Solar Power and Other Renewable Energy at DR

Wind turbines and solar panels vs. the illusion of free power

Conservation: the first step towards renewable energy

Nevertheless, a lifestyle that uses at least some electricity for lights, kitchen appliances, answering machines, computers, power tools, and stereos is what we've all become accustomed to. Dancing Rabbit members put renewable energy systems on their homes to meet these expectations. Solar power from photovoltaic panels is very effective here in northeast Missouri (as it is in most of the 48 continental US states). We also have some small wind generators and in the future we picture putting up a large windmill that could serve several households, or potentially a whole section of the village (sort of a community-scale power utility).

Other positives of home wind and solar energy

A side benefit of producing our own electricity is that Rabbits have the opportunity to get in touch with where our power comes from. Some of us have been energized by realizing that flipping the switch isn't just something that a large utility makes possible, but that we can put it together ourselves, and change it to be exactly what we desire. It also helps remind us of the natural cycles of energy availability. A cloudy week might mean watching energy consumption, while a sunny day could be a great day to do laundry and get it out on the solar clothes dryer (um, I mean clothesline). Of course, not everyone wants to become a solar guru just to run a few lights. Rabbits share their power and often a low-usage resident can borrow or purchase some power from a neighbor with a full system.

Renewable energy can be yours

Off-the-grid, clean power isn't something you have to live at an ecovillage to do! Many people have small systems that enable them to learn about alternative energy and reduce their dependence on the grid. This can be as simple as a single solar panel and a couple of batteries running a few lights, or an elaborate system that connects to the grid and "runs the meter backward" as it sells power to the utility. Solar power isn't cheap; solar panels cost money and not only that, you have to put forth the entire purchase price up front instead of buying power as you go along. Nevertheless, a small system is within the reach of most people; and of course, if you take into account the full costs of the current, unsustainable power sources we use, renewable energy is a real bargain.

Resources for alternative electricity

Home Power magazine, is the best source for information on alternative energy. Highly recommended.

There are many web retailers of alternative energy products these days. The biggies include Real Goods and Jade Mountain. You can get better prices by shopping around, for sure. On the other hand the biggies provide better help and consulting for the novice--that's part of what makes them more expensive. Don't try to buy things from a discounter to save a few bucks and then call Real Goods for help setting it up or your karma will seriously suffer.