Q: Based on our water bills, my family uses lots of water and much of it is probably hot water. Is there a simple solar hot water system design that I could build myself? A: Heating water can account ...

Solar energy has been around for a long time now, which means it's become much more accessible to normal homeowners. With solar panels or collectors installed on your roof, you can take advantage of ...

As the co-owner of a California property that has never been tied to the electric grid, I can attest to the warm feeling of self-sufficiency that comes with a functioning solar power system. We’ve ...

What if you could harness the power of the sun to generate your own energy—right in your backyard? Imagine a system so efficient it could heat water, power small appliances, or even serve as a backup ...

Despite having insulated doors with windows, the garage was unbearable in summer and required constant gas heating in winter to maintain 50–55°F. Since the garage is attached to the house, both ...

Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and ...

Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are ...

A solar water heater is gaining attention among households seeking lower operating costs, yet the technology is still fairly new to most buyers. The number of solar water heater models in the market ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Solar panels continue to rise in popularity year after year as more people learn about the versatility of the renewable energy source. Yes, ...

A water heater is one of those home appliances that you don't think about until it stops working. However, a water heater can be a major energy eater, whether you're buying one for a new home or ...