Northwood News ♦ October 2008

Solar Collective Moving Forward

By Jim Zepp

Over the Summer, the Silver Spring Solar Collective was formed to encourage the purchase of solar residential water heating and electrical power systems by seeking a volume discount from installers and benefitting from the technical knowledge and experience of other members.  It has over 40 members so far, who live in Four Corners, Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Hyattsville, Bowie, and Germantown.  You can find current information and also join by signing up at [URL no longer active].  Participants are asked to send a check (made out to NFCCA) for $20 to Jim Zepp [address redacted] to defray operating expenses for the group.

One of the collective’s first tasks was to survey the members’ needs and priorities since some members are just beginning to explore the solar concept while others are ready to install a system.  To this end, a questionnaire was distributed.  So far, most members are interested in solar electricity (photovoltaics) but there are also members interested in solar thermal (hot water.)

Next, it’s important to figure out each individual’s current energy situation and whether or not they have enough sun exposure. Members can sign up for a home energy audit conducted by Collective member and Northwood community resident Reuven Walder (info@energyefficienthome.net) at a special discount.  A home energy audit evaluates the energy performance of the whole home as one system.  Analyzing heating and cooling systems, water heater, insulation, air leakage, and windows reveals how to significantly reduce energy consumption, address health and safety issues and improve comfort.  The audit report shows the homeowner which investments (e.g., new windows, adding insulation) will have the greatest impact for the least money.

To receive future announcements about events, join the solar collective listserv by sending an email to solar-collective@googlegroups.com.   ■