sarafm

sarafm id=
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Member since: Oct 4 2007, 12:06 PM EDT
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I chose to focus on the feasibility of homeowners converting to solar power and “getting off the grid.” As there seems to be more interest among homeowners to become independent of the local grid because of rising utility rates and the frequency of weather-related blackouts, I looked for resources that had practical advice, were easy to understand, and were not time-consuming to explore. I also looked for a variety of media, therefore, I chose podcasts, websites, and books.

  1. My first resource is PBS’s NOVA program, “Saved by the Sun,” which first aired on 24 April 2007. I started with this resource because it gives a general overview and history of solar power. First Resource
  2. My second resource is a video from the magazine Businessweek. I like this resource because it is about a family that converted to solar power, and it focuses on the costs involved in converting to solar energy. Second Resource

  1. My third resource is LEAFHouse, the University of Maryland team’s entry in the Department of Energy solar house competition on the National Mall in October 12-20, 2007. I chose this resource because it shows that a house can be completely powered by the sun, and it was built by fellow Terps! Third Resource
  2. My fourth resource is the American Solar Energy Society. I chose this resource because it offers a way for consumers to think about getting started and whether solar is a good choice for them. Fourth Resource
  3. My fifth resource is the company BP solar, which has been manufacturing solar modules since 1973. I chose this resource because it is a company with 30 years experience, is local, and has a “solar savings estimator” on its website. Fifth Resource
  4. My sixth resource is the book Got Sun? Go Solar: Get Free Renewable Energy to Power Your Grid-Tied Home, by Rex A. Ewing and Doug Pratt, available on Amazon.com. I chose this book because it gives homeowners a good overview of what is involved in converting to solar power. Sixth Resource


Latest page update: Dec 5 2007, 1:25 PM EST

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