Men are climbing all over my house. Two are crawling underneath. One is up on the roof. Two more are standing in my utility "closet" discussing matters.
The next great house project is in full groove. I'm installing a solar power system, complete with battery backup. Even though it won't be enough to supply allll of my power needs, that abundant Florida sunshine is going to produce a lot of kilowatts and greatly reduce the amount of energy I draw from the local power company.
We've also designed the system to include an automatic switchover to the battery banks. If the regular power goes out certain key things -- some lights, the fridge, a few fans and the aquarium -- will always be able to run. This will be an enormous help if we suffer power outages after storms. No need for a generator!
I'm not going to act like this is a cheap undertaking. It isn't, and even with monthly energy savings, it will be a lonnnggg time before the system pays for itself. I'm happy, however, that I qualify for a Florida state rebate and a federal tax credit this year.
The long and short of my decision is that I believe that reducing my use of coal, gas, nuclear and other forms of energy is important for the environment. The sun is up there, its awesome power available to be used by everybody. There might be a cost to my bank account, but if this investment reduces some of the cost to the planet, it's worth it to me.
I can't wait to compare last month's electric bill with the first one that comes after my solar power system is up and running!
I'm taking some pictures and getting the guys to photograph the panels on the roof. Will post them later this week when the project's complete.
Granted, this is a big project, but there are so many smaller, easier positive ways that every single person can help the environment. Several months ago, I switched 99% of my light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Almost ever supermarket now sells low price reusable bags. I picked up a couple at Publix for $1.49 each and now take them back with me every time that I shop. I estimate that every time I use the green bags, I've eliminated my need for at least six plastic bags. That's over 300 bags that I won't use in the next year!
The filter in my water pitcher means I have quality drinking water that didn't come in bottles. I bought that counter-top water distiller and eliminated the need to buy gallon plastic jugs of distilled water for my aquarium.
Sometimes the smallest step results in big improvements. Imagine if you and everyone you know made a couple of changes.
What can you do to help the planet?
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