Solar panels won't work on my roof, I've got too many trees!
The sign at my local library said “Save money and the environment” Sustainablity Committee Presentation June 13th”
Since I am concerned about both, I attended my town’s Sustainability Advisory Board’s presentation at the local library to learn more. There was a good sized group of interested folks anxious to learn more. 3 different presenters talked about ways to change your home’s heating and electric to reduce CO2 and to save money.
The three options discussed were geothermal, solar and co-generation.
The state and federal government offer tax credits for both geothermal and solar, these tax credits cut the costs by 50% or more. Depending on the cost of fossil fuels and electricity, you can make your money back in just a few years.
Geothermal involves digging down into the ground to put pipes that will carry warm water creating a heat pump. Nearby Westchester libraries in Greenburgh, Mt Kisco and Ossining utilized this technology in their new construction. Will it work in an older home? Or one with lots of rock on the property? My house is built on a slab because of the significant rock. Some of my neighbors with new construction spent oodles and oodles of money- and made tons of noise- blasting and digging just to get their foundation for their new house in. Knowing my luck, I’d spend more digging and blasting then I could ever make back in savings!
Solar panels sounds so enticing because you actually sell electricity back to Con Ed when you’re not using it. But there is a big catch: big trees make this a no go. The solar guys can check out your house via Google Earth to see if shade is a problem. Since my yard only grows mushrooms, ferns and pachysandra, I already know that solar is an impossible dream.
Co-gen systems work for homes of 5000 sq ft or bigger. Wouldn't it be greener to have a SMALLER house instead?
Co generation saves energy costs and oil, but it uses natural gas or propane. Sounds like you’ll still be addicted to fossil fuels. Co-generation is an option for homes bigger than 5000 sq feet, the presenter had some success stories from Greenwich and Westport Ct. Sounds like hedge fund managers out there are investing in these systems. I may have some hedges, but no hedge fund.
The bottom line:
The trick to money is having some- Stuart Wilde
In order to make any of these options viable, you’ll need some significant funds up front to get them going. You’ll also need to plan to stay around a while in order to make your money back.
Due to the housing market slump, many more in our community are renting instead of owning. These strategies are completely useless for renters. When discussing saving energy, we must include the economic realities.
While none of these options will help me save money or cut my carbon emissions, I was excited to see the great turnout for the Sustainability Advisory Board’s presentation.
Here’s a suggestion for future programing: how about some programs for residents that offer low cost strategies to help reduce carbon. Strategies that will engage all people in a community, not just the high rollers.
