By Linda Sechrist

Natural Awakenings Magazine October 2007

Photovoltaic is a word that challenges the tongue more than it does logic. However, no matter how reasonable the concept of solar modules converting sunlight into electrical energy via an inverter is, according to Charlie Reichert, owner of Heat Shed Inc., it's challenging to sell to homeowners who find it difficult to resolve the conflict between cost and the advantages.

Advises, Reichner, "Solar technology has significant advantages, especially the fact that is already available and everyday enough energy falls on the earth to equal all the know oil reserves.” Environmental benefits include reducing a personal carbon footprint instantly and instantly impacting global warming. Solar is renewable energy and one of the cleanest power generating technologies available. It produces no pollution and no greenhouse gases, is produced domestically, strengthening our economy and reducing U.S. dependency on foreign oil. "It's hard to accept that we've squandered 20 years since the U.S. Oil Embargo and the U.S. still doesn't have mass renewable energy systems in place.- comments Reichner.

Reichner observes that while homeowners will pay thousands of dollars for a hot spa and never flinch at the price, the first question they pose when faced with the cost of a solar system is, "What's the pay back time?" Electricity's reliability and relatively cheap cost doesn't help Reichner with his sales speech. However, the likelihood of cheap electric rates is unlikely after deregulation rate caps, instituted by an electric deregulation law in 1996, are lifted in 2009 and 2010.

Looking towards the fast approaching future rate hikes, Reichner suggests that those on the decision fence look at a solar energy system as a pre-purchase of electricity. "With solar power, the price is locked in forever," says Reichner, "so you can calculate the money that would have been spent on electricity over a lifetime. Then start thinking about dividends and interest. Now you're talking about an even greater return on the initial investment." Unfortunately, the State of Pennsylvania hasn't developed any incentives to help homeowners offset the average cost of $35,000 per home. Advises, Reichner, "There are other states role-modeling successful clean energy programs that we can duplicate in Pennsylvania. Residents should be writing their State Legislators now to show their support for incentives and tax breaks." Many examples of state and federal incentives are listed on DSIREUSA.org, a database of state incentives for renewables and efficiency.

For instance, neighboring New Jersey has partnered with nine certified state contractors to offer unique programs. Brad Cohen, owner of the Home Restoration Guild offers insights into New Jersey's Clean Energy Program. Cohen's company is now taking part in home energy audits. "We refer to it as a whole home analysis because we cover the front door and in 20 minutes suck out every bit of air in the entire home. Next, we go around with meters that show as where the cooling and heating leaks are. Typically, they are around windows and doors, recessed lighting, crawl spaces, in attics, stalls and piping lines, wherever there isn't enough insulation." A fee, ranging from $500 to $700, depending on the size of the home, covers the visit, collection of data and submission to the State for certification. It also covers a return visit with the homeowner to discuss the results and plans for corrections.

"Homeowners," advises Cohen, -end up with a great road map of what to do to bring their home up to energy savings standards." The State offers rebates for up to $2,900 via the ENERGY STAR Homes Program, administered through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Homeowners are encouraged to replace appliances, lighting, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and air-conditioners and necessary building materials with those that carry the Energy S. approval rating. It also offers bank financing through sponsoring banks. "With a whole house approach we can guarantee a 30 percent savings on heating and cooling costs - up to as much as 60 percent in some cases. "Significant energy savings can often be realized in 25 year-old homes where ductwork was not insulated and 40 percent of the heat or cooled air was being lost," adds Cohen. The average cost to remedy everything is about $20,000. With incentives that offset the cost and energy savings, equating to around $3,500 a year, payback time can be as shoe as three years.

Toni Lynch of Polysteel Better World Building Technology isn't bashful about telling anyone how to save money on energy bills or how to eliminate them. Lynch's vision of free heating and cooling without pollution might seem improbable, but it is possible with his award-winning fully integrated approach that incorporates solar and geothermal technology. "Geothermal technology has been around since 1930 and it's more than four times more efficient than fossil fuel technology and more than gas or oil," says Lynch who is quick to present potential clients with documentation from independent and credible sources.

Geothermal technology uses a ground source heat pump to access the earth's relatively moderate and constant temperature from about four to six feet below its surface. Circulating a water-based solution through a buried loop system, a single piece of equipment has the ability to heat and cool the home as well as to provide some or all hot water. Cooling is a mere reversal of the process, extracting hot air from the home and depositing it in the ground. Integrated with solar technology, the system is connected with the local energy company's power grid. Whatever energy the home does not use goes back to the power grid. Says Lynch, "As long as the homes uses less than it produces, there is no energy bill.

In order to take advantage of Lynch's approach to energy savings, electricity must be the power source. It's much easier to incorporate geothermal and solar technology prior to the design of a building but old buildings can be overhauled to produce higher efficiency levels. "Homes should be designed for the heating and cooling system but historically it's been the other way around," says Lynch. It's far better to start with an energy efficient building envelope such as an insulated concrete form." Retrofitting always requires better insulation.

Bill Hennessy, owner of Berks Solar, an installer of solar systems for nearly two years and a regular participant at last month's Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living festival, enjoys pointing out to clients that their electric bills are a direct reflection of their attitude towards conserving energy. "Most individuals waste electricity because it's cheap. Solar efficiency must be coupled with conservation - unplugging TVs. computers and small appliances that draw energy even when they are turned off - or else it's senseless," says Hennessy. Noting that Al Gore raised the public awareness about conserving our nation's resources and caring for our environment, Hennessy says, "Since the movie, people are asking what they can do." Installing solar systems is a significant step towards reducing the need for coal-fired plants and foreign oil. -However until there are programs legislated and incentives in place," advises Hennessy, "people will find the cost of a basic solar system - $12,000 - cost prohibitive."

Steve Moyer, co-owner of Moyer Plumbing & Heating Company in Kutztown, offers up mother solution, Purofuel, an alternative brand of bio-diesel heating oil with low-sulfur content. "The idea of blending bio-diesel fuel and traditional heating fuel dates back to the early to mid-1990s," comments Moyer. Up until 2004 it was a cost-prohibitive purchase for homeowners. Domestically produced and now more competitively priced, the majority of Purofuel comes from soy and corn. Benefits to the consumer include the fact that they are helping American farmers and that Purofuel is non-toxic, biodegradable, cleaner and greener. Best of all, it does not require modification of the home heating system so it can be used immediately.

President Bush's Prairie Chapel Ranch in Texas features a sustainable home that's off- grid, features geothermal cooling and passive solar as well as a grey water system. A bit of a contradiction for an oilman, but hmmm... it does makes one wonder. If the President of the United States can be independent of fuel and electricity, then why should the remainder of America's 113.1+ million households be a slave to them?