I was invited by Gov. O’Malley to participate in his Energy Summit: A Roundtable on Maryland’s Energy Future. I appreciate the invitation and the information the Roundtable provided. The governor has listed 15 Strategic Energy Goals, three that speak specifically to Alternative Energy and Sustainability:
• Reduce Maryland’s statewide greenhouse gas emission by 25% by 2020
• Reduce per capita electrical consumption by 15% by 2015
• Increase renewable energy by 20% by 2022

The Problem:
While these strategic goals are laudable, it’s the “how” or the execution that is troubling and not in the best interest of the consumer.

The fundamental problem is that there seems to be a belief that saving money is somehow not enough of a motivator for consumers to institute the proposed changes.

Instead, electrical utilities in the state of Maryland have the attitude that it is their responsibility to force a change in consumer consumption through programs that allow the utilities to control how we use electricity.

Proposed controls include the “smart grid” as well as thermostats that the utilities control to cycle the homeowners air conditioner or heat pump compressor.

While this will cut power usage, it takes the control away from the consumer and puts it in the hands of a quasi-governmental utility. Further this plan is part of the State’s Cap and Trade policies, a suspect sustainability idea that does little more than lower the standard of living in the state.
Besides robbing consumers of their liberty; it simply will not work—people want to be their own decision-makers.

A Reasonable Solution:
It’s very simple solution—ironically, garnered from information distributed at the Summit by one of the utility companies—is what I call the 15% Solution.

Rather than turn your power consumption decisions over to the utilities, install (on your own) a programmable thermostat and set it to your specifications.

No need to join any quasi-governmental, utility-based program, just install a reliable thermostat, set it and forget it…and save up to 15 percent per year on your bill!

Hey everyone,

Here’s a quick article to help when choosing solar panels:

http://www.dailyfueleconomytip.com/uncategorized/solar-panels-for-homes-how-to-choose-them-properly/

The plans are here and they’re FREE! That’s right F-R-E-E. Free has a great sound to it doesn’t it. Need temporary power for an out building or shed, use the Solar Sled. Power outages spoiling your food (and who hasn’t had that happen?), use the Solar Sled. Have a cabin or hunting lodge where having some comforts of home would be welcome, use the Solar Sled. These easy to use plans let anyone build this portable solar powered generator. Check out the Panel and Battery Requirements Table to check which size Solar Sled you need:

Solar Sled Instructions

I CAN DO SOLAR is pleased to announced the addition of Solar Design Concepts’ Mini Solar-Gen to the solar products we offer. This versatile all in one unit allows you to easily build many solar powered projects, such as the Solar Sled (see my other blog post). The Min-Solar-Gen is designed to meet Domestic and International applications requiring low cost yet reliable remote solar electric power.
With the optional built in battery charger, the Mini Solar-Gen is also ideal as backup power system for areas with frequent utility power failures.

And it is really easy to get…

With the rising cost of electricity many of us have thought, even in passing of installing some type alternate energy system, especially with this summer’s extraordinary heat and weather. Heat and weather which has caused power outages across the nation. Having your own solar or wind “power grid” would seem to be the easy answer, so what if the rest of the city is out I have my own power grid, I’m ready for anything. Sounds easy, a few phone calls and the system is installed. While technically true, you would have power when everyone else doesn’t the reality is a bit different. Don’t take me wrong I am a huge proponent of solar power, whether it is a few garden lights all or a complete Photo Voltaic (PV) system. I am asking that before you make the PV (or wind) investment (or not) let’s look at your home and make it as efficient as possible.

It has been estimated that 45% of all power used in the home is for either heating or air conditioning, that’s almost half of your power bill. In 2005 the Department of Energy calculated the national average electrical bill was $1900 per year. For some this will sound low for other high, regardless it provides a starting point for comparison. 45% of the average is $855 per year; anything that makes your home more efficiently use power is money in your pocket. It has been estimated that savings as high 30% can be realized by making your home more energy efficient and that can be as simple as minimizing the air leaks in your home. 30% equal $570 per year (based on the average), what could you do with an extra $500!

The good folks at Minnesota Power have developed what they call the “The Pyramid of Conservation”; the pyramid clearly shows the steps you should take before investing in renewable energy sources. Even if you don’t invest in a renewable energy source the pyramid will help you save money on power.  I have included the link to the pyramid article; it’s interactive so you can check out each level for ideas and ways to save money. Minnesota Power’s pyramid of conservation:

http://www.mnpower.com/powerofone/one_home/

Take Your Tunes Anywhere

Nothing like a bright sunny day to get you feeling like communing with nature by going on a hike in the woods, and that’s exactly what Solarguy did a few weekends ago. Mid 80′s and a nice breeze made it irresistible. But I didn’t go alone I brought my Companion Solar Powered radio with me. I hiked to the top of the ridge at Carderock, part of the C&O Canal (http://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm ), which overlooks the Potomac River and decided to take a short rest. I had my Radio in my pack, set it in the sun and enjoyed the music and the scenery. Carderock is a great place to walk, ride or hike; it’s hard to believe it’s so close to the nation’s capital.

The Companion radio is a must have whether you’re a hiker or not, this compact radio/flashlight/cellular charger is great for the outdoors as well as emergencies, and it doesn’t need batteries. In your pack, glovebox or drawer the Companion can go anywhere. The Companion is Solar Powered as well a crank powered.

Festival Spotlights!

Congratulations to the  Gusman family of Potomac Falls, Va  the big winners of the I Can Do Solar Raffle at the 2010 Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival. The Gusman’s told me they have the perfect place for the spot lights and are looking forward to installing the earth friendly lights as soon as they receive them!

Heavy winds and cooler temperatures were a minor inconvenience for the more than 36,000 who came out to the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival April 17th and 18th. I CAN DO SOLAR was perch at the top of the hill on South King, a great vantage point for the Festival and for everyone who stopped by. Great big thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to view the many solar powered garden lighting options, the Guardener (a solar powered deer repeller) and sign up for the Raffle. Spotlights , stepping stones  and walkway lights were a few of the many products available; all shown in a garden setting.

There are still a few days left, until April 30th to get FREE shipping if you order the Guardener online (http://www.aimergard.com), use coupon code PG116 at checkout. The Guardener is 100% ecofriendly, uses green solar power and water, no toxic or unsafe chemicals, to keep deer out of your gardens.

Solarguy would also like to thank the great people of Leesburg who sponsor this event, they were a great help and made it an enjoyable time, even with the weather!

Hyperion Solar LLC is proud to launch the new ICanDoSolar.com website, designed to help Do-It-Yourself folks like you bring solar power into their lives.