Rapid increase in the demand of renewable energy sources like solar energy in the last year means that we may be closer than we think to cutting fossil fuel consumption altogether, despite rising electricity usage.
Best Deal On Solar Modules
How do you define the Best Deal on solar modules? Is it simply a matter of a big discount off the regular price? Or do you go one step further and do the quick calculation of $/Watt? Or, perhaps you
BC Hydro Net Metering Program Still Pays For Power!
There has been a lot of misinformation floating around since BC Hydro announced changes to the BC Hydro Net Metering Program last spring. I’ve been reading articles and comments that the program has been killed. This is NOT the case.
Protect Your Roof & Rafters From Solar Installations
Author: Graham Morfitt, BSc (Physics) In this posting, I’d like to draw your attention to an issue that somehow gets avoided in our industry… the roof attachment. In this case, I am not talking about the mechanical pieces that protect
Don’t Pass on Pass-Through Charging!
We’ve been promoting the concept of pass-through charging since the early days of portable solar equipment. Primarily with the onset of lithium battery packs. Lately, I’ve seen a lot of buzz about it, which thankfully means that the functionality is
How Do I Use A USB Solar Panel?
A quick “How-To” for those new to portable solar… How do you use a USB solar panel or charger to keep your USB equipment & cameras running everywhere you go? Simple. Start by asking us what the best USB solar
Portable Battery Banks – 3 Steps To Choosing Wisely
Did you see that great deal on that randomly-named USB battery pack on Amazon? Looks great doesn’t it? Massive storage. Connects to tablets & phones of all types. Charges fast. What else could you possibly want? As it turns out,
Choosing The Best Solar Panel
Choosing the best solar panel is not simply a matter of getting the most watts for the cheapest price. Even if we could assume that all manufacturers produce equipment of equal quality, the old adage of “For every job, there
Unlimited Pokemon Go Battery Life for your Phone
C/Net recently published an article outlining the power demands placed on an iPhone when playing Pokemon Go. Similar results can be expected on an Android device. While powering the phone for AR, GPS, camera, bright screen for daylight, and graphics processing,
Solar Powered Laptop… Realities
Need a solar powered laptop? This article covers everything you need to know to take your laptop off-grid. Editor: Graham Morfitt, BSc (Physics) POP QUIZ Take a close look at this photo… See the problems? 1. The panel’s output voltage
Solar Charging dSLR Cameras
Solar charging dSLR cameras away from civilization? This article covers everything you need to know to take your laptop off-grid. Editor: Graham Morfitt, BSc (Physics) This note is provided as a guide to those who want to solar power their digital SLR
Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Review
A lot of places sell the Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus solar recharger. MEC sells it. Costco often sells it. Modern Outpost sells it. Is it worth the money? This is a Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus review to help
Buying A Pocket Solar Charger
I’ve been seeing a huge number of ‘gadget’ solar chargers on the market this year. Everything from keychain size up to devices larger than your hand. Personally, I think this is fantastic, and am glad to see so many alternative
Solar Trickle Charging Vehicle Batteries
Need to store an RV, car, boat, SeaDoo, or ATV for the winter? Here’s a quick look at your solar options for keeping your vehicle battery maintained through our Canadian winter, and avoid the cost of a ruined battery in
Solar Gifts – Avoid Disappointment
Thinking about a solar gadget as a gift for someone? I’d like you to choose wisely. What they say it can do in the description often isn’t the case. And, they assume you won’t do a little math to make
Solar Charger vs More Camera Batteries
The question almost always comes up… do I really need a solar charger for my upcoming wilderness trek, or should I just buy a bunch of camera batteries? Knowing that you will be away from power for days, weeks, or