Energy Conservation Works
Going solar. Sometimes it seems the going is slower than I’d like. But occasionally I get motivation to keep going. Ours is defiantly a “Tortoise and Hare” story.
The most recent encouragement to keep our hare in the race was the arrival of our electric bill.
For eight months now, we’ve had our home on [...]
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A Texas Senate Bill Would Subsidize Solar Panels
Those of us trying to make solar power an affordable option always have ears turned to possible options that reduce solar power costs and installation.
According to KBTX.com last week, the Texas State Senate Business and Commerce committee voted the Fraser solar proposal (SB 545) out of [...]
Free Weather
Today in south Texas, we enjoy what my family calls “free weather.”
Free weather happens when the outdoor temperatures are such that we need neither heat, nor air conditioning, nor clothes dryer. Open windows allow cool breezes to circulate through the house and clothes dry quickly when hung out on the clothesline.
Free weather means our [...]
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Learning About Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
We are still trying to reduce our monthly kilowatt-hour consumption before we bite the bullet and install solar electric energy.
Installing Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) reduces the amount of energy your home uses so most people make the switch to CFLs.
Here’s what the EnergyStar site says [...]
Another Reason to Go Solar: Doing the Home Electric Energy Math
Working a solar power system into my budget means I’m always doing the math.
Here’s an interesting energy math equation:
1 kilowatt-hour = 1 pound of coal
This means that every kilowatt-hour you shave off your electric bill you are refusing to burn a pound of coal.
To learn [...]
Calculating the Solar Energy Price Tag What-You-Want-Most Math
Solar energy systems, as with other alternative energy systems, carry a hefty price tag. Promoters of these energy saving systems point out the long-term benefits of having such a system installed in a home.
These long-term benefits are lower operating costs, low maintenance, and in some cases, no [...]
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Solar Power – Is It Right For You?
Do you want a solar powered home? I sure do. Although technology improves and solar panel prices fall, going solar can still be a daunting process.
Have you ever wondered if solar power is right for you?
Well, Mother Earth News has a great article [...]
Solar Energy on a Limited Budget
How do you afford the purchase and installation of a solar energy system in these economic times? I certainly want to but I am limited by financial constraints.
To make solar more affordable, we are limiting our current home energy consumption. The thinking goes like this: the less energy we use, [...]
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Energy Conservation by Individual Choice
The mission here at Simple Home Solar Energy is to “go solar.” The goal is to eventually produce all the energy our home requires. The process to turn our home into a solar energy generator is documented here, in this blog.
Not being a trained engineer or a scientist, I [...]
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Solar Panel Prices Fall
USA Today reports some good news in the bad economy. The cost of rooftop solar systems are down 8 to 10 percent since October. Prices on rooftop solar systems are expected to fall another 15 to 20 percent over the course of the year.
This is good news for [...]