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Solar energy is a great way to make an eco-friendly choice, while reducing energy bills. Solar panels are popping up everywhere in both commercial and residential capacities. While solar panels are now becoming a standard in modern life, the science and technology behind solar power is still a mysterious black box to most people. Let's take a look at how solar panels work and what exactly solar panels are made of.

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While people regularly rely on solar energy to help provide electricity to buildings, many people forego using a solar hot water heater to provide hot water to their business. These very simple units are cost effective to install and are a great way to help reduce energy costs. The availability of hot water can become a concern, particularly on cloudy days or at night. Below, let's examine how solar hot water heaters work, and how they function in periods of minimal or no sunlight.

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Exciting new research has opened the world to the possibility of a transparent solar cell. Being able to generate renewable solar energy from a transparent, or partially transparent glass-like substance, is quickly changing the way the world thinks about renewable energy. Let's take a look at just some new technologies that are creating a buzz in the renewable energy industries.

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LEED Certification has become the gold standard in public buildings, and many states are implementing tax incentives to help promote sustainable designs. LEED certification can be applied to both new and renovated buildings. Below, we have put together a list of some of the best LEED-certified public buildings.

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Renewable energy is quickly sweeping the globe with its overall efficiency, relatively low cost, and low impact on the environment. Renewable energy, though, has had a long-standing issue with the amount of energy provided. Typical applications do not allow excess energy to be stored and reused during high demand times, still forcing people to rely on inefficient systems or fossil fuels. However, recent battery developments have changed the way we think about renewable energy.

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Every day, more advances in renewable energy emerge, and the growing importance of renewable energy becomes evident. Throughout the world, many state and federally issued projects and challenges are underway to promote the use of renewable energy. Below, let's take a look at some recent innovations, advances, and future planned projects to take advantage of renewable energy sources worldwide.

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As urban areas become more populated, heat islands continue to grow, which worsens the effects of greenhouse gases and energy usage. Green roofs are great ways to combat heat islands and can be used in just about any building application. Below we will examine the various types of green roofs and learn about the benefits associated with this fully adaptable roofing option.

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It takes a big idea to make changes in the world possible. Minnesota is happy to be at the forefront of construction with the next big idea. A new plan, called the MN Sustainable Building (SB) 2030 B3 program, is designed with the end goal of creating only net zero energy and carbon buildings in the state of Minnesota by the year 2030.

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Traditional fossil fuels have long been the standard for energy in the world. Though, with new technologies, renewable energy is giving traditional energy generators a run for their money. Renewable energy is closing the gap on cost effectiveness and efficiency at a rapid pace, and the technology only continue to improve every day. Let's take a closer look at the numbers to see exactly why renewable energy is the better energy choice.

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Typically, the engineer focuses on creating and improving innovative or renewable energy sources for electricity. This can come in the form of new solar power techniques and design, or ways to return renewable power back to the energy grid.

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A wind turbine consists of two or three giant blades that look like propellers attached to a rotor. The rotor is attached to a main shaft, which is then connected to a generator. When the wind blows, the large blades begin to spin. The rotational movement transfers to the shaft, which also spins. This transfers to the generator, which creates electricity.

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Many new buildings that are constructed have a LEED-certified label attached to them. Generally speaking, this means that these buildings were constructed with a green building mentality. To be able to do this, the architects and engineers who design these buildings usually carry a LEED Accreditation. Below, let's take a closer look at what goes into a LEED Accreditation and how it can be beneficial.

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Optimizing your building site is a great way to save money and keep your property sustainable. By considering building orientation, landscaping, and rehabilitating existing structures, you could help maximize your building's sustainable potential. 

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Chances are, you see the words, "LEED Certified" fairly often. It can be plastered on the wall of a building or listed as a benefit for a new structure. But what exactly does a LEED certification mean, and how does a building become LEED Certified? Below we will take an in-depth look at what exactly it takes to qualify as a LEED-Certified building and the benefits associated with LEED.

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The most significant component of sustainable building design is having a renewable energy source. Simply being able to create electricity from a renewable source is not only more energy efficient, but can save money over time. Plus, renewable energy sources are environmentally friendly and do not leave a big carbon footprint, if any at all. Below we will examine some of the more popular renewable energy sources.

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