Leonard Black

I completed my online home energy audit, but the results don't really reflect my solar power system because it is too new.  It won't be until next year at this time when I can enter 12 months of utility bills that I will see how much less energy I'm purchasing from the grid.  I can report that my solar system has generated 761 Kwh in about three and a half weeks, not bad for cloudy October when the days are getting shorter!  

Today I'm switching 25 incandescent light bulbs to LED.  It's amazing how many light bulbs I have in my house, many of which I seldom turn on.  Following last year's conversion of 15 bulbs, I now have LED bulbs in all the lights that I use regularly, probably about 98% of my total lighting.  Each 9.2 watt non-dimmable round bulb, equivalent to a 65 watt incandescent bulb, cost $2.96 each, including taxes and subtracting the $1.33/bulb AEP instant rebate.  Dimmable bulbs would have been a bit more expensive.  Each 8.5 watt dimmable flood light bulb (equivalent to a 65 watt incandescent bulb) cost $5.06, including taxes and subtracting the $3.00/bulb AEP instant rebate.  I didn't keep last year's receipt, but I'm certain the prices were lower this year.  And they definitely are brighter, it seems to me they are more like 100 watt bulbs.    

Today, I began my consideration of a switch to an electric vehicle.  I have purposefully decided not to test drive an electric car or a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, because I know I will get the bug to buy one, and I am not yet ready for that step.  So, I spent a bit of time researching the issue, and it turns out to be rather confusing.  I have been concerned about the range (or lack of range) of all-electric cars and was a bit surprised to find that the range for the new models is around 200 miles. Pretty good, but not enough for some of my regular trips.  But considering recent improvements, in a couple years, the all-electric option may become practical.  Hybrids, and there are quite a few models, generally get from 40-50 mpg.  I have been thinking more about a plug-in hybrid, because (with the exception of some regular longer trips), I usually drive less than 40 miles a day, which is just about the range of the electric charges on the plug-in hybrids.  So I could drive to and from work on (less than) a charge, then plug it in and re-charge it in case I need to go out again in the evening (I'm still trying to find out how long it takes to charge).  So I could drive quite a bit of the time without using any gasoline.  I uncovered a new parameter relevant to the plug-ins (both hybrid and all-electric), which is MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). This is the distance the car can travel electrically on the energy equivalent of a gallon of gas.  For the plug-in hybrids, this seems to be in the range of 100-130 MPGe.  Given that gasoline powered cars generally get 20-30 MPG, this gives some idea of how much more efficient the electric motor is.  One thing I've learned is that there is more to know on this subject than I can learn in one day.  So, I've signed up for a couple "green car" e-newsletters, will soon be deluged by all kinds of information on this topic and soon will be an expert.  Then I can fascinate all my friends with my endless green car knowledge.     

Today I disabled my computer's screensavers, opting for sleep mode instead; also shortened the inactivity interval at which it happens (so far, I'm not liking the last part).  I'm keeping my thermostat at 68 degrees, which is comfortable if I wear a sweater--too cool for bare feet, though, guess I'll have to get used to slippers.  

My solar panels are up and operating! I've also adjusted my thermostat down 2 degrees; actually, I just turned on my heating system last week, so the timing is perfect.  

Last year I did an energy challenge and got a good start, but this year I am going much further.  I have been considering/planning a solar power installation on my home since last year, and thought now should be the time.  I am contracted with Ecohouse Solar and have scheduled the installation.  I'm pretty excited, and can't wait to do my online energy audit!  I'm also taking my conversion to LED lighting another step and taking a few other steps to save electricity.