Herb’s Solar-Powered House

Now that it’s stopped raining for a while, I don’t know about you but I am thinking about sun! My neighbor recently pointed out Rockville Central friend Herb Winkler’s amazing solar array on his roof and suggested we do a piece on it. Herb has gone way beyond signing up for wind power — he’s actually generating his own electricity.

Here’s what Herb says about his setup:

Our solar array produces 4.3 kw, which is an instantaneous power production value. It should produce 5289 kwh over the course of a year. This figure depends on the number of sunny days we have, and the orientation of the array (south facing and tilted at 39 degrees is best for our latitude). Other orientations, shade and cloudy days will compromise energy production, but are taken into account when projecting a system’s efficiency. The sidewalks were recently widened on Beall Ave, and two neighboring trees were removed. The resulting sun exposure makes our roof ideal, and the carbon offset exceeds those tree’s carbon absorption effect.

The financial incentives make the payoff much faster than the avoided cost of energy alone. Montgomery County offers a property tax credit of 50% of the system’s cost, capped at $5000. The US tax credit is 30% of the cost, and is not capped. Maryland’s grant depends on the system’s size, and it’s capped at $10,000. Additionally, because of Maryland’s participation in the regional greenhouse gas initiative, a renewable energy credit is awarded with every megawatt hour produced, and those are sold to polluters to offset carbon emissions. We get paid to generate energy even if we use it ourselves. It really pays to produce, and not pollute!

Man, that is one sweet deal. Go, Herb!

Contributor Opinion by Carl Henn: Solar Co-op Options

Let’s say you want to put solar panels on your roof. It’s a big expense. There are many options to choose from, many companies offering different products, lots of paperwork to get the state, local and federal support that is available. It’s a daunting prospect. I’m sure some people who might otherwise move forward with solar panels haven’t due to the complexity of the process, while others fear they’ll pay too much or buy a system that doesn’t perform as anticipated.

Solar Co-ops can help overcome these barriers. Depending on how it is organized, they may also reduce the cost by buying in bulk instead of as a single system at one household.

There is a fine example of what a solar co-op can do in the nearby DC neighborhood of Mount Pleasant. A few neighbors there wanted to install solar panels and thought if they are going to go to all the trouble of figuring the whole thing out, they would bring some other neighbors along and get a volume discount. They were driven to action by deep concern about global warming and other environmental problems. They have succeeded in getting 50 systems installed so far. See http://www.mtpleasantsolarcoop.org/

Another twist on this idea comes from the United Power Co-op in Brighton, Colorado. In this case, the power co-op is the local utility. Noting that many of their customers wanted solar power but face the same barriers noted above or don’t own their roof or have too much shade for solar to work at their home, they created a “solar farm” leasing arrangement. See http://www.unitedpower.com/solpartners.aspx  They set up solar panels on their own land, getting the capital from their customers. They provide a 25 year lease on a 210 watt photovoltaic panel for $1,050. They provide a 3% return on investment, based on current energy prices. Their promotional material claims a 17 year payback, though my own calculation shows that unless electricity prices increase, it won’t pay for itself before the lease expires. But carrying an income source into the future isn’t risk free. The stock market disappointed my expectation for a return on investment and indeed has swallowed much of the principal I invested. This investment has the potential to hold its own against inflation since rising energy costs are a primary source of inflation.

Another co-op approach worth noting is the effort by the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. They will negotiate purchase of wind generated electricity on behalf of their members. See http://www.gazette.net/stories/12022009/rocknew220922_32535.shtml This will be done through Clean Currents, which is also available to individuals who aren’t in the Chamber of Commerce. Clean Currents will sell you electricity that has been generated via wind turbines as described at http://www.cleancurrents.com/index.php/C-Green-Overview Currently, their price is lower than the standard Pepco price.

So what should we be doing differently in Rockville to increase renewable energy generation? First – step back and look at the bigger picture. There is a good chance you can save more energy by putting insulation in your attic then by putting solar panels on your roof, and can do so for less money. You should get an energy audit. Chevy Chase recently set up a rebate program for their residents to pay for energy audits and a portion of the upgrades that such audits recommend. See http://www.townofchevychase.org/n/166

The co-op approach used by Mount Pleasant is very powerful. But it requires a huge effort by a few individuals. I’ve seen several websites from other people trying to do the same thing. Most of them haven’t had a single installation yet. My hat is off to the Mt. Pleasant folks. Convincing people to part with thousands of their dollars, and setting up a structure for the contracts to work through is quite an accomplishment.

I would recommend a simpler approach – negotiating a “Rockville Deal” for solar panels that any resident can use, without trying to put the contract through the City or a community group, without guaranteeing a certain number of installations. While this would likely mean the cost per unit would be a bit higher, it is a more achievable approach. It would still be helpful. The City could set up a competitive process, eliminating those companies that have had performance issues, negotiating the technical specifications and prices of the unit and setting forth how to capture the state, local and federal subsidies. It would likely still be cheaper than most people would get on their own. The City could present the Rockville Deal approach in the proper perspective – energy audit first, invest in the most cost effective upgrades, how much sunlight/shade do you have?, is your roof good for another 15 years (i.e. Don’t put new panels on an old roof). If you get guidance from a salesman, you might not get unbiased advice.

The City could also mirror the approach taken by the Brighton co-op. The City’s owns a number of buildings that have unshaded roofs where solar panels could be installed. The City doesn’t have the money to do this, and indeed if they did they would probably be better served to put that money into more efficient street lights or better insulation at Glenview Mansion. But they could lease panels in such a manner that citizens would pay for the panels and the city would then pay the citizen for the electricity that the panels generate.

Investing in solar panels as an individual requires an appropriate site, knowledge of the marketplace and technology, knowledge of government subsidy programs, research into contract terms and such. Making this investment through the City allows for economies of scale, and makes it so each individual doesn’t have to do all the legwork alone. It makes the process more simple and accessible. This program would provide an investment alternative to the stock market which may fail widely in an era of declining oil production. A Rockville Solar Farm may well be one of the better investments available.

Carl Henn

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Receive Rebates To Lower Stormwater Runoff

I first learned about the Rockville Rainscapes Reward Program at Science Day last April where the City set up a display. Basically, if you have residential property, you can help reduce the amount of stormwater and pollution entering local streams and increase the groundwater supply in two simple ways.

1.) Rain Barrels – By collecting rainwater in barrels, the amount of stormwater runoff is lowered. Although the water can’t be consumed, it can be used to wash cars or water the lawn/garden, which saves money on water bills. The water supply is even more beneficial during droughts. If you have installed rain barrels since March 1, 2008, you can receive $50 per barrel for up to 4 barrels.

In case you are thinking you really don’t want an unsightly barrel on your property, consider a recent project at the University of Akron in Ohio. Ten students turned 50 water barrels into functional art. The containers will be auctioned with proceeds going to Keep Akron Beautiful. I always appreciate a fine idea to make an environmentally-friendly idea even better.

2.) Conservation Landscaping – Removing grass and replacing it with plant species with deeper root systems also reduces runoff. The City just started to offer a $500 rebate on July 1, 2009 if you change your lawn over to plants with at least 3/4ths being native.

Upcoming City of Rockville training sessions will provide all the details:

Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 AM -Noon at the Lincoln Park Community Center
Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 1:30-3:30 PM at Croydon Creek Nature Center
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009 from 1:30-3:30 PM Twinbrook Community Recreation Center

Call Audra Lew at 240-314-8877 or e-mail alew@rockvillemd.gov to reserve a spot in the training or for details. Session participants will have a chance to win a rain barrel.

Just think, that’s less mowing and lower water bills!

Avoid Possible Hazardous Material At Chestnut Lodge Site — And Around Town

Some Rockville citizens have pointed out a new aspect of the Chestnut Lodge fire that has not yet come to the fore. The fire may have spread contaminants into the air and surrounding areas.

Specifically, some are worried about lead paint and asbestos. Chestnut Lodge was built before those substances were banned.

It appears that if asbestos were used in construction of Chestnut Lodge it would have vaporized into the air. However, some say there is a possibility that the many paint chips that fell from the air in the hours after the fire were lead-based. Lead, as a heavy metal, could easily leach into the surrounding ground.

Our understanding is that the City has been in touch with state environmental officials about the issue and have received preliminary information and are formulating a response.

At least one West End resident has been collecting paint chips and charred pieces of wood that could be used for testing. But Lincoln Park residents also spoke of dust on their cars after the fire so a broader examination may be a good idea.

For citizens, the best current advice is to stay away from the Chestnut Lodge site (treat it as a hazardous area). Here is a good information sheet from New York State on lead paint. Residents may also consider avoiding using lawnmowers and leaf blowers so as not to further stir up possible lead dust. Parents of nearby Beall Elementary School children should keep their children away from the site.

Just to be clear: We do not know that lead-based paint was spread around, but according to some — it is a possibility.

We understand that the City should be issuing a press release or other communication on this in the near future.

If readers have advice, please add it in the comments so others can have your good counsel.

State Clean Energy Center To Be In Rockville

According to many sources, the state of Maryland has chosen Rockville, Our Fair City, to be the home of the new Maryland Clean Energy Center.

The office, whose mission is to keep the Free State at the forefront of clean and renewable energy research, will be housed at the Universities at Shady Grove. (Well, that’s just outside our coverage area, but still.)

This from the Maryland Daily Record:

The Maryland Clean Energy Center will foster development of green technologies statewide, including at an industrial park near Annapolis, a demonstration site in Frederick and an incubator in Baltimore, President Kenneth M. Connolly said.

A five-member staff, assisted by student interns and volunteers, will be based at the Camille Kendall Academic Center at the University System of Maryland’s Shady Grove campus just outside Washington.

This is big news, as it further solidifies our reputation at the forefront of tech. All up and down the I-270 corridor, we’ve got tons of biotech, clean energy, engineering, and other foreward-looking startups. We’ve got the human genome covered and . . . we’ve even got a big-deal gaming company.

Mayor Hoffmann Appointed To Environmental Policy Committee

This from Our Fair City:

Rockville Mayor Susan R. Hoffmann has been appointed to the National League of Cities Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity to be part of creating guidelines on a national level that will improve our environment,” Hoffmann said. “Building a cleaner environment is one of my top priorities.”

The Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee is responsible for developing policy recommendations on issues of air quality, water quality, energy policy, national wetlands policy, noise control, and solid and hazardous waste management.

The National League of Cities is a national organization that represents municipalities by strengthening and promoting them as centers of opportunity and leadership.

Hoffmann is active with the Washington Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, where she serves on the Board of Directors and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. She is also a member of the Community and Economic Development Committee of the National League of Cities.

Congratulations Mayor Hoffmann!

Congratulations To New Mark Commons

New Mark is receiving the award because of the neighborhood’s exemplary management of the many trees that make up its urban forest — it’s known for this aspect (indeed, I have heard it can be ten degrees cooler than other parts of town due to the shade).

Rockville Central Radio To Focus On Sustainability And Environment

We have a special show lined up for tomorrow’s edition of Rockville Central Radio! As always, we go live at noon on Friday. (And if you miss it, you can always listen to the podcast by following the above link.)

This week’s show is going to focus on sustainability and the environment. We’ll have guests on who will talk not only about policy but also about their in-the-trenches experiences in converting to solar, using alternative transportation, and more. Council Member John Britton (who recently wrote a piece on reducing greenhouse emissions), bicycle advocate (and alternative energy proponent) Carl Henn, and solar conversion expert Herb Winkler are just a few of the people who will be on. We hope to have a few surprise guests too.

How to listen? Oh, it’s so easy. Just go here on your computer. Or, feel free to just call into our listener line at 646-200-3332. While you’re on the phone, you can hear the whole show. AND . . . you can ask questions too.

In fact, we encourage it. So call in at 646-200-3332!

Just go here to listen on Friday at noon.

Contributor Opinion By John Britton: Collective Action Can Help Achieve Environmental Goals

The following contributor opinion is by Rockville City Council member John Britton. (Hyperlinks have been added.) This Friday’s Rockville Central Radio show will focus on sustainability and the environment, so this piece is particularly timely!

On November 12, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) adopted the National Capital Region Climate Change Report. The Report offers recommendations and voluntary commitments for the local, county and state jurisdictions in the metropolitan Washington region for the reduction of our region’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gases. It is a Report that focuses on the macro trends of housing, land use, transportation and energy generation and their profound impacts on the environment and, by extension, our public health. The COG staff presented a few weeks ago a briefing on the Report to a joint meeting of the Rockville and Gaithersburg mayors and councils.

The Report is a worthwhile, albeit possibly daunting, read. There is one section in the Report that should be of particular interest to our residents and businesses — Table 5 “Household/Business Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” It identifies no cost, low cost, medium cost and high cost activities that we can undertake to achieve certain greenhouse gas reduction benefits.

The no cost activities include such things as: recycling; change thermostat settings in both winter and summer; set computers to energy-saving setting; drive 10 fewer miles per week; set water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees; wash clothes in cold water. A low cost suggestion: change incandescent lighting to compact fluorescent (maybe Rockville should sponsor a change-your-light bulb day). A medium cost activity is to conduct an energy audit of your home. Such an audit could reduce greenhouse gases, create green jobs and, in the long term, put dollars back into the pockets of our homeowners.

The above may seem like trivial activities but if you believe, as I do, in the efficacy of collective action, then they become a significant contribution to our environmental goals.

Councilmember John Britton

Rockville Central runs occasional, edited opinion pieces by contributors as well as other guest columns. Their views are not necessarily those of Rockville Central. We encourage you to join the growing list of contributors! To submit your piece for consideration, contact us.

Stay Out of Cabin John Creek

Yesterday a bright orange sign appeared down by Cabin John Creek near Elwood Smith Park. I didn’t pay attention to it. When my boys saw the sign they insisted we stop and read every word. Good thing too, everyone needs to keep out of the Creek. If you see these signs, don’t be like me! Stop and read them!

Here’s the advisory from the City:

A sanitary sewer backup has caused sewage to flow into a storm drain leading to Cabin John Creek. It is believed that most if not all of the sewage will be contained by the stormwater management pond just north of Elwood Smith Park near the Richard Montgomery High School. However, warning signs have been placed downstream of the pond in Elwood Smith Park advising people and pets to stay out of the stream for 72 hours as a precaution.

The bacteria found in sewage do not typically survive in the environment for more than a couple of days; therefore, it is anticipated that the creek will be clear by Monday, July 14th.

My only concern is that the kids enter the stream through little paths cut through the weeds and many people in our neighborhood don’t read English or Spanish, so they might not be aware. Hopefully the pond will do its job.

While looking for the environmental advisory, I discovered some excellent information on the greening of Rockville – A Guide to Sustainability. It’s worth a look.