Photo courtesy of PINELLAS COUNTY EXTENSIONSolar Power in the Sunshine State on Aug. 22 focuses on teaching people how to make use of this free and renewable energy source.
Going green is more than a trend. It’s a sustainable way of life.
James Stevenson, Pinellas County Extension specialist in urban sustainability, talked recently about the many programs available, including the upcoming Solar Power in the Sunshine State class on Saturday, Aug. 22.
The program, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Extension building, 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, will feature several local solar energy technology experts who will talk about how to make use of this free and renewable energy source.
Stevenson said several local vendors would be displaying goods and services throughout the event. He said the doors would open at 8 a.m. so people could come early to view the displays. A break also is scheduled during the program to allow people to browse and talk to vendors.
“All the displays will be by local vendors,” Stevenson said. “Part of sustainability is supporting the local economy.”
The event will focus on the use of solar energy in the home. Local experts from the Solar Source Institute, a local training center in Largo, will talk about options available to incorporate solar energy in the home and how to take advantage of federal stimulus funds.
Specialists from Progress Energy will present information on incentives and programs to help people reduce their energy bills.
A question and answer period also will be included.
Cost to attend is $15. Advance registration and payment is required. Register online at www.pinellascountyextension.org. Space is limited. Registration deadline is 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21.
Stevenson said the Aug. 22 class is designed to help people figure out how to best incorporate energy-saving solar alternatives within their budget. He admitted that the initial cash outlay could be expensive; however, he stressed that the investment would pay for itself over time.
He said part of the Green Living program offered by Extension focused on helping people make “good, better, best” decisions.
“It’s not black and white with green living,” he said. “People may not have enough money to buy a photovoltaic system for their home, but they might be able to afford a solar hot water heater.”
He said stimulus funds would pay 20 percent of the cost of some alternative energy products.
“Installing alternative energy solutions is good for you, the local economy and the environment,” he said. “Lower energy bills mean people have more disposable income to spend in the local economy.”
Stevenson believes in time prices for solar and other alternative energy products will become more affordable.
“As the demand goes up, prices will get more competitive,” he said.
Extension will offer another Solutions for Your Life class on Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Healthy Home, Healthy Family helps people understand how the indoor air quality in the home impacts their health.
He said participants would be able to bring in an air sample from their home to be tested. Registration is available at the Extension Web site. Cost is $15.
Besides the classes, Extension also offers a number of Webinars called Solutions in 30, Stevenson said.
Some of the upcoming topics include Financial Incentives for Home Energy Savings on Aug. 26 and Sept. 2; Healthy Home, Healthy Family on Sept. 9; Don’t Get Scammed on Sept. 16; Saving Money by Going Green on Sept. 23; and Green Office on Sept. 30.
Online registration to the 30-minute programs closes 24 hours prior to class.
Stevenson said Extension is a good source for green living information because its specialists focus on providing the best fact-based information available.
“There’s an overwhelming amount of information out there and some of it is just spam,” he said. “We provide unbiased research-based facts. We don’t sale products and we aren’t out to make a profit from our information.”
Stevenson said one of the most enjoyable parts of his job is being able to teach young people about sustainable living.
“It’s such a pleasure working with youth,” he said. “They get it. They get conservation, and they’re teaching their parents good habits.”
Another exciting bit of news is that Extension has been award stimulus dollars to construct an energy demonstration building. Stevenson said the wind-resistant building will contain the latest alternative energy technology including solar hot water heaters, photovoltaic systems, sky lights, water saving systems such as low-flow toilets and more.
He said officials expect to break ground on the building in two years time.
Several Extension programs are being eliminated due to budget cuts. Stevenson said Solutions for Your Life probably would not be impacted. He said Extension was partnering with local organizations to ensure the popular program could continue.
He said all Extension programs were great in that they provided information important to help people in their daily lives, and Solutions for Your Life helps people with what are some of the hottest topics on everyone’s minds.
“We’re all caught up in instant gratification which has led to many of today’s problems,” he said. “Extension provides people with advice on the environment, society and the economy and helps them realize how they’re all tied together.”
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