The Ecology Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Should we install solar electric at home?

There are several financial incentives presently available, but you should only consider going solar once you have reduced your electricity demand as much as possible by becoming as energy efficient as possible. This will save you money on your utility bill and reduce the size and cost of your solar system.

How can I find out about the latest tax rebates and incentives in my area?

You can search for federal, state and local energy incentives through the Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/) or Energy Star (http://www.energystar.gov/).

Which uses less energy - a plasma or LCD TV?

It really is a matter of screen size. On a per-square-inch basis, plasmas consume slightly more energy than LCDs. LCDs typically come in smaller sizes so they use less energy during home operation and in production. In some cases an LCD can cost you $115 less each year to operate, but if you choose an LCD with a screen larger than 27-inches, they start using about the same energy as a plasma. Always look for the Energy Star label when TV shopping and be sure to recycle your old screen.

Don’t CFLs contain mercury?

Yes, but in some CFLs mercury now exists is in the form of an amalgam that is bonded to another metal. This way, if the bulb breaks, the mercury doesn’t spill freely.

The bottom line

The consequences of unrestrained energy consumption- leveled mountaintops, cavities in the earth’s crust, increasing global temperatures and foreign oil dependence - have caught up with us. There are now two places to focus our attention: renewable energy sources and conservation. You can do both at home.

Know the facts

If every American household replaced one incandescent bulb with a CFL, it would prevent green house gas emissions equivalent to taking 800,000 cars off the road.

The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook. David de Rothschild.

The portion of energy in buildings that is used inefficiently OR unnecessarily: 30%.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR program. “Useful Facts and Figures.” No date referenced. 1 June 2007

23% of global energy is consumed by the United States, which has only 5% of the world’s population.

The US is the leader in wind-power installations and is now equipped to power 4.5 million home through wind power.

Denmark’s economy grew by 70% between 1980 and 2005, all the while the nation’s energy use remained stable.
National Geographic Earth Pulse: State of the Earth 2010.

In just one hour enough sunlight falls on the earth to meet global energy needs for one year.
National Geographic Green Guide.

Get inspired. A few projects to get you started

- Take control of your AC. Properly install a programmable thermostat.

- Install low-e, double-glazed windows.

- Replaced outdated insulation in your walls or attic with alternative materials.

- Insulate your water heater and hot-water pipes.

- If you use gas or oil for heating, install a condensing boiler.

- Swap out incandescents for CFLs.

- Build an urban clothesline...and use it to line-dry your laundry.

- Install PV panels.

- Try your hand at constructing a solar oven.

Find support. A list of recommended resources

Print
Solar Living Source Book. Eds Doug Pratt and John Schaeffer.
Chelsea Green Guide: Energy. Jon Clift & Amanda Cuthbert.

Online
The Green Guide.
The Alliance to Save Energy.
Department of Energy: Energy Star and Energy Guide.
The Tax Incentives Assistance Project.

Other
Attend a Backyard Skills course at The Ecology Center.

Local Case Study

Santa Ana Solar Panels

In January of 2009, a 19.44 kW solar panel system was installed on the Santa Ana residence of Jeremy and Sandy Kaslow. Orange County-based DJH Construction, Inc. designed and installed the Kaslows’ 90-panel system, which provides nearly 100% of their electrical usage. In addition to their ongoing utility savings, the Kaslows received a rebate check from their utility company and a 30% tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Source: DJH Construction Press Release.

Location: Santa Ana, California
System area: 1530 sq. ft.
Expected system life: 25 years
CO2 reduction over system life: 500 tons
Environmental impact equivalents over system life: Planting 19,996 trees
Productivity: Over 29,000 kWh annually

Don't Stop Now!

Informed? Inspired? Don’t stop now! Stay connected to your local source of sustainability education and become a member of The Ecology Center today. Sign-up at http://www.theecologycenter.org/join.