energy

Solar collectors reduce the cost of hot water heating at home

clean technology, energy, environment, green business, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, MV Times, renewable energy, Vineyard Unplugged, , , ,

By Martha Shaw (Martha’s Vineyard, MA)

The luxurious practice of bathing and showering in hot water for health and wellbeing can be traced back thousands of years across cultures from the Far East to ancient Rome. Only within the last century, however, have Americans come to rely on hot water available in every bathroom with the twist of knob or push of a button. Not only do we expect it on demand for bathing, but also for washing our clothes and getting our dishes squeaky clean. Barring the presence of geothermal springs in the earth below, this means raising the temperature of water. Throughout time, man has been heating hot water by burning wood, oil, gas, coal, or compost; and in many parts of the world, natural sunlight is used to heat water on rooftops. Now, solar hot water systems are taking their rightful place in history. In fact, heating hot water is among solar energy’s most efficient usages.

It’s easy to guesstimate the amount of energy coming from the sun. Ten square feet of surface on the planet exposed to direct sunlight receives about 1.4 kilowatts of sun power. The power level of one kilowatt for one second is an energy measurement called a BTU (British Thermal Unit). Think of a BTU as about the same amount of energy that comes from lighting one kitchen match. A BTU is also defined as the amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. In general, it’s fair to assume that a fixed solar collector on an unobstructed roof on a sunny day receives 1 BTU per 10 square feet. A typical solar collector panel is 32 square feet so it can receive about three BTU’s per second. That’s roughly 10,000 BTU’s per hour for a collector about the size of a sheet of plywood. Five hours of bright sunshine in a day can make about 50,000 BTU of solar heat from one collector panel.

In the solar hot water system, this heat energy is then used to raise the water temperature of the well or town water. For instance, if well water is 50 degrees, and you want to raise its temperature 70 more degrees to reach 120 degrees, you can calculate how many gallons can be heated. If you divide the 50,000 BTU from the collector panel, by the 70 degree temperature rise needed, you can conclude that 714 pounds of hot water, or about 79 gallons, could be obtained per day from a single solar collector, minus the losses in transferring heat and storing the hot water. Back in the 1970s, during the energy crisis, solar collectors rose in popularity, but the movement lost its momentum as soon as the tax benefits and rebates disappeared. Now, state and federal incentives have returned as energy issues take the spotlight, and solar is back in full swing. The cost of a simple solar hot water installation can be as little as $2,500 including parts and labor, using sitebuilt or refurbished equipment. New systems with warranted equipment cost a bit more.

In December, Sarah Kuh and Chas deGeofroy of Chilmark decided to go ahead with solar hot water when they heard about a good deal offered by contractor Chris Fried of Vineyard Haven, who not only installs systems but also likes to invent them. “If you have a good roof angle and plenty of exposure, why not?” says Sarah. “There’s a sense of responsibility to use renewable resources as time goes on, and there are so many problems around energy, not the least of which is war. It’s readily available for free as long as the sun is shining.” Their system cost a total of $2,500, including labor. Though the solar collectors won’t reach their full potential until summer, on a sunny winter day, water temperatures in their 50-gallon solar tank can easily get to 100 degrees and up. This preheated water feeds into their gas water heater, reducing its load and reducing their dependence of fossil fuel.

“Everyone’s going to have to deal with the end of cheap oil,” says husband Chas. “We may not run out for a hundred years or more, but it’s going to get more expensive. Besides, it’s stupid to invade countries for cheap oil and then squander it. I think this is a good thing to get into… the wave of the future.”

Jim and Debbie Athearn of Morning Glory Farm worked with contractor Erik Lowe to design and install a solar hot water system for their home to replace their electric hot water heater. “We also intend to heat our dining room with looped hot water coils installed in the flooring,” says Jim. “But we’re still waiting to see how much hot water the collectors can produce.” Because the Athearns pre-plumbed the house to someday use solar hot water to heat their floors, their total cost was approximately $10,000. Most of their water heating is now provided for free, which they feel good about, both economically and politically. “But for right now,” Jim adds, “the Arabs are still heating my dining room. Either them or the Texans.”

South Mountain Company Inc. chose Laurel Wilkinson’s house in Island Co-Housing to demonstrate and monitor a new Enerworks solar hot water system that cost about $7,500 total. Laurel, who works at the eco-friendly firm, prefers the soft hum of the system’s pump to the sound of the oil furnace firing up. She says, “As a child, I was raised not to use what I don’t need, and that includes both water and energy. In my family, we turned down the thermostat at night and wore an extra layer to stay warm. College years are the age when people look at their own values and what’s important to them. For me this was during an energy crisis. I began to study various environmentally conscious topics around architecture. Being here at South Mountain I am fortunate to have the opportunity to integrate my values with my work.”

The house has a large south-facing roof with two solar collectors that have been producing most of the home’s water heat for two years now and their performance is monitored with great enthusiasm. “For me, one of the big things is seeing where the energy is coming from,” says Laurel. “It’s like seeing where your food is grown.”
Contractors on the Island are revving up their capacity to install systems, now that incentives for solar hot water heating have been issued again. Both state and federal tax credits are currently available for new, warranted equipment that has been approved by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. Forty plumbers, heating contractors, architects and builders on the Island will attend a solar hot water training workshop on March 16.

To find out more about solar hot water and opportunities for funding, visit www.vineyardenergyproject.org.

This article is sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project through a grant from the U.S. DOE’s Million Solar Roofs program. The Vineyard Energy Project promotes sustainable energy choices through education, outreach, and renewable energy projects. The author, Martha Shaw, is a member of the Vineyard Energy Project’s advisory board. The Times publishes these columns as a service to its readers.

It takes an Island to change a light bulb

clean technology, climate change, energy, environment, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, MV Times, renewable energy, Vineyard Unplugged

By Martha Shaw (Martha’s Vineyard, MA)

If every household and business were to change 15 incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), we would lower the Island’s electrical demand by seven percent, according to the “Vineyard Lighting Challenge.” The Challenge is a strategy recommended in the recently developed Vineyard Energy Action Plan, which claims that switching to CFL bulbs is the easiest, most cost-effective opportunity for electric efficiency. It could amount to a total of almost $3 million saved on Island electric bills in one year.

A CFL bulb uses only one third of the energy of a standard incandescent bulb of equal light quality. Incandescent bulbs have changed little since their invention at the end of the 19th century and waste 90 percent of their energy producing heat instead of light. Fluorescent light has typically come in the form of long white tubes that cast an industrial grayish-blue light. It has now evolved into natural looking full-spectrum light in standard bulbs that come in all shapes and sizes to fit sockets almost anywhere.

Jesse Steere, owner of Shirley’s Hardware, has switched over the bulbs in his store and in his home. He explains the difference. “A fluorescent bulb creates light when the chemicals in the tube are activated by energy and that’s always been more efficient. An incandescent bulb lights up when electricity heats the wires in the bulb.” At Shirley’s, the most popular CFL is the 13-watt soft white, which is closest to the look of sunlight. It is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb and is designed to last 10,000 hours with a light output of 100 lumens. That’s 10 times longer than a conventional bulb. Jesse thinks switching to CFLs is not only an easy way to save money, but a way that everyone on the Island could be working together to save energy. He is also installing solar panels. “The Island is at the limit of our capacity now and running another cable or installing generators that pollute isn’t the answer,” says Jesse. “And we certainly don’t want a nuclear power plant out here.”

The Vineyard Lighting Challenge calls for a commitment from every business and residential home, seasonal and year-round, to change 15 bulbs to CFL. If everyone accepts the challenge, the net result could amount to a reduction of 12,175 megawatt-hours used per year, which is a 50 percent drop in the amount of electricity currently used for lighting. That’s four percent of the total $64 million that the Island spends on energy this year, or almost $3 million. With the recent leap in electrical prices, the cost benefit to the community as a whole, and to each NSTAR customer, is enormous — just for screwing in a few light bulbs.

How many Maciels does it take to change a light bulb? Bob Maciel Sr. of West Tisbury has been reaping the rewards of CFLs for a year now, and he has convinced his three sons — Keith, Steven and Vincent — to change to CFLs as well. “I began by replacing 24 bulbs and then another 24. They really work nice. It’s perfect light. Replacing a light bulb is something anyone can do.” Bob is no stranger to the topic of energy on Martha’s Vineyard. He served on the Dukes County Emergency Management team for 12 years until recently. “Mostly we dealt with storms and other emergencies, but another risk is that there isn’t enough energy. The transformers and cables burn out all the time. The overload is what is causing these things to let go. It’s too bad the wind farm turned into such a fiasco. That would save the day for us, and bring our costs way down.

“We can’t stop the seasonal residents from wasting so much electricity with outdoor lighting and such, but the people who live here, we can do something about it. Maybe a caretaker will read this article and send a message to the summer people.”

Bob is also in the process of having solar panels installed on his roof to further reduce his dependency on the cables and transformers. He explains, “I figure that the less energy I use, the more there is for someone else. We’re a community here. If you screw in a light bulb, you can do something. The Lighting Challenge seems like a wonderful idea for getting everybody working together.”

In certain dense energy markets in this country when the electric grid is at peak, a watt saved is a watt earned and the term negawatt is used to describe curtailed demand or unused watts. They have a monetary value beyond savings on the electric bill because they reduce stress on overloaded systems. On Martha’s Vineyard, a reduction of the 12,175 megawatt-hours called for in the Challenge, has value as well, though not as apparent. New cables and transformers cost consumers money, and there is an environmental factor full of hidden costs.

Emissions from the generation of 12,175 megawatt-hours of electricity by a power plant on the Cape can amount to about 4,500 tons of CO2 and other pollutants released into the atmosphere. CO2, a bi-product of fossil fuel combustion is known to trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon called “greenhouse effect.” An increase in water temperature by a fraction of a degree can alter the circulation of ocean currents and raise sea level. The contrast of temperature and humidity between the atmosphere and the ocean is a major determinate of weather extremes and affects everything from fishing to farming. While experts may argue about global warming, there are few arguments about the benefit of reducing the energy consumption of finite resources like fossil fuels.

As the Island continues to address the quality of the environment, water pollutants, recycling and waste disposal become topics of increased importance. Like many products, all light bulb varieties should be disposed of properly and CFLs are no exception. As part of the Vineyard Lighting Challenge, the Refuse District has agreed to set up appropriate disposal for CFLs.

The Vineyard Lighting Challenge kicks off Dec. 21, the darkest day of the year, with Solstice Events at Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven and the Edgartown Stop & Shop, where you can buy CFLs at cost for this one day only. They are also available at Shirley’s Hardware and other stores for about $1 each, depending on the style. This price is a limited time offer made possible because Cape Light Compact is subsidizing CFLs through a program funded by the conservation fee on each electric bill. In short, there’s no better time to take the Vineyard Lighting Challenge and change at least 15 light bulbs to compact fluorescent.

To sign up for Vineyard Lighting Challenge, learn more about our Energy Action Plan, or to find out about other energy efficiency and renewable energy programs on the Vineyard, visit www.vineyardenergyproject.org.

This article is sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project through a grant from the U.S. DOE’s Million Solar Roofs program. The Vineyard Energy Project promotes sustainable energy choices through education, outreach, and renewable energy projects. The author, Martha Shaw, is a member of the Vineyard Energy Project’s advisory board. The Times publishes these columns as a service to its readers.

Water heaters, pools get free heat from the sun

clean technology, climate change, energy, Martha's Vineyard, renewable energy, Vineyard Unplugged

By Martha Shaw

This series spotlights Vineyard homeowners who are taking action to become less dependent upon — or even independent of — off-Island sources of energy.

The Hackney Family

The idea of building an environmentally sustainable house came to Melissa and Fain Hackney when they visited friends in Maine who had a fabulous house that was completely energy independent, more commonly known as “off the grid.”

Melissa began to research various forms of renewable energy, efficiency methods, sustainable building materials, windows, structure orientation, and solar systems specifically designed just for heating hot water. When the opportunity to build a home from scratch presented itself, Melissa and Fain were enthusiastic about using some of the new solar technology.

On the roof of the Hackneys’ new home in West Tisbury are two panels that heat water as it flows through solar collectors. The hot water is sent to a storage tank and then used for the dishwasher, laundry machine, sinks, baths, indoor and outdoor showers, and even a Jacuzzi. Once the system pays for itself in the next few years, it’s all free.

“We wanted to set a good example for the kids and show them that this is economical, and it’s not very hard,” says Fain. According to the Hackneys, it has peaked the interest of schoolmates too. Having the panels helps the family relate to the things they are all learning in school about finite resources, fossil fuel, the history of industrialization, pollution, oil politics, population growth, global energy needs, and even general physics and chemistry.

Paul Adler

Paul Adler installed solar collectors on a freestanding rack in his lawn to heat his swimming pool. Doing the work himself, it took him a week to install the system. The materials, which he ordered from Solar Innovations in Florida, cost approximately $3,500. Up to that point, the Adlers had been paying so much in propane to keep the pool warm, they had stopped heating it. That was when everyone stopped using it.

What most pool owners report is that if the pool isn’t heated, its ambient temperature is too cool and people don’t use it. The Adlers had been heating it for special events and then turning the heaters off.

“Before I turned it off, I was paying up to $6,000 sometimes between May and October. Now it’s

almost free. This is probably the fastest immediate payback in renewable energy out there,” says Paul. “The reason why more people don’t at least heat pools this way is because the word isn’t out.”

Their teenage daughter is particularly happy about the collectors. It means more pool parties but also feeling better about everything. “It’s like we aren’t destroying the planet,” she said.

Larry Schaeffer

Larry Schaeffer wanted to put in solar panels to heat his pool, but couldn’t find an installer on the Island. He found a distributor, Aquatherm, on the Internet. They lined him up with an installer at Cotuit Solar named Conrad Geiser, who came over with two people and installed the whole system in one day. They lined the south-facing roof of his pool house with panels of black tubular collectors. They used the existing pool pump and installed a regulator where he could set the temperature.

“I think if you have a pool without using solar energy, it’s a big waste not only for yourself but for the environment,” says Larry. “I was using 500 gallons of propane every three weeks between May and October, reaching a total of $5,000 per outdoor pool season. We’ve saved over 2,400 gallons of propane already this year with the solar collectors.”

The heat waves on the Island over the last few weeks brought the water in some swimming pool systems into the high 90’s and above. While one pool owner turned off the valve to the collectors, another enjoyed the effect of his entire pool becoming a hot tub.

Sustainability is becoming a household word on the Island as more homes find energy alternatives reduce their purchase of fossil fuel. To find out more about renewable energy, efficiency, and activities of the Vineyard Energy Project, visit www.vineyard-unplugged.com.

This article is sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project through a grant from the Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs program. The Vineyard Energy Project promotes sustainable energy choices through education, outreach, and renewable energy projects. The author, Martha Shaw, is a member of the Vineyard Energy Project’s advisory board. The Times publishes these columns as a service to its readers.

Vineyard Unplugged: Island homes turn to the sun for energy

clean technology, climate change, energy, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, renewable energy

By Martha Shaw  (Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts)

Gay and Art Nelson

Gay and Art Nelson of West Tisbury have had hopes of becoming energy independent ever since the oil embargo in the 1970s, which left the Island vulnerable to a shortage in fuel. At that time, there were tax credit and rebate incentives across the country to support local renewable energy. According to Art, they had the potential to prevent what he and others believe is an impending energy situation.

“Solar-powered homes got a false start back then, as did wind power,” says Art. “But the new technology makes it so easy, the Island is back on track.”

Years ago the Nelsons were happy to generate enough solar power at their wilderness camp to run a refrigerator and lights. Now the solar panels on their home in West Tisbury regularly generate a surplus of energy that they sell back to NStar.

“It feels good to be feeding the grid,” says Art. “On a sunny day, it’s comforting to watch the electric meter spin backward. Since last August when we installed the new panels, we have generated over three thousand kilowatt-hours. If our roof were facing directly south and had a higher pitch, we could make even more.”

Like many islands, Martha’s Vineyard has a colorful energy history that goes back for centuries and includes windmills, whale blubber, fuel tankers, contemporary submarine cables, and now photovoltaic cells in solar panels.

“I think some people assume that solar isn’t a good source for us here because we don’t have enough direct sunlight, but that is not the case,” says Gay. “There are places in northern Europe and even higher latitudes that are far more rainy and cloudy, yet they’ve been relying on solar panels for decades. The biggest shortage here is economic incentive.”

Watching the electric meter run backward has become a favorite pastime of her grandchildren. But, according to Gay, when there are a lot of kids in the house running around, taking showers and powering up electronics, they tend to use up everything the panels generate. Running the laundry and other machinery on sunny days makes a big difference.

Glenn and Linda Hearn

In college in the 1960s, Glenn Hearn used a solar panel with a couple of wires and a plug to power his transistor radio. Since then he has been interested in the science of renewable energy. When Glenn designed and built his own house in West Tisbury 10 years ago, he faced the roof precisely south and planned ahead for solar panels, knowing that the technology was evolving and would someday be up to speed. The most difficult thing, he remembers, was predicting when panel manufacturers would get production up and the price down enough to make it cost effective for heating and powering homes.

“In the 60s and 70s, people got tax credits for doing the right thing,” says Glenn. “The credits motivated everybody to insulate buildings and to think about renewable energy. At the time, it made a huge difference. Our government missed the boat when it took away incentives, so now we have a very complicated economy around energy that we must live with. The future will be interesting. I hope that someday we’ll have fuel cell designs so sophisticated that our cars will power our homes.”

For now, Linda and Glenn are content with the three arrays of six panels each that they have on the roof. The system is estimated to produce about 2,700 kilowatt-hours a year. Between March 2004 and October 2004 they generated between 200 and 400 kilowatt- hours per month. In January, with the sun lower in the sky, more cloud cover, and snow drifting over the panels, production fell to 85 kilowatt- hours, enough to run some appliances.

With or without photovoltaic cells, Glenn originally designed the home to take full advantage of the sun’s energy, orienting the windows to optimize sunshine in the winter and shade in the summer. Though Linda wasn’t directly involved with the building process, the topic of solar research and development has peaked her interest since the 1970s, when there was plenty of optimism for renewable, locally generated energy.

“I prefer the solar to fossil fuel, because I always know where my home’s energy is coming from,” says Linda. “It’s comforting.”

Susan and Bob Wasserman

Though it is easier to plan for solar in new construction than to retrofit a house later, Bob and Susan Wasserman love Victorian homes. When they made the decision to go solar with their West Tisbury home, built in 1863, they contacted local architect and solar specialist Kate Warner.

This launched a project that is now complete.

“It’s been rewarding, “ says Susan. “The project appealed to a sense of responsibility that I grew up with. We remember the Great Depression. I never assume that resources are unlimited and I’m not comfortable with wasting anything.”

The first thing they did was to get a free home energy audit, sponsored by Cape Light Compact, available to every Island resident (contact 800-797-6699). After the audit, the Wassermans got a detailed report on where they were losing heat and exactly what was using energy where, and to what extent. Through efficiency and proper insulation, the home reached its energy conservation goal. Susan was surprised by how easy it was to cut down on kilowatt hours. “The great thing is that there is no deprivation when you maximize your energy efficiency. Most things were a matter of being more aware.”

A solar array was installed next to their vegetable garden. It now generates about one third of their household’s energy, including a home office of fax machines, phones, copiers, and other equipment. On a particularly sunny day the array can produce much more energy than the Wassermans need. In that case, their electric meter spins backward, and NStar purchases the renewable energy.

Bob Wasserman says he is not doing this for the payback, although it will eventually pay for itself. “My payback is how pleased I am,” he says. “Fossil fuel depends on sources of supply over which we have little or no control. It’s not about what politician you support, because the system itself is political, and there is no way around it but to think independently as an Island community.”

Susan agrees, “We have terrific, smart people on the Vineyard, and I think we’ll get it right by learning from other islands around the world and by communicating well. Together we can create a role model for others and a healthy place to live. Feeling good about our energy is an intriguing idea.”

On Saturday, July 16, there is a Solar Home Tour in West Tisbury from 9 am to noon, all within walking distance of the Farmer’s Market. A good place to start is at 1085 State Road. Look for signs and yellow balloons or see the Calendar section of The Times for site locations. To find out more about this and other local energy projects, go to vineyard-unplugged.org.

This article is sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project through a grant from the Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs program. The Vineyard Energy Project promotes sustainable energy choices through education, outreach, and renewable energy projects. The author, Martha Shaw, is a member of the Vineyard Energy Project’s advisory board. The Times publishes these columns as a service to its readers.

Island kids do the math on energy efficiency and solar electricity

clean technology, energy, environment, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, MV Times, Vineyard Unplugged

By Martha Shaw (Martha’s Vineyard, MA)

If every house on the Island were as energy efficient as the ones made by Lynn Gatchell’s fifth grade class at the Tisbury School, people could save a lot of money. That’s the lesson that Mrs. Gatchell hopes her students learned when they divided up into construction teams to build miniature model homes.

“I’m trying to teach them that we can become much less dependent on the ‘extension chords’ that bring power to us from the mainland,” said Lynn.

Each team had a $10 budget of play money to build its home, and an 8”x 8” x 12” cardboard box. They could save money by using free materials from a makeshift recycling center. Available for purchase were building materials, including aluminum foil and duct tape at 50¢ per foot, bubble wrap for $3 per foot, and construction paper for 50¢ per sheet. The buildings had to conform to strict building codes concerning windows, ceiling height, and the thickness of insulation.

Upon completion, each dwelling was tested for energy efficiency using ice bags and thermometers that measured temperature change over a two-hour period. Then calculations were made. The students compared the efficiency among various designs and projected the difference in energy usage, and how much that could cost. A few of the better designs yielded a hypothetical net savings of $500 in 10 years, which is not bad for a house that’s just under one square foot.

“The children were very resourceful,” according to their teacher, who masterminded the simulation. “I let them learn through trial and error. Some of them figured out that by layering newspaper and plastic bags, they could keep their houses better insulated. The placement and orientation of the windows to the sunlight also made a big difference. A few of the children experimented with awnings and other innovations.”

Though the project oversimplifies the complexity of designing real houses like those renovated by her son Kyle of KG Construction, Mrs. Gatchell chose the project to make a point. “As an Island we need to be as efficient as possible. The more independent we can be of fossil fuels from the mainland, the better off we are, if and when the cables are down. Whether we look at solar and wind, or whatever, I’m interested in teaching the Island students to think about being more independent.”

Another important part of her curriculum is homework. For one assignment, she asked them to monitor the electric meter and keep a log of how fast it spun whenever they turned on a light, played a computer game or ran an appliance. “I want my students to learn about where energy comes from, how it gets used and what they can do differently to use less,” she said.
At the Chilmark School, teachers Jackie Guzalak and Jack Regan are making the same effort, and it’s paying off. This year two fifth grade students, who go by the name of “Solar Sisters,” received state honorable mention in a national competition sponsored by the National Energy Education Department, and a trip to Washington, D.C. Cape Light Compact helped fund the trip, as well as Menemsha and Chilmark businesses who bought ads in the school’s Energy Fair program. Katy Smith and Lindsay Tocik won their award by collecting data from the Chilmark Community Center’s solar array and recording the amount of solar electricity generated under different weather conditions and air temperatures. With the help of their teachers and local energy educator, Nan Doty, they made charts and graphs of how photovoltaic cells work, and wrote about how various factors affect a photovoltaic cell’s performance. Then they put it all in a scrapbook and sent it off for submission.

“It was really fun,” said Katy, “and we learned how solar works.”

Her best friend Lindsay agreed. “The most exciting part was learning how to do spreadsheets.” If a solar energy competition can make spreadsheets fun to do, then everybody involved in these projects deserves an award.

To find out more about energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on the Island, visit www.vineyardenergyproject.org. This article is sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The Vineyard Energy Project promotes sustainable energy choices through education, outreach, and renewable energy projects. The author, Martha Shaw, is a member of the Vineyard Energy Project’s advisory board. The Times publishes these columns as a service to its readers.

Island residents install solar panels to reduce pollution

clean technology, climate change, energy, Martha's Vineyard, MV Times, renewable energy, Vineyard Unplugged

by Martha Shaw

http://www.earthadvertising.com/EAart022405.html

Susan and Mas Kimball

When Sue Kimball checks the news, she also checks the level of air quality published every day. “People are ignoring the fact that the air is getting worse,” she says.

It was pollution that drove Sue and Mas Kimball to build a home that consumes as little power from dirty power plants as possible. Neither of them understands how anyone could put up a new house these days without at least considering passive solar in the building plans. Passive solar means orienting your house and windows so you get heat from the sun when you need it most and get shaded from the sun when you need it least, thus reducing the need for heat and air conditioning.

They also agreed that they wanted their house to be an Energy Star, a government designated term for things that minimize energy usage.

“We know that the more energy we use, the more impact we have on the earth,” says Mas. “We outfitted the house with Energy Star appliances and put four large solar panels on the roof. That’s how we do our part.”

To produce their own energy, they researched solar energy options. There are two basic kinds. Solar hot water systems heat water as it flows through solar collectors and sends it to a storage tank. Solar electric systems (or photovoltaics) create DC electricity in solar panels, which is converted to AC in an inverter that is connected to the house’s electric panel.` The electricity generated is registered by a meter on the house, and feeds the utility grid. The Kimballs chose to do solar electric because it allows energy to be either used by the house or sold back to the grid, and because it’s more common these days.

Mas explains, “The solar industry is concentrating more on solar electricity, so inverter efficiency and panel technology is getting better all the time. We put four large 300-watt panels on the roof and a hi-tech inverter in the garage. The more people implement it, the more economical it gets, and we love being part of its growth.”

Sunshine

Even though the number of panels on the Island multiplies by the month, people are still surprised to see that the Vineyard can capture so much energy from the sun. The Kimballs find that when their friends stop by they like to marvel at the meter. When the meter spins backward, NStar buys back the kilowatt-hours. Economically, however, it works out better to use the energy produced from the panels right on the spot. So, Sue likes to synchronize running her washer and dryer with sunny days. This gives modern meaning to the age-old expression, “Make hay while the sun shines.” A native of Great Britain, she believes that our country takes fossil fuel for granted. “For Europeans, conservation of fuel has always been a way of life.”

Darlene and Paul Breen

Darlene Oberg and Paul Breen put eight 160-watt solar electric panels on their roof, mainly because the idea of free power makes them feel — powerful. “I don’t like the idea of relying on foreign oil because there are too many political things going on that are out of my control,” says Paul. “In my eyes, ninety percent of the reason why we’re in Iraq is for the oil, the other 10 percent is a grudge. I’m unhappy about environmental and educational grants getting cut. Also, burning fossil fuel is unhealthy.”

Like many other solar energy producers, Darlene and Paul get a kick out of watching their meter spin backward, and so do their guests. Darlene muses, “When people come by, we all go watch the meter. You laugh, but people are really impressed. Especially on a nice sunny day.”

On a cloudy day, Darlene and Paul use most of the energy they generate, and the meter just hovers in neutral. Last month’s historical snowstorm was an exception. The panels were covered with snow for more than two weeks and their electric meter churned forward like everybody else’s. Eventually icicles signaled that snow was melting off the roof and it slowly began to spin backward again. “We jumped for joy,” says Darlene. And, Paul adds, “It felt good to be powered up again.”

Eric Stricoff and Rhonda Cohen

The fact that two of the dirtiest power plants in Massachusetts, Brayton Point and Canal Sandwich, are just upwind of the Island was all the incentive that Eric Stricoff and Rhonda Cohen needed to put up the largest residential solar panel array to date in Edgartown. Eric describes the big day when the twenty 150-watt panels were up and running, “On July 15, 2004, our system, estimated to generate 3,000-3,500 kilowatt-hours per year, went live. Producing clean energy is uplifting. They’re all kilowatt-hours that don’t produce air pollution.”

With 3,000 kilowatt-hours being produced by the sun, the house that once fed on 8,000-9,000 kilowatt-hours a year was down to a diet of 6,000 kilowatt-hours produced by dirty power plants burning oil, gas and coal. For both Rhonda and Eric, that was still way too much.

Intent on cutting back, they turned to conservation and efficiency. As a result of the free energy audit offered by Cape Light Compact (contact 800-797-6699) they shaved off another 30 percent by cutting down their usage. Cape Light Compact energy auditor Tom Mayhew amazed them with dozens of ways to conserve energy that required nothing of them but more conscientiousness. They unplugged the clock in the guestroom. They began to unplug the VCR, cable box and TV that remain on-demand even when they’re turned off. They began to unplug all appliances with digital time clocks, including the microwave and stove when they weren’t using them. They replaced all light bulbs in every fixture, indoors and out, with fluorescent bulbs given to them by the auditor. They insulated the bulkhead, sealed the basement and directed water away from the house to reduce the load on the dehumidifier. They became more meticulous about cleaning the lint screen in the dryer. Computers, chargers and lights got turned off more often. They scrutinized everything in their house right down to the 20-watt nightlight, which was replaced with a two-watt light. Though some of these may seem ridiculously insignificant, it all added up to save them another 3,000 kilowatt-hours a year of dirty energy. In total, they reduced their burden on the power plants by 6,000 kilowatt-hours a year. But that still leaves 3,000, and Rhonda speaks up about this, “We need to put more pressure on our legislators to adopt better environmental policies. Even locally, I think the Island can adopt more sustainable practices in the areas of energy, transportation, water protection and waste if we all work together.”

Theoretically, reducing demand for energy means reducing harmful emissions from the power plants. In the case of the coal burning power plant at Brayton Point in Somerset, the significance is far greater. Mercury spewing from coal burners settles in our coastal waters and is known to concentrate in our fish. Thus, here on the Island, the type of energy we consume not only affects the quality of the air we breathe, but the health of our local economy.

One of the foremost experts on energy issues is author Paul Roberts. His talk about “The End of Oil” will take place at the Old Whaling Church on Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 pm, followed by discussion about ways to meet the energy challenges of a changing world. To find out more about this and other events on energy efficiency and renewable energy on Martha’s Vineyard, go to www.vineyard-unplugged.org.

This article is sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project through a grant from the Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs program. The Vineyard Energy Project promotes sustainable energy choices through education, outreach, and renewable energy projects. The author, Martha Shaw, is a member of the Vineyard Energy Project’s Advisory Board. The Times publishes these columns as a service to its readers.

Vineyard Unplugged: A free energy audit helps one family cut work hours

energy, Martha's Vineyard, renewable energy, Vineyard Unplugged

By Martha Shaw

Bart Smith’s electric meter doesn’t spin so fast these days, thanks to the energy audit he and his wife Liza had done on their house.

Island residents Liza and Bart Smith have achieved nearly a 40 percent reduction in their electric bill as a result of the free home energy audit sponsored by Cape Light Compact and funded by NStar.

Last winter, when the Smiths first heard about the offer, they called to set up an appointment right away. As home-based business owners, Liza and Bart saw an opportunity to lower their overhead by saving energy.

“We’ve been looking for ways to simplify our lives,” says Bart. “It occurred to us that if we cut back our kilowatt-hours, we could cut back the hours we work paying for them. For us, energy efficiency translated to time off.”

Both of them admit that the incentive to consume less energy in their home also came from a feeling of responsibility to the environment and from their own love of nature.

“I not only wanted to save energy to reduce our bill,” explains Liza. “I wanted to support an effort to dramatically decrease the Island’s energy dependence. We know there is a finite supply of fossil fuel, and we know how much it pollutes our air. Because of the effects that has on the world, I don’t feel right wasting energy.”

Historically, the term “conservation” has conjured up an image of deprivation and sacrifice. But by contrast, the new buzzword “efficiency” focuses on being smarter, and using better technology.

The free energy audit gives households a clear direction on where to shave off kilowatt-hours here and there without giving things up.

The auditor first does a complete energy inventory in and around the home. All major appliances, machines and electronic equipment are metered. An assessment of air current patterns within the house is conducted to look for energy leaks. After this, the auditor writes a report and makes some recommendations.

The Smiths learned how much each machine in the house was costing per year and how to cut those costs. The auditor pointed out areas where they could redirect the airflow to stop heat from escaping into the walls, out the windows, or up the flue. The analysis is comprehensive and offers incentive programs that help cover any costs involved, by way of discounts on more efficient technology and by subsidy of labor costs.

Because the Smiths are renting their home, they chose things that didn’t involve construction or buying new appliances. What surprised them was how much they saved just by being more aware of watt wastage. They were amazed at how a missing outlet cover could generate a major current of warm air into the walls and up to an attic.

An action they took immediately was to replace their light bulbs, which accounted for $291/year according to the auditor after analyzing their electric bill. Right on the spot they were given free fluorescent bulbs that use only a third as much energy. They also learned that turning lights off more often, and by shutting down computers, monitors, appliances, the dehumidifier, and their electronics when not in use made a much bigger difference than they thought. Unexpected discoveries included how much energy is used by remote sensing devices that stand ready on demand, and by how little energy a TV really uses.

At the time of the audit the Smiths were using about 1,200 kilowatt-hours per month, much to their chagrin. The average house uses closer to 500. They looked at it as a challenge.

“It was fun. Over the next few months we began to look forward to getting our electric bill to see how our progress was coming,” says Bart.

Four months later they had achieved savings of 40 percent without spending a dime.

With the Cape Light Compact incentive coupon, they could have saved another 10 percent by buying a new refrigerator for $600, he added. That would mean they had doubled their efficiency, cutting their consumption in half.

The Smiths recall the whole experience as making them feel great about playing a part in a mission they share with Vineyard Unplugged — to reduce the Island’s energy dependency. Many islands around the world share the same vision, the ultimate achievement being energy neutral — consuming only as much energy as is produced. Based on the success the Smiths had with so little effort, that sounds more promising than one might expect.

Free energy audits are available to all households on the Island. To sign up, call 800- 797-6699. For more information on Island energy programs and ways to benefit by using renewable energy and energy efficiency, go to vineyard-unplugged.org.

This series is sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project, through a grant from the Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs program. The Vineyard Energy Project promotes sustainable energy choices through education, outreach and renewable energy projects that serve as models for other communities. Martha Shaw is a member of Vineyard Unplugged, a citizens’ energy group organized after the Community Energy Workshop in April 2003. The Times publishes these columns as a service to its readers.

Vineyard Unplugged: South Mountain turbine is a start

clean technology, energy, Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Unplugged

By Martha Shaw, October 21, 2004

Tim Mathiesen looks forward to the day when more electric meters are spinning backwards.

Peter D’Angelo is project foreman of South Mountain’s new wind turbine which has three 12-foot blades on a 100-foot tower.

When they set out to build earth-friendly homes, South Mountain Company craftsmen look to the most likely energy sources available on the Island – wind and sun.

“South Mountain offers the Island an opportunity to master the science of harnessing wind, as well as solar energy. What people need is incentive,” says project foreman Peter D’Angelo. “Decades ago, there were energy credits that catalyzed a boom in alternative energy companies. During the President Reagan era when these incentives died down, so did much of the wind business.”

One of the wind technology companies to survive was Bergey Windpower of Oklahoma. As today’s leading U.S. small turbine manufacturer, Bergey was South Mountain’s turbine of choice for the 10-kilowatt wind turbine on Red Arrow Road in West Tisbury, which will be unveiled on Oct. 30.

“Our first wind turbine proposal was a home in Edgartown on the Great Pond, but we couldn’t get a permit,” Peter says, explaining South Mountain’s decision to erect its turbine. “To prove to the Island how smart, unobtrusive, and doable a turbine can be, we decided to put one up at South Mountain for people to see. Wind is so simple and it makes so much sense. We bought a 100-foot tower and a generator with 12-foot blades. We raised it up in just two days.”

South Mountain’s turbine system will ultimately cost close to $60,000. Conservatively, it could pay for itself in about 20 years, when we can expect energy prices to have reached a critical point.

“I grew up in an era when there was an environmental movement fueled by an energy crisis. For me,” says Peter, “wind turbines and solar panels are simply common sense. It’s the lack of incentive for switchover that holds people back. That, and the fear of change. In other parts of the world, wind energy is assumed and has been for hundreds of years.”

Techno-guru Tim Mathiesen is the numbers guy behind the turbine project. “If we assume an average wind speed of 13 mph, we’re looking at production of 13,000 kilowatt-hours of power a year,” he estimates. “That’s roughly half of our operational energy needs.” For comparison, the average Vineyard family of four uses 6,000 kilowatt-hours per year. One such turbine would generate the energy for about two households, or more if those households were to adopt energy efficient measures.

Martha’s Vineyard Airport collects fairly good wind data. If it’s a windy year, the average wind speed might be closer to 17 mph, which would generate about 17,000 kilowatt-hours of power a year. The electrons generated by the turbines follow the path of least resistance, first to power the facility and next into the utility lines as surplus. In this case, the electrical meter spins backwards and the energy is sold back to NStar.

Wind machines are not new to the Vineyard. During the energy crisis of the 70s, early designs of all kinds existed around the Island. These disappeared as energy became cheaper again and the nation’s oil supply was less endangered.

For both Peter and Tim, the wind turbine project is a chance to do something environmentally conscious while helping the Island become more independent. “It’s a perfect time for a resurgence of wind energy,” Tim Mathiesen says with excitement. “Technology has improved, and the need for renewable energy has never been more critical. We hope this turbine will be the first of many.”

Project manager Phil Forest adds, “Wind is part of the solution to problems here on the Island and elsewhere in the world. Wind energy doesn’t cause oil wars, or pollute our air, water and soil. It gives us a shot at energy independence, something Islanders have coped with throughout history.”

South Mountain goes beyond wind and solar energy when building environmentally conscious houses. The builders use recycled and sustainable construction materials wherever possible. They also fuel their construction equipment with bio-diesel, 100 percent soybean oil purchased from Packer R. M. in Vineyard Haven.

There will be an open house at South Mountain Company at 1-4 pm on Saturday, Oct. 30, where you can see the new turbine and find out about other energy alternatives, including solar-electric and hot water systems.

For more information on Island energy projects or how you can benefit by using renewable energy and energy efficiency, go to www.vineyard-unplugged.org.

This is the first of a series of articles sponsored by the Vineyard Energy Project through a grant from the Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs program. The Vineyard Energy Project promotes sustainable energy choices through education, outreach and renewable energy projects that serve as models for other communities. Martha Shaw is a member of Vineyard Unplugged, a citizens energy group organized after the Community Energy Workshop in April 2003. The Times publishes these columns as a service to its readers.