Solar energy is one of the most promising forms of energy. Besides it being renewable and non-polluting, solar energy contributes to job creation and sustainable development in the communities where it is installed. However, many people are not aware of the benefits of solar energy. Fortunately, there are numerous organisations, e-magazines, and blogs that work to increase awareness around solar energy, and encourage its adoption. Their valuable contribution to the growth of the solar industry deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Therefore, GreenMatch has designed the Best Solar Websites Award, which recognises the achievements and meaningful contributions of websites that help drive the solar industry forward and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable society.
Congratulations to all of the websites listed under our three categories:
Have a look at the winners and learn more about the latest trends and developments in the solar industry. Also, find out how you can get involved in the solar revolution by supporting the work of these outstanding organisations, blogs, and e-magazines. Together, we can pave the way towards a more sustainable future by making a positive difference in our own lives and the communities we live in. Support solar energy—for a brighter tomorrow!
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All the solar organisations awarded under this category have developed inspiring initiatives and projects with one common goal in mind: to encourage the adoption of solar energy and build a strong solar industry. These organisations work with both governments and communities to develop solar projects and policies that positively impact both the environment and the society.
The Solar Trade Association is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to empower the United Kingdom’s solar transformation. The organisation works to create a community of solar users in the UK, thus, growing the industry. Furthermore, the STA represents the interests of the solar sector by providing advice to the government, regulators, and other stakeholders in the solar industry, as well as by advocating for solar energy in the media.
"Our work helps to create and expand UK markets in solar and storage. As the recognised voice of solar and storage in the UK, our expert input is sought by policy-makers at all levels."
Our Favourite Initiative: STA Scotland's successful initiative in securing easier grid access for solar businesses and homes
The Solar Energy Industries Association is a national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. The organisation represents solar manufacturers, installers and other supporters of solar energy. They work together with their member companies to build jobs, promote the use of cost-competitive solar in the U.S., remove market barriers, and educate the public about the advantages of solar energy.
"SEIA staff are passionate about growing and supporting the solar industry. We work with our member companies and other stakeholders to advocate for and expand the use of solar nationwide."
Our Favourite Initiative: SEIA’s National PV Recycling Program
The Solar Foundation is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of solar energy. The organisation publishes acclaimed research reports and works with governments, businesses, and non-profit organisations to increase solar energy use and builds networks to help communities and other stakeholders adopt solar technologies. Furthermore, they lead numerous programs that positively impact society.
"Solar Saves Lives is an initiative led by The Solar Foundation to coordinate the delivery and installation of donated solar equipment to areas in need. We are proud to coordinate this initiative together with our partners."
Our Favourite Initiative: The "Solar Saves Lives" Initiative
Solar Power Europe is a member-led association whose mission is to shape the regulatory environment to facilitate solar growth in Europe. The organisation promotes solar energy to policymakers and the energy sector by conducting energy market analysis. Furthermore, it communicates the benefits of solar energy in the media, and ensures that solar energy has access to funding across Europe.
"The European Union has made a clear commitment to have global leadership in renewable energies.To achieve this objective, the new Electricity Market Design framework must balance efforts to encourage large-scale rapid deployment of renewables, while encouraging smaller scale, locally owned, distributed renewable energy."
Our Favourite Initiative: The "Small is Beautiful" Campaign
American Solar Energy Society is a non-profit organisation whose vision is to lead the transformation to 100% renewable energy and sustainable living for all life on earth. The organisation organizes events, shares information and resources about the solar industry, and leads projects that promote the use of solar energy. Their “Tiny Watts” program focuses on small applications of solar power and aims to show how they can make a big difference.
"Tiny Watts will aim to enroll thousands of people – kids and adults across every spectrum – to fall in love with the many uses of solar and become Solar Citizens. Our goal is to add up all these tiny applications to reach a million watts! "
Our Favourite Initiative: The "Tiny Watts" Project
We Care Solar is an organisation that provides efficient solar energy systems to hospitals in areas without reliable electricity. We Care Solar is not a typical solar organisation: its mission is to ensure the safety of mothers and newborns by providing health facilities with solar energy systems. This inspiring cause is why we feel We Care Solar definitely deserves to win the award.
"Our aim is to improve health outcomes for childbearing mothers and their families by supporting health workers with equipment powered by the sun."
Our Favourite Initiative: The "Solar Suitcase" Project
Solar United Neighbours is an organisation that represents the interests and needs of solar owners and green energy supporters. The organisation supports homeowners who want to go green by helping them solicit proposals, find solar suppliers, and save money on electricity bills. They share their success stories in the press and help their members protect their solar investments by ensuring a fair energy system that benefits local communities.
"We envision a clean, equitable energy system that directs control and benefits back to local communities, with solar on every roof and money in every pocket."
Our Favourite Initiative: "The Solar Bill of Rights" Initiative
The Global Solar Council is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to support the rapid adoption of solar energy through cooperation, education, and training. The organisation offers programs in regulatory policy, trade policy, new market opening, and skills training. The Global Solar Council strives to enable solar energy to fulfil the promise of green energy, economic growth, and access to opportunity.
"Today, the water cycle absorbs 4% of the total electricity produced in the world, and this number is expected to double in a few decades. Solar photovoltaic, being locally produced, is the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable source of energy, and will be the best to support water availability at low costs also in the most remote and poor areas."
Everybody Solar is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to protect the natural environment and improve U.S. communities through solar energy projects. The organisation provides solar power to local charities, thus, lowering their electricity costs. By lowering their electricity costs, the charities can invest their funds into their missions. Everybody Solar helps local communities prosper by offering them access to affordable, clean energy.
"We have helped five non-profit organisations convert to solar energy.Together these projects have enabled us to install over 100 kilowatts (kW) of solar energy. The 100 kW’s of solar energy translates into preventing greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity use of 34 homes, for one year."
Our Favourite Initiative: The "Solar for the Eugene Science Center" Project
Solar Energy International is non-profit educational organisation whose mission is to empower people and improve communities through the education of sustainable practices. The organisation provides electric and thermal solar training to people around the world that are interested in using solar energy technologies. Furthermore, they train technicians and end-users in underserved communities to create sustainable solar energy projects.
"As we approach our third decade, what inspires us the most is the knowledge that we’re helping to make a difference. Renewable energy resources can improve the quality of life and promote sustainable development throughout the world."
Our Favourite Initiative: The "Solar in the Schools" Outreach Program
All the e-magazines awarded under this category are committed to writing quality content on solar energy. Through their articles, they have managed to raise awareness about solar energy and contribute to its development. The awarded e-magazines provide interesting, up-to-date articles about the solar industry and are recognised platforms for solar industry news.
Solar Power Portal is the leading renewable energy resource for all United Kingdom solar power and feed-in-tariff information. The e-magazine features articles about solar industry-related developments with regards to harvesting, storing, and distributing solar energy. They write to keep people, both inside and outside the UK, up-to-date on the developments and deployments in the UK solar industry.
"Our mission is to be the no.1 media platform for the solar industry and become indispensable as a promotional partner for our customers by consistently delivering audience engagement through quality content."
Our Favourite Edition: Inside Clean Energy September 2016
Smart Solar UK Ireland offers a selection of solar industry specific magazines that cover a large range of topics. Their expertise is reflected in the size of articles about solar related technologies which cover storage solutions, smart grid adoption, and virtual power plant importance. Their e-magazine offers a wide variety of solar related topics about adaptation to solar energy in general.
"We have held Solar conferences and webinars, Solar Awards and Solar Dragons Den over the decade and we hope we have played a small part in helping solar succeed."
Our Favourite Edition: Technologies Set to Transform the Energy Industry
The Solar Thermal Magazine writes about solar thermal power and clean energy technology. As their name suggests, their core focus is about how we can use energy from the Sun to convert water into steam. Although they have great knowledge about subjects related to solar thermal, they also cover a broad variety of solar-related topics. Their articles about hydroelectric efficiency, renewables in India, and climate change effects like desertification, give the reader a broad scope about the opportunities for the solar industry.
"Our mission is to connect the world with the technology providers, and researchers that are making renewable energy a global reality. Solar thermal and other forms of clean energy will take over our energy future regardless of what politicians say. We are running low of oil, coal will always produce vast amounts of CO₂, and nuclear energy is a trap we cannot afford to fall into. And climate change is REAL......."
Our Favourite Edition: Solar Electricity Plus Storage - Yes Please!
Solar Magazine covers various aspects of the solar energy industry. They share relevant news, developments, and insights to help promote the development of the solar energy industry and the popularisation of the solar lifestyle. They hold an analytical stance towards solar industry-related developments and legislation regarding the solar markets of developing countries.
"At Solar Magazine, we share news, policies, technologies, market trends, developments and insights related to the industry. Solar brings us happiness, we’re making our and integrating your efforts to help better promote the development of solar industry and the popularisation of solar lifestyle."
Our Favourite Edition: Solar Set The Pace As Renewables Rise To Global Prominence
With its independent, technology-focused reporting, PV Magazine concentrates on covering the latest PV news, topical technological trends, and the worldwide market. Apart from their focus on the European Solar market, they have a great pool of information about solar energy developments in Asian and American markets.
"PV magazine International consists of a broad editorial team drawn from numerous countries and backgrounds to offer our readers a wide perspective of views, abilities, languages and knowledge on the international solar PV industry."
Our Favourite Edition: Energy Storage Highlights "Best Innovations of 2018"
Solar Power World Online is an online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development, and technology. In their latest e-magazine they explain how AC and DC coupling works best in a solar energy environment. Among many other news features, they write articles about installation cost reduction for solar energy components. Their main aim is helping solar contractors and developers grow their businesses and do their jobs better.
"Since 2011, Solar Power World has helped American solar contractors—including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets—grow their businesses and do their jobs better. We do this through a variety of content platforms including articles online, in our bimonthly print issue, social media, e-newsletters, podcasts, webinars and more."
Our Favourite Edition: Solar Energy Guidebook 2018
Solar Industry Mag offers industry participants probing, comprehensive assessments of the technology, tools, and trends that are driving the dynamic energy sector. The magazine is business focused and talks about the implementation of solar projects by several companies. Their focus on trends in the global PV market enabled them to establish timelines that can be stretched into a futuristic point of view about the solar industry. Their latest work focuses on the adaptation to community solar in (semi) urban areas.
"Each month in print, Solar Industry offers industry participants probing, comprehensive assessments of the technology, tools and trends that are driving the dynamic solar energy sector."
Our Favourite Edition: Trends in The Rapid Evolution of Solar Policy
Photon accompanies manufacturers, installers, and operators of solar power plants. They are an independent and reliable source of information, operating according to true journalistic principles. Any person can receive a physical copy by ordering the magazine on their website. They currently have International, German, and Italian versions. Among other topics, notable articles include topics such as the competitiveness in tracking systems and the power of storage in salt domes.
"PHOTON’s mission is to accompany manufacturers, installers and operators of solar power plants, but also the current customers and politicians on this way: as an independent and reliable source of information, always operating according to true journalistic principles."
Our Favourite Edition: Photon, the Solar Power International Magazine
With more than five years of renewable energy construction knowledge and expertise, Benjamin Media and Solar Builder are trusted sources for the latest solar news across North America. In their latest edition, they talk about growth profiles for the Florida market. Moreover, they show a keen interest in reporting about the advancements in solar panel installations with attention to solar trackers and storage solutions. Since they are established across North America, they also report about state legislation and rule setting for each relevant state.
"Since 2012, Solar Builder has increased its direct-request print subscriptions by 50 percent, has more than 6,100 opt-in subscribers to the bi-weekly e-newsletter, has steadily increasing website traffic and recently launched a mobile app. With more than five years of renewable energy construction knowledge and expertise, Benjamin Media and Solar Builder are trusted sources for the latest solar news across North America."
Our Favourite Edition: Subscribe here to access their E-Magazines
Solar Quarter is the leading solar e-magazine in the Indian market. Their approach is to enable the market to receive spot on information by translating academic research into the practical implementation of solar energy components. Their magazine features experts throughout the Indian solar market who expand on components, developments or trends within their field of expertise. The latest edition of their magazine talks about capital market instruments for solar energy financing.
"SolarQuarter is one of Asia’s leading knowledge and media service providers in the solar energy sector. We create and deliver highly specialized information through digital portals, print publishing, corporate trainings and business conferences providing valuable knowledge to individuals, businesses and organizations globally. The print and digital versions have a reach to more than 150,000 professionals from across the globe."
Our Favourite Edition: Solar Storage and Asset Management Special
All the solar blogs awarded under this category provide their readers with news and information on solar energy. After extensive research, we have awarded the solar blogs that provide the most comprehensive and useful information to help their readers in their solar journey.
The Good Energy Solutions blog focuses on providing readers with the latest news and information on solar energy. Furthermore, they have many useful articles that encourage the transition to green energy solutions and help readers throughout their solar journey.
"Our mission is to help our clients reduce their demands on fossil fuels and lower their long term energy costs. Here at Good Energy Solutions, we are professional engineers, tradesmen and craftsmen, designing for efficiency and installing for longevity and aesthetics."
Our Favourite Post: Kansas Solar Installation Company Celebrates 10 Years of Business
The Understand Solar blog is dedicated to providing accurate, useful information about residential solar power. Their articles help bridge the gap for homeowners with information, news, and how-tos on going solar.
"Solar power doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why we created this website – to make solar easy, straightforward, and to give you the best options available."
Our Favourite Post: Are Portable Solar Panels for Apartments Worthwhile?
Pick My Solar regularly updates their blog with timely updates on local incentives, equipment launches, and solar trends. Furthermore, they offer a free Solar Starter Guide that covers the essentials of solar. Topics include: Net Energy Metering, project financing options, how solar works, and more.
"Our mission is to empower communities to adopt sustainable technologies through transparency and choice. Our solar experts and engineers are on-call at a moment’s notice. We strive to be the absolute best homeowner advocate!"
Our Favourite Post: 3 Solar Panel Innovations to Look for in 2018
Renewable Energy World blog section about solar energy provides daily solar energy news, solar energy technology overview, and information on the solar industry. Readers can discover the latest solar news and events, and learn the technology basics of solar energy.
"By offering extraordinary services via the Internet, our foremost mission is to inform our readers about the use of Renewable Energy worldwide and, in the process, assist you with decision making when it comes to anything related to Renewable Energy."
Our Favourite Post: New Tools Making Solar Development Easier
The Sonnenseite blog shows positive examples of how the challenges relating to solar energy, environment, and climate can be mastered. Furthermore, you can read about the solar journey of Franz Alt, the founder of the blog, and how it positively impacted his life.
"Every day, the sun provides us with 15,000 times more energy than all six billion people on earth consume at present. We regard this as a gift from heaven. We are very happy to make use of this energy from the Boss himself."
Our Favourite Post: Farm Sunshine, Not Cancer: Replacing Tobacco Fields with Solar Arrays
The SolarQuotes blog offers more than 1,000 solar power blog entries that keep its readers up-to-date on solar energy news stories, research solar panels, inverters, and batteries. The blog also covers topics such as solar innovations, solar installations, solar policy, and the economics of solar.
"SolarQuotes contains over 25,000 genuine reviews of solar installers, solar panels and inverters. It also has heaps of articles, blog posts and tools to help you navigate the solar power market."
Our Favourite Post: March Australian Rooftop Solar Installations Break Record
SunHarvest Solar installs top brands of solar panels and solar inverters to ensure a home gets the best quality and longest-lasting source of renewable energy around. SunHarvest enables the consumer to save money and energy by giving tips about tax credits and exemptions. Moreover, they explain why solar panels and renewables are a great way for an individual to have a smaller carbon impact on the environment.
"Here at SunHarvest we believe a world powered by solar energy is better for everyone. Our team is passionate about clean solar energy and dedicated to serving all of your renewable energy needs."
Our Favourite Post: Increase Your Energy Efficiency, Just in Time for Summer
Ecoelectric started in 2008 and was incorporated in 2009 with a focus on renewable energy and building automation. The company has base capability in many core areas of the electrical contracting industry including domestic and commercial building works. They feature several topics, one of their subjects is the inclusion of modular AC batteries in your home energy supply system. One of their latest articles is about the advancement in renewable energy in relation to the Internet of Things.
"Ecoelectric are a leading provider of licensed electrical contractor services specialising in solar power and hybrid battery systems. We are dedicated to providing our clients with high-quality systems that not only meet their power needs now and in the future, but also help to reduce the carbon footprint of our future."
Our Favourite Post: Solar Hot Water or Solar PV?
SolarWakeup.com is your daily rundown of the top stories in the solar industry. SolarWakeup is there to help solar and energy professionals find the relevant news of the day every morning in order to help everyone make the solar industry a little bit better. Their daily news sections is a summary of all important things related to the solar industry for that day. Their articles take a particularly interesting angle. One example is an article about the relations between a tree leaf and a solar panel and how you can optimise efficiency by looking at the former and developing that for the latter.
"Our mission is to bring the top news articles to subscribers and solar executives every morning. Solar Wakeup - Where the solar industry comes to read the news!"
Our Favourite Post: The Energy Show – What Are Microgrids?
Natural Solar is proudly 100% Australian owned and operated. They believe accurate, transparent, and unbiased information is necessary in helping you make the right decision for your solar system. It is also a company that features a blog section with incredibly relevant and advancing topics. Australia is on the brink of a breakthrough in terms of the adaptation to solar energy, therefore, they write articles and give insights on topics like battery storage, floating solar power, and record-breaking solar projects.
"We believe accurate, transparent, and unbiased information is necessary in helping you make the right decision for your solar system."
Our Favourite Post: The Home Battery That Stores Renewable Energy
Congratulations to all nominees and participants. See you next year! If you believe we have missed a viral website from our list, or you have any other questions concerning the award, do not hesitate to contact us.
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