  In today’s world, nearly everyone in the United States will admit that renewable energies are considered “green,” whether or not they have a...

Read more →


How Much Do Solar Panels Weigh?

  Using solar panels is becoming increasingly common for most people around the world, especially in the U.S.  Our roofs aren’t only useful for protecting us from atmospheric changes like rain, snow, or heat. In fact, we can use them to install solar panels that help us generate the necessary power for our buildings and constructions.  With that being said, the first thing asked when installing solar panels is can my roof handle solar panels?  Luckily, in this article, we are going to answer all the questions that come to your mind if you are interested in installing a solar system on your roof.  How much do solar panels weigh? Most solar panels weigh around 20 to 50 pounds depending...

Read more →


The Most Exciting New Solar Power Technologies in 2021

  Solar power has always had exciting prospects. When it was first developed in 1954, the idea of gaining electricity from the sun was quite revolutionary. Three or four years later, solar panels were being used to power some of the world's first satellites. It's now becoming commonplace to see solar panels on rooftops. But as 2021 marches on, there are still many more exciting solar technologies to look forward to.   Adaptable Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Not everyone likes the way solar panels affect the appeal of their home. Unfortunately, properties with traditional features can often appear mismatched with this innovative technology. However, BIPV is providing the means of seamlessly integrating solar energy with any home. Solar power roof shingles...

Read more →


The Importance of Renewable Energy for the Future

Sustainable energy has enjoyed a considerable amount of publicity in recent times. Of course, this is due in large part to the undeniable effects of climate change. Although valiant efforts have already been made to reduce the emissions of fossil fuels, experts agree that further steps need to be taken.This largely involves the presence of renewable sources of energy. Not only are these methods sustainable from a long-term perspective, but their effects on the environment are not nearly as dire when compared to traditional sources. So, it is crucial to look towards the future. What advancements can we expect to witness? Are some renewables more viable than others? Why is solar power one of the most effective solutions currently available?...

Read more →


Renewable Energy Tax Credits in 2021 and Beyond

  In 2021, renewable energy tax credits are available in the United States to help taxpayers reduce the total cost of a clean power system. Applied against a person or business’s federal and state tax liability, credits for renewable energy systems are available both at the national and local levels to reward sustainability-conscious consumers. Solar Us Shop is a digital retailer focused on providing our customers with the best possible renewable energy products, news, and information. In this quick guide, we will outline all of the most important renewable energy tax credits to know about this year when considering an investment in green power.     The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is a purchasing...

Read more →


Solar Products in 2021: Innovations to Look Out for This Year

With the summer solstice quite literally on the horizon, we have officially made it halfway through 2021. In June and July, total average sun hours are at their highest throughout the year, so what better time to talk about the most interesting innovations in solar power technology.  For years, the Solar Us Shop has been providing our customers with high-quality solar energy products and we are constantly on the lookout for the next big thing. In 2021, solar power production and storage technology has never been more advanced, with tons of people, groups, and companies researching, developing, and funding the renewable energy revolution.  From small devices to massive panel arrays, in this article, we take a full look at some...

Read more →


The History of Renewable Energy Microgeneration (And How it Works)

In the last decade, the rise of microgeneration has helped millions of people around the world access affordable and reliable electricity. While many people may be unaware of their participation, it is safe to say that we are currently in a renewable energy microgeneration revolution.  At Solar Us Shop, the vast majority of our products utilize some form of renewable energy microgeneration. To help bring our customers up to speed with the history and terminology associated with small-scale renewable energy, we’ve developed this complete guide to microgeneration.   Microgeneration Fast FAQs To kick things off right, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about microgeneration in the 21st century.  What is microgeneration? Microgeneration is defined as...

Read more →


The History of Earth Day - And Why You Should Care

Happy Earth Day!  It’s time to wear green, enjoy the outdoors, and talk about the environment. In an era where every day seems to have its own unique holiday (is there anyone else celebrating National German Beer Day tomorrow?), many people do not know enough about the history, legacy, and importance of Earth Day celebrations.  At Solar Us Shop, we have always been strong environmental allies and proudly supply solar and other renewable energy products to help support the modern green revolution. In this article, we outline all of the important things that you should know about Earth Day to help you celebrate and fight for our very worthy planet.   Earth Day Origins After decades of pollution and environmental degradation,...

Read more →


Solar Breeze Ariel | Solar Powered Pool Skimmer Full Review

On a nice sunny day, there is nothing better than enjoying an afternoon relaxing at the pool. A clean pool, that is.  When it comes to taking care of your pool’s conditions, natural debris and routine cleanings can be both time-consuming and expensive, which is why people are constantly looking for new ways to decrease the time, energy, and maintenance costs and considerations.  Today, Solar Breeze has released the Ariel, an automatic pool cleaning robot that is designed to keep your water clear of debris using nothing but the power of the sun. With a free source of energy and automatic cleaning, what’s not to like?  What do we think of the Solar Breeze Ariel? We previously mentioned the Solar Breeze...

Read more →


Our Favorite Color is Green!

Solar Us would like to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day, and remind you of our goal at promoting sustainability and green energy! This year we added to our pledge of being great stewards of the planet by joining the Green Business Bureau. You can learn more about our pledge here. Becoming "green certified" means much more than providing affordable renewable energy applications for our customers. We are also committed to making our operations as clean and green as possible. This year, we hope to build on this pledge and continue offering great and new products such as complete solar power system kits, outdoor solar landscape lighting, wind turbine generator kits, home battery storage applications, and more! Please be...

Read more →


Top 10 Energy Conservation Quotes

Have you ever heard the saying “a dollar saved is a dollar earned”? Well, the same principle applies to the energy that you use throughout your day and lifetime. Every bit of energy (electricity or heat) that you do not use, allows for that same amount to be conserved for another person on the planet.  If you grew up being scolded for leaving the lights on around the house, chances are that you practice a few energy conservation techniques in your day-to-day life. While conserving energy helps reduce your power bill, it will also help lower your carbon footprint when using fossil fuel resources.  With the impending consequences of global warming, energy conservation has become more important than ever on an individual, community, and global level. ...

Read more →


Top Ten Quotes about Wind Energy and Windmills

Wind energy is rapidly growing across the world, but many people have been championing its technology for decades. In the 21st century, advances in windmills and electricity infrastructure make wind energy at the forefront of the green revolution, and that’s certainly something to talk about! Solar Us Shop is dedicated to educating the world about the possibilities of sustainable energy. However, we’ve decided to take a step back, and let some of the world’s leading voices explain all of the benefits of modern wind energy. Below, you can see our top ten quotes for wind power.  Quotes About Wind Energy 1. Björk  "Solar power, wind power, the way forward is to collaborate with nature - it's the only way we...

Read more →


How to dispose of consumer solar products: A complete guide to responsible recycling and disposal

Small solar-powered products are a great way to go green for your wallet and the planet. But once it reaches the end of its useful life, that doesn't mean the legacy of green needs to end. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your old solar products end up in the circular economy, not the landfill. What are small consumer solar products? Small consumer solar products are becoming increasingly popular. The ability to perform a plethora of functions with nothing but the power of the sun is incredibly convenient and saves money in the long run. Common solar powered consumer products include: Fence post lights Battery charger banks Landscape lights Security lights Small solar panels Other products like...

Read more →


Solar Us Shop Becomes Green Business Certified!

Solar Us Shop is now a part of the Green Business Network!

Read more →


DIY Wind Turbine Kits: A Guide for Small-Scale Renewable Power

Here at Solar-Us-Shop, we do not discriminate against any energy choices, so long as they are renewable. While solar is in our name (and always in our hearts), we fully support the rapid growth of wind power in the United States.  Of course, we can’t all be the Alta Wind Energy Center, which is the largest wind-energy power plant in the country. Instead, homesteaders, experimentalists, penny-pinchers, and renewable energy enthusiasts have the opportunity to harness wind power with a DIY wind turbine kit.  In this article, we will break down the logistics, cost, and considerations of modern DIY wind turbine kits before recommending a few products for small-scale renewable energy production.  If you cannot find what you are looking for...

Read more →