Quantum Quote: "The extraction, conversion and use of energy is the single largest cause of air & water pollution, single largest consumer of clean water, single largest funnel of resources supporting terrorism, and the single largest emitter of greenhouse gases ---- time for that to stop." \u2013Scott Sklar
1st SuperNova.\xa0 With wireless Cellular & Internet, if one tower or data center fails, the rest of the system picks up the pieces and keeps everything going. The electric system is following the same path\u2013 smaller, more distributed, integrated & self-sustaining.
SuperNova #2. Technology always morphs & evolves. With music, we advanced from vinyl records to cassettes to 8 tracks to cds to dvds to mp3s. Energy is following a similar evolution.
SuperNova #3. Always get several estimates. Check referrals. Were the contractors on time and on cost. Was the customer happy? What would they change? Look for contractors in your state or regional Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or Renewable Energy Association.
Worst Clean Energy Moment \u2013Many. Scott was ridiculed most of his career. Example: the US Senate Chief of Staff of Appropriations & Energy Committees during the Arab Oil Embargo\u2013 \u201cthere will never be solar or wind farms."
\u201cAh HA!\u201d moment. Solar was originally most cost effective in developing countries & remote areas where people don\u2019t have good access to electricity.
Best Advice: Don\u2019t take things personally. Be thoughtful about what the other person is looking for, and do your best to meet their concerns.
Personal Habit that contributes to success:\xa0 Extreme stubbornness & perseverance. \u201cThere is nothing like a Fine 'Whine' to get what you want.\u201d
Internet Resources:\xa0 State & Regional Chapters of the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) for contractors who operate under ethic guidelines. American Solar Energy Society (ASES) for technologies. World Resources Institute (WRI).
Books: Any Amory Lovins book. Lovin\u2019s quote: "Electricity without fire." (quote: \u201cThe Stone Age didn\u2019t end because we ran out of rocks\u201d). Thomas Friedman: \u201cHot, Flat & Crowded\u201d & \u201cLexus & the Olive Trees.\u201d\xa0
WTF or F: Arlington, VA\u2013 5 minutes from DC. Lots of trees, but storms knock down wires. Scott installed solar & batteries\u2013 first to run his sump pump to keep his basement dry during storm outages, then for his whole house. Neighbors come to Scotts to drink his scotch & bourbon during power failures. He makes the neighbors who hate solar say why they don\u2019t like it\u2013 and admit that it\u2019s cool to have power when everyone else doesn\u2019t.\xa0
What energizes Scott today: New emerging technologies. New Sensors & Apps. Material science renaissance\u2013 great for off-shore wind, tidal, wave, & ocean thermal power. Most people live next to rivers & the shoreline \u2013 they can now gain 24 hour access to clean power.
Last Advice:\u201cTake a small step and do something. Screw in an LED lightbulb. Get a smart thermostat. Get a small solar system for your garage or garden shed, or some power to run your refrigerator, wifi, & lights so you can ride out power outages. And, you\u2019ll save money every day. The step you take will make the world a better place for your kids. And if you do it, others will too!
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