10 Slash your utility bills!
This Get Started! primer tells you how.
VOL. 22,NO. 6 FALL2008 SOLARTODAY.ORG
get started 2009
what you need to know about home energy
a supplement of SOLAR TODAY
12 Solar water heating
Take the load off your water heater.
Edited by Diana Young, Liz Merry and Seth Masia
16 Solar electric system basics
Reliable power, with no moving parts.
Edited by Liz Merry and Seth Masia
20 Big power from small wind
A 10-kilowatt windmill can power a household.
By Seth Masia
22 Ground-source heating
The most efficient way to convert electricity to heat — or cold.
By Seth Masia
24 Efficiency upgrades
Upgrades to insulation, windows and doors will be money well spent.
By Seth Masia
26 Working with a solar installer
Experience counts. And read your contract!
By Mike Hall
28 Does it pay?
Figuring the financial value of a solar or wind energy system.
By Andy Black
29 Paying for your solar electric system
Find rebates and tax credits to finance it.
By Claudia Eyzaguirre
PETERSEN/DEAN
Departments
6
Perspective
Features
Affordable, clean energy for your home
30 New products
8
A taste of the tour
Solar homes in cool climes
OSHARA VILLAGE
58 Inside ASES
60 Chair’s corner
34 Solar Buyers’ Guide 2009
A national list of local solar businesses
Diversify our solar tours.
By John Reynolds, FAIA
62 Ask Ken
Join us on the Solar Tour!
On Saturday, Oct. 4, the American Solar Energy Society presents the 13th annual National Solar Tour
in communities across the country. It’s your chance to see how your neighbors make use of home
energy improvements in your climate.
To find a tour near you, go to nationalsolartour.org, and click on Find a Tour.
Energy-saving Q&As
By Ken Sheinkopf
Coming next issue:
The November/December issue of SOLAR TODAY takes a close look at several successful solar-
powered and energy-efficient homes, from a luxurious architectural marvel in the Sierra foothills to
livable, affordable rental town-homes.
On the cover: Fort Collins, Colo., has a municipal utility company that encourages customers to
adopt solar technology. Here’s a zero-energy home with a 5-kilowatt photovoltaic system, framed
by high-plains wildflowers. Photo by Dan Bihn.
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SOLAR TODAY is printed with vegetable ink on
paper containing 100 percent post-consumer
waste. The paper is produced at a biomass-
powered mill.
