Bethesda Green’s Solar Expo provided a day of exhibits, speakers and a round table discussion on solar living, solar technology and the latest ways to take advantage of the sun to generate energy.  It was a chance to catch up on the latest advice and technology and speak with local entrepreneurs who are helping Bethesdans reduce their carbon footprint. 

With nearly a dozen companies on hand to answer questions, provide details, and distribute information the Solar Expo provided a complete picture of the choices available for Bethesdans who want to consider solar energy for their home. 

Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency, Then Consider Solar
The Expo’s exhibitors were clear to point out that solar energy is most effective once a homeowner has first taken broader steps to increase the energy efficiency of their home.  The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection puts energy efficiency at the top of their list of recommendations for energy savings. 

“The best kilowatt hour is the one not used and Bethesda can do a lot to improve its’ building stock to be more energy efficient,” says Susan Marinelli, Energy Planning Specialist for the Department.  Check out the Department’s ‘Summer Cooling Tips’ on their website.

A Bethesda Solar Home Owner’s Success
Michael Katz, a solar home owner who was on hand at the Expo to talk about his experience, echoed Marinelli’s suggestions.  Katz took steps to reduce his home’s energy consumption for several years before installing solar, and recommends the same for anyone else considering a solar installation for their home. 

“Think about the opportunity for conservation first,” says Katz.  “We insulated, we got LED lights, and we installed a programmable thermostat.”  Katz’ approach has paid off.  “Our solar installation was completed in May 2009, and we now get 30 percent of our electricity for a family of five from a 2.9 kilowatt system.”  Katz encourages others to take the same approach over time.

Early Summer An Optimal Time for a Home Energy Audit
Ecobeco is a local company that will tell you how to reduce energy consumption in your home by conducting an energy audit.  Brian Toll, Founder of Ecobeco, says that early summer is a good time to conduct an energy audit for your home and implement changes to reduce your home’s energy consumption.  “The reality is that the same issues that make you cold in the winter make you hot in the summer.  Your air conditioning is leaving your house and your system has to work harder to cool your home.” 

Ecobeco’s experts will come to your home, conduct an energy audit and then makes specific recommendations about the changes needed to make to increase energy conservation.  Toll also mentioned the rebates offered by the State of Maryland to reimburse up to 50% of the cost of home improvements to reduce energy consumption.  “August is the peak of the summer, and you want any work done before that point,” says Toll.

Solar Carports Use the Sun’s Energy to Charge Electric Cars
With more and more electric vehicles arriving in Bethesda, solar energy is not limited to the energy consumption in your home.  Ken Stadlin, Founder of K-Energy Solar, took part in the Solar Expo to present solar carports to charge electric vehicles. 

Working with TimberRock Energy Solutions, a company based in Frederick, Maryland, K-Energy Solar will install a solar carport complete with an energy charging station developed by SemaConnect of Annapolis so that electric car owners can charge their cars using electricity generated by the sun.

The solar carports require an un-shaded exposure to the southern sky on your property and provide a solution for the electric car owner who wants their transportation to be alternative from start to finish.  Stadlin praised Bethesda and Montgomery County for their interest and support for green options for their homes and transportation.  “Some of the best markets in the country are right here in Montgomery County.  There is a lot of interest in environmental and green issues in Bethesda.  Educated people tend to think more about their impact on the environment, and a lot of the buyers recognize there is a financial return,” says Stadlin.

Thank you to Bethesda Green for bringing us the latest in solar developments – and such a complete picture of how to integrate the latest in solar into our homes!  For more information about solar energy and options to consider, check out Bethesda Green’s website – and put their Solar Expo on your calendar for next year.  You’ll have the chance to meet the local entrepreneurs who are making alternative energy a reality for many Bethesda residents, and learn a lot about how to reduce energy consumption overall.