Fun, Sun and Some Energy Conservation:
By Ronnie Das
Begin by setting yourself in a beautiful Bonita as we find ourselves on the roof reaping the rewards of radiant heat by installing 20 solar modules. On a hot summer San Diego day solar advantages are the clear choice for accepting our most plentiful readily accessible energy source: the sun.
Solar Modules use radiant heat to create DC electricity - your neck uses that solar energy to create sunburns. Quick Tip: When installing panels remember to use sunscreen and a hat to cover yourself as much as possible . As for me, a readily unprepared lifestyle gave way to my present circumstances, on a roof with no direct shade because the machine we are installing has the sole purpose of capturing heat. I guess as an ex would say “Should've got the hint,” but I got through it and had some fun in the sun as I learned about a sustainable energy solution for San Diego.
Fun fact: The Earth receives more energy from the sun in 1 hour than is used in the entire world in 1 year. It would take roughly 0.3% of the world's land area to supply all our electricity needs via solar power.
Bias and pride aside, San Diego is setting the scene as pioneers in solar power standards. In June 2007, San Diego was selected as a Solar City by the U.S. Department of Energy because of its commitment to adopting solar technology at the local level.
Nationally, San Diego is ranked 4th for producing and using environmentally preferable green energy (US EPA 2007). To put 4th in perspective the renewable energy reductions of carbon dioxide emissions is equivalent to planting 40,187 acres of trees. The sustainable energy efforts from our city adopting photovoltaic systems saves nearly $170,000 annually.
Kyocera, which is an international conglomerate, has a solar module manufacturing plant in Kearny Mesa, which provides jobs in the growing energy industry. No other time in history has energy been more important than now, and San Diego has clearly established itself in fostering alternative energy to provide choices locally, nationally, and internationally.
Energy has become the forefront of every presidential campaign for 2012, and coupled with an economic strategy, focusing on job creation has become the leading topic in today's political landscape. Outside of politics, increases in energy prices make traditional sources of power less obvious as the standard choice for consumers. Brighten up to the high standards of the solar industry in sunny San Diego.
Solar is a sustainable solution for San Diego, but so is energy conservation. Energy Conservation is the key to energy independence and what you don't know doesn't get managed. Check your electric bill to keep it in check instead of paying a premium price for wasted electricity. Keep kids involved as electric monitors help teach them valuable lessons in energy conservation, saving money, and sticking to good habits. Teaching toddlers (and ourselves) to take the time to turn off TV's, lights, and other electronics is a great way to be part of a sustainable solution. Powerstrips are energy efficient, and a safe, easy way controls for kids to save power during the day.
If your slightly more technical, be sure to solve the age-old question, how many of you does it take to change a light bulb? Incandescent lights can be switched to low-cost (<$3,at any home improvement store) or no-cost (trade program with SDG&E) energy-efficienct lighting choices (ex. CFLs, LEDs). Energy Star qualified lighting use less energy, and produces about 75% less heat than incandescent lighting, so you'll feel real cool as you save money.
Hopefully you can start saving with several of these sustainable solutions as you soak up that sun this summer in San Diego.
How Can I Help? Episode 4: Solar Diego featuring Bill Clinton, Independent Energy Solutions, Baker Solar Electric Inc, SDG&E, County of San Diego Operations, and California Center for Sustainable Energy. Find out more on how to use natural energy to light up your life on our official website http://howcanihelpsandiego.com/?page_id=989
Catch All New Episodes of 'How Can I Help?' Fridays at 6:00 PM on ITV – Channel 16 in San Diego.
