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Solar Alternatives Include this Light Catcher

by Tina Gleisner, in Energy Efficiency

solar alternatives include this light catcher

Building codes are changing at a rapid pace to respond to looming hikes in energy costs and environmental concerns. Solar panel adoption has accelerated in the US, as the cost of the photo voltaic cells used in solar panels (installation, operations and maintenance) has decreased by as much as 15 percent. Solar competition is growing from China and there are solar alternatives being introduced as this fledgling industry takes root.

As with many building materials, most are used first in government and commercial projects, and only 17 percent of today's solar installations are for residential housing. California leads the adoption of solar followed by Arizona, North Carolina, New Jersey and Massachusetts account.

One of the challenges with solar panels is the cost of installing fixed panels versus ones that rotate to capture the sun's rays for more hours each day. That's why this new product from Europe, the LightCatcher, is this week's Friday Find.

Solar Alternatives that Use Mirrors

The LightCatcher from EcoNation, places domes instead of solar panels on the roof. The dome has sensors, along with a motorized mirror and lenses, to follow the sun's movement through the sky. This allows the domes to maximize the amount of sunlight it can direct into buildings, claiming it can provide lighting for up to 10 hours per day.

One advantage the LightCatcher solution has is a smaller number of light domes compared to solar panels. That makes sense for commercial space where lighting represents a higher percentage of energy, and it's mostly during daylight “business” hours. This is in contrast to solar panels which generate and store (or send to the power grid) energy for use in heating and powering home appliances.

Here's a good video that illustrates the concepts behind mirrors and rotation to capture more sunlight. As new solar alternatives come on the market, you should see these technologies integrated. This video appears to have been removed so I've written to [email protected] to see if there is a replacement video.

Solar Alternatives Include New Business Models

The other innovation we're seeing with solar solutions is new business models. Many homeowners might want to install a solar system but are unable to make the large up-front investment. That's where new solar alternatives include assistance with financing. In the US, some states have great incentive programs that offer assistance in the form of rebates to offset the initial investment.

EcoNation, the manufacturer of  LightCatcher light domes has a different model. It absorbs the entire investment, monitors your energy savings and shares the profits with you. According to EcoNation's website, the investment is is made by the Light Investment Company (LiCom), that finances the entire operation. (As of April 2017, this reference is no longer on the EcoNation website although they still claim to offer complete financing) Energy use can be monitored online, or through a smart phone app, with the opportunity to save 20 to 70% on their energy bills immediately, and without the need to invest!

More from my site

  • Alternative Energy Sources for Your HomeAlternative Energy Sources for Your Home
  • Solar Panels Power Boats & Our HomesSolar Panels Power Boats & Our Homes
  • What's the Real Deal on Solar Powered Homes?What's the Real Deal on Solar Powered Homes?
  • Are You Ready to Buy Solar Panels?Are You Ready to Buy Solar Panels?
  • Solar Panel Costs & Tax CreditsSolar Panel Costs & Tax Credits
  • Redefining What a Solar Roof Looks LikeRedefining What a Solar Roof Looks Like

Tags: solar alternatives, solar business models, solar costs, solar energy

About Tina Gleisner

Tina helps women homeowners create homes they love, homes that support how we live today. Leveraging her experience owning 14 houses and running a handyman business, Tina offers a free Savvy Homeowner Report.

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  1. Solar Energy Facts We All Need to Understand - Home Tips for Women says:
    March 2, 2018 at 9:13 pm

    […] Solar Alternatives Include this Light Catcher […]

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