There are a number of ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
The least expensive example could be to adopt the habit of reducing, reusing, and recycling; and using energy conservation practises like keeping our lights and appliances shut off when not in use.
We can also make sure to unplug all those transformers we use to charge our cell phones and other devices, when they are not in use.
As well, changing all our light bulbs to compact florescent or better yet LED is another great step. Just a few ideas, with a minimum of cost involved.
The next model would be to go “off grid” or “grid tie” and use the sun or wind to either replace or reduce our electrical consumption.
Very good for the environment, and for the economy, as it not only reduces our carbon emissions but it support’s and aids in the development of the alternate energy industry. But how much alternate energy equipment can you afford?
The best model for reducing our carbon footprint is a combination of both. If we size the alternate energy equipment to provide us with all the electrical conveniences we need, but use gas for cooking, hot water, space heating, and for drying clothes, we can develop a cost effective system.
We can use LED lights instead of florescent or incandescent, have triple glaze windows installed, upgrade to eight inch walls, and add ceiling insulation to R120.
We can also supplement our water heating with thermal solar panels for domestic water and under floor heating systems, and home heating with a wood stove. How hard is it to live in a green home?
An urban grid tie home has literally no maintenance with a system using photovoltaic panels.
It is relatively straightforward to install, and has a comparatively simple single page application form to permit your “tying in to the power grid”.
Fundamentally “grid tie” reduces the amount of electricity we draw from the grid, without any inconvenience to our lifestyle.
A rural “off grid” home is a little more complex.
Wind turbines need some checking of fasteners in the first year and then they’re pretty well set for thirty years of service.
Much like your car however, generators and batteries need maintenance dependent upon the amount of use; but if your system is sized correctly and you practise an energy conservative lifestyle, maintenance on these items is minimal.
Acreage owners already look after shocking of the water well, pumping the septic tank, and repairing or replacing the pumps in each system.
The skills developed in rural living, generally lend themselves to off grid living.
Working with a hybrid alternate energy system does not add much to the work load and the pay-offs are enormous, both from an economic point of view, the “carbon foot print” stand point, and an “independence” perspective.
The world could go to hell, but your lights would still be on.
Lorne Oja is an energy consultant, power engineer and a partner in a company that installs solar panels, wind turbines and energy control products in Central Alberta. He built his first off-grid home in 2003 and is in the planning stage for his second. His column appears every second Friday in the Advocate. Contact him at: lorne@solartechnical.ca