Solar power happens one idea at a time

Just about everyone would like smaller utility bills. Most people are ready to fully embrace solar energy. In fact, it is common to hear people ask why every home in Nevada does not have solar panels on the roof. It sure seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it?

The fact of the matter is that we are still in the infancy phase of our transition to renewable energy. Solar installations are mostly done one at a time and they are still relatively expensive. Until builders include solar on every single home as a standard feature, not as an option, prices will remain higher than they could be.

While this is a barrier to some, others have taken on the challenge to make it happen anyway. Through various combinations of creativity, hard work and commitment, many have reached their goals while often helping others as well. Their stories are inspirational.

Here are a few examples that come to mind.

Chicago couple

I recently read about a couple who live in a Chicago condominium. They are committed to the concept of renewable energy; both husband and wife work in the industry. As with most young families, they were long on ideals but short on cash. They set a goal to live with solar power.

They started off even before they were married by creating an online wedding registry that described their desired solar system in detail. This helped educate friends and family about the benefits of solar power. Most of their guests happily contributed to their dream.

They got permission from their condo association to install the panels on the roof. They implemented energy efficiency in a major way. They researched and utilized every incentive they could find.

The end result is a home that is now powered by clean, renewable energy.

Homeowner with intent

Mathilda is committed to a better world. When I met her, she made it clear in no uncertain terms that she wanted to be involved with renewable energy somehow. She wanted to make a difference but didn’t know exactly how to go about it. She signed up for the solar rebate program, but was not sure how it would all work out when the time came to make the final decision to install the system.

When people are totally committed to a goal, amazing things can happen. Inspired by the film “Who Killed the Electric Car,” Mathilda began attending meetings of the local American Solar Energy Society chapter. She volunteered and networked with people. Her enthusiasm did not go unnoticed and soon she was offered a job with a large solar installation company.

What she lacked in knowledge, she made up with dedication and drive. As she learned the business, she increased her value to the company while befriending her co-workers. When her rebate was finally approved, she was in a position to strike a deal with her employer that was affordable to her and helped the company by using perfectly good but older equipment from their inventory.

Some of her co-worker friends pitched in to help with the installation. Mathilda now lives happily in a home that is 100 percent powered by the sun.

Saving for opportunity

One couple’s dream of solar energy was achieved by consistently making decisions in favor of energy efficiency over the long term. This was coupled with a desire to learn about renewable energy, watching the trends and waiting for the right opportunity. They hung on to their energy savings, basically paying for their solar energy system in advance.

When market conditions seemed right, they took the plunge. All the energy-efficiency improvements paid off, since they were able to completely power their home with energy from the sun using a system that was now within their financial grasp. They are now immune to the rising costs of electricity.

Kilowatt theirs

A final source of inspiration is the couple who made the film, “Kilowatt Ours.” As I mentioned briefly in a previous column, they took the energy-efficiency path first. They installed compact fluorescent lamps and purchased used Energy Star appliances that fit their tight budget. They weatherized their home.

Ultimately they reduced their energy bills by hundreds of dollars a year. With no viable location to install their own solar panels, they began using part of their energy savings to purchase green power through their utility. This unselfish act supports renewable energy development and means that the electricity they use comes from clean sources like the wind.

Although they do not have actual panels on their roof, the environmental effects are the same. They no longer contribute to problems like climate change or children with asthma. They are part of the solution.

These are but a few ways that creative folks are living and building a new green economy one idea at a time.

Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, specializing in renewable energy, green building, alternative transportation and lifestyle choices for both residential and commercial clients. The company is committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. Rypka can be reached via e-mail at steve@greendream.biz. More information relating to this column is posted at www.greendream.biz.