Journal WillAffleckUW's Journal: Global Warming: Challange Accepted and Complete 2
So, as part of my PhD C&EE studies into distributed multi-modal alternative energy systems, using alternative energy power sources to mix and develop stable non-fossil-fuel entire energy networks, I decided I should probably put my money where my mouth is, at least personally.
Over the last year have been slowly replacing all my household lights (which were about 60 pct CFL 30 pct incandescent 10 pct halogen) with 100 pct LED lights. The modern ones are way brighter. And knowing my entire bathroom lighting uses 12 watts and my kitchen uses 40 watts (I have a lot of lights) is kind of cool. So now the amount of lights I have on is never more than 100 watts in the whole house (and that's for parties). Bought all the lights on sales at Fred Meyer and Costco, so they cost like $2 to $4 instead of $12 or $16.
Also replaced the 42 inch HDTV that blew (70 watts) with a new 32 inch HDTV that uses 7 watts. Had already done the computer devices, and now unplug the modems and other vampire devices.
Bought 4 solar units (basically, a solar panel, but they are part of large building arrays at Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, and a low income housing project, so they cost $300 total to buy instead of $3000 if you install on your property due to inspection, electric upgrades, permits and labor - cheaper in large 100-400 solar panel bulk as part of a new project, and my townhouse is north facing).
Had already been on 100 percent green energy - basic Seattle City Light electric, plus $24/month for 100 percent Green Up (buys wind power).
Replaced my 1999 fridge, washer, dryer with new energy efficient (Homburg? made in Germany, and Fisher for the fridge) ones. Surprised at how much that saved.
End result? Think I spent at most $6000 total for everything. But my current electric bill (and only just installed a bunch of this, and only got partial solar credit) is $6 instead of $104 (not counting solar units bought) on last bill.
Mission Accomplished.
Net result. Quieter, brighter, works better.
Nice Job! (Score:2)
That is a sweet setup. I like the co-lo solar, I'll have to see if SnoPUD has something like that going on. I really need to audit the phantoms in my house, as a geek and ham with lots of mobile devices I know that it can get out of hand way too quickly.
Re: (Score:1)
The only disadvantage to the Community Solar is it's bound to the provider, in other words, only works while I'm within Seattle City Light utility boundaries. But since it's paying off faster than I expected, and I might let my son use my house if I move to teach in BC, it could easily stay here if I pay the bill remotely.
But for renters who intend to stay in Seattle, and even homeowners who don't have buildings that get good solar access, it's wonderful. And it transfers with you when you move within Seatt