Take small steps on road to solar energy

Iknow solar electric systems don’t make much economic sense for most homeowners, but I want to try something. Maybe I can’t make my house totally independent of the electric company but I’d like to start on that path. What are some things a homeowner can do?

Worried about blackouts after hurricanes, snowstorms or other natural disasters, or maybe just sick of summertime power interruptions during heavy rainstorms? Talk to a solar contractor (you can find one near you at askken@ases.orgwww.findsolar.com) and ask him to fix you up with a small PV system or 200 to 500 watts or so.

If you want to see how well systems can work, including complete home systems that provide all the needed power, check out soltrex.masstech.org. BP Solar recently announced that they are offering complete, installed PV systems in 65 Home Depot stores in New Jersey.

thestate