Who cares if GW is real or not, what are you doing to be less dependent on fossil fuels?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Solar is free energy that's completely clean and as abundant as sunlight!

Such words make free market capitalists shutter. If they can't profit from it, then they simply deny its existence.

[Peikko 1,575]

What's with this misuse of shutter? You are not CAMERAS! The word you are looking for is shudder

[one...two...tree 2,762]

What's with this misuse of shutter? You are not CAMERAS! The word you are looking for is shudder

Shud up!

[FortLaudy 10]

Such words make free market capitalists shutter. If they can't profit from it, then they simply deny its existence.

That's one thing I've noticed for sure... yikes. Well I am trying my best to not be a slave to consumerism!

[Peikko 1,575]

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Yes, I would agree that energy conservation is key at first, replacing appliances and bulbs if possible at first (Energy Star rated imo), looking at ways to insulate the house properly - I'm all for the recycled denim idea etc. Then to create energy on-site and off the municipal power grid. It's small steps that everyone can take at first to use less electricity generated by fossil fuels. My husband it the typical American when it comes to certain things, he want the biggest tv we can afford, I'm ok with that, as long as we're not dependent on non-renewable energy sources.

Solar is free energy that's completely clean and as abundant as sunlight!

I have done a lot of work on solar systems. They have a few problems that are gradually being improved. A lot of former solar users have converted to wind power completely, or to augment their systems.

The most obvious problem is that solar power is not available, or has reduced availability, when the demand is often the greatest, and therefore, requires a means of storing the collected energy. Today, that means batteries, most often lead acid batteries, and those have to be replaced in as little as 24 months, which should be an environmental concern.

Other problems/issues include:

Sunlight is reduced in winter months.

Panel performance deteriorates quickly, often by as much as 15% per year.

There is a necessity for back-up power, and that often requires the use of a generator, most likely either burning deisel, natural gas, or LPG.

In an urban setting, there can be confrontation from the neighbors, over blocked views and eyesore issues.

[Peikko 1,575]

Post gazumped!

[Ban Hammer 14,091]

What's with this misuse of shutter? You are not CAMERAS! The word you are looking for is shudder

actually, he may be right

Such words make free market capitalists shutter. If they can't profit from it, then they simply deny its existence.

as in shutter their doors and windows, i.e. close shop.

[FortLaudy 10]

I have done a lot of work on solar systems. They have a few problems that are gradually being improved. A lot of former solar users have converted to wind power completely, or to augment their systems.

I'm not saying we should all get solar systems and that would be a cure all, I'm all for any type of alternative energy mechanisms that do not rely on non-renewable fossil fuels, it starts with ordinary people doing little things to become more self-sufficient.

[Peikko 1,575]

actually, he may be right

as in shutter their doors and windows, i.e. close shop.

No, he's not right. Shudder to think describes an adverse reaction to an idea. Simply put the idea makes one quake, shudder, shake with emotion.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I'm not saying we should all get solar systems and that would be a cure all, I'm all for any type of alternative energy mechanisms that do not rely on non-renewable fossil fuels, it starts with ordinary people doing little things to become more self-sufficient.

The easiest thing is to do with less. Turning off lights when no one is in the room is a good start. Planning shopping and errands, so as to accomplish them with the least consumption of fuel makes sense. Often the solutions that save money also save resources.

[FortLaudy 10]

The easiest thing is to do with less. Turning off lights when no one is in the room is a good start. Planning shopping and errands, so as to accomplish them with the least consumption of fuel makes sense. Often the solutions that save money also save resources.

Very true! At first it is the best and easiest to do with less and later to upgrade or replace and create energy on site, definetely agreed. I love the Greenswitch, with the flip of one switch at the door one can switch off all appliances, and can program it to keep certain outlets on - such as for alarm clocks or doorbells etc.

http://florida.greenswitch.tv/

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I'm not saying we should all get solar systems and that would be a cure all, I'm all for any type of alternative energy mechanisms that do not rely on non-renewable fossil fuels, it starts with ordinary people doing little things to become more self-sufficient.

No offense to Lone Ranger (Bill), but don't go just by what he's saying. There are people out there that have converted their homes to photovoltaic power while remaining on the grid. During the day, they produce more energy than they need and the excess energy is sold back to the utility company, effectively using zero energy from the utility company. Many of them don't have battery back-up. If you are concerned about outages, there are alternatives...like buying your own gas powered generator, but it won't be necessary if you are connected to the grid. Even if you want to disconnect from the grid, you may not be able to, depending on where you live.

[FortLaudy 10]

Yes to clear up what I meant by off the grid, perhaps not technically off, but not using any energy from the utility company. There are also many rebate and incentive programs to take advantage of!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

No offense to Lone Ranger (Bill), but don't go just by what he's saying. There are people out there that have converted their homes to photovoltaic power while remaining on the grid. During the day, they produce more energy than they need and the excess energy is sold back to the utility company, effectively using zero energy from the utility company. Many of them don't have battery back-up. If you are concerned about outages, there are alternatives...like buying your own gas powered generator, but it won't be necessary if you are connected to the grid. Even if you want to disconnect from the grid, you may not be able to, depending on where you live.

I have met a few folks that have those systems, and like the idea of sending power back to the utility company. Roof top systems have issues. It's best to install those systems over the garage or carport, where a minor roof leak will not be of moch concern.

ETA: Also, warn the neighbors. I know one person whose neighbor planted trees as a view block, effectively making the solar system useless. (Works for those unsightly satellite dishes as well. )

Edited February 3, 2010 by Lone Ranger