UNIQUE WAYS OF INVESTING IN YOUR HOME    

Kelly Denmark

When you think of adding Solar Energy to your home, or business, do you consider it an investment? Well that is exactly what it is; with the added benefit of helping the environment and saving you money on your monthly energy bill.

According to University of California researchers found that green-certified, single-family homes sold for 9 percent more than comparable non-green certified homes.

This is the Sunshine State; therefore solar seems to make the most sense. There are many solar products in all price ranges to invest in. A few include:

Solar Attic Fans - This is an environmentally friendly way to cool and protect your attic and roof. In SW Florida, you attic becomes a giant radiator, forcing excess heat back into your living space and driving your indoor temperature and cooling cost through the roof. Solar Attic fans range in price from $795 - $1,295, installed and qualify for a 30% Federal Tax Credit.

Tubular Solar Skylights - Installed on any roof surface, you will quickly realize the cost benefits of a tubular skylights by taking advantage of the free daytime operating cost over an incandescent light. The Tubular Skylights do not contribute to heat loss or gain. Installed prices range from $500 - $900.

Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems - Heating water is one of the largest sources of energy consumption in a household. Unlike traditional fuels, the cost of solar energy never goes up - IT'S FREE. It generates no pollution and its proven technology that will dramatically reduce your energy bill. Costs range from $4,000 - $5,300 and also qualify for a 30% Federal Tax Credit and in FPL territory, an FPL Rebate.

Photovoltaic - PV is the solar application that produces electricity. This is a way to dramatically reduce your energy bill each month. It is also a way to "lock in" the cost you pay for your electricity, by pre-paying for your electricity. With an initial investment from as little as $10,000 you can buy your electricity for the next 25 years at a fixed rate. There are various incentives for PV, most notably the 30% Federal Tax Credit and in some cases manufacturer's rebates and in FPL territory, an FPL Rebate.

Solar Pool Heating - the most popular use of Solar is Solar Pool Heating. Solar Pool Heating warms your pool to a comfortable temperature with energy free from the sun, will extend your swimming season and dramatically reduces or eliminates pool heating costs. A typical system cost is $3,000 - $4,500.

All Solar products have an incentive from the State of Florida in that the sales tax is forgiven.

Thanks for the information, Kelly!   

Saturday, December 8th   

South Seas resort

Judging begins at 2:30

Parade begins at 3:30

You won't want to miss this year's parade which will be covered by the Travel Channel!

5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Click here to see video

   

 

Chapel Carol Sing

Sunday December 9th

Captiva Chapel by the Sea

6:00 - 7:00 pm

Followed by refreshments at the Captiva Community Center 

Cake Batter

2 boxes Betty Crocker Super Moist

White Cake Mix

12 oz. Coconut Flakes

12 oz Slivered Almonds

2 ½ cups of Water

2/3 cups of Vegetable Oil

6 Egg Whites (no yolk's will turn the cake yellow)

White Chocolate Mixture

12 oz White Chocolate

4 cups Water

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 3, 9 inch cake pans with oil.  Break up white chocolate and add to 4 cups of water over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  In mixing bowl add oil, egg whites, cake mix, coconut flakes and almonds mix ingredients with an electric mixer.  As you are mixing add in white chocolate/water mixture slowly make sure that the white chocolate is broken down.  Pour batter into pans slightly over ½ full, you will have left over mixture in case one of the cakes breaks while icing.  Bake the cakes approximately for 25-30 minutes; make sure the cake is thoroughly cooked before taking out (test with a toothpick in the center of the cake.)  

Whipped Cream Icing

2 cups Heavy Cream

½ lb. Powdered Sugar

1 cup Coconut Flakes

Mix heavy cream and powdered sugar in large mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer.  Start the mixing on low and then move to high speed after 2 minutes.  Keep the mixture on high for approximately 3 minutes or until the mixture looks firm.  Before icing the cake make sure it is completely cool, leave to cool at least 4 hours. Take one of your cakes and place face down on your plate use a large spatula to put on icing on top of cake, take your next layer and place face down and spread whipped cream on top, then take last cake and place face up.  Start at the bottom of the cake to put on the whipped cream on the sides and work your way up in long vertical strokes.  

(TIP: If your icing starts to fall put the cake in the freezer for about 10 minutes for it to firm up.) Once the sides are coated with the icing then start spreading the icing on the top of the cake.  Take coconut flakes in your palm and gently push on the sides of the cake for it to stick, you should fully coat the cake.  After you have the sides coated then start the top of the cake.