Adair Solar

Rooftop solar panels under the Phoenix sky!

Even in 2012, and even in the sunniest desert in the United States, solar energy is still largely unknown, certainly in terms of how popular it should be by now. While rooftop solar panel installations are growing in numbers across the Valley of the Sun, still, by and large, the concept of solar energy seems to be perceived by many as a “futuristic” idea that hasn’t necessarily arrived yet.

But those in the know can tell you, solar energy use in Phoenix is very much alive and well! And now more than ever, the solar tax credits and rebates available for installing rooftop solar panels and other solar equipment in Arizona are offering smokin’ hot deals. So why do people still run and hide when they are asked to consider solar energy for their homes? Simple–they don’t know any better!

And it’s exactly because people in Phoenix don’t know about solar energy and how it can dramatically lower their cost of living that we offer FREE in-home consultations with our educated and highly experienced solar installers and technicians. They can tell you after reviewing your details and checking out the specs of your home which solar tax credits and rebates you will qualify for, and which solar equipment will best suit your needs.

At the end of the day, the idea is to create savings while also enhancing the value of your house–but another main objective is for you to be able to aptly cool your home during the Arizona summer–without going broke!

So if you’re ready to learn more about how solar energy in Phoenix works, and you’re ready to have a professional debunk the myths surrounding the cost of solar energy and the true price of a solar installation in Phoenix, give us a call! (480) 827-1162.

It’s time to increase the value of your home with a solar installation. It’s time to start saving money. It’s time to go solar. Adair Solar Company in Mesa is here for you!

Inspiring news comes to us today from Kuwait by way of REVE.com. According to their early May report, Kuwait is going into its second phase of implementing solar energy as a widespread–and hopefully widely used resource. REVE notes, “Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) signed here on Sunday a contract to execute the second stage of the country’s solar energy project costing KD 1.5 million.”

The cost is high, but the hope is that the savings will be higher, and that the country’s overall interest in solar energy will continue to grow and thrive. This is particularly interesting news for a small burgeoning country, but especially one that is nestled in the oil-rich region of the Middle East. The fact that nations in this region–and indeed their governments are looking to solar and wind power is an amazing show of faith in these energy sources.

But it also tells us something else. Could it be that the people of the Middle East, in places like Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia know something about the longevity of oil that we don’t know? If they are preparing for a future sans oil, shouldn’t we be too? And even if there is no shortage of oil, the fact that these groups so near to the supply are so ready to move on tells us a great deal about where global culture is when it comes to alternative energy sources: The time is now, and everyone knows it… or do we? That’s a sharp-edged question, but one that certainly deserves a response.

Here in the US, there are no real reasons why home owners should not invest in rooftop solar panels for their homes, but the enthusiasm and zest for solar energy should be like a fever that Americans can’t help but catch. So why is it not taking hold here like it has in Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and even now parts of Africa and the oil-laden Middle East?

Food for thought, but it’s about time Americans begin to take solar energy seriously. It’s not alternative if it’s the only thing left–and really, how far away are we from that reality?

[[Call today for your free in-home consultation for a solar installation from Adair Solar Company in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and beyond by calling (480) 827-1162.]]

Solar energy is good for our economy and our pocketbooks.

In the wake of solar energy adversaries and those who question the true value of renewable energy in general, President Obama took to the public today to defend solar energy and shared a little about why it’s important and what it can do for American citizens and American businesses, as well as the American spirit and economy.

Since becoming the president, Barack Obama has seen 16 very large scale solar projects go up–more than any other president in history. His energy bills and retrofitting/weatherization policies along with his staunch support of wind and solar energy have given rise to some enormous strides in the solar industry, and have helped to continuously drive the cost of solar energy down.

President Obama noted during his speech today that those who oppose solar energy and the channels by which it will become mainstream are not unlike the members of the “Flat Earth Society” during the age of Columbus. While some may see this as a direct jab to the conservative opponents of solar energy, one has to consider that no matter which side of the aisle you’re on, seeing solar as a bad thing probably means you have some blinders on. Here in Arizona–a very red state–we are proud to be installing solar panels more now than ever. Solar water heaters in Phoenix are more popular than any other time in Arizona history, and it isn’t a partisan issue at all. It’s a matter of cooling and heating homes more cheaply by way of using existing local resources, like an abundance of sunshine.

It’s that simple for us at Adair Solar Company in Mesa, AZ. There doesn’t need to be anymore political arguments–if you need to argue, then debate over the cost effectiveness and the efficiency of various solar installation types, or solar versus nonrenewable resources in areas that have a wealth of sun that can be used to power homes.

[[Call today for your free in-home consultation for a solar installation from Adair Solar Company in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and beyond by calling (480) 827-1162.]]

The time for solar energy is now.

Last year, renewable energy investments in solar energy and wind power technologies in the United States ruled the worldwide market, thrusting the United States beyond China, and into the head spot, based on findings from Ernst and Young in their most recent Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index.

Michael Bernier, Senior Manager of the Ernst and Young report states, “The State Attractiveness Indices data enables us to look at specific states and regions and understand what they are doing with renewable energy development and infrastructure on a microscopic level. It enables us to fine-tune the discussion about the overall US market. Moreover, this report uncovers the new national leaders in energy infrastructure. Massachusetts, for example, is a top-five solar market due to a multitude of state-level initiatives, even though it is not the sunniest market. Like Colorado, Massachusetts is building up its research and development in addition to its manufacturing facilities. These factors make renewable energy development in these states possible and further investment probable.”

These are important pieces of great news for the solar energy sector across the United States, and prove that solar energy isn’t going anywhere but up. REVE.com journalists write, “The continuance of [these] tax credit would have a significant impact on what has become a thriving domestic manufacturing sector.”

For places like Arizona, Texas, California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and others, solar tax credits and solar rebates on the state and federal level will be the spring boards that make solar energy pop over the next several years, so it’s important that we all do what we can to take advantage of them, and preserve them as voters.

[[Call today for your free in-home consultation for a solar installation from Adair Solar Company in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and beyond by calling (480) 827-1162.]]

In reading excerpts from Google news about solar energy, we were happy to see another small, local solar energy company (out of California) on the same page with Adair Solar Company in Mesa. From Burbank.com, we read, “In tough economic times like these, it can be hard to find a path in the dimply-lit world of the energy industry.  It seems like every which way you turn, the energy companies are ready and willing to rob you blind.  There is no reason in the world why you should be struggling to provide the most basic of energy needs for you and your family while the big oil companies rake in record breaking profits.  If you feel like this train of thought describes what you and your family are experiencing first hand, then it is time that you explore new and exciting avenues of energy sourcing.

One of the most viable options available today is solar energy.  Installing a solar energy system in your home or commercial building can be a truly gratifying experience.  This is for many reasons.  For example, by simply making this switch you instantly stand to start saving thousands upon thousands of dollars a year in your home energy costs.  Don’t play the pawn to big oil anymore.  Join the hundreds of thousands of hard working Americans like yourself who are making this simple change and choosing to go solar for all of their home energy needs.  It is a decision you need to make sooner rather than later.”

Truer words about solar energy were never spoken! We know that many Arizonans are currently going against the grain of solar energy for the mere fact that they have been misinformed about it. So, if you are ready to hear the story from the horse’s mouth, set up a FREE in-home consultation with Adair Solar Company in Mesa today! Just dial (480) 827-1162 and we’ll get you started.

Speaking for solar energy

Patrick Dempsey was the star at a recent Beverly Hills bash celebrating the power of solar energy and the amazing sustainability that solar panels can provide us all, from home owners to shop owners, and more. According to Renewable Energy World, the evening was a smashing success, and Dempsey is every bit the proponent for solar energy use we thought he was.

“The invited guests included solar professionals and solar advocates, as well as Los Angeles County school officials and representatives from Dempsey’s charities, some of which have already received solar donations through the Trina-Dempsey partnership.

’15 Minutes’ refers to the fact that 15 minutes of sunlight falling on the earth is the equivalent of the power used by the entire planet in a year.  Of course, Trina’s intent isn’t just to harness more solar power, but also Dempsey’s star power to generate increased brand awareness in the residential sector, as well as for its overall corporate image.”

While we have nothing against Beverly Hills or California in general, we’d love to see a celebrity here in Arizona promoting the use of rooftop solar panels in Phoenix for home owners and commercial spaces as well.

Renewable Energy World goes on to tell us, “a recent solar market survey shows that 66 percent of California home solar installations in 2009, 2010, and part of 2011 have been in zip codes with median annual household incomes of less than $85,000 per year. In addition, the report — partially sponsored by SunRun — also shows that 25 percent of its customers earn less than $50,000 per year, which is squarely in the middle class.”

So why not Phoenix? Let’s get on board with more rooftop solar installations in Phoenix and show America that Phoenix is the force to be reckoned with when it comes to making use of solar energy to power our lives!

How old will ideas of solar energy have to be before they're considered mainstream and NOT alternative?

[[Call today for your free in-home consultation for a solar installation from Adair Solar Company in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and beyond by calling (480) 827-1162.]]

While doing some online research about solar energy in Phoenix, AZ, we stumbled across an article from the Glasgow Herald dated October 7, 1957 thanks to Google’s super innovative and cool new feature for finding old documents–kind of like microfiche right at your fingertips. So why would we choose to write about something that was published more than 50 years ago? To make a point about the life and times of solar energy, of course!

The article, which you can read by clicking here, discusses how solar energy can help the Russian space program, which at the time was certainly in its fledgling stage to say the least. While the language and the mission for solar energy written about here is clearly archaic in nature, it proves a point: people have known that the sun can provide us with power for decades upon decades. So why is it that solar energy in Phoenix, or in other parts of the United States is seen as some sort of “new agey” thing that only scientists on the fringes of human communities have been working on in their basements for like two years?

It’s a question worth asking because it’s just that kind of thinking that has people in the dark–literally and figuratively. When giant government-backed projects like Solyndra crash and burn, it isn’t because solar power is the demon seed of a liberal movement–it’s because it was a poorly strategized COMPANY, not a poorly strategized form of energy delivery.

So if you’re on the fence about solar energy, time to get down. Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, the article about solar energy we found from 1957 was probably written before you were born–which means people have had the idea of harnessing the sun for energy on their minds for an awfully long time. It also means that those very people and their colleagues were even then concerned about the longevity of nonrenewable resources. After all, we have been calling them nonrenewable for long enough to know that by not being able to renew them, eventually, they would run out.

Like this, but in the sand

In this case, literally, it’s a lot of hot air. The solar industry has been taking a beating lately, and lest we forget the value of solar energy and what it can do, we thought we’d bring you this little story about solar energy being used to generate clean energy. Now, Adair Solar Company in Mesa can’t install a 2,600 foot solar tower on your home, but as you read on, think to scale!

Okay, so the idea is to build a giant tower, and right here in Arizona! Of course that makes all the sense in the world, but it still excites the heck out of us! According to Daily Tech, here’s the gist on how this baby will work:

“The tower, which would be the second tallest building in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa skyscraper, will be placed in the Arizona desert. It works by creating solar-thermal power from the sun and the wind, where the sun heats up air underneath a translucent covering around the tower. The air is then heated to 194 degrees Fahrenheit, and makes its way into the tower to spin the turbines and rises — the taller the tower, the stronger the flow of air.”

Kinda makes you wish we could build a tower all the way out to the stratosphere, right? It’s great news from the mind of amazing innovator Roger Davey. According to the plans, this tower will last longer than the average solar array an use no water–if that doesn’t blow your mind, check this out: Davey says the tower requires no support and can be built entirely of cement, create enough solar power to keep 100,000 homes going, and will create nearly 2,000 jobs.

If this pans out the way it’s set to, please pray for a repeat! Daily Tech notes there are plans to make towers like these all over the world. Amen!

Saving money using rooftop solar panels in Arizona is nothing new and Adair Solar Company in Mesa has been at it for 35 years. If you’re interested in lowering your monthly utilities bills and going green, call us today: (480) 827-1162.

Looks like Santa might be parking his reindeer between solar panels next year if he does his shopping at Toys ‘R’ Us in New Jersey. An exciting piece of news comes from the toy retailer today, announcing it will be building solar arrays for two New Jersey state locations–one on it Flanders, New Jersey distribution center, and another for its Secaucus retail location, one of the largest flagship locations in the nation.

We all know that New Jersey has been ahead of the solar game, and they’ve rightfully won the title as one of the leaders in solar energy and solar installations both residentially and commercially. So while it’s not surprising that this massive solar install is going into place, it’s also, well, kind of cute! Knowing that the company you buy your children’s toys from uses solar energy in such large measure to operate their business makes them as attractive to young “green” moms and dads as the new Guitar Hero is to their kids.

Regarding the larger of the two new solar installs in Flanders, according to Joan Verdon of North Jersey news, “The 5.38 megawatt system will generate 72 percent of the electricity needed to operate the 1.5 million-square-foot distribution center and will save the company an estimated $366,000 a year in utility costs in Flanders, with an estimated cumulative savings of $7 million over 20 years, the company said.”

Now THOSE are some figures any business owner would love to get for Christmas! We love this story. It’s like hearing your getting chocolate cake and then someone hands you a slice with ice cream on top! Solar energy + toys = very happy campers of all ages. We look forward to the day a Toys ‘R’ Us location in Phoenix goes solar. After all, we’re still in the solar race with New Jersey, so look out Garden State!

As we discussed a couple of posts ago, solar energy is doing nothing if not growing and creating jobs while helping lower our carbon footprint as a nation. But to put a finer point on it, there are some trends forecasted for solar energy by Earth2Tech’s Ucilla Wang.

Wang discusses the leaps and bounds made in the solar energy industry abroad that were spurred by government involvement in the E.U. But Wang also outlines why and how the U.S. will become a solar powerhouse over time, and how 2011 may be a benchmark year to that end.

A main reason for this, Wang notes, is the recent extension of the solar grant program by the U.S. Congress — this grant, when applied to the cost of solar installations for American consumers, makes it possible to subsidize roughly a third of the cost. With this extension, more Americans can continue to choose solar at reasonable costs, and the numbers of Americans who will make the choice to go solar is expected to increase rather dramatically.

In addition to the extension of government grants, Wang also tells us about banks and big business getting on the solar bandwagon. While we have seen some of this in 2008-2010, more of it is slated to be coming down the pike in 2011 and beyond.

Some of the top solar and other alternative energy companies are now offering all kinds of incentives for residential and commercial properties — they know that giving consumers and business owners a leg up with the initial cost of solar equipment and installations will be an excellent long term investment for their portfolios.

If you’d like to hear about which solar tax rebates you qualify for or you’d like to schedule a free in-home consultation for a solar panel or solar water heater installation in Phoenix, give us a call. Adair representatives are happy to answer your questions and get you started on your solar journey.