big ideas

Solar industry research data.

“While residential hardware costs have varied over the past 10 years, soft costs (SG&A, permitting, inspection, interconnection and labor) have remained stubbornly high and have even increased, pushing the soft cost share to its highest point in years.” ~ learn […]

big ideas

Solar cells keep getting cheaper.

FOB China prices are now under $0.05/watt for the most popular solar cells in the market. Lower prices open new markets, which drive more volume, which can lower prices further. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this virtuous cycle! Note […]

under the microscope

The first transmission from Science House.

“We’re bringing a couple of aspiring scientists together, sticking ‘em in a house, giving ‘em some money and mentorship, and letting ‘em set sail. It’s kind of like a PhD program except it doesn’t give you clinical depression. The two […]

to your health

Why I take 75 pills every day… and what they do.

This is not my recommendation. Most days I take zero pills! However, this is what Peter Diamandis wrote. “My meds & supplement routine is built around addressing as many of these as possible. The 12 hallmarks include: Genomic Instability, Telomere […]

better doing

Why you shouldn’t keep stuff under your bed.

“The things we keep under our bed—suitcases, shoeboxes—are like dormant memories. They’re out of sight, but not out of mind. We know they exist. They live rent-free in our unconscious mind. They interfere with the important work our unconscious mind […]

oh, chicago

Chicago’s vanishing water tanks.

“After the Great Fire of 1871, ordinances were passed requiring these tanks on top of warehouses, factories and public buildings. The law spawned a whole industry in water tank construction and maintenance.” ~ learn more