There’s a Solar Solution for
Your Electrical Needs!
By Allison Stamatis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor,
Department of Life Sciences
Weatherford College
M
options are automatic gate openers
and well pumps.
My primary motivation to move
toward solar applications is to reduce
my ecological footprint by using
more sustainable forms of energy
production. In Texas, 40% of our
electricity comes from the burning
of coal. Coal produces more carbon
dioxide than any other method of
electricity generation. In addition,
coal releases toxic metals and
particulate matter into the air that we
breathe, and adds to the problem of
acid rain. The harvesting of coal from
the ground is also an environmentally
destructive process, and in the end is
not a sustainable
solution. If saving
money wasn’t
enough, then you
can feel good by
making choices
that help save
your environment,
also.
When you are
considering an
upgrade for your
home to reduce
your dependency
on the electrical
grid, don’t give it
a second thought
on upgrading to
solar. The cost
reduction will be
realized in a very
short time from
the date that you
install it, so your pocketbook and the
environment will both be happy!
ost of us would agree that we
would like to save money on
our utilities. The addition of solar
panels to your home may be a great
step toward energy independence for
some, but for many it may be cost
prohibitive to add solar panels in the
near future. There are numerous cost-
effective ways that you can add solar
to your life’s resume, however.
Household appliances can be a
big drain on your electricity usage, so
upgrading to a solar-powered water
heater can make a big difference. If
you have a heated swimming pool,
a solar water heater specifically for
your pool can lead to tremendous
savings. Let the sun do all of the hard
work! A solar attic fan or vent can
help to pull hot air out of your attic
during the summer months, saving
you significant cooling costs. There
are even solar powered full-size
refrigerators and freezers that can fit
into your lifestyle!
As you gear up for summer
activities like camping, boating, or
RV traveling, there are many solar
applications that you can accessorize
your trip with. Folding solar panels
are lightweight and a great choice for
rugged and self-sustaining power. You
may even opt to purchase a solar hot
dog cooker if you don’t like the char
from the camp fire.
This season is also prime time for
working in your garden, so consider
adding solar lights to highlight a
path through your beautiful green
space. If gophers are wreaking havoc
on your lawn and garden, a solar
mole and gopher chaser may be just
what you need to keep them away
without harming them. An outdoor
light post or lanterns may also be
powered by the sun while increasing
the beauty of your home. Other
outdoor applications for your ranch
or ranchette that have solar powered
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