Happy Winter Solstice.
As the owner of a solar powered home, this day means the beginning of the lengthening of daylight. This past year my solar PV system produced all of my power. I had a $75 credit for the year. I am looking forward to the plug-in hybrids. I use time of day net-metering to maximize the benefits. The cost of my system was about $40,000. A state grant and the federal tax credit paid for half of it. I looked at it as less expensive than most cars. I'm getting about a 3-4% return on the investment each year. That is much better than the stock market of late. The new solar tax credit in 2009 will pay for 1/3 the cost of installing a new system. For each $1 in energy savings the value of the home goes up by $20. This creates a great hedge against future electric increases. How many home projects actually increase the value of your home over time? In our state several colleges have programs now in renewable energy to produce a trained work force. It is time to look into this for the average homeowner.
As an atheist, Solstice is a reminder that many religions have tried to co-op this natural day as their own mythological holiday. I am looking forward to having a President that believes in using science as the basis for decisions. Science has been ignored by the Bush Administration in favor of greed, ignorance, and propaganda.
Have a day of reason - Enjoy!