The Solar Installation Process
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We know that normally installing a solar panel system is a pretty controlled and straightforward process, but we wanted to make this a little fun. This presentation includes videos and introductions of key people in the process. We hope you enjoy!
But…if you really want to read about the process – here is the detailed version of the solar installation process.
Solar in the news: Life after coal
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A group devoted to creating green jobs in Central Appalachia just completed its first rooftop solar array installation on the Williamson Family Care Center in West Virginia’s southern coalfield region.
The installation of a solar power system signals to an area that there is life beyond the coalmines. An 11kW solar array may be small by industry standards, but has a large economic impact on job creation.
The JOBS Project, a non-profit organization promoting sustainable energy, is striving to offer more options to blue-collar 
workers in areas of West Virginia where traditionally the skilled workforce would turn to the mines.
“Projects like this won’t negatively affect mining jobs one bit. West Virginia has long been an energy state. We need to make sure we stay the nation’s leader in all forms of energy,” stated Eric Mathis, CEO of The JOBS Project.
West Virginia is diversifying. Energy can come in many forms – solar, wind, geo-thermal. Chevy is diversifying. Now manufacturing a car that runs on batteries like the Volt while still manufacturing trucks.
It begs to question, if skilled electricians, traditionally working in the mines, now turn to installing solar, what’s to say that a closed car manufacturing plant can’t become the new location for manufacturing solar panels?
Is this how “renew” and “reuse” can make economic sense?
Can a solar manufacturer put long-time unemployed GM Auto Workers in Lansing Township, Michigan back to work?
Now that would create “green jobs” – who’s up for the challenge?
What you can do to reduce your carbon footprint
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In the spirit of the upcoming 10/10/10 Global Work Party, we’ve gathered together some environmental tips, facts, and other information we can all do right away to help reduce our carbon footprint.
So, what is global warming and why is it such a big deal? The folks at 350.org tell us “Global warming is caused by releasing what are called greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. Many of the activities we do every day like turn the lights on, cook food, or heat or cool our homes rely on the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which emit carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases when burned. This is a major problem because global warming destabilizes the delicate balance that makes life on this planet possible. ”
To some “going green” feels like a undertaking but we’ve gathered some information about what you can do to curb your carbon footprint and work towards a greener planet – and some are rather simple, really. Here they are:
10 Green Home Improvement Resolutions You Must Make Right Now
Why not make some resolutions now that will help you lower your carbon footprint and increase the energy-efficiency of your home throughout the winter and for years to come. You know what they say, “If you can’t change yourself, you can at least change the environment in which you live.” Nobody actually says that…
15 Ways to Practice Water Conservation at Home
Water is a precious commodity, and Americans and Canadians use more water per capita than people in any other part of the world. A lot of the water we use is wasted, but you can save a lot of water between simple adjustments…
Interview With The Authors of The Carbon-Free Home
This beautiful two-story house produces enough energy to fill all of their energy needs and is outfitted with all kinds of ingenious projects straight from their book. In front, a garden grows everything from artichokes to pomegranates, while chickens roam around in the backyard.
Wanting to learn more about how you can reduce your carbon footprint?
Join us at the Kentlands 350 Global Work Party.
When: Sunday, October 10th, 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Whole Foods Market Cafe – 316 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Pre-register for Kentlands 350 Global Work Party
What is Kentlands 350?
Let’s celebrate climate solutions. Join Whole Foods Market, Solar Energy World and Greenavise at a 10/10/10 Global Work Party. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint by powering your home with 100% renewable solar power and teach your children the importance of the number 350 through an art project.
Prince Georges County Homeowner Reduces Carbon Footprint and Saves Cash
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One of the systems we’re particularly proud of is a unique ground install in Bowie, MD. The Blackwells, the family who hired Solar Energy World, were facing a rather steep $7,550 annual electricity bill.
The Blackwell’s are the owners of a large single-family home built in 2006 in Bowie, Maryland. The two-story home sits upon an approximate 40,000 square foot lot. So, with available space, the Blackwell’s explored the use of ground mounted solar panels to reduce their energy costs.
Our solar analysis showed that the Blackwells that it pays to go solar. The family opted for a 10.32kW solar electric system that includes 48 – 215 watt ground mounted panels. After the federal tax credit, state grant and local property tax credits, the Blackwell’s expect their solar panel system to cost nearly 50% off of the total installation cost.
In addition to the government incentives, the Blackwell’s will be saving $2,471 per year on their electricity bills and earning $4,435 per year by selling their Solar Renewable Energy Credits; making their ground mounted solar electric system pay back in less than 6 years.
We also installed an Enphase monitoring system along with the solar panels. The monitoring system showed that in just the first 10-days of operation, the system produced 505 kilowatt hours; which could power 1,529 light bulbs, 505 computers and 15 homes for one day.
Powering up the Blackwell’s solar panel system also reduced their carbon footprint, with a carbon offset of 865lbs. Within the same 10-day period the offset equivalent of planting 10 trees, not consuming 45 gallons of gas, and not driving 26 cars for a day.
Not only that, but they look amazing. Check out these other pictures of the solar system or read the solar case study.
Three Reasons to Eat Locally Grown Food
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As we mentioned in our first post, one of the things we want to use this blog for is promoting all the actions—big and small—that each of us can take make the world a greener planet. That’s why we’re introducing this monthly feature called Green Living. Each month, we’ll focus on a single tip you can do to live your life more greenly, and leave a smaller footprint behind.
This month, we’ll focus on buying and eating food that is grown locally. Here are three reasons you should start today:
- The impact on the environment: According to studies conducted at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the average fresh food travels 1,500 miles to reach our dinner tables. Buying local reduces or eliminates the climate-changing carbon emissions that occur as a result of their transport.
- The impact on the local economy: When you eat locally produced food, you support local farmers. When you purchase fresh food at your grocery store, the farmer who grew it (1,500 miles away, mind you), only sees a portion of the financial benefit of your purchase. But when you buy locally grown food, the farmer generally sees 100% of the financial benefit. In turn, the local stays in business, pays local taxes, spends money on other local businesses, etc.
- The impact on your health: There’s really no better reason to eat locally. Think of all the processed foods we eat, day in and day out. It’s no wonder why almost 35 percent of adults in the U.S. are considered obese. Eating locally means eating natural, organic foods that are easier for your body to process and can promote healthier bodies.
Here are some good links to various eating local resources to get you started:
Maryland Department of Agriculture 2010 Farmer’s Market Directory