Go Green - by Lawson Schaller
2013 and 2012 Columns
September, 2013 Solar Residential Leases vs. Purchasing
Leases have become very popular in the residential solar market. In the last few years leases have grown to a point that they account for the majority of residential solar installations. However there is a very attractive option to the lease.
June, 2013 Important Characteristics of a Good Solar Analyst
In recent years solar systems have become more affordable and widespread. The industry has experienced rapid growth. With that come new players in the market.
May, 2013 Composting Food and Yard Waste
Composting food and yard "waste" is a fairly simple thing to do and can benefit you and the environment. Taking a step back, many would argue that "waste" is not waste and is instead a valuable resource – it serves primarily as soil amendment.
March, 2013 Solar Electric Systems
People can start saving money in the first month of installing a solar electric system. Over time, the cost difference between paying PG&E and your solar electric system becomes even more significant. This is why solar is an excellent investment. Many sources and studies show attractive pay back periods and return on investment with solar electric systems. Paybacks are often in the five to seven year time frame. Future payback/savings are even greater. Once installed, a solar electric system will reliably produce power for decades to come with inflation protection
February, 2013 Central Coast Green Guild
A group of building and design professionals have come together on the Central Coast. They call themselves the Central Coast Green Guild. Their common goal and objective is to provide superior service, sustainable materials, and quality installation for lasting performance and customer satisfaction.
January, 2013 Energy Upgrade
Save money, save energy, reduce the burden on Mother Nature and live more comfortably year round. This is all done through Energy Upgrade California, a statewide whole house assessment program.
December, 2012 Shop Local for the Holidays
Holiday shopping is upon us and the choices we make in gift giving have an impact on the environment and our local economy.
November, 2012 Energy Audits
I recently participated in one week energy audit class for small commercial businesses. The training was provided by PG&E. The primary purpose of the energy audit is to determine how and how much energy a small business is using, and then to make suggestions on how they can implement energy efficiency measures.
September, 2012 Cutting Out the Big Banks -
An old adage in banking was known as the "Three-
August, 2012 Electric Vehicle vs. Gas Vehicle
Originally I intended to write this column comparing the total cost of owning and operating a gas car to an electric vehicle (EV). Instead I am going to look at fuel cost comparison, and I want to touch on some of the factors involved in deciding to purchase an electric vehicle.
July, 2012 Wind Energy vs. Solar Electric
In providing renewable energy solutions to homeowners I am frequently asked "what
about wind?" For some reason people are curious and attracted to the idea of wind
machines creating energy. Perhaps people like the sight of a wind mill. It is active;
one can see it in motion working to produce energy. Often wind machines conjure up
images of windmills pumping water . . . maybe there is a romantic element to the
attraction of wind machines -
June, 2012 Solar Thermal or Solar Electric?
Recently an article in the Green Building Advisor suggested that Solar Thermal (solar hot water) is dead. The article claims it is more affordable to heat water with solar electric systems than solar hot water systems.
May, 2012 Altherma NZE
As noted in prior columns, California is moving toward Net Zero Energy (NZE) homes
-
April, 2012 Green Living is Really Catching On
Like many, I have been interested in resource conservation for a long time. I have also been writing about it here for since the Journal began in July of 2009. It is very uplifting to see and hear an increased level of interest and participation in resource conservation.
March, 2012 Industrial Grade Hemp
In 1941 Henry Ford built a car with a plastic made partially from hemp and wheat straw. The extraordinary versatility of industrial hemp is absolutely fascinating. Given our growing dependence on petroleum for plastics, adhesives, etc., it is exciting and comforting to know that we have sustainable and renewable alternatives available
February, 2012 Geothermal Heat Pumps -
CSolar and wind seem to get most of the attention in the realm of renewable energies these days. Geothermal (ground source) heat pumps generally get less exposure. They are underground after all, but can be an attractive option for those wanting to cut energy usage.
January, 2012 Energy Upgrade
Save money, save energy, reduce the burden on Mother Nature and live more comfortably year round. This is all done through Energy Upgrade California, a statewide whole house assessment program. It is a collaborative effort with utility companies (i.e. PG&E), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Energy Commission (CEC), and local governments (SLO County).
Go to Go Green 2011 and 2010