With the solar panels installed we are just waiting for a final electrical inspection from our local utility and we can begin producing energy.

PART 1 / PART 2 / PART 3 / PART 4

The third phase of our installation was to dig a trench from the solar site to our main facility. Conduit was then installed in the trench to run power cables from the solar panels to the building. The trench was then back-filled and on the next warm day was paved over with asphalt.

PART 1 / PART 2 / PART 3

Our solar install continues weather permitting (a Southern Oregon winter is a rainy mess) Between rain showers we were able to complete the second phase of construction.

A steel upright being moved into position

The cement truck getting ready to pour cement into the footings

The concrete cured, forms removed, and the steel uprights waiting for the next phase of construction

PART 1 / PART 2 /

We thought we would share some pictures of our new solar installation here at AirScape HQ. We chose a site on an unused corner of the property that is perfectly situated for our solar install . The site was cleared of a massive blackberry bush so that work could begin. Blackberries are an invasive species here in Oregon so we didn’t feel too bad about removing them even though they were so delicious. We’ll put up more pictures as the work continues.

The site cleared and holes dug for the footings

The footing forms in place and the trenches dug for the electrical conduit

BONUS PIC: The stalk of the giant blackberry bush (1″ across for reference)

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We have (at least) two huge problems facing us.

• Climate Change (too much CO2 is being emitted)

• No Money (we’re all in debt)

Logically, we should spend our limited resources to the best effect. So, what is the best bang for our buck ? The parameter to measure is Tons of Carbon Dioxide (avoided) per Dollar…. the lower the better. So, here are a few of the common things we can do to reduce energy usage.  The spreadsheet shows most of the calculations (contact me if you want to know more details), but what is missing is the usual energy savings return on investment. This figure is all about environmental good. It just so happens that environmental good is good for your pocketbook.

So, please let’s spend our money wisely. Hint: Electric cars are cool (not as cool as pluggable hybrids), but they are not the best way to spend our money if we want to reduce carbon dioxide.

* There are many other energy and carbon dioxide reducing strategies not mentioned here.