The quote of the week is:
“The solution to climate change is energy policy.” ~ Sen. John Kerry
A week ago yesterday (January 24, 2012), Senator John Kerry secretary of state confirmation hearing, and started with the quote I posted above…
You can learn more by reviewing this EcoWatch post - I’d love to hear what you think about it – please comment below.
The tide is turning!
Dan
In my readings, recently I discovered this good and very important information regarding the question:
Should the Sunshine State Do More to Support The Development of Solar Energy?
I thought it’d be great to share some of the opinions expressed in regard to this question — I’m going to share one per blog post, over the next few posts, here’s the first one!
Enjoy!
-Dan
Carrie Cullen Hitt
VICE PRESIDENT, SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION
In Florida, solar energy meets a number of criteria that would be attractive to consumers and investors who would want a solar industry to develop there. The criteria include the state’s utility rates, its hours and intensity of sunshine and the growing energy demand. In fact, our association looks closely at Florida every year in search of industry progress. But Florida has a number of challenges.
In my readings, recently I discovered this good and very important information regarding the question:
Should the Sunshine State Do More to Support The Development of Solar Energy?
I thought it’d be great to share some of the opinions expressed in regard to this question — I’m going to share one per blog post, over the next few posts, here’s the first one!
Enjoy!
-Dan
Robert StonerockA noticeable disparity between public interest in renewable energy development and Florida’s current legislative policy was evident from a recent poll of registered voters conducted for the Florida Renewable Energy Association. Strong support was shown for policies that have become commonplace in many parts of the country yet have largely been ignored by Florida lawmakers.
During one weekend this past May –
50% of Germany was powered by solar energy!
(Isn’t that inspiring?)
Read the full article here:
There’s no reason we can’t accomplish that, too… in the not-too-distant future… if we want to.
More and more people, here in Southwest Florida, are choosing to go solar for themselves each year.
Awesome!
If you’d like to learn how my company, Fafco Solar, can help you use the power the sun provides — be sure to visit our website at: www.FafcoSolar.com!
Dan
Recently, I read two energy stories that present an interesting story, it’s exciting news, and I thought you might enjoy it too!
The first is that according to the eNewsletter I received (photo above) there was a:
“nationwide decrease of 22.8% in net electricity generation from coal between April 2011 and April 2012.”
The second I read in the July/August 2012 issue of Solar Today, and it mentions that:
“US Solar installs rose 88% in the first quarter of 2012.”
That is VERY exciting! The best part is that I think these are trends we’ll continue to see in the foreseeable future – and it makes me glad.
Here are some of the existing ways we help people reduce their carbon footprint by cost-effectively going solar:
If you have any questions, please contact us, or give us a call at (239) 574-1500.
Enjoy, and have a great day,
-Dan
In my previous post, I talked about having a personal 10-year Energy Independence Plan, and promised I’d share how I’m doing with mine…
Personally, I am 5 years into my own 10-year energy independence plan.
In 2006, my average monthly electric bill at home was $157.
In 2011, after renovating our house with Energy Star appliances; replacing a hurricane damaged roof with a white metal roof; and after installing every solar product my company offers, my average monthly electric bill is down to $50.
Be sure to read my 5/10/11 blog post, “How I Saved Over 70% in 1 Year!“)
I’m happy with the results, but I’m not done. And honestly, I’m not sure what my next step is, but that’s my point: I don’t have to know…
I just have to keep my eyes and mind open and something will show up someday.
So, start now and declare your own energy independence!
If you wait for someone else to solve your energy problem, you might not be happy with their solution. Setting yourself free may be the only way it’s ever going to happen, and… it’s very gratifying!
- Dan
If personal energy independence is important to you, I think it is appropriate (being an election year) to hear this message, again. So I’ve reposted my February 4, 2010 post on the topic. Enjoy! -Dan
A question that I hear quite frequently regarding solar power energy, is…
What’s the delay?
Why is the transition to the ‘new energy economy’ taking so long?
Back in October of last year, I covered “The Most Common Question About Solar Energy” which is definitely related to this topic (be sure to check it out!)
Anyhow, I just read this article in the January/February 2010 issue of Solar Today, and I wanted to share it with you, you can read it online, or below.
If there’s anything I, or my team at Fafco Solar, can do to help you, please contact us, or give us a call at (239) 574-1500.
Have a great day,
Dan
Last December, the Earth Policy Institute shared how fast…
…rooftop solar water heaters are being installed around the world!
This is great news, and very inspiring for us in the USA, and even those here in Southwest Florida!
Practically every home in the US has a water heater. Water heaters work continuously to keep the water they contain hot, and using the power of the sun is not only environmentally friendly, it reduces your energy bills, adds value to your home, AND extends the life of your hot water tank (they dramatically reduce scaling!)
Be sure to learn more about our solar water heater solutions, and how you can start saving while helping protect our environment! If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (239) 574-1500.
The Earth Policy Institute article reviews how:
“Imagine fuel without fear. No climate change. No oil spills, dead coal miners, dirty air, devastated lands, lost wildlife. No energy poverty. No oil-fed wars, tyrannies, or terrorists. Nothing to run out. Nothing to cut off. Nothing to worry about. Just energy abundance, benign and affordable, for all, for ever.”
Wow! These are the opening lines to the preface of “Reinventing Fire”, the latest book from Amory Lovins and his team at Rocky Mountain Institute –
To me, the key word here is “imagine”.
Reread the lines and feel what it would be like to live in such a world.
It’s coming.
I know it is.
I’ve made it my mission to make it happen. (I hope that makes you feel as good as it makes me feel.)
I’ll be sharing more quotes from this inspiring book with you in the future, but, in the mean time, if you want to light your own fire, I suggest you get cozy with your own copy… or better yet!… Connect with www.fafcosolar.com to learn how Fafco Solar can light your (reinvented) fire!
- Dan
PS – If you have a moment – be sure to watch this very inspirational video as well:
A Happy New Year to you, your family, and friends! 
I’m so happy to be doing what I’m passionate about, and being able to do it while we’re seeing such a great evolution with Solar & Renewable Energy solutions. The realization, adoption, and results generated from these solutions are simply mind-blowing.
More energy can be captured, and utilized, with today’s solutions – less expensively – than ever before. 
If you’d like to learn more about solar and renewable energy solutions – feel free to comment below, contact us online or give us call at (239) 574-1500.
Be sure to take a look at all of our wonderful online resources as well:
We service the following areas in Southwest Florida - Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Bonita Springs, or Hendry or Glades Counties.
We also service all brands of solar equipment! Find out what solar equipment services we perform here.
Learn More about cost-efficient solar energy.
Discover how you can improve our environment by using renewable energy for life. Check our Resources page.
Thank you so much, and here’s to a renewable energy world!
-Dan
