The cost of solar, in the average location in the U.S., will cross the current average retail electricity price of 12 cents per kilowatt hour in around 2020, or 9 years from now. In fact, given that retail electricity prices are currently rising by a few percent per year, prices will probably cross earlier, around 2018 for the country as a whole, and as early as 2015 for the sunniest parts of America.

Smaller, cheaper, faster: Does Moore’s law apply to solar cells?,  Ramez Naam | March 16, 2011 | Scientific American

By 2030 Solar will be half the price of coal electricity. Hopefully we can reduce our carbon in other ways before then.

There is no clear or concise list of which companies are the biggest contributors globally, nationally or locally. There are people asking for disclosure. Organizations such as the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment are looking to gain transparency so that there can be proper accountability and a plan put in place for reduction. So far, a few are willing, but most are not. For now. Nature.com has a good blog of information on some of the particulars. Carbon neutrality at this juncture seems like a pipe dream, yet it is one of the single most important goals for insuring a healthy future for our planet. The EPA has put together a plan for a 17% reduction in the United States by the year 2020. Latest reports from them show that they are on target. The good news is, as a nation we are moving in the right direction. The bad news is… it’s just not enough.

Increase Your Comfort and Livability
When we implement the recommended home improvements, you will literally see and feel the difference. Air sealing the building shell, sealing leaky air handler ducts, adding insulation, or replacing that old furnace or air conditioner will make your home a more pleasant and healthier place to be.

Increase Your Home’s Resale Value
According to a study published in the Appraisal Journal, for every $1 decrease in annual energy costs, the market value of a home increases by $20. For example, if you decrease your energy costs by $600 per year, the value of your home increases by $12,000. We can verify measurable results of the improvements performed. Many of our clients see their heating and cooling bills cut in half.

When purchasing a home, check into EEM’s (Energy Efficient Mortgages). They allow for making the important energy efficiency repairs the home needs within the loan before you move in. See our article under What’s News fro 6.26.11 for more details. The Earth Advantage Institute has a list of Real Estate Professionals who specialize in energy efficient homes and loan resources. Click here: EAI Realtors

Improve Your Home’s Marketability
With rising fuel costs, home buyers are seriously considering the house’s operating expenses. Measures to lower utility bills are valuable home improvements that reap dividends month after month. A home buyer will also have confidence that the house has been optimally maintained when you show it was audited and retrofitted by a Sarkinen certified professional contractor. You’re more likely to make a faster sale for a better price. The Earth Advantage Institute has a list of Real Estate Professionals who specialize in energy efficient homes. Click here: EAI Realtors

Uncover Hidden Problems
A home energy audit involves a thorough inspection of your home, which can uncover hidden structural and safety problems before they cause major damage. For example, improper ventilation can cause mold or mildew growth, which you may not discover until it becomes severe and costly repairs are required. A Sarkinen certified professional can prevent problems before they affect your health or damage your home.

Help the Environment
Helping the environment and responsible consumerism is a positive by-product of creating a high scoring energy performance home. By using less energy, you reduce the amount of pollution and greenhouse gasses that are created in the production of electricity and the fuels we burn. You can feel good about the energy (and money) you’re saving because you’re doing your part for the environment and supporting green energy science.

Take Advantage Tax Incentives
With a home energy audit, you can take advantage of government tax incentives and rebates, your Sarkinen certified professional can show you which cost-effective improvements make the most sense for your home. With the recommendations from your energy audit report and tax incentive information, you can make the right decisions as to which measures will pay the biggest return on your investment – and have the government help you out to do it. See our Rebates page for a list of many of the rebates available.

Invest in Your Biggest Asset
Investing in your home’s energy efficiency takes money. Fortunately, your return on investment is around 16% per year, after taking into account the money you spent on the improvements. As energy prices rise, so will your return on investment! It will likely be your most successful investment, without any risk. A Sarkinen certified professional could help put more money in your pocket than your stock broker!

How do You Get Started?
Simply fill out the comfort and healthy air survey. A Sarkinen home energy performance expert will promptly contact you to set up an appointment.

Op. cit., Resnet, BPI, Comfort Institute & Appraisal Journal

Lower Electric Bills Graphic

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

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This was filmed between 4th and 11th April 2011. I had the pleasure of visiting El Teide.
Spain´s highest mountain @(3718m) is one of the best places in the world to photograph the stars and is also the location of Teide Observatories, considered to be one of the world´s best observatories.

The goal was to capture the beautiful Milky Way galaxy along with one of the most amazing mountains I know El Teide. I have to say this was one of the most exhausting trips I have done. There was a lot of hiking at high altitudes and probably less than 10 hours of sleep in total for the whole week. Having been here 10-11 times before I had a long list of must-see locations I wanted to capture for this movie, but I am still not 100% used to carrying around so much gear required for time-lapse movies.

A large sandstorm hit the Sahara Desert on the 9th April (http://bit.ly/g3tsDW) and at approx 3am in the night the sandstorm hit me, making it nearly impossible to see the sky with my own eyes.

Interestingly enough my camera was set for a 5 hour sequence of the milky way during this time and I was sure my whole scene was ruined. To my surprise, my camera had managed to capture the sandstorm which was backlit by Grand Canary Island making it look like golden clouds. The Milky Way was shining through the clouds, making the stars sparkle in an interesting way. So if you ever wondered how the Milky Way would look through a Sahara sandstorm, look at 00:32.

Available in Digital Cinema 4k.

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Music by my friend: Ludovico Einaudi – “Nuvole bianche” with permission.
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