e v i t a n r e t l A
Green Building ECOFRIENDLY BUILDING
y g r Ene
Think Clean, Abundant, Life
By Elizabeth Diane
I
magine waking up each morning knowing that the shower you take, the laundry you dry, the coffee and toast you make are all done with clean power produced at your home. And imagine paying much less each month for your power bill, getting a check in the mail for your investment, increased equity in your home and a significant break from the IRS on your taxes. If you want to start ‘greening’ your own home and wonder where to put your energy, look at the sun for the greatest impact to mitigate global warming and save you money. According to the EPA, buildings in the US account for 68% of total electricity consumption and 38% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Below are a few ideas that can make a global impact and help your bottom line.
Solar PV Panels Why not convert an abundant, clean, inexhaustible source of energy into power? The PV (photovoltaic) system turns light into electricity or photons into voltage. And there are plenty of those photons passing through the abundant grey clouds of the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, when you invest in solar, you can deduct 30% of the cost of the solar energy system from your federal taxes. And new for 2009, there is no limit to how much you can deduct. What other investment earns you a 30% return in its first year? Consultation with a solar expert will also pay for itself. Kirk Haffner of South Sound Solar in Olympia explains: “We measure your building site for solar potential. We accurately calculate how well a solar system will perform at this location. We inspect your home to ensure the roof, framing, electrical, plumbing, etc. are satisfactory. We review the home design and layout to optimize the route from the solar to the home systems.” Kirk adds, “Even though many of my customers talk about costs, payback, clean energy and sustainable communities, they often point to the real reason why they are making the decision to install solar−their children and grandchildren.” In the near future, all of us can be generating energy from our rooftops. Page 16 l Green Living 2009