Wichita Line Man Says Go
Solar
Californians are at the
mercy of Energy Companies. Do you recall when Enron defrauded California and
contributed to the energy crisis? Our system is more fragile than it was in
2002.
What will happen if your
utility company turns off the power for a few days or a week? P G and E refused
this week to give a household even one hundred dollars for the loss of all the
food in their refrigerator and other hardships.
Power in California is
supplied to your business or home from “the grid.” Wind, water, natural gas and
solar systems are converted by electric power generators that are fueled by
natural gas. Sounds complex. In turn the gas grid relies on electric powered
compressors and pumping stations. Our system is old, mostly dates to the 1950’s.
Power companies have not updated lines and cut trees and obstacles in the path
of the lines.
If the power goes down
long enough you will also be without water and natural gas. Gas stations for
your vehicle will also close. Not meaning to sound doomsday; but you won’t be
going to work, if you have health issues this will most likely be during a
fire, heat wave or earthquake and daily life will be hard.
If you own your home and
you plan to stay there more than four years, I encourage you to research solar.
The type of solar you want is off grid solar that does not connect to the
public utility company. Solar has greatly improved. There are twenty options
for battery systems varying in price from three thousand dollars to ten
thousand dollars depending on type, space, and storage needed.
In researching your
solar contractor, you want really to inspect them carefully. Check the
contractor’s license with the state board, better business bureau, references,
your local lender who does construction loans. It may be necessary to upgrade
your roof, add support for possible earthquake. Add protection under the eaves
for fire prevention and so forth.
Fire season is year-round,
this is California we love our State; but being ready is everything. Don’t
expect our government local, state or Federal to figure this out. It is our job
to protect our families and homes.
If you need advice or recommendations, please call me. I don’t work for a solar company and make nothing referring you.
I've designed and installed a few.
