Electrification is the best path for our future and the present technology of solar PV matched with grid scale batteries is our the answer. Solar + batteries beat gas 11-25-25  

The author has had plenty of time to record and analyze the performance of his 13 year-old 3-ton, two speed geo heat pump system with a horizontal heat exchanger in the northern Sierra Nevada. Thermal tracking of a 3-ton 2-speed Geo Heat Pump      

Heading for colder temps 12:1:25 Coldest day thus far in Quincy, CA. We were 26° this morning on the way to colder temps this winter.  Learn about how my geo heat pump’s underground connection keeps things efficient. Also, there’s a section covering how wood heat can be troublesome (or at least tiring for those who’ve […]

It’s time for a summer catch-up.  Please take the opportunity to review Lisa Meline’s review of the new C448 Standards from our previous Underground Session.

Blog #98 While political and energy business leaders have offered nuclear solutions to decarbonization advocates for years, this is not a valid strategy.  Yes, nuclear electric generating plants don’t send any carbon into the atmosphere.  But like all steam-turbine generation, they use copious amounts of water and add heat and humidity to their local microclimates. […]

Blog #97   Most conventional technology was once experimental.  Solar PV was once unconventional, but now it’s cheaper and more efficient than ever.  Advancing any technology from conventional toward experimental for better efficiency, lower costs, or wider feasibility can sometimes be worth it.  Floating wind turbines are on the same path and will soon be producing […]

Blog #96  NREL (The National Renewable Energy Laboratory) is located in Golden, Colorado and frequently interacts with other national labs such as Lawrence Berkeley and their branch in Bozeman, Montana.  I recently reviewed their research covering ten years of pricing data for residential, commercial, and industrial scale solar photovoltaic electricity systems, including battery storage.   […]

Blog #95  Water feast or famine- When government builds a permanent dam at the base of a watershed to create a reservoir, the impoundment usually comes equipped with a hydroelectric generating system.  The assumption is that dependable winter rains will fill it up to capacity and water will be disbursed to agriculture, cities, and sometimes to […]

Blog #94  It started with citizen concern. A community-minded group centered near Boston called HEET had worked for some time to weatherize housing in the area to lower energy costs for consumers.  Lower bills and carbon reduction were also on their mind.  Many residents benefitted from greater comfort, too. When local methane leakage from 100-year old gas […]