For the past month I think the majority of my time at home has been spent meeting with contractors, repairmen or something similar. I am hopeful that after this past week, we have checked off all of the immediate plans, and hopefully nothing else will break in the foreseeable future. Our biggest home improvement project since the kitchen remodel two years ago is now solar power.
We have toyed with the idea of solar power for years, but the price was just too high. Last fall we went to see a friend’s home which was totally green from construction materials to solar power and more. So it piqued our interest again. Solar power is becoming much more affordable and we decided to test the waters and get a plan. We had several companies come and give us their thoughts and plans. Clay researched it to the nth degree and could talk the lingo with all of the people who came to the house. Prices varied quite a bit. We have supposedly the perfect south facing roof line,
but we did have to take out some trees in the back yard to maximize the benefits.
The company that most impressed us was Arkansas Energy Ventures (AEV Solar). The three young men who own the company all came to talk with us.
Jaimin Vashi, their electrical engineer brought a computer program that could show just how much power we would generate with and without the trees. Kevin Mach oversees the software and made sure all the electronics were on go and John Ekdahl (grandson of White Co. Master Gardener Sue) is in charge of the construction and installation. They make a great team and they all have their roles to play, but they serve as one unit—quite impressive—and none of them are over 30! They are not just salesmen who get you to buy in and then you don ‘t see them again; they have been here every step of the way.
These young men are passionate about what they do and truly want to make a difference in the world. When I learned how many trees I had to remove, I did waver a bit. I love my trees. They all were compassionate with my cares and concerns and are now looking into a program that will replant trees for every tree they take out. They didn’t take my concerns lightly.
Wednesday was tree day and that was the hard part for me.
My shady back yard is now the Sahara desert and I am going to have to rethink the landscape.
My yard is still ringed with trees and the front yard was untouched, but my, what a difference in the immediate back yard, but we should be able to generate enough power to cover our electrical needs with slightly less than 100%. I will now be able to grow tropical flowering plants all over the deck, not just on the fringes like in the past. Brothers Tree service came and cut down the trees and watching them do their job was pretty impressive.
I did have a talk with my trees the night before and thanked them for their service to us for all these years. I was in a funk all day watching the trees come down. These trees will also give me enough firewood to last me several seasons. But we are already making energy hand over fist, which is reducing our carbon footprint. I will be planting more trees, just lower growing ones.
The panels pretty much cover the back of our house and are not in the least bit unattractive.
We have 59 panels in total. If what we produce is on target, the system should pay for itself in about 5 years. Clay now has the app that shows how much power we generate daily—and I am sure he will update me every day.
AEV covers all of Arkansas. If you are interested, check out their website at aevsolar.com or give them a call at 501-791-9184. They come when they say they will and are just three of the nicest young men you will ever meet. Tell them Janet and Clay sent you!
I am ready to get my house back and get back on my schedule. Unfortunately, that will have to wait two weeks, since I leave Tuesday for England with 44 gardeners. Follow us here on our adventure.