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 Acorn Energy Co-op e-News
Issue No. 15
Friday, October 10, 2010
Member Owned, Renewable Energy
Products and Services |
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Dear ,
This is the fifteenth edition of the Acorn Energy Co-op's e-Newsletter, published periodically to keep you apprised of happenings in the Co-op and informed of upcoming events. We also encourage you to visit our website frequently at www.acornenergycoop.com to access the wealth of information about renewable energy available there.
Please pass this e-Newsletter along to friends, neighbors and family who may not be aware of the Co-op and its activities and plans.
Thank you for your ongoing support, The Acorn Energy Co-op Team |
| Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund Awards Study Grant | |
 The Co-op has just received a $10,000 grant to identify methods and hardware to transfer un-bagged wood pellets from factory to residential boilers and stoves in ways that are: efficient, easy, low-cost, and safe. The goal is to eliminate handling, storing, emptying and disposing of the 40-lb bags normally used. If, with the help of the SJF grant, we can make bulk delivery and storage easy, it will compare favorably with the delivery and storage convenience of competing fuels such as heating oil and propane. Demonstration - Volunteers Wanted. The Co-op will select systems, hardware, bins/bag, and delivery methods for demonstration trials at homes heated with pellets. If you would like to try a system in your home to receive bulk delivery, we will install the hardware at little or no cost to you. If it works well for you, the system is yours to keep. Call 385-0911 to discuss this with us..
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| Weatherization Programs Set for November 10 and December 8 at Ilsley | |  The Energy Co-op will be presenting a two-part Program on "Weatherizing Your Home - From Top to Bottom" on Wednesday, November 10 and December 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ilsley Library Community Room, 75 Main Street (rear entrance) in Middlebury.
Do you have a cold, drafty house? Or a damp, moldy house? Are you heating bills eating up your budget? Do you have a pellet stove or plan to add a solar panel? Do you want to make your home healthy, safe, comfortable and affordable? If so, you need to hear the truth about how your house functions and what you can do to protect your biggest investment.
The November 10 presentation will begin with a brief introduction to indoor air movement and heat loss and what is needed to protect the health and safety of your indoor environment. The focus will be on basement insulation systems and dealing with moisture problems in your home. The December 8 presentation will demonstrate how sealing and insulating the attic are key to lower heating bills and creating a more comfortable house. Plan to attend both presentations to fully understand all of the components of your home and how you can create a healthy environment, whether your house is old or new.
Both educational programs will be presented by Fred Lugano, a local weatherization expert and author. |
| REV Conference in South Burlington Helps Make Connections | |
 As part of our ongoing public outreach program, the Acorn Energy Co-op had a booth at the 9th Annual Vermont Renewable Energy Future Conference and Expo on Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1. This exciting two-day event, attended by more than 700, was held at the Sheraton Conference Center in South Burlington. In addition to our large indoor display, we had samples of premium pellets from Vermont Wood Pellet Co. and a wide array of energy and efficiency-related brochures and other materials to help spark discussions with conference participants. Laura Asermily and Greg Pahl were on hand to explain the benefits of Co-op membership and to answer a wide range of renewable energy-related questions from Conference and Expo attendees. The Expo also gave us an excellent opportunity to network with a number of renewable energy system providers or installers who are interested in becoming (or have now become) Co-op Energy Products or Services Partners. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success.
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| Solar Tour Held | | |
Stories Wanted
 | | Steve Koch of Middlebury Natural Foods Coop explains the Coop's solar hot water system |
Acorn Energy Co-op held a walking tour of two downtown Middlebury solar installations as part of 10-10-10 climate action activities on the Middlebury Town Green. Steve Koch of Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op explained how the Food Co-op's four panel array installed by Alteris has considerably offset propane use by preheating hot water used in the deli. Ben Wood of Otter Creek Bakery showed us their photovoltaic (PV) system with built-in inverters in the individual panels installed by GroSolar. See performance data on the bakery website.
Tour participant Cindy said she had seen many solar installations in Germany. Acorn Energy Co-op members John and David reported that their 8.2kW Suntracker PV net metered system produces well beyond their needs.
 | | Otter Creek Bakery Solar PV Panels |
Offer your own solar tour and share your solar stories with each other. This is how we will make the switch to renewables--neighbors helping neighbors. Tell us and others how you selected, sited and financed your hot water or PV system and how your system has been working. Offer information you think would be helpful to others getting started on solar. Please e-mail us here if you would be willing to give a solar tour of your system to fellow members and friends. |
| Solar Offers Not to Miss | | We can't wait to get started on group net metering projects and other solar partnerships. In the meantime, take advantage of our current discounts.
The co-op will come to your home to help determine how your site can benefit from a solar hot water installation. Budget roughly $5,000 to $7,000 for solar hot water after federal and Vermont incentives. Final price will depend on factors we can explain. If you think you have a good solar site, do not hesitate to inquire (802-385-1911 or info@acornenergycoop.com) about a no-obligation home visit from our solar team.
 Stiebel Eltron Solar Hot Water System
30 % off Stiebel Eltron (www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com) solar hot water panels, pumps, tanks. This can amount to as much as $1,800 off your price for this well-established system installed worldwide for over 30 years. Free site visit and consult on installer options. Call 385-1911 or write to info@acornenergycoop.com.
 Sunward Solar Hot Water System
$400 off Vermont's Sunward solar hot water system (www.gosunward.com) in addition to regular discount offers. One-day installation. Financing options available. Don't miss largest savings of the year offered until Oct 31. This is in addition to the $400 discount for our members and a 30% federal tax credit. Call the Co-op at 385-1911 or Sunward at 800-540-8685 and indicate that you are a Co-op member. Alternatively, write to info@acornenergycoop.com.
Click [here] to view other solar offers from co-op partners AllEarth Renewables, Alteris, Building Energy, Green Mountain Renewable Energy, ReKnew, and VT Solar Engineering. These can save you hundreds of dollars. |
| Help Wanted | | Our part-time manager, Laura Asermily, has informed the board that she wishes to step down from her position not later than the end of this year in order to pursue more training in weatherization and conservation management. Consequently, we are initiating a search for a new, part-time manager.
The activities for the manager normally include: answer the phone/email; recruit members at area events and other venues; take pellet orders and coordinate with Bourdeau Bushey for deliveries; assist with writing and placing publicity and promotional materials; and attend to other activities as directed by the board.
Ideally, the manager should have a strong background in business management, marketing, and some familiarity with the renewable energy and efficiency sector. Prior experience in co-operative or community-based business would be a plus. However, we are willing to train the right person.
Opportunities for growth of responsibilities as well as pay. If you are interested in applying (or know of someone you feel might be interested) please contact us at info@acornenergycoop.com. |
| Partner Profile | | |
A Single Pebble in Burlington
 Acorn Energy Co-op welcomes our newest community restaurant partner, A Single Pebble in Burlington. Owner and chef Chiuho Duval was a documentary film-maker in Taiwan before becoming interested in the restaurant business and moving to Vermont to train as a chef.
A Single Pebble enjoys a reputation as serving some of the finest Chinese cuisine in the Northeast. Members can claim 10% off lunch (Mon-Sat), excluding holidays and special events. For more information, visit www.asinglepebble.com.
Thank you to all our community restaurant partners including A Single Pebble, American Flatbread, Jackson's on the River, Mary's at Baldwin Creek, and Storm Cafe for rewarding Energy Co-op members with your offers in support of the work of the co-op. |
| Upcoming Events | | ENERGY SOLUTIONS Co-op Coffee Hour in Middlebury.
Friday, Oct 29, 9 to 10 am, Carol's Hungry Mind Cafe.
Get answers to your energy questions. Share ideas for expanding efficiency and renewables. Learn latest incentives, offers. Hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op. Info: 385-1911.
MIDDLEBURY'S TRANSPORTATION FUTURE in Middlebury. Wed Nov 3, 7-9 pm in Middlebury Town Office.
Join the Middlebury Planning Commission as it seeks input from invited panelists on Middlebury's transportation future. For more info, contact Chris Robbins 388-1952.
BASEMENTS: Weatherizing from Top to Bottom Workshop. Wed Nov 10, 7-9 pm in Ilsley Library Community Conference Room (around back).
When it comes to building efficiency, it's best to start in spaces below your feet and above your head. Join Fred Lugano, a former CVOEO weatherization trainer, for a concentrated look at how to handle wet or cold basements correctly. Contractors and homeowners encouraged to bring their unresolved questions to this free program hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op with support from others. For info, call 385-1911.
VERMONT ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION Conference in Randolph. Sat Nov 13, 8:30am to 5pm, Vermont Technical College.
Attend the state's largest grassroots environmental gathering to share ideas, strategies and skills to advance a healthy and sustainable Vermont. Hosted by: Toxics Action Center, True Majority, Vermont League of Conservation Voters, Vermont Natural Resources Council, Vermont Public Interest Research Group and Vermont Technical College. Visit Acorn Energy Co-op booth. Click here to register or call 223-4099.
COMMUNITY ENERGY & CLIMATE ACTION Conference in Fairlee. Sat Dec 4, 9am to 4pm, Lake Morey Resort.
Targeted help for town energy and climate action coordinators, committees, and organizations who are planning and implementing efficiency and renewable energy projects. Hosted by VECAN partner organizations, UVM Extension, VPIRG and Peak Oil Awareness. Visit Acorn Energy Co-op booth. For more info, go to www.vecan.net.
ATTICS: Weatherizing from Top to Bottom Workshop in Middlebury.
Wed Dec 8, 7-9 pm in Ilsley Library Community Conference Room (around back).
When it comes to building efficiency, it's best to start in spaces below your feet and above your head. Join Fred Lugano, a former CVOEO weatherization trainer, for a concentrated look at how to handle attics correctly. Contractors and homeowners encouraged to bring their unresolved questions to this free program hosted by Acorn Energy Co-op with support from others. For info, call 385-1911. |
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| Some Helpful Links to More Renewable Energy Information |
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Visit Renewable Energy Vermont's website for summaries on statewide renewable energy initiatives and incentives and professional training opportunities. REV is comprised of renewable energy companies, institutional and academic partners and concerned citizens of Vermont working to ensure the expansion of renewable energy statewide. Contact REV to locate your local renewable energy professional. REV members are available to speak to schools and civic groups on the many benefits of renewable energy.
EFFICIENCY VERMONT
 Efficiency Vermont provides technical assistance and financial incentives to Vermont households and businesses, to help them reduce their energy costs with energy-efficient equipment and lighting and with energy-efficient approaches to construction and renovation.
For years it focused on improving electrical costs. Last year it expanded and helped Vermont launch Button Up! Vermont to help homeowners improve the thermal envelope of their buildings for improved heating and cooling. You can go to its website and click on "Ask the Home Team" for common sense answers to your building efficiency questions.
In addition, don't miss the current Efficiency Vermont supported deals in your local hardware store on all types of efficient CFL and LED lighting. |
Thank you again for your continued support and enthusiasm. Our member-owned co-op continues to grow thanks to people like you. If you have specific questions about the Co-op, please e-mail us at info@acornenergycoop.com or call us at 802-385-1911.
Sincerely,
Greg Pahl, President
Acorn Energy Co-op | |
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