subject: The Solar Conversion Challenge [print this page] The Solar Conversion Challenge The Solar Conversion Challenge
When at first we contemplate and investigate the actual changes in equipment, investments, change of life and the way we think about energy and how we manage our responsibilities towards handling our complete energy needs or commingling energy sources can be daunting.
The Benefits
We wont go into detail at this point, but some of the benefits are obvious
Planet pollution greatly reduced
You save 20 days of oil and coal consumption for everyday of solar power
The energy you collect and dont use can be sold to the energy companies
Just to name a few, it was at one time an expensive venture but with the government subsidies, the cost has greatly come down especially depending on which type of conversion you attempt, your first two choices are contractor or do-it-yourself, this is obvious of which would be cheaper, one takes time, effort and a willingness to get involved and learn a little bit of everything connected with the conversion.
Another big decision to contemplate is a combination grid system or a complete off grid system, a complete off grid system would mean taking complete responsibility of powering your home completely by yourself, this would mean of course to maintaining a backup system with generators and a power storage system.
A combination grid system would mean collecting your power, being able to store your energy, but having the ability to have the energy companies as a backup, this would also make it easier to store and sell back any excess energy you collected, given everything I have said you can see there is a whole new dimension of responsibility to managing your own power needs, this is a good thing in the long run.
If youre entertaining the off grid system, being prepared is crucial! So with that, the first thing to contemplate is your actual needs. Then making the decision of contractor or do-it-yourself, contractors can be expensive, but DIY can be scary too, and then not, there are kits available that claim it can be done over a weekend for $200 or less, or more?
At this point who are you, a grandma all alone, a family, a single man or woman, if your not a grandma living alone heres a chance to enter the do it your self mode, if youre a technical person then bam! Piece of cake, a mother or father with kids then seek some help, do a little reading, a little Googling and bam!, or not.
Be prepared to sift through a lot of internet scams, easy as pie promises and who knows what else they have thought of to separate you and your money, this is something that is evolving all the time in a sea of criminal minds. So be forewarned and armed, go to your local hardware store or home builder supply and surely you will meet someone to help point you in a good direction.
Another course of action is to team up with another home owner and make it a buddy project; two heads are bettor than one. And remember the keep it simple philosophy, start out small, for instance figure out to power your garage with solar or even your pool if your have one, this would be a great way to learn the ups and downs before tackling your home with a large amount of appliances, electronics, and the stuff you need to survive.
Just remember this is a lifestyle change that will affect the way you think about energy consumption, our planet, bill paying, how this affects your childrens life and their children, pretty big important stuff. And when youre done you can consider yourself a true pioneer of the very near future.
