Advocates of the use of alternative energy cite the benefits: a reduction or elimination of global warming, an improved environment, a vast and inexhaustible energy supply, jobs and other economic benefits, stable energy prices and a more resilient energy system—what’s not to like?
When you look at it that way, the big picture looks good. But how does one actually go about putting solar, wind and geothermal technologies to work in one’s own home? And how can alternative energy sources be made affordable and practical for homeowners?
Jessica Larcy Abrams of Green in Greene, Inc. in Earlton, which installs, services and legalizes personal-scale wind turbines, says that wind power is something accessible to anybody who is available to harvest the wind for power. Abrams will be one of the speakers at a panel discussion on alternative energy—with a focus on residential applications—to be held on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Saugerties Performing Arts Factory (SPAF) on Ulster Ave.
The event will include a presentation on how each technology fits into the larger energy picture, how each energy source relates and connects with the others, how they compare in terms of practicality for homeowners, with regard to suitability for specific locations and conditions, and predictions regarding future prospects and applications.
In addition to Abrams, the panel of experts will include John Rhyner, licensed professional geologist and director of the Sustainable Energy Group with P.W. Grosser, which designs and supervises installations of large and small scale geothermal projects, and Brian Wiley, development and design specialist for solar installations and a NYSERDA-approved solar installer. Following the discussion, the audience will be able to network with panelists and vendors in an informal setting.
The panel is sponsored by Sustainable Saugerties Transition Town, a grassroots organization whose members seek to create a resilient community that can supply its own basic needs regardless of what future forces come into play. It’s about “walking the talk,” says Larry Ulfik of the Northeast regional hub of the Transition Towns movement. “All of us are in this together.”
For more information, email sustainablesaugerties@gmail.com or call (845) 883-5766.
–Sharyn Flanagan
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