Around 1977, Jimmy Carter was president and looking for alternative sources of energy. I was only 7 at the time so I don’t know the whole story but it goes a little something like this: If you took advantage of alternative energy sources you would get a tax break. My THEN neighbor but now mother in law and her husband decided to install solar panels. This little solar panel system puts out a LOT of warmth, mostly in the spring and fall when it’s too warm for us to build a fire but too cold to not have some sort of heat. In the winter even on cloudy days the glare from the snow helps this to generate warm air too.
My husband and I have hopes and dreams of refurbishing these panels (one is broken) and installing more on the roof. We would like to install some sort of energy storage device and be able to rely on this more than we do now for heat.
I cannot say enough good about our panels. In the 40 years they been there, they have never been serviced. We have cleaned the outside of them a couple of times being gentle. When we added our laundry room, Neal re routed the air duct to the mudroom so that it would heat our little bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. When I tell you this system has been a real trooper I’m not joking.
The only down side to this unit is that it takes electricity to circulate the air. The other downside which isn’t the system, but whomever installed it, is that it only has only one duct.
When people talk about going green the conversation switches to organics, composting or biking/walking instead of driving, but even up here in the far north we are able to harness the sun’s energy and use it as supplemental heat in our home.
Is your family using any type of alternative energy? Would you like to?
I have always played with the idea of solar panels. I know there are several people who have them and who have windmills in my area and it seems to work for them.
I’ve always wanted solar panels on our home but afraid of how much its going to cost. Going green is one of my major goals. Not only does it help the environment but also the pocketbook.
I love our solar panels and since our kids are getting a little older we’re really looking into putting in more and a whole better system.
We have plans to install solar panels this year. The benefits are awesome. Thank you.
We have been talking about solar panels. I think they would be great for us.
we have been talking about going green. Some of our family has and they really love it.
I would love to use solar panels. Unfortunately, we live in an apartment. And even if we could rig something up, we have a western exposure so we only get about 30 minutes of sun a day, just as it sets. I really envy people who live in a house and can do what they want!
Would love to build a new house and do this! Our electricity is so very high here in Arkansas!
Thank you for sharing. We have been thinking about the solar panels. It sounds like a great idea.
No, we do not use any kind of alternative energy in our home. We have a very small household (just two of us), and a modest home. We’re very energy- and eco- aware/conscious, though, and do all that we can. I’m glad to have read this post– I found it truly inspiring!
Thanks,
–Ann
I love the idea of green energy sources. I’ve actually been looking into solar panels and have been amazed at the progress in the technology since they were first introduced. Can you believe they are working on windows that are clear, but still act as solar collectors? That would be amazing to have.
Solar power is the way to go. It is something we would like to have soon. Great for the environment and the wallet too.
We set up a solar system about a year ago and it was the best thing we ever did.. When the power goes during a storm we are ready with alternative current….
We have been wanting solar panels for a while.
I’d love to have some solar power in our apart. If most people had it are country could get off the fossil fuel addiction.
We have friends that got solar and they save SO much money. It really seems the way to go.
My husband installed solar panels last year and we use them at night for all our lighting and television… Our electric bill reflects this great savings….
I have watched so many TV shows about solar panels and Ed Begley Jr. He had solar panels, wind and bicycle power. It is worth the investment
I would love to go solar. Unfortunately, it is s costly upfront, which makes it impossible for everyone to switch over.
It’s great to hear a real story about solar energy.
I have always wanted to go solar.
I have always wanted to do the solar panels. Thank you for sharing.
I know right? Every time I turn the heater on I see dollar signs flying out the window.
I wish I could have solar panels on my townhouse, but am not allowed to.
When we have our own place I would LOVE to have lots of skylights and solar panels!! Oh and a greenhouse!! I have big dreams lol!!
I’ve always wanted to go with solar power
I have wanted solar panels for a while now but the wife is reluctant. I will have to let her read this.
I have installed solar and it is something that every household should do in the future.
I’ve always wanted to install solar panels on our house
What a great story. I would love to have solor panels. Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing. We need to go green. We haven’t yet but plan to.