Well the old roof is history and the new roof is installed -- clearing the way for solar modules. Jeremy and Sean, of Puget Sound Solar, came by to do the site assessment. They cranked out a report with their site assessment tool (a Compaq handheld hooked to a fish-eye lens). Dave Cosine from Brothers Electric came by later to look things over. Both have sent estimates as of 11/05/2008. Looks like 2kw will run us around $17k. Worth it if the solar array slows Global Climate change!
The next step is getting approval from the Homeowner's Association. Stay tuned.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Installing a 2kw Photo-voltaic system, a new adventure
I've finally decided it's time -- time to do what our leaders refuse to do, lead. If we, America, don't soon take action to reduce our dependence on foreign oil we risk damage to our economy, environment, and our children's future. My family's first step will be be to install a 2kw photovoltaic system on our house's roof. We've already taken some simple steps, like exchanging incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, but this will be a major and expensive project. I'll chronicle the process each step of the way on this blog. I'll also point out solar installers and equipment suppliers as I come across them.
Hot, Flat, and Crowded -- a new book from Thomas Friedman
It's about time someone told Americans the hard truth - the age of oil is coming to an end. It's as simple as that. Whether you believe in climate change or not, Friedman lays out a multitude of reasons why we need to create a new economy based on clean power and a renewed environmental ethic. Failure to act now will compromise our future and our children's future. Read Thomas Friedman's book and you will demand changes in our "business as usual" economy.
Link to "Hot, Flat, and Crowded"
Link to "Hot, Flat, and Crowded"
Sunday, September 28, 2008
2008 Oregon Star Party
The 2008 Oregon Star Party was great! Some of the best viewing conditions I've ever seen. Good speakers, good friends, and great weather, OSP at its best. There was a threat of forest fires just before the event, but rain and cooler temperatures finished off the fires. I finally got my Pentax 75mm setup to work well and it delivered great wide-field photos. The photos will be in the gallery soon.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
It's been a loonngg time!
Since my last post:( Truly both the web site and blog need attention. The kids are getting older and more independent -- that may help. The Two Cats Observatory is up and running, so check that one off the list. Maybe some day I'll catch up to the list:-)
Check out the POD from Google Earth:
Bill C.
Check out the POD from Google Earth:
Bill C.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
2007 Table Mountain Star Party
The 2007 Edition of the Table Mountain Star Party was definitely a
roller-coaster ride. The dips included inconsistent weather (windy and
cloudy) and a Kendrick Astronomy tent that failed within 24 hours of its
first use (fortunately Kendrick has arranged for a replacement tent
pole). The highs included meeting old friends, some excellent
astrophotography, a great speaker list, and finally figuring out the
complexities of astrophotography software.
The speaker list included three "stand-out" speakers. The first was
Gary Seronik, associate editor of Sky and Telescope, who gave an
excellent talk on binocular astronomy. If you haven't tried using
binoculars for astronomy you're missing a real treat. Almost everyone
owns at least one pair of binoculars making it one of the most
accessible ways to start into astronomy. And some objects (M44, M31, and
the Pleiades) just look better in the wide field that a binocular
provides. Gary elaborated on these points and more. He also provided a
nice obscure target list for the evening's viewing.
The next speaker of note was John Dobson. John is the inventor of the
Dobsonian mount. John is now 93 years old, but he is as opinionated and sharp-minded as ever!
The third speaker was Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, former Space Shuttle astronaut and current Director of the Seattle Museum of Flight. She gave wonderful insights into the Space Shuttle program and the future of U.S. manned space flight.
Link to Table Mountain Star Party Site
roller-coaster ride. The dips included inconsistent weather (windy and
cloudy) and a Kendrick Astronomy tent that failed within 24 hours of its
first use (fortunately Kendrick has arranged for a replacement tent
pole). The highs included meeting old friends, some excellent
astrophotography, a great speaker list, and finally figuring out the
complexities of astrophotography software.
The speaker list included three "stand-out" speakers. The first was
Gary Seronik, associate editor of Sky and Telescope, who gave an
excellent talk on binocular astronomy. If you haven't tried using
binoculars for astronomy you're missing a real treat. Almost everyone
owns at least one pair of binoculars making it one of the most
accessible ways to start into astronomy. And some objects (M44, M31, and
the Pleiades) just look better in the wide field that a binocular
provides. Gary elaborated on these points and more. He also provided a
nice obscure target list for the evening's viewing.
The next speaker of note was John Dobson. John is the inventor of the
Dobsonian mount. John is now 93 years old, but he is as opinionated and sharp-minded as ever!
The third speaker was Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, former Space Shuttle astronaut and current Director of the Seattle Museum of Flight. She gave wonderful insights into the Space Shuttle program and the future of U.S. manned space flight.
Link to Table Mountain Star Party Site
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The SkyShed Pod arrives!
The SkyShed Pod odyssey has ended! On Thursday, July 5th, a Old Dominion freight truck pulled up in front of my house and disgorged many large cardboard boxes containing the POD.
Fortunately, all contents arrived in good order and without damage. After passing the large boxes off to local children (box forts!), construction of the POD began in the backyard. The lower walls were a snap to assemble. Wayne, Farhat, and SPI have done their homework! Hard work really began with the dome assembly. The dome halves are really a two person job (I did it myself, but don't recommend it!) to assemble. When it comes to placing the domes halves on the wall please do yourself a favor -- find a helper, maybe two helpers.
In any event, within 24 hours, I had an assembled POD.
Watch for more information on this exciting product.
Fortunately, all contents arrived in good order and without damage. After passing the large boxes off to local children (box forts!), construction of the POD began in the backyard. The lower walls were a snap to assemble. Wayne, Farhat, and SPI have done their homework! Hard work really began with the dome assembly. The dome halves are really a two person job (I did it myself, but don't recommend it!) to assemble. When it comes to placing the domes halves on the wall please do yourself a favor -- find a helper, maybe two helpers.
In any event, within 24 hours, I had an assembled POD.
Watch for more information on this exciting product.
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