April 9, 2024

Pearl Home Certification: Leading the Way to High Performance

Pearl Home Certification uses an app to carry contractors through certification, renovations, and then recertification—prioritizing efficiency features along the way.

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November 15, 2023

We Are the Rare, Repeat Solar Customers

Our most recent installers joked that they don’t usually have repeat customers. We installed solar in 2010, 2012, and 2016.

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May 16, 2023

The Unsung Success Story of Increased Efficiency (And Why We All Need More of It)

Advances in technology mean that our homes can use less energy without anyone noticing, and without sacrificing our quality of life.

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February 28, 2023

Decarbonize Your Home to Support a Greener Grid

Energy storage and controls can reshape your home's electricity demand to harmonize with a clean, decarbonized electricity supply.

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September 22, 2022

Highlighting Useful Technologies for Getting to Zero: The New Zero Energy Project Product Directory

Building materials and equipment play a key role in the efficiency and affordability of zero energy buildings. This is why we’re proud to introduce the Zero Energy Project Product Directory to help builders identify appropriate products and to stimulate the supply chain to provide products that will draw the building sector toward greater energy efficiency.

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April 21, 2022

Stracker Solar – Going Beyond Rooftops

Now homes and buildings whose roofs lack sufficient solar access to get to zero can access solar power - and do it more efficiently.

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March 14, 2022

Zero Accessory Dwelling Units: Low Income Housing that Works

New opportunities to expand truly affordable rental housing - building low cost zero energy ADU’s – sometimes referred to as in-law apartments, garage apartments, attic apartments, tiny homes, or casitas. But how to make them truly affordable?

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February 23, 2022

Solar Panels Shine in Hail and Hurricane

Since they are made of glass and sit on rooftops - you would think solar panels would be the first to get damaged in high wind and hail. Check out the real story!

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January 14, 2022

Net-Zero vs Passive House: What are the Similarities and Differences?

Hint: The Answer Goes Beyond Green Building Buzz Words

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January 11, 2021

Community Solar: My Experience

Rooftop solar may be ideal for some, but it can be out of reach for others. If you want to live on locally-generated, clean renewable energy, consider a community solar program. Here’s how one family jumped on board and saved money, too.

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December 8, 2020

Causes for Optimism

One thing everyone agrees on: 2020 has been hard to take. In spite of protests, pandemic, and politics, there are some spots that burn brighter amidst the darkness. Here are a few developments on the path to zero that deserve our gratitude, support and celebration.

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November 9, 2020

Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning

Since before the dawn of civilization, humans have stayed comfortable by harnessing the forces of nature. These principles can also be applied in today’s homes and buildings to reduce or eliminate energy used for conventional air conditioning.

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