Appalachian Energy Systems

Harnessing nature’s solar cells

Elizabeth Weller — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:20:00 +0000

Filed under: Solar

The latest buzz on solar thermal:

Elizabeth Weller — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:29:21 +0000

“When most people think of solar energy,” writes Gwendolyn Bounds “they imagine using it to generate electricity—and that’s where a lot of buzz and venture capital investment dollars currently go. But in the average home, harnessing the sun’s free energy for daily hot-water needs can be a more practical and affordable bet. Water-heating is the third-largest energy expense in most households, after space heating and air-conditioning, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This year, Hawaii began mandating solar water heaters in most new homes, and cold-weather locales such as New York and Colorado are among the state leaders in installations.”

We recommend the full article: Cheap Hot Water? Just Add Sunshine written by Gwendolyn Bounds for the Wall Street Journal.

Filed under: Solar

Energy Raising

Elizabeth Weller — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:04:53 +0000

There is a new initiative floating around the solar industry called “energy raising.” The concept is based on the well-known barn raisings utilized by the Amish. Many hands make for light work. The solar version uses the same idea of neighbors helping neighbors, but instead of raising a barn, a solar thermal hot water system is “raised.” Volunteers split into groups to assist in installing the evacuated tubes and rack, the piping and other components. The host of the energy raising pays it forward by helping out on other installations. Participating in an energy raising is a great way to lower the cost of a solar thermal installation. Some professional help will be required in regards to connecting the water tank to the plumbing and electrical systems. A group in Plymouth, NH has pioneered the energy raising concept, but there are other groups that have followed suit. I am a proud contributor to the energy raising efforts of the DFA Task Force for Energy, Environment and Sustainability in Gettysburg.

Filed under: Energy Raising, Solar Tagged: EES, Energy Raising, gettysburg pa, solar raising, solar thermal

Energy And You

Elizabeth Weller — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:16:13 +0000

On Saturday, Feb. 13th 2010, Wilson College is hosting Energy and You, a workshop designed to help YOU reduce your home’s energy use. Among the presenter’s will be Bill Mooney of Appalachian Energy Systems. He will discuss basic solar concepts for the homeowner, including solar water heating, solar heating, photovoltaic, solar lighting and solar cooking. In addition, he’ll fill you in on the options, costs, and payback times available for solar installation.

If you’d like to sign up, register here or Contact Chris Mayer at 717-264-4141, ext 3247

Posted in Solar Tagged: Solar, sustainability conference, wilson