Sierra Club Green Home

PHILIPPINES — Millions of people in the Philippines live in relative darkness. With the cost of electricity beyond the means of many, residents of poorer communities resort to using candles or kerosene lamps, which pose serious health and fire hazards. But, there is an incredibly simple solution that is both greener and safer. (Photo courtesy of ALiterofLight.org)

Architecture at Zero is an international competition to challenge and promote design ideas for urban zero net energy (ZNE) buildings. A total of $25,000 in award money will be divided between at least one student and one professional. Organizers seek creative and feasible ways to urban ZNE building. (Illustration courtesy of Architecture at Zero)

AURORA, CO — An exciting new solar panel factory is coming to Colorado! General Electric just announced plans to build its latest factory in Aurora. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The MS TÛRANOR is on a historic voyage to travel across the globe using only the power of the sun. The crew will act as solar ambassadors and will educate the public about the significance of their global adventure. They are not just on a pleasure cruise; they are conducting scientific research that could change ocean travel forever. (Photo courtesy of PlanetSolar)

SAN FRANCISCO — The EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park is the city’s first building that is completely off the power grid. It features on-site solar energy generation, rainwater collection, and sewage treatment—taking advantage of the sun, the rain, and the natural surroundings. “We don’t want to connect to the grid,” says Tracy Zhu, EcoCenter program manager. (Photo by OpenHomesPhotography.com, courtesy of EcoCenter)

Solar power isn’t just about electricity. Solar hot water is also a great way to utilize the sun’s energy. In fact, solar hot water frequently offers a faster return of your money than a solar electricity installation. Read on to learn more.

If solar electricity or solar water heating isn’t your cards right now, there are plenty of other ways to take advantage of the sun’s energy–for little or no money.

For fun in the sun Solar pool heaters represent the majority of solar water heating systems installed in the United States. In fact, in many climates, they are the most cost-effective type of solar energy system. Their initial cost is competitive with gas and heat pump pool heaters, they last longer, and they cost much [...]

Wondering what all the fuss is about Solar? We’re here to help you. Click on the link at the top of this page to visit our solar center where you can learn everything about going solar, including how much it will cost. Or click below to read our introductory article, “Why Go Solar?”

If you already know solar is for you, get a free quote through our partner Cooler Planet. Just begin by giving a few pieces on information on the left.

Who ever said walls were just for hanging pictures? A Trombe wall is a sun-facing wall designed as a passive solar collector; people can enjoy its benefits in the toasty comfort of their homes. Instead of running your home heating system, you can use the radiant heat flow from an original design.