Step One When Going Solar: Cut Your Energy Use!

intent.com:

One of the most common complaints about "going solar" is that the upfront cost is just too high. The primary reason a solar power system can be a high ticket purchase for many solar power shoppers is because of the customers' bad energy usage habits. The majority of solar power shoppers don't realize they are energy hogs until they start shopping for solar power, when they are forced to understand and analyze their electric consumption.

So how can solar power shoppers instantly get a deep discount on their solar power system? The answer is simple, "reduce then produce." Focusing on energy efficiency, and implementing lifestyle and product changes can greatly reduce the upfront cost of a solar power system. It is always more cost-effective to reduce your consumption through efficiency than it is to produce your own power.

Read the whole story: intent.com

Comments

[tiotom77]

I took an Architectural Drafting course in 1970s..We had to design a "passive solar home"..No solar panels, wind turbines or fancy gadgets..I­nstead, we used southern exposure windows for light and warmth, planting decidious trees to the south for warmth in the winter, shade in the summer, pellet stoves, proper insulation, using heat retention methods and natural cooling, even painting interior walls for heat absorbtion and light reflection. Of course you need alternative energy sources for total energy efficiency. These homes are inexpensive and attractive­..When did we stop considering "Passive Solar Energy"?

[sb250guy]

This is quite true. My dad couldn't make up his mind whether to solarize his house or not. He had an audit done and they said he could get about 50% of his power from solar and he wasn't sure that was enough. I reminded him that none of his appliances, lighting, TV, A/C, etc were purchased with efficiency in mind.. But as time goes by, there will be a built-in incentive to replace thing with much more efficient items. In 5 to 10 years, he will get much more than 50% from solar. That changed his mind.

[GeorgeP922]

I don't buy this whole efficiency argument.

Plus most people don't know anything about efficiency.

Take a guess what is the most efficient TV?

I will let you know, a Panasonic 42" Plasma (720P) when calibrated correctly uses an average of 150 watts. Compare that to a 27" tube or a 42" LCD that use 350-400 watts.

Also did you know that when you power a computer down, it is still burning 10-20 watts? You need to flip the switch on the back of the powersupply or unlpug it. They make new Powersupplies that only use 2 watts in off mode,

[tiotom77]

I didn't know that...Tha­nk you!

[GeorgeP922]

99% of Americans don't know that the famed Carter solar panels where not photo electric, but radiant water.

At my home we have the same style solar water heating system which is basically an electric heater with solar heating. (light hits a panel with oil filled radiator coils, that oil is pumped into your house with a small solar powered electric pump, into the water tank in your house).

During the summer we just flip a switch and electric heat goes on or off.

Its not perfect, but during the summer we get free hot water, all for a cost of 3 grand.

[JnrNorman]

The ripple effect of being a green conscious country;
People install better windows and insulation and better AC units
They install solar panels on some houses.
Energy efficient lighting is used
many areas of NH are using 20% less electricity over 2 years


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