Our solar panels are up and have been producing since June! Most days are net positive. I love it when the meter arrow points toward the street, the preferred direction of energy flow!

Greater self-sufficiency just plain feels good. We are giving back, not taking. On the rare occasions we used the AC this summer, we just smiled. We are partially protected from rising energy costs. Furthermore, we believe future resale value will not be energy blind. This one isn't about straight ROI.This is what we value.

What's next? Not sure. We have been reduce, reuse, recycle fiends for decades. The power strips and compact fluorescents arrived years ago. So did the low-flow shower heads. So did many good conservation habits. And for 5 years now, we have enjoyed up to 54 mpg and no fumes at stoplights thanks to our hybrid. There is also some security in knowing we can drive as far as North Carolina or Ohio without refueling.

Always looking for the next opportunity to do what feels right. We encourage you to do the same.

© 2008 Ann Latham. All rights reserved.