A Conservative’s Argument for Renewable Energy

Wind Energy is part of a future of renewable energy

I am a political conservative but I am passionate about the United States moving to renewable energy sources.  I think we have to put the long term well being of our nation above our own self centered desires for low energy prices.  Here are my seven arguments for renewable energy.

1.  Even if we have a lot of untapped oil and natural gas reserves, the truth is that eventually they will run out.  So it is better for us to begin moving toward renewable resources now.

2.  Renewable resources will get more efficient and cost effective as we increase demand for these resources.  The market will respond with increasingly better mouse traps.

3.  I am not fully convinced about the issues of Global warming, but if is true, we should be taking steps to reduce carbon emissions and renewable energy sources is one way to to that.

4.  This is an area of technology that we can dominate and create new markets and new wealth in.

5.  We cannot allow our policies and our economy held hostage by threats to supplies of foreign oil whether it is Iran, Venezuela or Saudi Arabia.

6.  Replacing fossil fuel imports with renewable sources will have a positive impact on our balance of trade.

7.  Allowing a small group of oil companies to maintain control over our sources of energy is not to our nation’s benefit.  It is not free enterprise – it is an oligopoly  (–noun the market condition that exists when there are few sellers, as a result of which they can greatly influence price and other market factors) In addition these oligopolies use their enormous wealth to lobby and influence our political leaders.

Photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23065375@N05/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

Solar Christmas Lights Advantages Part 1

My Solar Christmas Light Decorations

Solar Christmas lights have several advantages over more traditional incandescent holiday lights.  For several years I have wanted to decorate my fence down near the main road.  Unfortunately, the closest available electric outlet is nearly 150 yards away.  It was out of the question to string extension chords from the house down the hill to the fence.

I first heard about solar powered Christmas lights last year.  They were the perfect solution to my problem.  However, they were difficult to find.  I ended up trying several retailers like Target and Wal-Mart with no luck.  I finally found one Home Depot that had three sets.  I grabbed them and also purchased a set of solar spotlights.

I strung the lights along with garland along the fence, and put a wreath on the fence post which I illuminated with the solar powered spotlights.   While I was limited because of the limited number of sets available,  I was pleased with the results.

I didn’t know that they were readily available online and come in varieties of types and shapes.  There is a lot more information on solar Christmas lights available here.

Solar powered lights unfortunately cannot be connected into one string.  So I strung one set, then set the solar panel for the next set starting where the first ended.  Then I set the final one.

We had a number of cloudy days and I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough sunlight to charge the batteries.  Even in cloudy conditions, the lights ran several hours.

So one of the big advantages of solar Christmas lights is that you can use them anywhere that you have decent exposure to the sun.

Solar Energy Solutions

House has solar panels on their awning

I am politically conservative.  I am, however disturbed by the leaning in most from my camp when it comes to energy.  Whether or not you believe in global warming, the fact is that it makes sense for the long term success of the United States to have an energy policy that moves us away from fossil fuels which will run out some day and are polluting.  We need a real renewable energy policy.

If  for no other reason, it makes sense for us to move to sources of energy that our opponents around the world cannot threaten.

That’s why I am a supporter of solar energy.  Frankly, I also like the idea of it being done on smaller scales – on houses and businesses rather than electric utilities that will just keep finding ways to charge people more.

I really think solar energy is important for our future.  Why don’t you check out solar energy solutions for your home.