The Home Owners Association approves the solar install!

The Lakeland Hills Architectural Review Committee approved the solar project! Maybe being "Green" is getting easier :-) Next I need to get some final quotes from the solar contractors. After that it's time to select the contractor, order the system, and have the contractor install it. Might be pumping power into the Grid before Christmas! The next post should have details on the system (it'll be 2kw).

Want to help stop Global Climate change?

Try this. Homebuilders will occasionally have meetings with local community about a new development. Go to the meeting and ask what "green" features are in their new homes! For example, a developer in the Redmond, WA area is now offering solar panels with their homes. If they think you're joking, keep asking until they don't!

PV (Photo-Voltaic) System install -- roof completed

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.

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"

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.

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.