Energy security has become a key social, political and technological concern. With this blog we explore which forms of energy we should secure and how that energy security can be made sustainable.
Lowering the costs of solar panel installations
One of the best innovations in the field of solar energy that I have heard of this year is Sungevity, a Berkeley-based company that brings down the overall costs of installing solar panels by offering a simple way to get a quote.
Instead of inviting firms to come over, measure your roof, take out their compass and other equipment to finally present you with a quote, Sungevity allows you to type in your home address, which will lead you to satellite images of the Earth on which you can mark your house. Your roof will be measured automatically, including the optimal position for the solar panels. You'll find quotes from installation firms in your email box the next day.
This innovation may equal a savings of $1,000 for the customers, and it gives an installation company a much wider reach. Sungevity just raised $6 million to expand its business.
Image via Flickr user kevinthoule under the Creative Commons license.
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