The energy picture is changing quickly and it is interesting watching gap between public awareness and present reality. The best source of information for most individuals is "Home Power" magazine which (in my opinion) keeps getting better each issue. The current issue has some ROI (return on investment calculations) and suggestions.
Home Power December 2001 www.homepower.com Andy Kerr from Ashland Oregon) wrote the article on ROI which looked at lighting, solar water heating, transportation, solar-electricity, and LED flashlights. His conclusions go like this: Money is one basis for energy decisions and possibly not the most important. But using just money as a criteria this is what everyone should do: * Immediately replace all incandescent bulbs except for those in stoves, washers, and refrigerators. * If your site supports it install solar water heating. It has a quick pay back. * For auto replacements look hard at the Toyota Prius. Consider long term use and do the ROI calculation. You may be surprised. Some states have tax savings. * Look at solar electricity using your local conditions. This includes tax rebates, utility attitudes/costs, weather and do the ROI calculation. A few sites are beginning to become cost effective. * Think about using a home business as tax write off. A business may be able to write off conservation measure or product. jeff
