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Alternative energy to me has always been a great promise packaged in not so meaningful applications.  You could say the quest for free power has always left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. Whether it was the free battery of the month program at Radio Shack which seemed to die instantly, the potato battery science kit, or the pedal powered generator on my childhood bike, alternative sources never seemed to live up to the hype.  Years, later, before my last Grand Canyon Trip, I purchased a pair of 12v portable solar panels which left my camera gear half charged after a couple of days in full sun – literally not worth their weight. A recently purchased 15 watt solar panel destined for our camping trailer barely pumps out 1 amp of power in peak sun, but I’m encouraged. Why?

Because each year that passes marks one more year of progress towards clean, efficient, and cost effective energy production.  One more year to increase efficiency; to bolster public support, and to empower us to live independent of grid-tied power (and power bills), if we choose too.  Free to escape the cities, the smog, the tireless drone of noise, light, and air pollution that robs us of a small part of our quality of life. 

Now before I go too much further, I need to disclose that I’m not the tree hugging, carbon footprint aware dude that the last paragraph might paint me to be.  I don’t buy into the global warming line of thinking for the most part, I drive a truck that uses way too much gas, I like steak, and yes, I sometimes mix my recyclables.  Now before this turns into a polarized flame-fest, I hope you might review what I like to believe are my goals and motivations for pursuing more alternative energy, greener living and possibly a more independent life. 

My Lungs Hurt

Now I just stated that I’m not a subscriber to the premise of global warming (at least as a direct and measurable reaction to human behavior), and while there is a lot I’m sure I need to learn about climate change, I do know one thing – I’m tired of the brown cloud that lurks over our cities.  I want my lungs to quit hurting when I ride my bike, go hiking, or do any strenuous activity outdoors.  I’m tired of the pollution that we inhale day after day.  All it takes is a day of wind or a good solid rain and I’m reminded of what clarity is.  Unfortunately I live in Phoenix Arizona were neither happens with any degree of regularity.

Our water sucks.

Unless you are on a well away from a major city, you don’t know what your missing.  I’m not sure what the “acceptable level” of pesticides in my water should be, but I’m pretty sure the water district and I have two different standards.  Much of the potable water in Arizona makes its way to the faucets via open canals.  Water pumped up from the Colorado River travels several hundred miles across the desert to arrive at the Treatment plants.  Now I don’t know the answer to this, but how much crap falls out of the air into this water?  More importantly, what is the “acceptable level” that makes its way to our house? I don’t want to see it, I don’t want to breath it, I don’t want to drink it. 

“X” to me represents the amount of pollution which my family produces – both directly and indirectly.   We do a pretty good job recycling, we have short commutes, bought a couple boxes of compact florescent lamps (CFLs), installed a programmable thermostat and ceiling fans, and a few other odds and ends that may or may not make a big difference.  Still, our home energy usage is what I would consider unreasonably high and the truck gets 15 mpg; both of which will be projects for future posts.

“Y” is the dependency to the grid and the bills that come with it.  One of my goals is build a cabin off the grid in Northern Arizona or Colorado, but before I can do that, I have some trimming to do. 

Ultimately our goal is to cut our dependence to grid power by reducing a) reducing our consumption, b) improving the efficiency of our house, and c) installing a source of alternative energy (which will most likely be Photovoltaic [PV]). Here’s to a journey and a cleaner 2008.  Watthackers will expose each of the steps I take towards these goals.  Hopefully our great reader will chime in with what worked (or didn’t) for them, and maybe learn a thing or two along the way. 

Technorati Tags: Alternative Energy, Arizona Solar, CFL, Energy Savings, Greener living, Photovoltaic, power consumption, solar

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