tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413935813892441553.post2658819870924014605..comments2024-03-29T00:30:39.262-05:00Comments on real economics: Building a net-zero houseJonathan Larsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05217670446743983955noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413935813892441553.post-38577866375232945542018-05-01T02:50:53.711-05:002018-05-01T02:50:53.711-05:00You are absolutely correct that what works in Flor...You are absolutely correct that what works in Florida will not work in Idaho (or Minnesota.) The point I was making is that there is now an abundance of good parts that allow amateur engineers to construct net-zero homes of their own design. This is an amazing turn of events—as anyone who has ever tried such a project will attest. What was unavailable in 1992 is available now. And yes, it is worth the effort. It is truly amazing to watch the sun shine on some panels and with no noise or fuss, they just start producing electricity. Yes, I know that is the whole point but it is fun to see it in action.Jonathan Larsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05217670446743983955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413935813892441553.post-19336476504610636012018-04-29T17:33:22.928-05:002018-04-29T17:33:22.928-05:00OK, but I don't think that would work in Idaho...OK, but I don't think that would work in Idaho (though I would still like to have a solar & a battery system to keep a few things running during utility outages).<br />.<br />According to the EPA's website, electricity generation accounts for 28% of America's greenhouse gas emissions. Presumably that 28% includes electricity for industry as well as for residences. Let's guess that half of electrify goes to residences, or about 14% of greenhouse gas emissions.<br />.<br />So if every single American residence had 10kw of rooftop solar and energy efficient construction like your brother's house, best case that would reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 14% ... assuming zero population growth, and ignoring the carbon required to manufacture the solar panels and ship them across the ocean. But ... if the population grows 14%, that will offset the 14% per capita reduction. In any event, a 14% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will not make a dent in climate change.<br />.<br />So to get back to your previous post, "Are We Doomed?" Yes, we are probably doomed. Since we don't know for sure that we are doomed, we should still try to straighten out the mess we have made. If nothing else, maybe our efforts will buy our children and grandchildren a few more years of life. <br />Dan Lynchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11189866002273597534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413935813892441553.post-77843956002685274362018-04-25T20:54:12.321-05:002018-04-25T20:54:12.321-05:00Thanks for the write up. We enjoy our home we hav...Thanks for the write up. We enjoy our home we have been in since 1992. Not only is it very energy efficient, it is quiet, clean and very comfortable. Like I was telling Jonathan, we are on a well & septic tank, so we have pumps to run & a spa to keep warm and an air conditioned 1000 sq ft shop I work in. We still have a very affordable electric bill every month...nice when thinking about a fixed income. All planned in the early 1990s. Nice!! Christmastevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04593337700411831380noreply@blogger.com