Is It Soup Yet ?

We made the trek across America in February, of all months, two years ago. We did not believe that enough of Florida would ever get a clue about organic, renewable, green energy, solar power, etc., so we left. We settled into a green, outdoorsy place - mixed with hippies, dippies, yippies, yappies and a few yuppies. You can let your hair down here, be yourself, live without a car, even walk if you like. Yet, I was expecting more. I was expecting a lot more.

What I thought was that everyone would do anything they could to go green. That people would fall over themselves to have a solar system on their home, business or even bus. But, I'm learning more than certainly that economics has no choice, but to get in the way. That a state's historical unemployment and low overall income stats have an effect on whether people have the right financial situation to afford renewable energy, highly subsidized or not.

Since April of 2008, I've been attempting to bring home the message of alternative energy. To demonstrate to people that this is what we need to do in order to bridge the gap to our next economic uptick. I've resorted to telling the story of 'Stone Soup', because people are having a hard time 'handing over the ingredients' - so to speak - of an economic hunger.

It's easy to reason that if more of us don't find a way to join in the energy revolution, then something's going to need to happen further - to stimulate this new path I've chosen to pursue - looking for those willing to come along. And if it doesn't happen pretty soon, may mean, the only thing you'll see me out there on - is my bike !

Cut 25% is the call...

I admit, I haven't had time to sit down and figure out the President Elect's new Energy Program. Aside from some whining that we're supporting monopolistic renewable projects, I think most of us would agree we're headed in a much better direction than we have been.

I have seen people returning to showrooms, test driving trucks and SUV's, still wishing for a cheap energy economy. My friends, it's wishful at best. The inevitable is... well, inevitable. And I've always told those closest to me that there's more to the picture than we see. Consider how much gas and oil we've taken out of the ground. What has displaced these spaces. Does removing oil from the ground create a larger issue for moving tectonic plates, much like removing the fluid from your knee makes it hurt like hell...? One of those things that makes you go 'Arsenio' (where's he these days ?).

I don't have a beef. I have a mission. My mission is to personally sell a MW of commercial solar this year. That's my goal, and I intend to do it through a wide mix of 30-200kW systems to people and companies that are committed to be a part of the solution, rather than sit around being part of the problem. There is such a huge opportunity for companies still earning profits to avoid taxes and claim some portion of energy independence. Some are paid back through avoided costs and tax benefits, in as little as four years. Others as long as ten. Yet the real thing to consider is that we're already paying for electricity. It's not going to get any cheaper. And, when in the past have we ever had an opportunity to own a portion of our power generation - ourselves ?

So, to any of you reading this who think we should complain at any portion of Obama's new energy program - think again. It's the best we've had in our lifetime. It's far better than the fossil fools that have been running the place. And, it's applicable to a good portion of the population, enabling methods of freedom many of us never understood before. Do me a favor... tell others, we can do this. Tell them, there is hope. Ask them, invest in companies that are part of this shift. Show them, you are a part of it too. Together, we can all make a big difference. And it's important to include the bicycle in our transportation considerations. I have my document tube on order to allow me to carry building plans with me on my BF Speeding tikit. So for now, get on your bikes and ride. See you out there on my mine, of course...

Sanyo comes to Salem !

Good news for Oregon ! Sanyo has announced plans to build a 70MW capacity solar ingot and panel manufacturing plant, right here in my own backyard. As a commercial solar consultant for Advanced Energy Systems, I am fortunate and excited to be in the midst of this spectacular development. It makes me consider changing my Cut20 purpose from one of 'Ride your Bike and Cut your fuel and emissions by 20%' to 'Go Solar - 20% by 2020'... how'bout ? I might add that this news hit the airwaves (KLCC-Eugene) the very same day I was driving to Salem for a customer contract signing on a 30kW system going up in Albany, OR. It was music to my ears...! But, you'll still see me out there, either in my white Forester, or on my bike of course. JD Howell, Eugene, OR.