New Jersey may not jump off the page as a top state for solar energy, but its attractive solar-related financial incentives have prompted over $10 billion in solar investments statewide. If you're a homeowner looking to take advantage of the many benefits of solar in the Garden State, read on to see our top 10 picks for the best solar companies in New Jersey.
Our Top Picks for New Jersey Solar Installers
- SunPower
- Green Power Energy
- New Jersey Solar Power
- Solar Energy World
- Impact Solar, LLC
- Green Sun Energy Services
- Trinity Solar
- PlugPV
- Cape Fear Solar Systems
- Solar Me
For many residents of New Jersey, the cost of solar is the biggest factor in choosing an installer. We recommend shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-pressure quotes from pre-screened solar panel companies in your area, fill out the form below.
10 Best Solar Companies in New Jersey
In a state with such effective solar incentives, it's important to choose a solar provider that knows the ins and outs of local energy policies. This way, you can make sure you get the most value out of your investment in solar. With this in mind, here are our choices for the best solar companies in New Jersey:
SunPower
SunPower
An industry leader for more than 30 years, SunPower's reputation for excellent customer care and all-in-one solar solutions earns it a top spot on our list. SunPower reviews praise the company's online design studio and virtual consultations, which provide customers with accurate designs and cost estimates.
Although it's a national provider, SunPower has Master Dealers in 17 states including New Jersey. The invitation-only Master Dealers program highlights installers that are rigorously selected by SunPower as its top brand representatives, so you can be confident you're getting a high-quality installation experience.
Green Power Energy
Green Power Energy
Green Power Energy operates in four states across the Northeast installing solar, storage, roofs and electric vehicle chargers. Built on core values of integrity, quality and reliability, Green Power Energy installed over 5,400 kW of solar throughout New Jersey in 2020. The company offers a variety of solar financing options, has a user-friendly installation process and maintains an excellent reputation within the industry and among its customers.
New Jersey Solar Power
New Jersey Solar Power
Predictably, New Jersey Solar Power provides solar energy solutions statewide. The team specializes in its expertise of New Jersey policies and incentives, making the process as smooth and profitable for New Jersey customers as possible. With $0-down financing options and some of the best solar panels available from LG and Panasonic, New Jersey Solar Power is sure to provide a transparent and reliable process from start to finish.
Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World
Maryland-based Solar Energy World continually ranks as one of the best solar energy installers in New Jersey and the greater Northeast region. Solar Energy World's mission is to provide people an affordable way to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, and it's lived up to its goals as reflected by many happy customers and commendable efforts in corporate responsibility. If you focus your purchases on ethics and quality, Solar Energy World makes a fantastic option.
Impact Solar, LLC
Impact Solar
If you're looking for a brand highly trusted by local residents, Impact Solar may be the choice for you. Impact Solar's team and service area are a touch smaller than most other companies on this list, but it has over 35 years of experience working in several counties across New Jersey.
This means you can depend on the company's expert knowledge in both regional solar incentives and preventative maintenance methods like squirrel guards and snow or debris removal. Through its decades of installing systems in New Jersey, Impact Solar has maintained a stellar reputation among its peers and customers.
Green Sun Energy Services
Green Sun Energy Services
Supporting clients throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Somerset, Mercer and Union Counties, this local New Jersey solar installer specializes in creating long-term value for its customers. Approaching solar as the financial investment that it is, Green Sun Energy focuses on solar financing as the cornerstone of a customer's eligibility and solar success. We also love its " Solar Hall of Shame," a hilarious page dedicated to ugly or poorly installed solar arrays from around the state.
Trinity Solar
Trinity Solar
Family-owned Trinity Solar is the largest privately held residential solar installation company in the nation, and it led the Garden State in total kW of residential solar installed in 2020. With over 65,000 solar projects under its belt, Trinity Solar is a safe bet for a positive solar experience. If your focus is to find an experienced company with a trusted track record of success, Trinity is one of the best solar companies in New Jersey.
PlugPV
PlugPV
Priding itself on quality workmanship, PlugPV solar is a small but high-impact team of experienced solar professionals in the Northeast. PlugPV boasts an impressive product portfolio including solar PV, backup solar batteries and EV chargers. Top brands like Tesla and Generac trust PlugPV to handle local installations, so you can trust it is a high-quality solar provider.
Cape Fear Solar Systems
Cape Fear Solar Systems
If you're looking for personalized service from a solar provider, Cape Fear Solar Systems is known for building lasting relationships with its customers. It has no plans of expanding beyond New Jersey's borders, and its highly localized approach has proven to be very successful — it installed nearly 5,000 kW of solar in the state in 2020 while maintaining a sparkling reputation.
Solar Me
Solar Me
Our final pick for best solar companies in New Jersey is Solar Me. This installer has brought the benefits of solar energy to thousands of happy customers across New Jersey. Offering QCell, Panasonic, LG, Hanwha, Enphase and SolarEdge technology and with technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), Solar Me is an accredited and trusted installer more than capable of providing you with a solar solution to meet your energy needs.
Choosing the Best Solar Installer for Your Home
Now that you have an idea of some of the best solar New Jersey solar installers, you may be wondering how to narrow down which one is right for you. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when picking a solar energy company:
Services Offered
Of course, all solar companies can install solar panels on your roof. However, beyond this, there are a number of services you may be interested in. For example, do you want home energy monitoring, backup battery services, included routine maintenance or an EV charger installed with your panels? Some companies offer these services, and others do not.
Installation Process
Ask about the solar installation process during your initial consultation with a company. Be sure to get details about things like customization, whether a company uses subcontractors or in-house technicians and whether the company will be filing permits on your behalf. The answers you receive can help you gauge how knowledgeable and helpful your installer will be throughout the process.
Service Areas
With its effective incentive programs, New Jersey has become one of the best states for solar energy. As a result, many small local companies are breaking into the industry. One easy way to find the best solar installer near you is to use a zip code-specific quote tool, which will only show you results from your area.
Solar Costs and Financing
Cost, for many homeowners, is a deciding factor in the decision to hire one solar installer over another. We recommend comparing free quotes from a few companies and looking out for any available discounts. By getting multiple quotes, you may be able to save thousands of dollars on your installation — especially if the company you really want to work with has a price-match guarantee.
Another thing to consider is whether the company has the financing options you need, such as in-house solar loans or a solar leasing or power purchase agreement (PPA) program.
Solar Industry Affiliations
When choosing the best solar installer near you, look for certifications that show trustworthiness and a reputable status within the industry. For example, employing NABCEP-certified technicians or holding membership in the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) are good signs of a reliable company.
Types of Panels
In your search for the best solar company, it helps to familiarize yourself with the different types of panels and products you want. If you have a smaller roof, finding a company with high-efficiency panels may be a good idea. If you have a specific solar panel or energy storage system in mind, you'll also want to ensure you pick a company that's certified to install that brand.
Solar Incentives and Rebates
Make sure to ask your solar provider about any and all solar rebates, tax credits and incentives available in your area. Any of the best solar providers will offer assistance in applying for the federal solar tax credit and net metering, but some may have more expertise in how to take full advantage of solar rebates, tax credits or other incentives available in your area.
Warranty
Solar panels have an average lifespan of about 25, and it's important that your installer ensures your system will continue to work efficiently through the years. Many solar providers offer a 25-year technology and workmanship warranty, but some warranties can be shorter. Ask about this on the front end so you're not stuck with defective panels down the road.
Cost of Solar in New Jersey
Based on market research and data from top solar panel brands, we found the average current cost of solar in New Jersey to be around $2.77 per watt. Using this average, we can calculate that after applying the federal solar tax credit, a 5-kW solar panel system would cost around $10,249 and a 10-kW system would cost around $20,498.
Any of the best solar companies in New Jersey will be able to advise you on incentives and solar tax exemptions to reduce your overall project costs. However, it's a good idea to be familiar with these on your own, too. Here's a rundown of New Jersey solar incentives:
| New Jersey Solar Incentive | New Jersey Solar Incentive Overview |
|---|---|
| Net Metering | New Jersey offers a robust net metering program that gives solar panel owners credits for the unused electricity generated by their panels. These credits can be used to pay for energy you pull from the grid at night. |
|
Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
New Jersey residents do not have to pay the state's 6.625% sales tax on solar panels or other eligible solar equipment. |
|
Solar Property Tax Exemption |
Installing solar panels boosts your property value in New Jersey, but the state doesn't require you to pay any additional taxes that would typically come with home add-ons. |
| Transition Renewable Energy Certificates (TRECs) | TRECs allow homeowners to receive cash payments or utility bill credits for all renewable energy their panels generate. |
Final Thoughts
If you're a New Jersey homeowner interested in solar, you're in luck. New Jersey has served as a model for most other states in its use of effective incentives to foster the growth of clean energy. But with solar's popularity in the state, it can be tough to sift through growing lists of providers looking to capitalize on the solar industry's growth.
This is why we recommend you get quotes from several competing New Jersey solar companies. Not only can you see what costs and benefits each will offer in its proposals, but you can ensure you receive the maximum value for your purchase. Solar is a significant investment, but one of the best you can make.
To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in New Jersey, fill out the 30-second form below.
Karsten Neumeister is a writer and renewable energy specialist with a background in writing and the humanities. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the energy sector of New Orleans, focusing on renewable energy policy and technology. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.
New Jersey may not jump off the page as a top state for solar energy, but its attractive solar-related financial incentives have prompted over $10 billion in solar investments statewide. If you're a homeowner looking to take advantage of the many benefits of solar in the Garden State, read on to see our top 10 picks for the best solar companies in New Jersey.
Our Top Picks for New Jersey Solar Installers
- SunPower
- Green Power Energy
- New Jersey Solar Power
- Solar Energy World
- Impact Solar, LLC
- Green Sun Energy Services
- Trinity Solar
- PlugPV
- Cape Fear Solar Systems
- Solar Me
For many residents of New Jersey, the cost of solar is the biggest factor in choosing an installer. We recommend shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-pressure quotes from pre-screened solar panel companies in your area, fill out the form below.
10 Best Solar Companies in New Jersey
In a state with such effective solar incentives, it's important to choose a solar provider that knows the ins and outs of local energy policies. This way, you can make sure you get the most value out of your investment in solar. With this in mind, here are our choices for the best solar companies in New Jersey:
SunPower
SunPower
An industry leader for more than 30 years, SunPower's reputation for excellent customer care and all-in-one solar solutions earns it a top spot on our list. SunPower reviews praise the company's online design studio and virtual consultations, which provide customers with accurate designs and cost estimates.
Although it's a national provider, SunPower has Master Dealers in 17 states including New Jersey. The invitation-only Master Dealers program highlights installers that are rigorously selected by SunPower as its top brand representatives, so you can be confident you're getting a high-quality installation experience.
Green Power Energy
Green Power Energy
Green Power Energy operates in four states across the Northeast installing solar, storage, roofs and electric vehicle chargers. Built on core values of integrity, quality and reliability, Green Power Energy installed over 5,400 kW of solar throughout New Jersey in 2020. The company offers a variety of solar financing options, has a user-friendly installation process and maintains an excellent reputation within the industry and among its customers.
New Jersey Solar Power
New Jersey Solar Power
Predictably, New Jersey Solar Power provides solar energy solutions statewide. The team specializes in its expertise of New Jersey policies and incentives, making the process as smooth and profitable for New Jersey customers as possible. With $0-down financing options and some of the best solar panels available from LG and Panasonic, New Jersey Solar Power is sure to provide a transparent and reliable process from start to finish.
Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World
Maryland-based Solar Energy World continually ranks as one of the best solar energy installers in New Jersey and the greater Northeast region. Solar Energy World's mission is to provide people an affordable way to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, and it's lived up to its goals as reflected by many happy customers and commendable efforts in corporate responsibility. If you focus your purchases on ethics and quality, Solar Energy World makes a fantastic option.
Impact Solar, LLC
Impact Solar
If you're looking for a brand highly trusted by local residents, Impact Solar may be the choice for you. Impact Solar's team and service area are a touch smaller than most other companies on this list, but it has over 35 years of experience working in several counties across New Jersey.
This means you can depend on the company's expert knowledge in both regional solar incentives and preventative maintenance methods like squirrel guards and snow or debris removal. Through its decades of installing systems in New Jersey, Impact Solar has maintained a stellar reputation among its peers and customers.
Green Sun Energy Services
Green Sun Energy Services
Supporting clients throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Somerset, Mercer and Union Counties, this local New Jersey solar installer specializes in creating long-term value for its customers. Approaching solar as the financial investment that it is, Green Sun Energy focuses on solar financing as the cornerstone of a customer's eligibility and solar success. We also love its " Solar Hall of Shame," a hilarious page dedicated to ugly or poorly installed solar arrays from around the state.
Trinity Solar
Trinity Solar
Family-owned Trinity Solar is the largest privately held residential solar installation company in the nation, and it led the Garden State in total kW of residential solar installed in 2020. With over 65,000 solar projects under its belt, Trinity Solar is a safe bet for a positive solar experience. If your focus is to find an experienced company with a trusted track record of success, Trinity is one of the best solar companies in New Jersey.
PlugPV
PlugPV
Priding itself on quality workmanship, PlugPV solar is a small but high-impact team of experienced solar professionals in the Northeast. PlugPV boasts an impressive product portfolio including solar PV, backup solar batteries and EV chargers. Top brands like Tesla and Generac trust PlugPV to handle local installations, so you can trust it is a high-quality solar provider.
Cape Fear Solar Systems
Cape Fear Solar Systems
If you're looking for personalized service from a solar provider, Cape Fear Solar Systems is known for building lasting relationships with its customers. It has no plans of expanding beyond New Jersey's borders, and its highly localized approach has proven to be very successful — it installed nearly 5,000 kW of solar in the state in 2020 while maintaining a sparkling reputation.
Solar Me
Solar Me
Our final pick for best solar companies in New Jersey is Solar Me. This installer has brought the benefits of solar energy to thousands of happy customers across New Jersey. Offering QCell, Panasonic, LG, Hanwha, Enphase and SolarEdge technology and with technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), Solar Me is an accredited and trusted installer more than capable of providing you with a solar solution to meet your energy needs.
Choosing the Best Solar Installer for Your Home
Now that you have an idea of some of the best solar New Jersey solar installers, you may be wondering how to narrow down which one is right for you. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when picking a solar energy company:
Services Offered
Of course, all solar companies can install solar panels on your roof. However, beyond this, there are a number of services you may be interested in. For example, do you want home energy monitoring, backup battery services, included routine maintenance or an EV charger installed with your panels? Some companies offer these services, and others do not.
Installation Process
Ask about the solar installation process during your initial consultation with a company. Be sure to get details about things like customization, whether a company uses subcontractors or in-house technicians and whether the company will be filing permits on your behalf. The answers you receive can help you gauge how knowledgeable and helpful your installer will be throughout the process.
Service Areas
With its effective incentive programs, New Jersey has become one of the best states for solar energy. As a result, many small local companies are breaking into the industry. One easy way to find the best solar installer near you is to use a zip code-specific quote tool, which will only show you results from your area.
Solar Costs and Financing
Cost, for many homeowners, is a deciding factor in the decision to hire one solar installer over another. We recommend comparing free quotes from a few companies and looking out for any available discounts. By getting multiple quotes, you may be able to save thousands of dollars on your installation — especially if the company you really want to work with has a price-match guarantee.
Another thing to consider is whether the company has the financing options you need, such as in-house solar loans or a solar leasing or power purchase agreement (PPA) program.
Solar Industry Affiliations
When choosing the best solar installer near you, look for certifications that show trustworthiness and a reputable status within the industry. For example, employing NABCEP-certified technicians or holding membership in the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) are good signs of a reliable company.
Types of Panels
In your search for the best solar company, it helps to familiarize yourself with the different types of panels and products you want. If you have a smaller roof, finding a company with high-efficiency panels may be a good idea. If you have a specific solar panel or energy storage system in mind, you'll also want to ensure you pick a company that's certified to install that brand.
Solar Incentives and Rebates
Make sure to ask your solar provider about any and all solar rebates, tax credits and incentives available in your area. Any of the best solar providers will offer assistance in applying for the federal solar tax credit and net metering, but some may have more expertise in how to take full advantage of solar rebates, tax credits or other incentives available in your area.
Warranty
Solar panels have an average lifespan of about 25, and it's important that your installer ensures your system will continue to work efficiently through the years. Many solar providers offer a 25-year technology and workmanship warranty, but some warranties can be shorter. Ask about this on the front end so you're not stuck with defective panels down the road.
Cost of Solar in New Jersey
Based on market research and data from top solar panel brands, we found the average current cost of solar in New Jersey to be around $2.77 per watt. Using this average, we can calculate that after applying the federal solar tax credit, a 5-kW solar panel system would cost around $10,249 and a 10-kW system would cost around $20,498.
Any of the best solar companies in New Jersey will be able to advise you on incentives and solar tax exemptions to reduce your overall project costs. However, it's a good idea to be familiar with these on your own, too. Here's a rundown of New Jersey solar incentives:
| New Jersey Solar Incentive | New Jersey Solar Incentive Overview |
|---|---|
| Net Metering | New Jersey offers a robust net metering program that gives solar panel owners credits for the unused electricity generated by their panels. These credits can be used to pay for energy you pull from the grid at night. |
|
Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
New Jersey residents do not have to pay the state's 6.625% sales tax on solar panels or other eligible solar equipment. |
|
Solar Property Tax Exemption |
Installing solar panels boosts your property value in New Jersey, but the state doesn't require you to pay any additional taxes that would typically come with home add-ons. |
| Transition Renewable Energy Certificates (TRECs) | TRECs allow homeowners to receive cash payments or utility bill credits for all renewable energy their panels generate. |
Final Thoughts
If you're a New Jersey homeowner interested in solar, you're in luck. New Jersey has served as a model for most other states in its use of effective incentives to foster the growth of clean energy. But with solar's popularity in the state, it can be tough to sift through growing lists of providers looking to capitalize on the solar industry's growth.
This is why we recommend you get quotes from several competing New Jersey solar companies. Not only can you see what costs and benefits each will offer in its proposals, but you can ensure you receive the maximum value for your purchase. Solar is a significant investment, but one of the best you can make.
To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in New Jersey, fill out the 30-second form below.
Karsten Neumeister is a writer and renewable energy specialist with a background in writing and the humanities. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the energy sector of New Orleans, focusing on renewable energy policy and technology. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.
As a forestry scientist, I'm often asked how climate change is affecting fall foliage displays. What's clearest so far is that color changes are occurring later in the season. And the persistence of very warm, wet weather in 2021 is reducing color displays in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. But climate change isn't the only factor at work, and in some areas, human decisions about forest management are the biggest influences.
Longer Growing Seasons
Climate change is clearly making the Northeast warmer and wetter. Since 1980, average temperatures in the Northeast have increased by 0.66 degrees Fahrenheit (0.37 Celsius), and average annual precipitation has increased by 3.4 inches (8.6 centimeters) – about 8%. This increase in precipitation fuels tree growth and tends to offset stress on the trees from rising temperatures. In the West, which is becoming both warmer and drier, climate change is having greater physiological effects on trees.
My research in tree physiology and dendrochronology – dating and interpreting past events based on trees' growth rings – shows that in general, trees in the eastern U.S. have fared quite well in a changing climate. That's not surprising given the subtle variations in climate across much of the eastern U.S. Temperature often limits trees' growth in cool and cold regions, so the trees usually benefit from slight warming.
In addition, carbon dioxide – the dominant greenhouse gas warming Earth's climate – is also the molecule that fuels photosynthesis in plants. As carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere increase, plants carry out more photosynthesis and grow more.
More carbon dioxide is not automatically good for the planet – an idea often referred to as “global greening." There are natural limits to how much photosynthesis plants can carry out. Plants need water and nutrients to grow, and supplies of these inputs are limited. And as carbon dioxide concentrations rise, plants' ability to use it decreases – an effect known as carbon dioxide saturation.
For now, however, climate change has extended the growing season for trees in the Northeast by about 10-14 days. In my tree ring research, we routinely see trees putting on much more diameter growth now than in the past.
This effect is particularly evident in young trees, but we see it in old trees as well. That's remarkable because old trees' growth should be slowing down, not speeding up. Scientists in western states have even noted this acceleration in bristlecone pines that are over 4,000 years old – the oldest trees in the world.
Fall colors emerge when the growing season ends and trees stop photosynthesizing. The trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment in their leaves, which absorbs energy from sunlight. This allows carotenoid (orange) and xanthophyll (yellow) pigments in the leaves to emerge. The leaves also produce a third pigment, anthocyanin, which creates red colors. A longer growing season may mean that fall colors emerge later – and it can also make those colors duller.
A Changing Mix of Trees
Climate isn't the only thing that affects fall colors. The types of tree species in a forest are an even bigger factor, and forest composition in the eastern U.S. has changed dramatically over the past century.
Notably, eastern forests today have more species such as red maple, black birch, tulip poplar and blackgum than they did in the early 20th century. These trees are shade-tolerant and typically grow in conditions that are neither extremely wet nor extremely dry. They also produce intense red and yellow displays in the fall.
This shift began in the 1930s, when federal agencies adopted policies that called for suppressing all wildfires quickly rather than letting some burn. At that time, much of the eastern U.S. was dominated by fire-adapted oak, pine and hickory. Without fires recurring once or twice a decade, these species fail to regenerate and ultimately decline, allowing more shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive trees like red maple to invade.
There is evidence that some tree species in the eastern U.S. are migrating to the north and west because of warming, increasing precipitation and fire suppression. This trend could affect fall colors as regions gain or lose particular species. In particular, studies indicate that the range of sugar maples – one of the best color-producing trees – is shifting northward into Canada.
Forests Under Pressure
So far it's clear that warming has caused a delay in peak colors for much of the East, ranging from a few days in Pennsylvania to as much as two weeks in New England. It's not yet known whether this delay is making fall colors less intense or shorter-lasting.
But I've observed over the past 35 years that when very warm and wet weather extends into mid- and late October, leaves typically go from green to either dull colors or directly to brown, particularly if there is a sudden frost. This year there are few intense red leaves, which suggests that warmth has interfered with anthocyanin production. Some classic red producers, such as red maple and scarlet oak, are producing yellow leaves.
Other factors could also stress eastern forests. Climate scientists project that global warming will make tropical storms and hurricanes more intense and destructive, with higher rainfall rates. These storms could knock down trees, blow leaves off those left standing and reduce fall coloration.
Maple leaves infected with a fungal pathogen that can lead to premature leaf loss. UMass Amherst, CC BY-ND
Scientists also expect climate change to expand the ranges of insects that prey on trees, such as the emerald ash borer. And this year's very wet fall has also increased problems with leaf-spotting fungi, which are hitting sugar maples particularly hard.
Forests shade the earth and absorb carbon dioxide. I am proud to see an increasing number of foresters getting involved in ecological forestry, an approach that focuses on ecosystem services that forests provide, such as storing carbon, filtering water and sheltering wildlife.
Foresters can help to slow climate change by revegetating open land, increasing forests' biodiversity and using highly adaptable tree species that are long-lived, produce many seeds and migrate over time. Shaping eastern forests to thrive in a changing climate can help preserve their benefits – including fall color displays – well into the future.
Marc Abrams is a professor of forest ecology and physiology, at Penn State.
Disclosure statement: Marc Abrams does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Reposted with permission from The Conversation.
- Climate Change Is Making Fall Leaves Change Color Sooner ... ›
- January Warm Spells, March Freezes: How Plants Manage the Shift ... ›
- This Fall Foliage Map Tells You When to Expect the Most Colorful ... ›
While polar bears in this part of the world have long come ashore in the ice-free period, that span has grown longer by about one full month as the Arctic continues to warm and sea ice melts away. These documented changes in ice also have a negative impact on polar bears' ability to hunt their primary prey – ringed seals – resulting in a declining population trend for this region.
Geoff York is the senior director of conservation for Polar Bears International. Kt Miller / Polar Bears International
Every year, after months of fasting on land, the bears begin to congregate along the coast of Hudson Bay as temperatures drop, anticipating freeze-up and a return to their seal-hunting grounds. This annual concentration of polar bears is one of the most spectacular events in the natural world, but also a poignant one, as these bears live on the front lines of climate change, with longer ice-free seasons straining the limits of their fat reserves.
As Polar Bear Week approaches (October 31-November 6), temperatures are starting to drop and frosty mornings remind us that winter is almost here. Still, conditions are warmer than usual for this time of year, with no persistent snow on the ground and not a hint of ice in the bay, underscoring the urgent need for solid progress at the upcoming COP26 climate talks.
For the past couple of weeks, members of the Polar Bears International team have been roaming across along the shore of Hudson Bay in a Tundra Buggy, sharing our Polar Bear Cams in partnership with explore.org and interacting with audiences around the world through our Tundra Connections webcasts and live chats.
In addition to our outreach efforts, the Polar Bears International team is working on a number of research and conflict-reduction projects this fall, including supporting the efforts of the Town of Churchill to establish the world's first polar bear safe community. The goal is to develop safety protocols and frameworks that can be shared across the North, allowing polar bears and people to coexist with each other. This is important because more polar bears are being driven ashore in more places by melting sea ice, and for longer periods, increasing the chance of negative encounters. By preparing now, communities can take steps to minimize conflict, keeping both polar bears and people safe from harm.
BJ Kirschhoffe / Polar Bears International
This fall, we will continue to support Churchill's bear safety efforts in several ways, with an eye for sharing findings with other Arctic communities. These include:
- Supporting consultations with bear-human conflict-reduction experts to see what lessons may apply to polar bears and the Arctic; they will assess the town's current practices and identify potential areas for enhanced measures
- Working with experts on effective bear detection and deterrents, including bear spray and noise makers
- Launching a waste management project to examine innovative ways to reduce attractants to polar bears. This is important because waste management is a problem across the North. Burying is not sustainable in tundra areas and impossible in bedrock. Yet open dumps are an invitation to trouble, leading to problem bears, conflict, and increased mortality.
In addition, our conflict-reduction efforts include researching four types of ground-based radar to test whether "Detect and Protect" surveillance systems can be developed to warn communities, work stations, and remote camps of approaching bears. This early-warning technology shows great promise in triggering alerts that can prevent encounters, saving the lives of both polar bears and people. As part of this year's Polar Bear Week celebration, we are raising funds to support the development of this technology.
And, finally, this bear season we are continuing research on a project with 3M to develop small tracking devices that can be attached to a polar bear's fur. Last fall, we began testing the devices on wild polar bears in the Western Hudson Bay population and then expanded to bears in zoo settings. This year, we will be testing them on bears in the Southern Hudson Bay population while continuing tests with zoo bears.
Max Lowe / Polar Bears International
This is important because tracking devices provide vital information on polar bears, allowing researchers to follow them even when they're far out on the sea ice or wandering in 24 hours of winter darkness. They allow us to understand the movement patterns and behavior of polar bears, along with other information such as habitat use, abundance estimates, responses to changing sea ice conditions, and population boundaries. It's critical data in a changing Arctic.
Returning to Churchill each fall is always inspiring for our team, giving us a chance to reconnect with the people, the land, and the bears – immersing ourselves in their world for a short time. Last week, we were moved by the sight of a mother bear nursing her cub on the tundra, a rare and special moment for all of us, and a reminder of why we are so committed to polar bear conservation--during Polar Bear Week and every week.
Kt Miller / Polar Bears International
Geoff York is the senior director of conservation for Polar Bears International. He has more than 20 years of Arctic field experience, including work with polar bears in Alaska, Canada, and Russia, and a special interest in human-polar bear conflict-reduction.
- Polar Bears Could Be Nearly Gone by 2100, Study Finds - EcoWatch ›
- Climate Change, Oil Development Threaten Alaska's Polar Bears ... ›
- Biden Admin. Sued for Letting Big Oil Harass 'Imperiled' Polar Bears ›
Compassionate Eye Foundation / Natasha Alipour Faridani / Getty Images
Access to nature and outdoor space is, however, a privilege, heavily impacted by socioeconomic and racial disparities in communities. Urban areas by nature have less green space, and parks are not equally accessible to all. According to the Trust for Public Land, parks in poor neighborhoods are an average of 6.4 acres, compared with 14 acres for those in wealthy areas. This disparity even extends to density of trees; neighborhoods where the majority of residents are below the poverty line have 25% less canopy cover, reports the New York Times. Furthermore, trees cover one-third of the surface or predominantly white areas compared to one-fifth of communities of color.
Getting outside isn't always easy, especially amidst our busy lives and, often, limited natural surroundings. Here are a few accessible ways to bring nature into your life every day, no matter where you are.
Potted Plants
Sutthiwat Srikhrueadam / EyeEm / Getty Images
Bring the outside in with house plants – in every room if possible!
A 2015 study found that interacting with indoor plants suppressed autonomic nervous system activity, which reduced psychological and physiological stress in young adults – in other words, taking care of plants had a positive impact on the mental and physical health of the participants. Plants also purify the air, and have been proven to remove chemical toxins from the air in laboratory studies.
Choose a few easy-to-care-for plants to start off with. Evaluate the amount of time you have to take care of a plant, and the spatial/light conditions in your home. Pothos, succulents, aloe vera, and snake plants are notoriously easy to care for, and are good place to start your plant-parent journey.
Take a Daily Walk
Getting out for a daily walk is an easy way to experience nature, even if that means a just few trees alongside the road or walking by neighbor's garden.
Getting a "breath of fresh air" does, also, have an impact on your health by getting more oxygen into your body – necessary for healthy brain functions – along with vitamin D from the sunshine. Walking outdoors has also been linked to stress reduction and a more positive state of mind. For these reasons, the Trust for Public Land is advocating for all residents of cities (both small and large) to have access to a park within a 10 minute walk from their home, citing the benefits of green spaces on human health and overall wellbeing.
Find a short 15-20 minute walk in your area that you can realistically do every day (or a few times a week). Find nature trails, local parks, or quiet streets nearby; local publications – especially in cities – will list some of the best places to walk near you. On especially busy days, you can combine walks with necessary phone calls, although taking a moment to meditate and appreciate nature as you walk is best, if possible.
Make Outdoor Weekend Plans
Cavan Images / Getty Images
Use the weekend to visit natural areas that are a little further than you would normally be able to travel on a busy weekday
To find hikes and walks that cater your needs, like difficulty, length, and whether they're pet/child friendly, use Alltrails – a free hiking app – to filter by your specifications. Guidebooks and online forums are also a great source of information about nearby excursions.
Research local groups that get outdoors, whether that be for cycling, hiking, birding, etc. Joining a group is great for beginners; you'll have some companionship and can draw on the expertise of others, so you might feel more comfortable trying a hike you wouldn't otherwise attempt alone or with your family. If you don't have access to a vehicle and can't reach natural areas by public transportation, many groups also organize carpooling.
More simple weekend options could include going to a playground, having a picnic party in a park, doing homework in the shade of a tree on study days, etc. Volunteering is another great way to get outdoors while also helping your community. Look into nearby farms and gardens that need volunteers, or outdoor stewardship groups, of which there are many in populous areas. Environmental nonprofits or local groups often need weekend volunteers for cleaning up trails, planting things, etc.
Keep Windows and Curtains Open
PIKSEL / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Don't close off your home to the outdoors. Open curtains and keep windows cracked to allow more light, air, and views of nature into the home, especially if you're unable to get outdoors; even just seeing nature is shown to be beneficial. Place your desk by a window, if possible, to view nature all day as you work.
Improved ventilation from open windows is especially important during the pandemic, as we're concerned about exposure to COVID-19 and boosting our respiratory health. Patients were actually placed outdoors during the Spanish flu pandemic for this reason.
Opt for Outdoor Exercise
If working out is already a part of your routine, getting outside doesn't have to mess with your schedule; take your exercise outdoors!
Running, walking, and biking can obviously be replicated outdoors, but also other mat-based workouts like yoga, pilates, and individual exercise regimens. Set up in your back yard, on a porch, or even in a nearby park, if you feel comfortable. Some parks – especially in cities – have outdoor workout equipment for community use. If you prefer being around others while you work out, find a nearby track open to the public to do laps.
Opting for outdoor exercise is also much more budget-friendly (in fact, it's entirely free) than paying for expensive gym memberships. The fresh air is also much better than the stifling indoor atmosphere of gyms – especially if members are required to wear masks.
Decorate With Natural Scenes
Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors on average, according to the EPA. In many circumstances, this time inside is unavoidable, whether it be for school, work, or health reasons.
Boost your mood while you're indoors by trying to replicate some outdoor conditions. Besides growing plants and keeping windows/curtains open, use decoration and light to set the mood. Sun lamps or light therapy lamps light up a room like it's the outdoors, and are an especially good option for people with seasonal affective disorder and rooms that don't have windows that allow natural light in.
Even just viewing scenes of nature has been shown to have a positive effect on mood. Decorate your home with natural imagery, such as photos from nature trips you've been on, tapestries, framed artwork, or painted scenes on the walls.
Build an Indoor Herb Garden
Zhuqin Chen / iStock / Getty Images Plus
If house plants aren't quite your style, grow plants that provide both beauty and functionality with in indoor herb garden.
Herbs are very easy to grow in pots on the windowsill, a fire escape, or porch: anywhere where they can get roughly six hours of sunlight (which can be supplemented by a grow lamp if necessary). Basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, and parsley all grow well indoors and require minimal care. Choose herbs that will be useful in your cooking; you can also dry them at home if you're unable to use them fresh as they grow.
Birding – From Anywhere!
Birding is a great way to connect with the natural world wherever you are; whether in a city, the country, or through your bedroom window, there will always be birds to look for and learn about.
Research what birds are permanent residents in your area. This list of 20 common birds is a good place to start. Visit a park, body of water, or other natural area to bird, or enjoy them from your own backyard. Use birdfeeders – taking care to use bird seed that is attractive and safe for birds – to attract more birds to your yard.
If you enjoy the experience, the National Audubon Society has chapters across the country, many of which host excursions lead by experienced birders.
Linnea graduated from Skidmore College in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in English and Environmental Studies, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Along with her most recent position at Hunger Free America, she has interned with the Sierra Club in Washington, DC., Saratoga Living Magazine, and Philadelphia's NPR Member Station, WHYY.
- Connecting to Nature Is Good for Kids - EcoWatch ›
- Can Yoga and Meditation Help Us to Connect With Nature ... ›
What is Solar Paint?
Solar paint is still (very much) a theory in its infancy, but its promise and simplicity have attracted the attention of investors and innovators across the globe. There are a few different types of solar paints in development, and each has its own unique way of producing energy. Most solar paint prototypes contain liquids with photovoltaic properties, meaning they produce an electric current when exposed to light (hydrogen-producing solar paint works a little differently, though we'll get into that).
So what are the different ways that solar paint could theoretically produce energy, and how effective are they in their current states? Let's take a look.
Types of Solar Paint
With any type of technology this new and innovative, there are bound to be several unique methods in development. Here are the three that we found to have the most potential.
Quantum Dot Solar Cells (Photovoltaic Paint)
Efficient spray-coated colloidal quantum dot solar cells are perhaps the most well-known method for solar paint. Conventional solar panels typically only harness visible light (light we can see), but 99% of the electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation besides visible light. Quantum dot solar cells were initially developed at the University of Toronto to "better harness the infrared portion of the sun's spectrum, which is responsible for half of the sun's power that reaches the earth," Susanna Thon, a researcher with the university, says in a news release.
Conventional solar panels typically only harness visible light, but quantum dot solar cells were developed to better harness infrared raysEcoWatch
To put it more simply, this solar cell technology could be used to increase solar panel efficiency well beyond the current metrics by capturing a wider spectrum of light. The technology itself uses a technique of incorporating spectrally tuned nanoparticles into solar cells to increase the spectrum of light captured. These semiconductive nanoparticles are capable of converting light into an electric current.
But what if you could use these nanoparticles in paint? In theory, these cells are so small that they could be blended into a liquid or applied to a thin surface, similar to spray paint or wallpaper.
As it stands today, this form of photovoltaic paint still creates a few more questions than answers. Mainly, how do you take the energy generated and direct its flow into a current? Much more development is necessary for this technology, but colloidal quantum dots have spurred promising new research and development in the technology.
Perovskite Solar Paint
Derived from the perovskite crystals first discovered by Russian mineralogist Lev Perovski, the mineral compounds in perovskite were later found to be semiconductors capable of transporting an electric charge when struck by light. Today, perovskite compounds can be found in ultrasound machines, memory chips, and – you guessed it – solar cells.
The mineral compounds in perovskite are semiconductors capable of transporting an electric charge when struck by light.VvoeVale / iStock / Getty Images
What's so alluring about perovskite's special crystalline structure is that it can take liquid form, has near the same efficiency as silicon-based solar cells and is actually a little less expensive to make.
Recent attempts at a perovskite-based solar paint resemble more of a thin film than they do a true spray paint. But even in this form, perovskite solar cells could be used as a near-transparent layer of film that could be incorporated into tinted windows to increase energy efficiency. White perovskite solar cells could be used on roofs or the sides of buildings to generate electricity. Perhaps even trains, planes or buses might someday have perovskite-based paint layers capable of getting their fuel from the sun.
We may still be a long way away from seeing perovskite solar paint available on the market, but research on solar paint has led to better a understanding of perovskite's potential benefits in its thin-film form, similar to thin-film solar panels made from cadmium telluride.
Professor David Lidzey from the University of Sheffield explains in a news release: "I believe that new thin-film photovoltaic technologies are going to have an important role to play in driving the uptake of solar energy, and that perovskite-based cells are emerging as likely thin-film candidates."
Hydrogen-Producing Solar Paint
The first two solar paint theories we covered both focus on liquid semiconductors, which convert sunlight into direct current (DC) energy in a way similar to modern solar panels. But another new and exciting breakthrough in solar paint actually creates hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen has been a hot topic in the energy sector for decades, as it is both the most abundant element in the universe and the cleanest source of energy available. But can it work with solar paint?
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, looking to answer this question, developed a liquid that contains a compound to absorb moisture in the air. The product is also a semiconductor that, when powered by sunlight, splits water atoms into hydrogen and oxygen (this process is called electrolysis, and you may remember it from chemistry class).
Electrolysis is a process by which water is split into its hydrogen and oxygen atoms.EcoWatch
RMIT lead researcher Dr. Torben Daeneke says in a news release that his team found that "mixing the compound with titanium oxide particles leads to a sunlight-absorbing paint that produces hydrogen fuel from solar energy and moist air."
Torben's colleague, professor Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, further explains the importance of this breakthrough and its potential uses: "Hydrogen is the cleanest source of energy and can be used in fuel cells as well as conventional combustion engines as an alternative to fossil fuels."
The paint pulls moisture from the atmosphere, even in hot and dry regions as long as they're near an ocean. Interestingly, the paint currently has a cherry-red hue thanks to its chemical makeup. So if you're interested in painting your house red, keep an eye on this technology.
Can You Buy Solar Paint?
Solar paint is a fascinating idea, and the impressive strides toward making it a reality have come far closer than many anticipated. Sadly, the efficiency of solar paint (in all its forms) still lags behind that of silicon-based solar panels. As a result, solar paint has yet to be taken to market. The work continues, however, as researchers work on lower-cost, flexible solution-processed semiconductors that could theoretically come in the form of solar paint.
Though solar paint is not yet available to consumers, we do see innovative ideas like thin-film solar starting to make their way into the mainstream. With further funding, research and creativity, alternative forms of clean energy may eventually be used throughout the world.
Is Solar Paint the Future of Energy?
While some other developing solar technologies have glaring issues impeding their production — like solar roadways, for example — solar paint may just need a little more research before it becomes a marketable product. But what are the chances this actually happens?
"Solar paint is still a developing technology," Alan Duncan, CEO and founder of Solar Panels Network, tells EcoWatch. "However, we must keep in mind that solar panels were at a similar stage not long ago. The solar industry is a forward-thinking sector that is continually striving to enhance its technology. If I had to guess, I'd say solar paint has a decent chance of being a viable alternative in the solar field in the not-too-distant future."
Now comes the fun part — imagining how solar paint might make its way into everyday life.
At this point at least, solar paint lacks the efficiency necessary to power a home by itself. The benefit of solar paint's affordability, however, is that it opens the door to a lot more large-scale options than solar panels do. How would you use your solar paint? Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Paint for large-scale buildings or warehouses: Painting roofs with white solar paint could not only generate electricity for a commercial property but could deflect sunlight better than a normal roof would. Though not quite as effective as planting vegetation atop buildings might be, deflecting this sunlight helps lower temperatures of heat islands in cities.
- Tinted windows for large buildings: Not every window in a new development has to be perfectly clear. In larger buildings or complexes, a certain amount of tinted windows could help overall energy efficiency while generating energy at the same time.
- Solar paint for wind and marine power: Solar panels have been considered to help commercial ships reduce their carbon emissions — but what about solar paint? Solar paint could also be used on the sides of ships to pick up light reflected off of the water.
- Adding to houses with existing solar: Houses with solar equipment already installed won't have to deal too much with the hassle of inverters, permits and net metering agreements if they add solar paint. Though less efficient than solar panels, solar paint could supplement the energy generation of homes with small roofs unable to fit a lot of panels.
All in all, solar paint remains an idea, and it will be a while before any form of it becomes widely available. Solar panels remain the best option and the focal point of clean energy investment for the foreseeable future. But as so often happens with science, research may lead to surprising discoveries that uncover alternative uses for solar paint technology not previously thought of. We, for one, are excited to see what will play out.
Karsten Neumeister is a writer and renewable energy specialist with a background in writing and the humanities. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the energy sector of New Orleans, focusing on renewable energy policy and technology. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.