CONTACT:
Antony Tersol
Applied Solar Energy, Inc.
(831) 333-1919
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Antony Tersol
Applied Solar Energy, Inc.
(831) 333-1919
Environmental Heros - Energy Patriots
There's a new power plant in Pacific Grove. It's across the street from the municipal golf course, near the driving range. Duffers, on their way to hit a few balls, park within yards but never notice it. Strollers, on their way to the beach, walk unknowingly right by. It escaped an EIR. Neither the Coastal Commission nor the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary were informed.
Bill Stirlen and Shu-Tin Johnson cleverly disguised it as a house! Unless you're in an airplane, the only visible hint is an electrical switch next to PG&E's meter. And, if you look closely, on a sunny day you might see the dials that record electrical usage moving very slowly, or even running backwards. When the Stirlen's aren't using all their home-produced power, they earn credits with PG&E providing power for their neighbors.
This power plant is silent. It doesn't pollute the air. It has no moving parts. It's virtually maintenance- free. It runs on sunlight. It's a photovoltaic array, made of lightweight silicon crystal panels. And yes, even in Pacific Grove, the foggiest city on the Monterey Peninsula, a solar energy system can affordably, reliably, environmentally make the electricity a home needs.
When asked why, Bill says they "decided to add solar power for three reasons. First, with tax incentives offered by the state, the net cost of solar power comes down to the point where it makes economic sense - especially over the long term. We expect the cost of electrical power to continue to increase over time so we have effectively frozen a portion of that cost increase. Second, with the potential of power outages continuing to be a reality during hot summer time periods it gives us an additional defense against against such possibilities. We have a number of salt water fish and reef tanks that require a lot of continuous electric power to maintain the right conditions. Between solar power and a back-up power generator we are well protected against extended blackouts. Last, we can contribute a no-additional-cost benefit to the environment by using less fossil-fuel-generated power."
A photovoltaic system is quite likely the largest economic impact an individual can have on the environment - yet this massive diversion of resources from polluting to sustainable technologies is available to any individual with little or no net cost. It does not increase the amount spent for electricity. It only changes the way in which it is paid. Instead of depending on massive corporate utilities and fossil fuel producers and paying their profits, you can invest in your own private energy utility, with a yearly return equivalent to that of an investment paying 10 to 15% or more.
The Stirlens' solar panels will prevent the annual production of over 9000 pounds of carbon dioxide (the principal gas contributing to global warming) and eliminates emissions of sulfer oxides, nitrogen oxides and waste heat as well. Since fossil-fuel use is diminished, so are the destructive effects on wildlife habitat that accompany drilling and mining.
The power plant the Stirlens installed is reducing air pollution, fossil fuel depletion, and global climate change. It produces energy during peak demand times, so helps smooth the peak demand curve, reducing the possibility of energy shortage induced blackouts. It is produced at the site of consumption so reduces the load on transmission facilities, which, similar to production, are capacity constrained. An investment in the future, solar photovoltaic energy was the choice the Stirlens made to make a difference, acting positively to improve the world we all share.
Built by Mickey Gawlawski, the owner of Adrian Construction, the home sits at the corner of Asilomar Boulevard and Surf Way. The solar energy system was designed, engineered and installed by Applied Solar Energy.
Applied Solar Energy is located in Pacific Grove, California. The company provides energy systems and consulting for homes and businesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara counties. For additional information on Applied Solar Energy or to have a energy specialist contact you, call (831) 333-1919 Ext 20 or visit www.appliedsolarenergy.com.
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