Evergreen – It seems a no- brainer. In a state flooded with sunshine, preoccupied with the environmental impact of so many new residents, and at a time of great concern over rising energy costs, why not harness the sun?
Local author Dan Chiras is trying to get the word out: It’s easier than you think to either live off the grid or dramatically reduce your dependence on the power company.
“I’m making all my own electricity right now,” Chiras says, pointing to the bank of solar electric panels atop his home.
All his electricity comes from the panels, which produce zero pollution.
Most of the heat comes from the sun, too, as his so-called passive solar home is designed to soak up the sun’s low-angled rays in the winter but dodge them in summer.
Several of Chiras’ 22 books discuss ways to wean the home from traditional energy sources. His latest – “The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy” – will be out early next year.
The writer built his south-facing home, loaded with windows, 10 years ago.
He spent $15,000 to set up the solar panels and the batteries they charge. Most utilities now provide rebates for the investment.
Chiras’ home is super-efficient and largely constructed of recycled materials. He used bales of straw, 800 dirt-filled tires and shredded newspapers for the insulation in its walls.
The floor tiles are made from reclaimed mining waste. The carpeting is made from recycled soda bottles. The paint is recycled. The cabinets are made of wood from an old barn.
A tiny wood stove and a cord of wood help Chiras make it through the winter. His gas bill – minus the meter-reading fee – is just over $4 a month.
An indoor garden provides tomatoes. Even bananas, when Chiras gets the yen to plant them.
Johnny Weiss, who directs Solar Energy International in Carbondale, says solar electric panels, once the high-dollar toys of NASA, are growing more affordable and basic.
But they’re still steep. For a family to significantly reduce its dependence on electricity by installing the panels on an average home would cost somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000.
“Solar electric is very expensive,” Chiras admits.
About 270 homeowners and businesses have installed solar electric panels in Colorado, according to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The number doesn’t account for many users who live completely off the grid.
The trick of making the costly panels work is investing in energy- saving appliances and using those appliances wisely.
And when it snows? A squeegee on a pole.
“I feel a little silly,” Chiras says of the times neighbors drive by and see him with it.
“Until I realize they have to drive to their job to pay for their electricity.”
Staff writer Chuck Plunkett can be reached at 303-820-1333 or cplunkett@denverpost.com.
