Sierra Club Green Home

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 less [...]

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.

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.

You probably have a dark secret. No, not the one you begged your friends to take to their grave. It’s the one in your kitchen, or bathroom or hallway. It’s that spot that always seems to be dark, even with the lights on. Unless your home was optimally designed to take advantage of natural light, odds are you have a few dim spots that could use some brightening.

Any company that installs solar electric systems (also known as photovoltaic, or PV, systems) can help you figure out if PV makes sense for your household. But as with any home improvement project, buyer beware. While reputable companies won’t try to talk you into a deal that doesn’t make sense, unscrupulous companies may overpromise on performance, overestimate how big a system you need, or underestimate potential problems at your site.

Streets paved with recycled concrete. Eco-friendly siding on suburban homes. Sounds like a perfect eco-friendly neighborhood. What’s missing? The perfect eco-roof.

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How will a PV system change your life?
Unless you are experienced with wiring and construction, you’ll probably opt for professional installation of your home solar electric system. That will save you time and trouble, but you’ll still need to manage the home solar installation process and take care of the system once it’s installed. Here’s [...]

Making the most of the sun’s energy without spending a bundle

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.
One of the simplest is hanging your wet duds on a clothesline. It only takes just a [...]