Going solar: A safe place for your money

During these extremely turbulent economic times, people are wondering where they should put their hard earned money for a safe return. The stocks that seemed to be bullet proof are faltering, so it is time to look at how to participate in the new green economy. 

One of the better investments is one which you've got control over, you own, and that needs only very basic ongoing support and maintenance. One of these opportunities are solar photovoltaic panels. There is an up-front cost of installing this system of about $10,000.00 to $14,000.00 per kilowatt/hour. However, the opportunity is watching your electricity meter go in reverse, and the local power company paying you $0.42/kilowatt. This eliminates that cost of installing and storing batteries, but does require an additional upgraded converter. 

Now the math indicates an approximate return on investment of 4.25 % per year. The payback on each kilowatt per hour system is about 15 to 20 years, and the current systems are looking at functioning efficiently for 30 to 40 years. So not only will you be creating clean energy for your neighborhood, but you'll be making money at it. 

So if you can participate and you are fed up trying to work with an erratic stock and bond market, call up your local solar installer and get the complete details for your home.

 

Ecohouse Hamilton

One of the frequently asked questions I get asked is can a historical or older home be environmentally friendly. "Yes!" I can think of nothing more environmentally friendly then an older home which has been retrofitted with eco-smart technology, and it doesn't have to change anything about visual impact of the home. 

A friend and I went to Ecohouse in Hamilton yesterday, to see what a non-profit group of young people can do with a limited amount of resources and a tremendous amount of heart and dedication. The group is Green Venture headed up by Pete Wobschall, who is a fountain of very useful information. My feeling is that he's going to be a wonderful resource for years to come. 

Ecohouse is located on the Veever Estate comprised of a couple of acres and a stone home dating back 150 years. It isn't unlike many of the magnificent homes on Hamilton mountain, or hugging Lake Ontario in Oakville, with its large principle rooms on a majestic setting. You enter the property through large wrought iron gates by the garage and head up the stone stairs to the side entrance of the house, where the tour guides are found. We had an Engineering student from UofT be our very knowledgeable guide. 

First we were led through the house with its various features and demonstrations from the extremely low voltage use of LED spot lighting to EnergyStar rated appliances, and low-flow water demonstrations. This is not a designer home, but a work at its infancy of restoration and rejuvenation.  Then we were taken on the garden tour where first we were shown the photovoltaic solar system and wind turbine. It supplies the majority of their electricity and should there be excess it is sold back to the grid. There are rain barrels (which they sell) to collect as much of the roof run off as possible that supplies most of the ample garden with water.  At the lowest point in the garden, there is a garden reservoir which filters any excess surface water before it leaves the property. 

At the back of the property their is a little green roofed gazebo, and from their we were taken to the community garden, which supplies most of the vegetables for the volunteers and staff. There are no pesticides used, but rather they have companion planting where one plants fights off pests they may attack another. This where our tour ended, and left me invigorated.  I would like to congratulate all staff and volunteers at Ecohouse for the great work they are doing.

If you would like to find out more about Ecohouse the website is:

http://www.greenventure.ca

or call: (905) 540-8787

Living Green in Oakville

The first blog of many I hope. Today, I was checking out the local new builds. First heading off to Ironstone in Burlington, the first new condo in the local area to use GeoThermal and Solar and I have to say I was impressed. The project is not a green wash, but an actual green build. Congratulations to the builder for stepping up to the plate, and providing the community with a sustainable build. I'm really looking forward to seeing this build go from conception to reality.

The other build was unfortunately not very impressive. I was hoping and praying that this upscale property would have been a little more dynamic. I'm not going to discuss the actual project, since it isn't worth it. I'm not sure they actually get the reality that a sustainable building is luxurious. Sustainable products available are stunning, the properties are far quieter, and  more comfortable then traditional buildings.

Then I stopped off at one of my favourite Bronte spots, CJ's Cafe. CJ is one of the most dynamic entreprenuers in Oakville. We always have a great discussion about art, food, and the environment. Her latest addition to her cafe for the planet is corn produced clear take-out cups, which look like the regular plastic ones, but are safe for the planet. Kudos to CJ, and her amazing fair trade and organic coffee creations.