An Open House with Superior Solar

Even though the weather last Saturday was cold and rainy, we were not discouraged.  That’s not to say we weren’t hoping for sunny and warm but you take what you get and work with it.

The residents at 801 Toledo Drive were up at 6:30 a.m. ready to start the day and open our home to anyone interested in learning about complete solar systems.  We were not disappointed.

Being the welcoming hostess I am, we invited a good friend to breakfast that morning along with Nick, our sales representative from Superior Solar.  Fully expecting no one before 10:00 am (due to the bad weather) I felt breakfast could be accomplished without interruption.  Just as the big hand on the clock clicked 9:00 a.m. on the dot, I yelled breakfast was ready just as our first solar energy seeker walked up our driveway.  Needless to say, breakfast could wait (thank goodness for the micro-wave oven).  Never in a million years were we expecting someone so early on such a gloomy day.

The best part was the lovely lady who came by so early on Saturday was from Haiti.  She explained that not only was she interested in solar for herself but also wanted to collect as much information about solar energy she could glean from us to send back to her home country.  How’s that for starting your day!

With each drop of rain and one more degree to the cooler, our company kept coming.  Solar seeking neighbors, those who saw our advertisement in the “Everybody’s Business ect…” and even one from the Kissimmee area came and went.  You can bet anyone who drives over an hour in bad weather must be committed, or at least overly curious.

Luckily copies of our electric bill for the month of January 2009 and 2010 were on hand for all to see and compare. The difference in the two was hard to believe, unless you were here to see it.  Last year’s was $294.90, this year’s $96.99.

To all of you who graced our happy home, thank you for making it such a success.

I know our small contribution to solar energy doesn’t even make a dent in the energy crises but it’s a start.  Over the past few weeks I discovered some interesting ways other states are tackling this issue and want to share with you all.

California has “Berkeley FIRST.”  All I can say is “WOW”.  We all know if it’s going to happen it will start with California.  This is the City of Berkley’s solar financing program.  It allows the homeowner to finance the cost of a photovoltaic electric system with very little up front cash required.  The cost of the system is paid for by a slight increase in the homeowner’s property tax bill and is spread over a 20-year period.  The best part is when the home is sold the payment is transferred to the new owner.  Local, state and federal rebates still apply, when applicable.  Check out the website at www.ci.berkely.ca.us.

Hawaii is another prime example.  All oil products are imported and rates are the highest in the country.  What’s their solution?  The following is just a few of the many things the State of Hawaii is planning.

Starting this year it is required that all new home construction include a solar water heating system.  Its mandatory, no exceptions.

Also, with the help of electric transport firm Better Place of Palo Alto, California, Hawaii is building a network of recharging stations to boost the use of electric cars on the island.

Another great thing I learned while reading about Hawaii, when a major storm hits the islands, the powers goes out, the whole neighborhood is dark and the temperature inside is rising.  But, if you have an electric solar system it will still generate heat, cooling, and water.

One of the misconceptions about solar energy systems is that it is only for the rich.  Not true.  We’re a good example.

Stop by and see us, another open house will be held.

This is Elaine and let the sun shine in.

Elaine Huffman
Author, Publisher, and Environmentally Conscious