Share your renewable energy goals for 2009

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ernie Rogers on January 1, 2009 at 8:04pm

Okay, Harley, I'll play--

A goal for me-- To modify a pickup truck that now gets 26 mpg, so that it gets 40 mpg or better after the modifications. My plan is to lower its air drag from Cd = 0.45 to about 0.32. This is a good one-year goal for me. I have already done experiments and calculations that show it can be done. (I think I still hold the one-tank mileage record for a VW Beetle TDI, at 78 mpg. Do a google search for stories.) I have some hurdles to clear to get it done, like acquiring the truck.


Ernie Rogers

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joey on January 1, 2009 at 11:43pm

I would love to see more renewable energy being used in 2009. I would like to see programs put into action that make homes more self-sufficient with energy AND water. Green homes using grey water, that would be rad!

Joey

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jack Cone on January 2, 2009 at 6:00am

Harley,
A thrilling, challenging and progressive 2009 for us all!
I too, would love to see solar on more home roofs, but would also like to see community solar installations. In Oregon, we have a reasonable sun resource but many trees, so roof and parking space in shopping centers, municipal and business districts offer excellent, high-profile, shade-free space. Neighbors who don't have unshaded homes or optimum position and tilt can own shares in these 100 kW plus installs. Lower cost inverters, shorter runs to the local grid and ease of maintenance and cleaning are just a few of the advantages.
The greatest advantage may be financing. With much of America's capital "parked" on the sidelines as cash and with bank interest rates high and unattainable, a neighborhood solar generator can use investment money from neighbors, even IRA money, to finance construction. That would by-pass a loan (and its costs) entirely.
The pride in owning a home solar converter is still here. Your family has a rock-solid (silicon, boron and glass) investment tied to energy (the only asset that may truly, always increase in price). When you drive by (in your electric car), you can point to your generator and show a son, daughter or grandchild that you're part of the solution and care deeply about their future. I kinda like the old-school mono and multi-crystalline cells, since they last so long. The first ones at Bell Labs are still putting out watts. Longevity and low maintenance would have to be characteristics, but would insure that shares in the neighborhood generator will be a true legacy; an heirloom to pass along with a healthier planet.
Factoring in Oregon style incentives and tax breaks, for a 100 kW system, just the return from wholesale power sales (at todays rates) is 5%/year. That's a P/E of 19.23. Add to that Green Tag and Carbon Offset revenue and appreciating real property value, a community generator is a steady, solid investment with earnings based on electric bills paid with cash, every month.
I'm forming such an LLC, with just this Johnny Appleseed approach...when I'm not writing to kindred spirits like those reading this blog. Such a deal.
Thanks, Jack

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jack Cone on January 2, 2009 at 6:05am

Bravo, Ernie!
Here is a link to a guy with some serious wind mitigation designs for semi trucks: http://www.solusinc.com.

Ernie Rogers said:

Okay, Harley, I'll play--

A goal for me-- To modify a pickup truck that now gets 26 mpg, so that it gets 40 mpg or better after the modifications. My plan is to lower its air drag from Cd = 0.45 to about 0.32. This is a good one-year goal for me. I have already done experiments and calculations that show it can be done. (I think I still hold the one-tank mileage record for a VW Beetle TDI, at 78 mpg. Do a google search for stories.) I have some hurdles to clear to get it done, like acquiring the truck.


Ernie Rogers

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tom McAndless on January 22, 2009 at 6:41pm

My primary goal is to find a sponsor for the Residential Solar Freedom Act. Looking for both someone in congress to adopt the proposed bill and for about a million people to write their representative and have them pass it.

We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to reach the goal of bringing solar energy to the forefront of meeting our countries' energy demands. With help from the current economic stimulus package we can do what was only dreamed of before, bring clean distributed energy to the homes of millions of Americans.

▶ Reply to This

▶ Reply to This