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Issue Sponsors solar_panel_family.jpgSo sorry for the links not working all! Here is a version that should work for you:

Have you heard the Solarize buzz? How about our Director Gregg's dirty (and clean) energy secrets?

We've launched a campaign to increase solar panels installed on homes and we invite you to take part (Gregg is on-board too!). 

Easy Step #1: Its now easier than ever to go solar!

Sign up here to start the process of putting solar on your home.  

This is a limited-time offer, so don't delay... First come, first serve. 

Get your sunshine on! Read on to learn all about how energy efficiency and solar can brighten your outlook.
LivingSolar
Solarize LPC
HBASC
Confessions of an Energy Addict
4CORE Director Airs Dirty (and Clean) Energy Secrets
My name is Gregg Dubit, and I am addicted to energy.

I feel better having said that. I'll air my dirty laundry in this article, but first, lets talk about food.

Remember when your mom said, 'eat your veggies before you have desert'? The same analogy applies to energy use in the home. Insulate, air seal, and maintain or upgrade your appliances first, to have an efficient home. Hire an energy auditor and prepare your nest for the winter. Then for dessert; 'go solar'.

Our family still eats our veggies: We boosted our attic insulation, we insulated our basement, and we continue to look for ways to make our home more energy efficient. I still have to chase my kids around the house to get them to power down and turn off the lights, ROKU, Wei, computers, TV and the list of high energy consuming plug in devices seem to grow monthly.

I personally thought solar photovoltaics (PV) was not within my financial reach. I thought solar was for wealthy people, and it has been. My wife and I discussed going solar a lot. We were on the fence between our 10-year old daughter (Lydia) needing braces, and the need to upgrade a vehicle, as well as another set of snow tires. There was always something to keep us from investing in solar. I have admired the concept of 'Going Solar' but thought I could not afford to put solar on my house.

But I still did not have the cold hard cash to throw down...
 
First Reduce your Use, THEN Produce
Identify ways to reduce electric use before going solar 

Before you go solar, make energy upgrades to reduce your electric use. Because...

 

If you size a solar photovoltaic system based on your current electric use and then reduce energy use in the future, your system size will be too big. There is no advantage to producing more energy than you need, because energy is sold back to the grid at wholesale rates.

 

Reducing your energy use can be done by changing out light bulbs for efficient ones,  changing out an old electrical appliance, or upgrading an electric heat source. La Plata Electric has some great incentives and programs right now to help:

 

LED Bulb Credits- up to $10 per bulb!

ENERGY STAR appliances- for a dishwasher, refrigerator, clothes washer, or freezer

Electric Thermal Storage Units- great for use with solar and LPEA's time-of-use program, Watt Watchers.

Free simple energy assessments

 

More information on LPEA programs and services

 

Also, if you are planning on going solar, LPEA encourages you to call them to initiate a conversation about the process. For more information on the process for solar interconnection to LPEA's system, contact Richard Archuleta at 970.382.3504 or rarchuleta@lpea.coop.

 

Information on San Miguel Power Association incentives and programs

Information on Empire Electric Association incentives and programs

 

More on Solarize La Plata here
4CORE and Partner Events
What is Happening in Southwest Colorado
An Evening of Art, Science and Conversation 
Durango Arts Center, Friday, November 1 (Tonight!), 5 - 8 PM 
DAC has teamed up with the Southwestern Water Conservation District, Water Information Program and Mountain Studies Institute to host this event, which is an environmental lecture series. $5 for adults and $2 for students.
More info
 
Mountain Film On Tour 
Smiley Center, Friday, November 1 (Tonight!), 5:30 - 7:30 PM 

Join Durango Nature Studies for their annual fundraiser. Movies, silent auction, beer, wine and dessert!
More info 

 

Solarize La Plata Home Tours  
See our calendar of events
Come see an operating solar photovoltaic system working for the hosting families and learn more about our program.

Dubit Residence: Sunday, November 3rd, 1 - 4 PM
Please leave your dogs at home- they have plenty!

Kellogg Residence: Saturday, November 9th, 2 - 4 PM
Schneider Residence: Sunday, November 17th, 12 - 3 PM
81 Luna Lane Durango, CO (3/4 mile south of CR 220 on CR 301)

Intro to the Green MLS Fields November 19, 1:00-4:00 PM  
Wilkinson Public Library Program Room, Telluride 
More info here

 

Free Transit Day

November 26 on Durango Transit  
About our Newsletter Sponsors
LivingSolarLiving Solar  has been providing the highest efficiency solar photovoltaicsolutions with the strongest, most reliable warranties to residents of southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico, including Durango, Cortez, Pagosa Springs, Silverton, Telluride, Farmington and Aztec, since 1995. With the best solar resource anywhere in North America, the southwest U.S. offers optimal sunshine for a home solar electric system, at your business, and even to power your vehicle too. Living Solar is your most experienced solar panel installer!
Solarize Solarize La Plata is a limited-time offer that provides the right solar photovoltaic system for your home and financing options to help you generate your own electricity.
The Home Builders Association of Southwest Colorado (HBASC) is a non-profit professional association of 100 member companies, all local businesses, whose diverse services include building homes, remodeling, architecture and design, real estate sales, banking and mortgage refinancing, insurance, subcontracting and material suppliers. They are affiliated with the Colorado Association of Home Builders which has more than 3,200 member companies and the National Association of Home Builders which has 216,000 member companies. All three organizations have extensive social, political and educational programs. Members employ many of the people working in our community, several thousand here locally in La Plata County. These employees provide a significant contribution to the local community.
Solar Road MapThe Solar Road Map platform organizes national best practices and makes them easily accessible for government agencies, regional organizations, residents, businesses and electric utilities. Communities who use the Solar Roadmap drive economic growth and environmental improvements through actionable steps to increase cost-effective installation of solar systems.
Thank you Local Funding Partners!
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