|
|
 |
|
| |
ADVERTISEMENT
|
| |
|
Solar energy: an ugly expense or a lovely necessity?
Posted
at
9:44 am
The sun has been shining for the past few days in western Washington, and sometimes that’s all the encouragement needed to turn thoughts toward solar energy.
A free brown bag seminar hosted by the Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County is scheduled for Wed., Aug 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Public Utilities District building at 2320 California St. in Everett.
Chris Herman, the owner of Winter Sun Design who has harnessed solar energy for green homes for the past two decades will lead the discussion on making solar energy work – even in the dreary Pacific Northwest.
The event is entirely free. To RSVP, call Terri Hooper at the PUD at 425-783-8275 or email her.
In related news from the New York Times, a progressive town in Germany may have become, well, too green.
The Marburg town council recently voted to require solar panels not only on all new homes, but also on existing homes that are renovated, get new heating systems, or are re-roofed. Anyone who doesn’t comply will be fined 1,000 euros.
The new code is set to be enacted on Oct. 1, but citizens say the town council has gone too far, and is undermining the rights of property owners. Some citizens also worry that historic structures that have been preserved for centuries will be at risk.
The town is already known for its environmentally-friendly practices, including solar lights and heating, windmills and hydroelectric power, but opponents say residents shouldn’t be forced to comply with costly codes in the name of green living.
It’s a question of balance. Should homeowners be required to take on a more expensive version of home repairs and renovations if they don’t want to?
What about historic buildings and homes? Many of Everett’s landmark residences are used by families, who are honored by committees and commissions for preserving the city’s original designs. Would it be fair to require those homeowners to mar a Craftsman or Victorian roofline with a solar panel?
What do you think?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Return to Eco Geek |
|
|
|Contact Us
|Advertiser Services
|Home Delivery
|Newsstand Locations
|Classifieds
|Feedback
|About the Company
|Work@the Herald
|Site Map