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Solar & Alternative Energy Videos

These This Old House videos showcase all of our solar & alternative energy projects, how-tos, and designs.

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How to Avoid Solar Panel Scams

Home technology expert Ross Trethewey teaches host Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about solar installation plans, how to look for scams, and financing to ensure homeowners get the most for their investment.
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How Ross Trethewey Became an Engineer

This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey grew up in the trades (and television), but he explains that his passion drew him toward engineering.
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Future House | Emerging Solar Technology

This Old House Home Technology Expert Ross Trethewey takes us to MIT to discuss the future of solar technology.
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5 Things You Need to Know About Solar | This Old House: Live

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey breaks down the five most important things to consider before installing solar panels on a house.
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Future House: Solar Reflective Roof Shingles

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey explores the design and testing of asphalt roof shingles that can reflect some of the sun’s heat away from the building.
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How to Protect Solar Panels from Pests

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey explains the culprit behind damaged solar panels and how to prevent future damage
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Future House | Robotic Flower Solar Panels

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey sees a robotic, ground-mounted solar array that mimics a sunflower
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How to Install Solar Panels with Microinverters

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey shows host Kevin O’Connor how to install solar panels on the AskTOH workshop roof
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Future House | Net Zero Neighborhood

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey visits a community that plans to have all net zero energy capable housing
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Future House | Living Off the Grid Comfortably

Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey visits an off-the-grid home in South Carolina that’s testing commercial HVAC equipment.
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How to Provide Backup Power without Gas

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron shows off a battery-powered generator that is capable of being charged by solar.
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Understanding Solar Power

Thinking about installing solar panels on your house? Watch as This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains the complexities of modern solar-power systems.
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How to Install a Home Wind Turbine

Renewable-energy expert Ross Trethewey shows Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor why Texas is the ideal environment for a wind turbine
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What Germany Can Teach Us About Home Energy

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey takes host Kevin O'Connor on a tour of Germany with an eye toward renewable energy and sustainable home heating.
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How to Install Solar Panels on a Roof

Capturing and converting the sun's energy with This Old House energy expert Ross Trethewey