Community Conversations: SEEDS seeks solutions

Planting possibilities for renewable energy alternatives

By SANDY LONG

UPPER DELAWARE REGION — Inherent in every seed is the potential for transformation. Such possibility is key to the efforts of SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support), a group of individuals interested in educating themselves and the community about the many facets and forms of renewable energy.

In its efforts to ensure local jobs for local people in the renewable energy industry, SEEDS has sponsored a series of forums on wind, water power and conservation, forest fuels and energy auditing. “Unstable energy costs and unstable availability make renewable energy a win-win choice for our community,” said SEEDS chair Michele Sands. “To have reliable wind and solar here, we need local people to install and maintain the systems.”

Its most recent educational forum on November 18 focused on solar technologies and featured installers Tim Hollinger, an energy consultant with SunLion Energy Systems based in Lancaster County, PA, and Toni Lynch, owner of Better World Building in Bangor, PA.

Hollinger discussed the pros and cons of three types of solar energy systems—those tied to the power grid, systems tied to the grid with battery back-up and off-grid systems. Panel mounting options, maintenance issues, system size, costs and paybacks were presented. Lynch stressed the importance of pre-and-post-installation energy audits, coupled with combining multiple strategies aimed at achieving zero-energy efficiency while maintaining “full comfort” living.

Local farmers Ira Curtis and Dick Riseling shared their personal experiences with solar systems in use on their farms. The Curtis family in Sterling, PA has had solar hot water radiant energy for 15 years. Riseling, of Applepond Farming Center in Callicoon Center, NY, installed thermal and photovoltaic systems roughly seven years ago.

The next forum topic is geothermal energy and will be held on December 16 at the Park Street Complex, the former Stourbridge School, in Honesdale from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

“We think that by working together, we have a better chance of solving problems and obtaining grant funding,” said Sands.

For more information visit www.SEEDSGroup.blogspot.com or email SEEDSGroup@gmail.com or call 570/224-0052.

The River Reporter devotes this series to the people of the Upper Delaware region and their perspectives on various community issues. To share your perspective, contact Sandy Long at 845/252-7414 or email sandylong@riverreporter.com.