Grasshopper Solar

Solar home heating urged: Alternative energy ideas discussed

01/16/2012 at 10:02:32 PM

It's time to further explore using solar energy to heat our homes during cold Canadian winters, according to a local engineer.

Solar Has Huge Year Worldwide, Worst Could Be Over for Solar Stocks

01/13/2012 at 07:57:23 PM

In 2011, solar busted out all over the world, soaring 54% to 28 gigawatts (GW), driven by record installations in Germany and Italy, reports Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

10 solar trends to watch for in 2012

01/05/2012 at 09:45:38 PM

It is an understatement to say solar tech companies have suffered in 2011. The year has been marked by financial losses, layoffs, factory closures, trade complaints and bankruptcies afflicting solar manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The drama will continue in 2012, and here is a look at what to expect next year.

Canadian solar industry promotes solar energy strategies

12/23/2011 at 06:28:16 PM

There isn’t one collective association that represents all renewable energy interests.

Renewable energy operates in sectors such as biofuel, biomass, wind and solar, and each sector association is a self-promoter. Each develops goals and objectives that they believe represent themselves positively and uses a variety of means to ensure that its message is heard.

Germany Creates Nearly Half of World's Solar Power...Any guesses where Canada is on the list?

12/20/2011 at 05:40:11 PM

Thanks to the eco-sensible folks over at One Block Off the Grid, we have a wonderful little infographic examining just what countries are leading the way in producing solar power.

Will Canada be left behind on climate change?

12/09/2011 at 09:52:37 PM

“What happened to the Canada that was always a problem-solver and a leader on the world stage?”

Ontario Power Authority plans for Pickering nuclear decommissioning

11/29/2011 at 09:30:47 PM

When the Pickering nuclear plant reaches the end of its life within the next decade, the gap in Ontario's electricity production will be filled by natural gas and renewables such as wind and solar until new units are built in Darlington.

Canadian researcher pioneers paint-on solar cells

11/28/2011 at 06:43:43 PM

Ted Sargent holds a small paint-on solar cell, about the size of a postage stamp, between his thumb and index finger.

It does not look like it could change the world, but Sargent's backers say the technology just might.

The Next Frontier in Emerging Opportunities: Solar Roads

11/21/2011 at 05:30:10 PM

Imagine you are bicycling on a road. The road has standard streetlights for evening illumination. The road is made of glass. Underneath the glass are two additional layers: an optical layer and a solar-cell layer.

Ontario Power Authority Feed-in-Tariff program under review

11/14/2011 at 08:34:35 PM

Ontario is launching its scheduled review of the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) Program.

The review will examine the program rules and pricing to ensure the program remains successful and sustainable.

Ontario Liberal’s victory supports solar

10/07/2011 at 01:55:59 PM

In a victory that can be interpreted as a positive sign for photovoltaics in north-America, Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal party has claimed victory in yesterday’s Ontario elections.

Mayor wants homes in Nanaimo solar-ready

10/06/2011 at 06:42:04 PM

New Nanaimo homes could soon come fitted with roof supports and plumbing to easily add a solar heating system. Campbell River now requires all new homes to be "solar ready" so homeowners can add the green technology whenever they like.

Message to the Next Ontario government: Stop Darlington: Choose Green Energy

09/29/2011 at 03:03:06 PM

Over 200 organizations are calling on the next government of Ontario to abandon its plan to build expensive new reactors at the Darlington nuclear station so green energy can continue to expand and reduce the risk of a nuclear accident and the production of radioactive waste.

Solar Energy Cheaper Than Nuclear Energy

09/13/2011 at 01:32:45 PM

The costs for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have fallen steadily while construction costs for new nuclear power plants have been rising over the past decade, which now makes electricity generated from new solar installations cheaper than electricity from proposed new nuclear power plants, according to a new report published by a retired Duke University professor

10 Tips on choosing Your Solar Power System Provider

02/23/2011 at 03:55:04 PM

I’ve been at a number of trade shows and home shows and have heard one common question. “How do I choose a solar power system provider?”

Grid Capacity Problems? Not with Grasshopper Solar!

02/14/2011 at 10:57:27 PM

One small article based on a customer view point has scared a lot of people and revealed a dark side to a great business. On Friday February 11th, 2001 an article appeared in the Star...

Solar Panels and a Snow Storm...

02/04/2011 at 03:32:39 PM

Aren’t snowstorms amazing? They shut down cities, cancel school, cancel public events, wreak havoc with traffic and generally make life difficult. I often get a question about how snow affects solar panels and your solar power system in Ontario?

Is a Solar Power System a Good Investment?

02/02/2011 at 04:34:08 PM

I’m sure this question has been asked in one form or another since the Ontario Power Authority announced the FIT and microFIT programs. It’s a great question. My answer is “Yes, absolutely!” Why?

What Solar Panel Solution is Best for Me?

01/29/2011 at 07:16:35 PM

What do a farmer near Blythe, a rental property owner in Sudbury, a contractor outside Ottawa and a homeowner in Guelph have in common?

10 Reasons NOT to Install a Solar Power/Panel System

01/19/2011 at 07:21:57 AM

I’ve spoken with over 253 people about solar power systems since September. It’s been very educational. In my conversations and presentations I’ve come up with the following reasons for not installing a solar power system. After you’ve read this let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Dan