It is my opinion that the most cost efficient and practical clean energy puchase for you here in my region is to put a photovoltaic solar panel on the south roof, and wire that electricity back to the power company for credit. This is called a “grid-tied PV solar” system. I know the best installer in the state for this job.

Wind is a terrific source of energy, but not as much in the case of wooded lots. You’d need at least a 150 foot tower, (tough to get approved lakeside) and a study of the wind patterns over the course of the year above your land. Then there is the problem of icing. Geothermal might not ammortize well for you. It can only offset your heating needs by an unpredictable percentage and does nothing for offsetting electricity.

Energy conservation is the best strategy that offers, by far, the greatest cost savings and positive environmental impact and the lightest investment. Conservation will ensure that you get the most for your money when purchasing a clean energy supplimentary system. One cannot always accomodate for this entire checklist, but it is best to try to do most of them.

Energy Conservation Strategy Checklist

·    flourescent light bulbs througout the house
·    low comsumption appliances approved by Energy-Star or better.
·    an exterior wall insulated to a continuous R-25 or better
·    roof and attic combined insulation of R-35 or better
·    insulate well around receptacles, doors, windows, and plumbing exits
·    insulation around rim joists and sometimes the ceiling of the basement
·    install an insulating blanket around your water heating tank and hot water pipes
·    do not exceed 10 or 12 percent of glass area to floor area in your house
·    75 percent of the glass should face the sun some time during the day
·    when possible, install rigid foam insulation underground against the foundation wall
·    purchase the heating furnace with the highest efficiency rating
·    install insulated cellular shades or insulated curtains at most windows and close them at night
·    always shut off all lights and fans that are not being directly used at the time.
·    don’t let appliances or standby lights stay on all night when not being used
·    if you are a little hot, take off some clothes and get over it
·    if you are a little cold, wear a sweater or get some exercise
·    when you can get away without an electrical appliance, don’t buy it

written by pencilman \\ tags: energy conservation

This is a clever, state of the art, solution for venting the roof rafters. It is a whole system carefully thought out and tested and well worth installing. The beauty of this idea is that it doubles as excellent insulation that will save you thousands in heating or air conditioning costs. It provides cross ventilation between rafters and around openings and seals that air from the rest of the rafter bays until it reaches the ridge vent. In addition, the components are made from recycled material. The best ideas are so simple. The website needs work, but all the information is there if you read it through. It is a much better idea than the flimsy foam solution most architects are using right now. Here is the link to Tom’s website, and a few photos of the products involved in the system.

Click Here : Corwin Industries Roof Rafter Ventilation & Insulation System

written by pencilman \\ tags: roof rafter venting

Without going deeply into the electronic technical details, here is a diagram of the way the system components are hooked up. Ask your favorite solar system installer for his recommendations on particular manufacturers. The basic setup is really quite simple.

More describing the system concept.

written by pencilman \\ tags: Solar System Diagram components

Okay, it is difficult to achieve total green-ness in all appliances. The realistic goal is simple - minimum consumption of energy, adequate performance, and maximum longevity. The best buy is often different every year. I can’t keep up any more. But the folks who assemble this website, make an effort to give everyone a nice starting point.

EvergyStar Appliance List

If you find it here on EnergyStar.Gov, it is probably a good candidate for at least two out of three tests. It is up to you to research the reviews and statistics for the products individually and make the purchse that agrees with you. You could check it out on Consumer Reports, or Epinions.com.

Consumer Reports

Epinions.com

written by pencilman \\ tags: appliances