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July 3, 2012
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The arrival of summer and longer days fosters images
of sunshine and surf to many. To this writer it
means the opportunity for more ‘green’ energy. A
major survey of homeowners indicates that Americans
are more concerned about lowering their energy bills
than taking a vacation.
According to a survey by the AP-NORC Center for
Public Affairs Research that asked people to rank
their financial priorities, less than 20 percent of
the respondents rated a summer trip or buying the
latest smartphone or tablet as a priority, while the
majority said lowering electricity costs and making
homes energy-efficient are important.
The survey is more evidence that energy costs,
especially in a struggling economy, is a growing
national issue and explains why the topic is being
debated in the presidential campaign. Nearly 80
percent of respondents called energy “deeply
important” to them, which was of higher importance
than the environment and the federal deficit. The
only issues that polled higher than energy were the
economy, education and health care.
Another encouraging statistic was that nearly 90
percent of the respondents had taken some action in
the last year to save energy by installing more
energy-saving appliances, turning off the lights and
turning down the heat or the air conditioning.
As the chairman of the Rockland Business
Association’s Green Council, these survey findings
help reinforce my belief that solar energy is the
solution to our nation’s rising energy costs. If one
believes Dr. Daniel Nocera from MIT, solar energy is
the only long-term energy solution to our planet. He
calculates the earth now uses 13 terawatts each day
and by 2050 will need 30 terawatts. The 800
terawatts of solar energy that reaches the earth
each day is the only long term, sustainable solution
to our energy needs.
Several years ago, I decided to practice what I
preach. I installed photovoltaic solar panels from a
highly regarded national company -- Real Goods Solar
-- on my New City office. Since then, the panels
have offset about 35 percent of my company’s monthly
electric bills and have reduced CO2 emissions by
over 18,000 pounds. The system is on track to pay
for itself in seven years. We didn’t just stop at
the roof, we have adopted many other sustainable
strategies that help us use 51% less energy, 56%
less potable water, and 53% less waste sent to a
landfill. By harvesting rainwater and daylight and
installing high performance lighting, windows and
HVAC systems, we were able to achieve these
impressive gains.
New York State is very solar friendly. The state
offers several incentives to make the move to solar.
New financing options allow you to go solar for as
little as no money down. The New York State Energy
Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) also
offers cash incentives for renewable energy, which
could save you up to 35 percent on installation
costs. The organization also offers certified
inspections for a home energy audit, which is an
easy way to supplement a renewable energy
installation.
While other parts of the country are moving quickly
to solar energy, New Yorkers remain slow to adopt
it. This is difficult to understand considering the
potential savings to businesses and homeowners along
with the state’s policies designed to promote it.
Solar energy is a smart way to help mitigate rising
energy costs while helping the environment at the
same time. It’s time for Rockland to join the party
For twenty years, clients have entrusted Michael
Shilale Architects, LLP (MSA) to solve their
building problems, protect their assets and
investments, build under budget and realize their
vision. Providing integrated solutions for new
construction, renovation, and energy savings, since
1991 MSA has completed over 2,000 projects, each
personally managed by principals Michael Shilale
AIA, LEED or John Cirilli AIA, LEED.
MSA, an eight person architectural engineering firm
is committed to protecting and preserving the
environment through their design work.
MSA serves an educational, commercial,
institutional, municipal and residential client
base, throughout New York and New Jersey. For more
information, please call 845-708-9200, or visit
their website at
www.shilale.com.
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