SUSTAINABLE LIVING FOR THE MODERN AGE
by Todd Cory

The cheap energy party is over. With peak oil at our doorstep, in a few short years the entire planet will begin to suffer societal collapse as a result of diminishing non-renewable resources. As demand exceeds supply, prices skyrocket and tensions mount over the remaining reserves. Because of these “incentives”, many are wisely considering active renewable energy systems using solar, wind and small-scale hydro. Clearly, it is time to move beyond our dependence on fossil fuel use (much of it imported) to a more harmonious and sustainable world.
As a local renewable energy system designer and installer, the first question I am usually asked is “Is solar cost effective”. That is not a simple question to answer.

Is It Cost Effective?
I feel it is paramount if we are to survive as a species, that we consider a long-term viewpoint. Yes, in the short run use of subsidized and environmentally destructive fossil fuels may appear a better (cheaper) source than solar and wind, but we also need to consider the hidden costs of their use.

Every Watt or BTU we use costs us directly in the form of increased utility bills. It also (and more importantly) costs us in the indirect impacts of its hidden subsidies. If you were to include the cost of manipulating the world to insure our access to other countries’ petroleum, and the environmental effects from fossil fuel use, the prices of our conventional energy would be 5 to 10 times the current amount. We still pay this; however it is hidden... in our taxes, our budget cuts, our declining standard of health and our decreasing international popularity.

Yes, short-term thinking says “green” energy is more expensive. But what you are buying is not typical “brown” power, subsidized by future generations. You are purchasing a renewable energy generation appliance that will in all likelihood still be capturing usable energy 100 years from now.

So, is it cost effective? Conventional energy economics is a value system masquerading as mathematics. At its heart is one key assumption: the future is worthless and the environment doesn’t matter. Are your purchases always founded on obtaining the cheapest price? Of course not, but when it comes to energy, for most people cheap is best. The cheap power paradigm is bankrupt. If you value the future, renewable energy like solar, wind and micro-hydro is cost effective. If you don’t, it isn’t. It’s really that simple.

Step one—Reducing Waste
The second question I am asked is “What would it cost to put solar on my home?” This too is not a simple question to answer. To capture enough solar energy to operate your home, it is first necessary to know how much energy you use. When thinking about using renewable, solar energy the paramount thing to consider is reducing waste. Now, conservation does not necessarily mean doing without, but rather doing the same things, just more efficiently.

The first step in this process is looking at your utility bill. Most homes could easily reduce their energy use by 50%. This is done through the use of many common energy saving devices available anywhere. Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs will save 75% of the energy that standard incandescent lamps use. It is also important to always purchase the most efficient appliances available, like refrigerators that use as little as 20% of the energy of standard models. Front loading washing machines use 1/3 of the water and spin the clothes so fast that drying time is next to nothing. Home insulation is also essential. The more efficient your home is, the less energy it will take to heat and cool. This includes using insulated windows, passive solar designs and reducing air infiltration. If you are considering renewable energy, wise and efficient use of the energy you produce is crucial. Every dollar you spend on energy efficiency pays back 3 to 5 dollars in reduced system costs.

Even if you choose to not install renewable energy on your home at this time, efficiency is an essential part of the solution to our currently expanding energy crisis.

Step 2— Active Solar Thermal
How is it done? There are basically two kinds of solar devices, solar thermal and solar electric. Solar thermal excels at water and air heating and boasts capture rates in the 70% range. It is also the least expensive form of solar energy. If you are thinking about implementing solar into your new or existing home, (after making it as efficient as possible) the next step is a solar thermal system.

Solar water heating is accomplished through the use of commercially available panels. Basically, these are insulated boxes with black colored, copper tubing inside. Water passes through these tubes and is heated by the sun. It is typically pumped to a storage tank for 24-hour availability.

Rather than heating water, solar air panels directly heat the air itself, which is circulated by a fan to warm the interior of a living space.
In our area, a well-designed solar thermal system is capable of providing approximately 70% of a home’s yearly hot water or space heating needs. A back up propane or natural gas (or perhaps someday hydrogen) system is necessary for the darker winter months.

Step 3—Active Solar Electric
So, you have made your home as efficient as possible. You have installed your solar thermal and possibly air heating systems. The next step is solar electric, also called photo (light) voltaic (electric) or PV for short. Solar electric panels capture about 17% of the sun’s light energy (in the form of photons) that shine on them. The semiconductor devices in the panel convert this into electricity.

There are 2 kinds of solar electric systems. One uses batteries and has the advantage of providing back up power during utility outages. The other uses no batteries and offers slightly higher efficiencies and less maintenance. Both systems can operate in a “net-metered”, grid-interactive, bi-directional application. This is where any solar power generated that exceeds what is being consumed goes back into the utility grid, turning the meter backwards in the process. With a grid connected system, the utility will power loads that exceed the solar system’s generation capacity. Only the battery-based system is capable of powering an off-grid home.

What can it do?
There are some limitations with off-grid solar electric systems. Heavy loads that produce heat, like clothes dryers, electric ovens and ranges, are best done through the use of propane or natural gas (or perhaps someday hydrogen). All other typical home loads would provide no problem for the modern sine wave inverters currently available. Grid-tied systems are not encumbered by these limitations.

Solar electric systems can be modularly designed to meet the finances of the owner. Twenty five years ago I started out with two 60-watt photovoltaic panels, now I have 24 that provide about 95% of my electrical needs.

Conclusion
Just because our conventional energy sources are subsidized - making them seem relatively inexpensive - does not mean they are wise, ethical or cost effective (in the long run) choices. With global peak oil here now, our unsustainable style of life will rapidly come to an abrupt halt. Think about how dependent everything is on fossil fuels, and you get an idea of how incredibly serious this situation is. Nothing in the world will remain untouched by this actuality. Seeing this coming energy crunch gives us cause to seriously consider becoming less reliant on petroleum sources of energy now.

We must also consider the very real connection between the use of non-renewable energy sources, energy waste and wars for imported oil. Lets contemplate the social responsibility we individually and collectively have to not support things that make conflicts over natural resources necessary. The sun shines freely on everyone and we simply do not need to fight over energy.

It is easy to sustain a comfortable standard of living that is less dependent on mindless waste and the reliance on fossil fuels. I look forward to the day when conscious and wise use of sustainable, renewable energy is considered as it should be: as patriotic and the socially responsible thing to do. Until then it is up to those that see this inevitable shift, to walk their talk by implementing it in their lives, and being the change they want to see in the world.

toddcory@yahoo.com - (530) 926-1079
Mt. Shasta Energy Services, C-10 # 811428
P.O. Box 689 - Mount Shasta, CA. 96067