Betsy Ferris Wyman's Friends

Betsy Ferris Wyman's Groups

Are you interested in becoming an organizer in your area?

Tell us about your experience with alternative energy:

I teach solar thermal installation and sell both PV and solar thermal installations.

What excites you about this campaign?

I'm thrilled than an ol' oil guy like Boone has decided to push this agenda in an election year!

What do you want to do to help?

Lend my thoughts - I'm on the front lines of why people do are don't like solar - also I know about the State programs for funding.

At 10:04pm on September 30, 2008, Clynton said…: Gosh no too. The battery backup business is more like whatever battery customers want for their UPS systems and at whatever price (for the most part), that's what they get. I can't say it's as good as wind turbine development, but it pays the bills.

At 4:36pm on September 30, 2008, Clynton said…: Thanks for your service and letting others know about the costs. Have you considered writing a blog about PV cell pricing?

At 10:09am on September 30, 2008, liz said…: hi, can you tell me what the start up cost is to install solar panels, as well as any tax breaks or refunds may be available?

At 7:17am on July 22, 2008, John McGrath said…: Hi Betsy, I agree that solar power does show a lot of potential. Since you are involved in the business, I am curious about the cost of solar power. I see that you are more interested in commercial power, but my mother has been interested in investing in power for her home. I understand some of the basics, but does it really pay off? About how much is the initial cost of installation.... and how much land do you need to devote to the solar panels? I am in Queens, NY. Thank You.

At 2:34pm on July 17, 2008, Betsy Ferris Wyman said…: Hi Sue - that's a tough one. Most apartment buildings have very little roof space (compared to the energy needs of the buildings). Also, most have these gigantic boilers in the bottom of the building that are hard to supplement. If you are looking for heat and you have south facing exposure you might want to check out the SolarSheat panels (an air thermal system) on www.yoursolarhome.com - BUT - they will cover your window. PV probably isn't practical since you need an inverter to convert the DC to AC and then you would need to hook it to an appliance that can take intermittent electricity (remember if a cloud passes over - no production will happen). I'm experimenting with a little solar thermal system (water, not air) that runs into a little radiator with a fan behind it (as a small room warming unit) but it doesn't really lend itself to apartments. Gosh, I'm sorry - from my perspective - there isn't a lot I can think of :(

At 12:08pm on July 17, 2008, SueSue said…: Hi Betsy, I'm Sue. Wondering, if you have any products that could be used by individual apartment dwellers. Management has been reluctant to invest in green energy; my development would be perfect for rooftop solar panels. But what about, say, persons with windows that offer Southern exposure? Do you have any solar products for us????