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Solar Five Blog

Get the latest tips on energy savings and solar with the Solar Five® Official Blog!

energy-efficient holiday decorating, decorating for the holidays
November 28, 2018

Twinkle Time! Tips for Energy Efficient Holiday Decorating

The forecast looks bright this weekend, which is perfect for stringing up some holiday lights! Are you planning out your outdoor holiday decorations for this year? Holiday décor can sometimes mean a larger-than-usual energy bill at the end of the month. Follow these tips for a sparkling energy-efficient holiday without the energy-bill hangover in the…
Getting Your Home Ready for Winter
November 21, 2018

Easy Wins for Getting Your Home Ready for Winter

NOAA may be predicting a milder winter for New England this year, but that doesn’t mean that cold weather won’t be a part of our lives for the next few months. This Fall has featured plenty of rain and mild temperatures, but many suburbs have seen overnight-lows in the 20s already. Is your home ready…
Winter 2018 forecast, Heating my home in winter 2018
October 24, 2018

Winter 2018-2019 Preview: Warmth and Weather This Upcoming Winter

In the middle of the month, two major reports came out that we like to pay attention to: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Winter Outlook and the Energy Information Administration’s Winter Fuels Outlook. These two reports give us a sneak peek on what to expect for the winter and how it may impact…
United Nations Climate Change Report, Climate change consequences
October 17, 2018

Major Climate Change Report: What Your Need to Know

The United Nations released a brand new landmark report about the current conditions of the Earth’s climate and the potential for serious consequences in the future. The news is substantial and concerning, and may leave you with questions. Here is key information you should know about the report. Who wrote the report? The report was…
Green tailgating tips, Tips for greener tailgating
September 26, 2018

Sustainable Tailgating Tips

Fall sports are well underway and that means it’s tailgating season! While cheering on your favorite team is plenty of fun already, gathering with friends and family over fantastic food brings it all together. Tailgating is a wonderful tradition, but it used to come with a lot of waste. With new tools and thoughtful planning,…
Tips for lawn care in September, How to prepare lawn for winter
September 19, 2018

Quick Autumn Lawncare Tips for the Greener Gardener

It’s still Summer Hot, but there is color in the trees if you look hard enough! Transition time means that there is work to do, and a lot of homeowners focus on the lawn during this time of year. Are you already planning some of your weekend warrior projects for September and October? Here are…
Cooling home in high summer heat, Tips for keeping house cool in summer
August 29, 2018

Quick-Cool Tips for When the High Heat Lingers

It’s the end of August and the summer heat is still on! Matter of fact, we’ve seen record highs in July and August. While Autumn chill will come eventually, we can still practice efficient energy use while the hot days carry on a little longer. Here are some quick tips for keeping it cool while…
Green Initiatives in Greater Boston, Sustainability Practices in Greater Boston Region
July 25, 2018

Greener Greater Boston: How Larger Institutions Practice Sustainability

Solar Panels at Patriot Place 4/19/10 - Link to Original Photo We write a lot about the small changes individuals can make to create a more sustainable lifestyle for themselves. For businesses, especially ones that require a lot of resources to maintain, “going green” is about bringing those sustainable practices to scale. Balancing the need…
What is the solar SMART program, Massachusetts SMART program commercial projects
July 18, 2018

Switching to SMART: What the next-gen solar policy means for your project

Changes are in the works for solar policy here in the state of Massachusetts. Thanks to innovative policies that have existed in the state for a decade, Massachusetts leads the nation in both solar power generation capacity and savings initiatives for residential and business systems. Changes in technology and costs have caused policy makers and…
Native Plants in New England
June 27, 2018

Keeping it Local: Why Native Plants Should be Your First Garden Center Choice

With vacation time here and warm weekends offering opportunities to be outside and get things done, perhaps you are one of the many people who will show up at a local home improvement store or gardening center this weekend. While there are plenty of beautiful plants to choose from, this is a great time to…
Water conservation tips for the summer time, Outdoor water conservation tips
June 20, 2018

Water Matters: How to Use Water with Care This Summer

It’s the season of sunshine and warm air. The New England landscape has a pretty mature green wherever you look! It’s the time of year when gardens are in bloom and lawns are at the peak of perfection. A pretty home landscape requires a lot of water this time of year, and that can mean…
Summer tips for families, Sun protection tips
May 23, 2018

Sunny Weather Toolkit: Tips to Get Your Summer Off Right!

The Summer Solstice isn’t until June 21st, but many of us are going to unofficially kick off the season this weekend. Memorial Day Weekend, a time designated to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country, marks the beginning of the summer travel season and the beginning of summer-time fun. Enjoying the summer…
Energy T-shirt Contest
May 7, 2018

Willett Elementary School T-Shirt Contest

Our presentation to Willett Elementary School came with the opportunity to participate in a t-shirt design contest. The shirts needed to include "I save energy". We received over 100 amazing submissions, two of which will be turned into actual t-shirts! We are excited to announce the winners: Chloe Brown and Brianna Cardona Ortez! See below…
Energy Conservation at School, High Five Initiative, Willett Elementary School, Solar Presentation
May 2, 2018

High Five! Solar Five Gives Presentation at Willett Elementary School

In celebration of Earth Day 2018, team members Jake and Jason went out to Willett Elementary School in Attleboro, Massachusetts to give a lesson on energy conservation and a drone demonstration. 200 excited 3rd and 4th graders joined us for a morning of science and engineering exploration, thinking about conservation, and considering how they can…
Apple Solar Farm, Renewable Energy for Business, Smaller Business Going Green
April 25, 2018

Lead by Example: What One Global Giant Can Teach Us About Going Green

Renewable Energy for Business Apple recently announced that its facilities are now running on 100% renewable energy. The announcement comes as many are reflecting on their personal practices and the stark realities of our changing climate just in time for Earth Day. There are lessons that can be learned from the tech giant that can…
solar energy in miami florida, solar energy in south america
April 18, 2018

Hello Sunshine! Solar Five to Open Miami Branch

It’s only natural that a solar company would want to put up shop where the sun seems to shine all the time. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re opening a brand-new office in Miami, Florida, which will serve the Miami market and quickly expand to other southern communities. Our Miami office will also…
garden planning and maintenance, new garden tips and resources
March 28, 2018

Growing Time: Tips for New Gardeners

We suffered our nor’easters and braved the cold, now the snowpack is melting and green is back in sight. No matter what winter thinks, the sun gets stronger by the day and warmer temperatures are on the way. Many local gardeners have already started seeds indoors or are planning their garden layouts. Gardening is one…
Maximizing Daylight in the Home, Maximize light in the house
March 21, 2018

Maximize the Light: Daylight Tips for Your Home

Brightening Tips for Your Home Daylight Savings Time started last week and perhaps you are only now getting used to it. Losing that hour of sleep is most certainly not ideal, right? We are choosing to look past the annoying lack of sleep and instead look forward to stronger sun, longer days, and more opportunities…
Living with climate change, challenges of climate change
February 28, 2018

What We Can Learn About Living with Climate Change

Changes in the Earth’s climate are causing indisputable challenges to the way that we live. These unseasonable warm temperatures during these last days of February serve to remind us that the changes we are experiencing may be subtle (70 degrees on a February day), but they may also be a prelude to more dramatic experiences…
Residential Energy tax credits - featured
February 21, 2018

Energy Credits and Rebates: Energy Consumer Quick Wins

Mid-February is a prime time to think about money-savings as you prepare for tax season and enticing President's Day sales. If you are taking a serious look at your home budget for the year, considering making a major appliance purchase, or preparing to file your taxes, here are some helpful tips and resources for some…
Winter energy tips, How to Lower energy bills during winter
January 24, 2018

Winter Energy Tips: Simple Tricks to Help with the Low Production Months

Winter Energy Tips We've spent this month focusing on Bill Shock and the impact of winter weather on your utility bills if you have solar panels. December and January are disruptive months. As we wrote about in our last post, if your panels are producing little to no energy after a snow storm, chances are…
When Snow Covers Your Solar Panels
January 17, 2018

Winter and Solar Panels: Why Your System is Functioning Normally, Even if it’s Not Producing

Winter and Solar Panels You finally got your solar panels and you’ve enjoyed a few months of excellent production from your system. The winter rolls in, bringing snow, ice, and cloudy days along with it, and your panel productivity has plummeted. Matter of fact, some days, your solar panels aren’t producing energy at all! If…
lower solar panel productivity, Bill Shock
December 26, 2017

Bill Shock: A Few Reminders for Solar Customers in the Winter Months

The Winter Solstice, December 21st, represents our shortest day of the year. These last few weeks and the weeks ahead represent the least amount of daylight hours we will get for the entire year. If you have solar panels installed on your property, you might have noticed an uptick in your energy use while also…
Go Solar in 2018, Solar incentives 2018
December 20, 2017

Why You Should Go Ahead with Your Solar Plans in January 2018

It’s a wonderful time for celebrating the end of another year with friends and family. When the gifts are all given and the big dinner is consumed, a lot of minds turn toward the coming year and the big, awesome opportunities that it represents. Are you thinking that 2018 will be the year you go…
Beaver Brook High Five 1
December 13, 2017

High Five! How Solar Five is Supporting New England Non-Profits

When Solar Five got started, we wanted to be more than just another company. That’s why we started with a set of five core values that drive our vision, decisions, and service to you, our customers. Our fifth core value, Community, is a call to action for our whole team, as we seek to build…
Give the gift of solar, green gift
November 29, 2017

Give Gift that Gives Back: Why You Should Give the Gift of Solar This Year

Holiday gifting is often centered around the latest tech gadget, kid’s toy, or big screen television. All of that is fun, of course, but we know that the best gifts worth giving are the ones that will last a lifetime. Are you looking for a green gift to give to a loved one this holiday…
holiday thank you
November 22, 2017

A Holiday Thank You

It’s the time of year to stop, reflect, and express our appreciation for all the good things that have happened over the past year. I wanted to dedicate a moment to say thank you for supporting Solar Five this year. Solar Five’s mission is to provide ‘peace of mind’ for future energy costs to New…
Green Thanksgiving Tips
November 15, 2017

Green Thanksgiving Tips for Your Upcoming Holiday Meal

Thanksgiving is next week and we’re just as excited as you are! This season of gathering near to the ones we love, sharing traditions, and celebrating another year come and gone means a lot to us. The holiday season should be a time of giving and sharing, but that sometimes translates to excess and waste.…
How much does annual furnace maintenance cost? Do you need furnace maintenance every year?
October 25, 2017

Now is the time: Why This is a Great Time for Annual Furnace Maintenance

We’ve had a warm autumn, but the leaves are falling and the nights are getting chilly. Have you turned on heat yet this season? Last week, we gave a sneak preview for what may turn out to be an expensive winter for fuel costs. We’ve written plenty of tips and tricks for winter energy efficiency,…
How Much It Is Going to Cost to Heat Your Home
October 18, 2017

Let’s Talk Winter: How Much It Is Going to Cost to Heat Your Home

It’s been warm this October, but that doesn’t mean that we are going to skip winter this year. Not only is winter coming, but government agencies and fuel distributers are already thinking about the costs of keeping our homes warm. How much is it going to cost to heat your home this winter? According to…
BQP_3585-comp
September 21, 2017

Community Sourced Summer: What Solar Five Has Been up to This Summer

The team here at Solar Five hopes that you and your family enjoyed a wonderful summer. Does it feel good to be back in a normal routine? As your fellow neighbors here in Massachusetts, we’ve been out enjoying everything…

Autumn home improvement, Autumn home project list
August 23, 2017

Gear Up for Fall: A Quick Autumn Home Improvement List

It’s the end of August, which means that change will be coming to New England soon enough. Autumn is arguably the best time to live here, as the weather gets cool and crisp, the nights get a little longer, and the colors begin to change. As we all well know, Autumn leads to Winter, which…
New England Day Trips
August 18, 2017

7 Fun and Inexpensive New England Day Trips

It’s mid-August, the summer sun is still inviting, the kids still seem to have boundless energy and… you are sick of the beach. How to keep the kiddos outside and entertained, but not doing the same old thing you’ve been doing all summer? Here are some sunny day New England day trips for you and…
Reduce Summer Utility Bills
July 26, 2017

Summer Savings: Quick Changes to Reduce Summer Utility Bills

How are your summer utility bills treating you? With stretches of hot days and mild nights, perhaps you’ve been running your central air or window units more than you expected. Or, perhaps, with the kiddos home from school, you’re simply using more resources as a family this season. The summer can be an expensive time…
Switch to Solar FAQs
July 19, 2017

3 Frequently Asked Questions About Switching to Solar

You’ve been thinking about making the switch, you’ve been reading our blog and following us on Facebook… but you haven’t picked up the phone to give us a call yet. It’s mid-summer now; prime time for homes with solar panels installed! You are missing out on the benefits! What’s holding you back? We’re taking the…
Living with Climate Change
June 28, 2017

Cross-Pond Lessons: What We Can Learn About Living with Climate Change

Living with Climate Change Two weeks ago, the New York Times published a fascinating article on how the Dutch, who live on land that is at or just below sea level, are living with the consequences of climate change. We read the article with great interest and thought we should share. While you can read…
outdoor string lights hanging on a line in backyard
June 21, 2017

Summer Solstice Celebrations

Happy Summer Solstice Day! Are you joining the celebration today? The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, is known as “midsummer” or St. John’s Day in certain parts of the world, and it’s a day to celebrate. We’ve already dedicated a blog post to the science of the equinoxes and…
Summer Skincare Tips, Sun and Skin care
June 2, 2017

Summer Skincare Tips: Helpful Reminders for Protecting Yourself

Sun and Skin Care As a solar company, we have an obvious love for the sun and we are delighted to share our passion about it with everyone we meet. This is the best time of year to enjoy it to the fullest, with summer vacations on the way, festivals and fireworks soon to follow.…
How do Solar Panels Perform in Summer?
May 24, 2017

Prime Time: What to Expect from your Solar Panels this Summer

How do Solar Panels Perform in Summer? It’s finally prime time: long days, blue sky and strong sun means that solar panels in our area will perform at peak capacity for the next few months. If you had your panels installed over the winter, there are so many benefits to look forward to as summer…
Get a Rain Barrel Massachusetts
April 26, 2017

The Simple Wonder: Why You Need a Rain Barrel This Year

Late April is a wonderful time in Massachusetts. Finally, the green of spring is coming out in full force and so are the colors of flowers in bloom! Farmers and home gardeners alike are starting to get outside, turn over their soil and prepare for the growing season to come. Did you know that outdoor…
What is a rain garden?
April 19, 2017

A Functional Ornament: Why You Should Plant a Rain Garden This Year

Planting a Rain Garden With the suddenly warm weather and the bright, sunny skies, you may be itching to get out of the house and start working on your yard. There is so much to do: seeds to sow, grass to fertilize, garden beds to mulch and compost to turn over… but have you given…
Green Cleaning Tips
April 5, 2017

Green Cleaning Tips for the Greening Season

Winter is Ending! Time to Start a Fresh New Season! With Spring’s official arrival, you may be looking around your house with an eye toward spring cleaning. It’s that time of year again: time to declutter, open the windows to let the fresh air in, and give the house a floor-to-ceiling scrub down. Spring Cleaning…
spring equinox
March 29, 2017

Spring is About the Sol: Three Sun Facts to Honor the Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox Has Arrived! We did it, New England! The Vernal Equinox arrived at 6:28am on March 20th, signifying the first day of Spring, the beginning of our longest days of the year, and the promise of warmer days to come. So, what does the Spring Equinox mean and why does it matter? Why…
Light bulb and coins. Isolated on white background
March 8, 2017

3 Revolutionary Women in the Solar Industry – International Women’s Day 2017

International Women's Day 2017 International Women’s Day is a day where we celebrate the social, economical, cultural, and political achievements of women. International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical…
Light bulb and coins. Isolated on white background
March 2, 2017

5 Tips to Save Money on Your Electricity Bill

Looking to Save Money on Electricity Bills? Everyone is always looking for new ways to save money, and there is no better time to start than now. With energy costs on the rise, a great place to save money is within your electric bill. To help you accomplish this, we have created five tips to keep your…
Energy Efficient Appliances
February 22, 2017

Energy Efficient Appliances: 4 Things that Matter to You

It’s a big week for appliance sales. Are you in the market for new energy efficient appliances? If you’re looking for something new, make sure you do your homework. Major appliances come with two price tags: the price you pay in store and the price you pay to run it over time.

Energy Star Appliances
February 15, 2017

Energy Star Appliances: Look for This Label Above All Others!

Energy Star Appliances President’s Day is coming and, in Massachusetts, that means two things: First, school vacation week is coming up fast and, second, it’s almost time to catch an awesome sale on a new appliance. Traditionally, big-box stores have huge sales on home appliances over President’s Day weekend. Are you in the market for…
Cartoon illustration of solar energy panel shaking hands with light bulb
February 8, 2017

How do Solar Panels Work?

How do Solar Panels Work? As more people start to go solar, you might start wondering, how do solar panels work? What causes these rectangular, window-looking objects to take in the sun’s light and turn it into energy for use in your home? One hundred years ago, this technology did not even exist, but now…
Make the Most of Solar Panels
February 1, 2017

4 Tips for Making the Most Out of Solar Panels

On the path to going solar or already have solar panels on your roof? Excellent! But why not do a few simple things to make the most out of your solar panels? These four tips can help anyone increase their energy production and make the most out of solar panels…

Energy Savings Changes to Make Right Now
January 27, 2017

Quick-Start Guide: 5 Money-Saving Energy Tips to Implement RIGHT NOW

You may have already read articles on money-saving energy tips to help you kickstart a prosperous new year. You probably think you’ve gone through them all! Or, maybe you’ve gotten your first energy bill of the year and you’re wondering if you can do more. Here are five easy things you can do today to…
Save Money on Heating Bills
January 25, 2017

6 Tips to Save Money on Heating Bills this Winter

Looking to Save Money on Heating Bills? Winter weather presents enough challenges, and adding the extra burden of expensive heating bills does not help at all. If the winter is especially cold, the cost to heat your home can add up quickly. Are you looking for creative ways to lower your heating bill this winter?…
mass-save-logo2
January 17, 2017

What Is Mass Save and How Can It Help Me Save on Energy in 2017?

We know that you are committed to save on energy in 2017. You are probably doing well with the basics: turning off the lights when you leave the room, keeping your thermostat at a reasonably low temperature… but you probably won’t be too surprised to know that there is plenty more you can do. Massachusetts residents can get a little extra help finding out how they can save thanks to the Mass Save program.

Solar Powered Gifts
December 21, 2016

The Ultimate Green Gift: Giving Solar This Holiday Season

Giving the gift of solar in the form of an initial deposit on a system this holiday season is a thoughtful gift that makes a difference! It helps the environment, making a difference for all of us, and it helps the recipient’s energy cost, saving them thousands of dollars over the life of the system.

Is Winter a Good Time to Go Solar
December 17, 2016

Ahead of the Game: Why Winter is the Perfect Season to Go Solar

Snowflakes are falling, the cold wind is blowing, and we’re experiencing the shortest days of the year. So why should you be thinking about going solar in the winter months? Is winter a good time to sign up for solar? The answer to your question is: yes!

DJI_0004_smaller
May 2, 2016

Tips for Making the Most Out of Solar Power – Part 3

Save more every month by maximizing your solar power! If you’ve invested in solar panels for your Sherborn home, then you are probably already saving quite a bit on your monthly energy bill. But what if there was a way to maximize your solar power and save even more? If you are interested in saving…

fries02lowerres
April 25, 2016

Tips for Making the Most Out of Solar Power – Part 2

Recoup your investment in solar energy by making the most out of it! Typically, a standard solar power system will be able to account for around 75 percent of your annual energy needs. By learning how to maximize your solar energy, you will not only be able to recoup the investment you made in solar…

Res-ground
April 18, 2016

Tips for Making the Most Out of Solar Power – Part 1

Have you recently invested in solar panels for your home? If so, congratulations! You’ve made a great step towards living a more sustainable life. While simply having solar panels is a wonderful way to save money every single month, there are many things you can do around your home to make your solar power work…
banas
April 11, 2016

Why You Should Go Solar – Part 2

There’s never been a better time to go solar! Solar energy can be a great thing for homeowners everywhere! Whether you are looking to save on your monthly electric bills or you wish to protect Mother Earth, taking advantage of solar energy in your Lexington home is a great option. In our last blog, the…
Solar energy panels against sunset sky. Clean energy.
April 4, 2016

Why You Should Go Solar – Part 1

Have you thought about going solar? The solar industry is booming and with good reason. Many people have started to sit up and take notice of the many benefits that are associated with solar energy, and today, more homes have solar panels than ever before. And, according to GTM Research, one solar PV system is…
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