Exploring The Best Way To Heat Your Home in Northern California

Let’s explore cost, efficiency, installation experience needed, DIY possibilities, footprint, maintenance, lifespan and more to help you determine the best way to heat your home in our Sierra Foothills of Northern California!

The 2 infographics below compare:

• natural gas furnaces
• multiple types of wood and pellet stoves
• mini-splits & heat pumps
• propane and more

Get some tea or coffee, turn up the heat and happy scrolling!

After you read the infographics, visit here for a DEEP DIVE into each section of the infographic with corresponding forums and learning from the great community at Permies.com!

2.

The Revolutionary Rocket Mass Heater: A Better Wood Burning Stove

As the world increasingly seeks sustainable and efficient heating solutions, one innovative design has been making waves recently, the rocket mass heater. Developed with principles of simplicity and resourcefulness, this heating system offers Northern California homeowners a way to stay warm while reducing their environmental impact. The only caveat unfortunately is that depending on your situation and home design, it may not be able to be built “to code.”  Some may see a full stop in this last sentence, others, an opportunity to innovate!

WAIT, even if you have already decided a rocket mass heater is not for you, scroll down to the middle of this article for an amazing infographic analyzing popular heating methods from electric heat pumps to wood stoves and more.

In this article we’ll dive into the specifics of the rocket mass heater, drawing insights from Paul Wheaton, a leading educator, founder of Permies.com an expert in the field, and explore how it can be a game-changer for home heating in our area.

Side note: I am sure a rocket mass heater would do well in greenhouses and hoophouses on top of a concrete slab or the ground. Perfect for our farming and cannabis community looking to save money on heating and emitting less smoke. I personally whish I had known about this earlier!  

What is a Rocket Mass Heater?

Watch Paul Wheaton explain it with some illustrations in the video below.

A rocket mass heater is a type of wood-burning stove that is part of the broader category of masonry heaters. It’s designed to offer high-efficiency heating with minimal wood usage. The system consists of a heavily insulated combustion chamber where wood burns at a high temperature, a vertical chimney to provide strong draft, and a large thermal mass, such as a bench or bed, to store and slowly release the heat over time.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Exceptional Efficiency and Sustainability: Rocket mass heaters are renowned for their efficiency, using about 1/10 the amount of wood while producing 1/100 the amount of smoke compared to traditional wood stoves. This efficiency translates into substantial savings for homeowners, especially relevant in the wood-rich environments of Northern California’s Sierra Foothills. It burns wood so completely that almost all the material is consumed, significantly reducing the amount of wood needed compared to traditional wood stoves.

2. Lower Emissions: Due to its high-efficiency burn, utilizing more oxygen, rocket mass heaters produce fewer emissions and smoke. The high temperatures in the combustion chamber (often exceeding 1100 degrees Fahrenheit) effectively break down most of the potential creosote & soot into simpler, less harmful compounds. As a result, there’s significantly less creosote residue to be concerned about, reducing the risk of chimney fires and the need for frequent cleaning.

3. Moreover, the design of rocket mass heaters often includes a secondary combustion zone. In this zone, any remaining combustible gases and particulates are burned off before being released into the atmosphere.

4. Affordability: These heaters can be built with recycled or locally sourced materials, making them an affordable option for many.

5. DIY Friendly: With basic construction skills, one can build a rocket mass heater, customizing it to fit their space and needs.

6. Radiant Heat: Unlike conventional heaters that heat air, rocket mass heaters emit radiant heat, which is more comfortable and evenly distributed.

7. Artistic Design: Each rocket mass heater can be a unique piece of functional art, designed to fit the aesthetic of your space.

Before we give you a wonderful DIY design and resources on rocket mass heaters, here is a bonus infographic on the multiple types of heating for you homes, analyzed. 

Go here to see another viewpoint on this infographic>>

Learn to Build Your Own

Ready to build your own rocket mass heater? Check out this comprehensive guide that walks you through the process step-by-step.

*This is not the only design and build styles that are out there and in the links and resources below you’ll find a whole lot more to check out. 

Go down the Rocket Mass Heater Rabbit Hole at Permies.com >> www.permies.com/w/rmh-resources

Challenges in Building to Code

While rocket mass heaters offer numerous advantages, building them to code can be challenging. Compliance with local building codes is crucial, and these regulations can vary significantly. The main concerns usually revolve around EPA requirements, weight loads, structural support, and clearances to combustibles. Homeowners interested in installing a rocket mass heater should consult with local building authorities and builders to navigate these complexities … and report back to us what you find!

Go ahead and dive into a compressive explanation of walkthroughs and walkarounds for Rocket Mass Heaters. Follow the link here and scroll down to Erica Wisner for a long explanation on code concerns before your plan your build >> www.permies.com/t/25954/Rocket-Mass-Heater-Compliance-Code

Rocket mass heaters are simply a better way to burn wood for heating our homes and buildings. It’s technologies like these innovative and historical that can open our eyes to better, alternative ways to live using the resources that we have close to us. Let’s get the fire burning! 

Let us know your thoughts on rocket mass heaters by visiting our social media pages which are linked at the top of this page!

One Step Closer to Car Nirvana : Built-in Solar Rooftops

Do you know the mpg for a 2023 Toyota Prius Prime?

133 mpg-e. Yup, 1-3-3 miles per gallon (add the “e” for factoring the in the electric capabilities).

Do you know some cars and trucks still roll in below 20 mpg?!

That means the gas you buy in the new Prius is worth 6 times more than a gas guzzler.

Plus with the new Prius Prime you can include SOLAR PANELS BUILT INTO THE ROOF!

Yes, we do understand that in the Sierra Foothills many us need 4WD and trucks. That is why after you read this article, check out our other article where we recommend the best options for trucks in 2023 –  “Gas Guzzling Giants: The Absurdity of 16-MPG Trucks in a 2023 World.”

This is a game changing milestone for transportation.

There have been some cars that have solar built in their roofs and panels, but not a mass produced trusted brand like Toyota. Before this, the closest we had was the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and that was for an only electric car, not a plugin hybrid like the Prius Prime. Other cars had solar panels but they did not charge the hybrid electric battery, only charging accessories or the 12 volt battery. These solar panels charge the hybrid battery.

Let’s break down what this means.

1. The big issue for a regular hybrid vehicles is that they do not store energy well in their smaller ev  batteries.  On a vacation, if you let a hybrid battery drain to zero, it becomes a very expensive fix. In a regular combustion vehicle it’s easy to charge the 12 volt battery or simply replace it, but a hybrid will cost you thousands to replace the much larger hybrid lithium battery and they are not chargeable with jumper cables.
2. Having solar panels on a hybrid car is like having a built in trickle charger, making sure that your hybrid battery never goes dead when you are away. This is a huge difference between a regular hybrid vs a plugin hybrid with solar panels. It saves the risk of a huge potential expense, and saves the owner from having to find a driver while on vacation.
3. Also to consider: A plugin hybrid engine being a mix of  an electric motor and a hybrid/electric battery bank always needs to have gasoline to function correctly. So in an emergency you would have to be aware to never run your gas to empty. You could however leave some gas in, and charge the car via the solar panels to continue to get miles without having to plugin or fuel up. It would last longer but possibly not indefinitely. 
4. Therefore an electric car with solar panels would probably be the most emergency proof vehicle on the market.  When there is no gas, and no electric to plugin (which does happen in emergencies in California) your car could keep on running. But depending on the amount of solar panels built in, you may only get around 2-6 miles per day with the Prius Prime but more if you charged with the solar from your home. 

Again not a perfect solution, but a step in the right direction.

Bottomline:

For $600 you can add solar panels to the 2023 Prius Prime hybrid plugin vehicle. Essentially owning a car that can not only travel 44 miles without using gas but can also charge itself and, has a built in “trickle charger” for vacations.

It is affordable at $30k, and feels like a smart buy for a customer thinking about living sustainably, efficiently, and economically. It has also been redesigned to look more sporty as the older Prius versions looked sort of clunky.

If I were to buy a new car, this would be on the top of the list because it is a very high mpg plugin hybrid with solar panels. To me, the closest thing to car nirvana considering all the factors.

Why wouldn’t I prefer just an electric car with solar panels? Well, when the power is out, and you can’t get a charge, you’ll be happy you have the gas engine to keep you rolling under any situation.

Yes, I did just say I would be happy to still have a gas engine… as long as it’s efficient!  This is the Sierra Foothills, and charging stations are not prevalent. 

Why not just a gasoline car? Knowing the benefits of hybrid cars, the innovation and advancements they bring (check out regenerative braking!), I think having an “only gas” engine is a thing of the past. It’s simply not that efficient in it’s current design. Also when they turn the gas pumps off in emergencies or when gas prices skyrocket, I can charge my car with solar on my home and on my car!

The 2023 Prius Prime is not the only car to have solar panels built in, but it is the first to hit the mass market from a maker like Toyota.

Check out the chart we compiled below to see other vehicles that incorporate solar panels into their designs.

SEG & Chill – How Sustainable Are EV’s really?

A critical look at EV’s from a CO2 and GHG (greenhouse gas) perspective.

Although we should always remember vehicles emit more than just GHG like CO2 but also pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and many volatile organic compounds that contribute to smog.

Concrete Is Out: SEG’s Groundbreaking Switch to Ground Screws (pun intended!)

At SEG, we are dedicated to innovating for the well-being of our planet and helping our customers feel good about working with us, knowing sustainability and innovation are our core values. Ground-mounted solar systems, which have traditionally relied on concrete footings and piers, now have an eco-friendlier alternative to secure them to the earth, RESUSABLE ground screws.  

By using ground screws instead of concrete, SEG saves an average of 7 cubic yards of concrete per installation. This is the equivalent of over 28,000 lbs or 14 tons of concrete that is not manufactured and transported to the site. 

To be clear, steel ground screws also need to be manufactured and transported but they can be REUSED while still holding their integrity and function, while concrete cannot be reused in the same fashion.

Not only are ground screws reusable, they also better preserve soil ecosystems and reduce site disturbance.  Their lightweight and maneuverable design enables faster installation, immediate loadability, ability to cut through any ground and rock, while also functioning well on slopes and challenging construction sites.

Why has concrete come under fire as being un-sustainable?

Here is what 14 tons or 7 cubic yards of concrete for a solar installation represents:

• Energy consumption: The process of producing cement for concrete is energy-intensive and involves heating raw materials, such as limestone and clay, to very high temperatures in a kiln. This process is typically powered by fossil fuels. Producing and transporting 7 cubic yards of concrete demands around 7,000 megajoules of energy. This amount is equivalent to the energy used by an average US household in approximately 63 days.  

• Waste generation: Producing 7 cubic yards of concrete generates around 0.7 metric tons of waste materials, such as dust and sludge. This waste contributes to air and water pollution and creates challenges for disposal.

• Limited reuse potential: Although some concrete can be crushed and reused as aggregate, only an estimated 10-15% can be effectively repurposed. This means that up to 5.95 cubic yards of the 7 cubic yards produced could end up in landfills, taking centuries to decompose and occupying valuable space.

• Greenhouse gas emissions: Producing 7 cubic yards of concrete generates a substantial amount of greenhouse gases other than CO2, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

• Resource depletion: Creating 7 cubic yards of concrete requires a large quantity of raw materials, including limestone, sand, and gravel. This process contributes to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and exhaustion of non-renewable resources.

• Water consumption: The production of 7 cubic yards of concrete necessitates approximately 770 gallons of water. This consumption contributes to water scarcity and puts a strain on local water resources.

• Longer construction times: The use of concrete footings for solar panel installations typically requires and extra day or two of labor increasing costs.

• Lastly, this amount of concrete is hard on our vehicles and the backs of our amazing SEG crews, making ground screws a better technology in a whole picture point of view.

Hopefully you can see that SEG’s switch from concrete to the successful implementation of ground screws in our ground mounted solar projects highlights our commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative practices in the solar industry and our community.

SEG ground mount solar array with bifacial solar panels and ground screws

Ground screws are reliable, strong and most of all, moveable and sustainably re-usable.  Our choices matter and a little change in thinking can go a long way. Can you think of any upgrades (small to big) that you can do in your business and at home?

It has begun: Nevada City Fire Ordinance Inspections

Coming to a mountain town near you! Tahoe is already there, Nevada City has begun, which of our towns is next? 

*We want to help you get the work done!

The new ember free zone will have to be managed and work will have to be done to meet the requirements and maintain them. 

SEG believes that we are in a position to help our community complete the work that will be required for an ember free zone.

We are willing and capable, licensed and insured, to to get on our customers’ roofs safetly, clean the critical ember areas on the roof and gutters, secure and clear solar installations, clear 5 feet of space on the ground around the house and possibly help with vent upgrades, gutters and electrical work needed for other fire safety measures.

As a community we have all personally experienced the heartbreak of fire, and we want to help by offering these extra services for fire clearing and protection.

*Reserve your initial spot in line for this offering by filling out the form below.  We will contact you when are ready.

Interested in SEG's Fire Services Program

Full Name

Email

Phone

64267

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More Info:

YubaNet’s Article On The Defensible Space Ordinance

CalFire Defensible Space Info

From Facebook by the City of Nevada City:

New Defensible Space Ordinance, Inspection Practices, and Community Outreach for Wildfire Safety in Nevada City 2023

The City of Nevada City has adopted a new defensible space ordinance, and we are implementing new inspection and outreach practices to address wildfire safety in Nevada City.

The new ordinance aligns Nevada City with the standards used by CAL FIRE and Nevada County in our surrounding areas. The standards include the establishment of zones of protection for structures, including a new ember free zone, which is the area 0-5 feet from a structure. Based on contemporary science, the Fire Safety Advisory Committee has found this zone to be the most effective in terms of protecting your home. Please use the attached Notice of Inspection checklist to help you develop your defensible space for your home and help your neighborhood get ready for wildfire.

In May, the City will begin inspections of all parcels using the new standards. Where the community’s safety is at risk, enforcement for violations is possible. But that is a last resort. The focus of the inspections is to partner with you to identify conditions that violate the ordinance and make your property more susceptible to wildfire, so that together we can find ways to protect our community. Please note that developing a defensible space does not require the removal of all vegetation.

To encourage the removal of storm debris and other green waste that will become a fire hazard as we move into the summer, the City has scheduled a citywide cleanup, including green waste disposal, on June 3, 2023. Additional green waste events are being hosted by the Nevada County Fire Safe Council from April 9 through June 26, 2023. You can find the dates and times on the City’s social media accounts or at www.areyoufiresafe.com

Keep an eye out for the Nevada County “Ready, Set, Go” handbook in the mail. It will include information on defensible space standards, home hardening, and emergency preparedness tools for you and your family. The handbook is produced by our partners at the County of Nevada Office of Emergency Services for all jurisdictions in our county. It and other resources are available at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org While you are there, please register your household’s devices to receive email, landline, and cell phone notifications during an emergency as part of the Countywide CodeRED system. You can also register by calling 2-1-1 or 1-833-DIAL211.

Information on the ordinance, defensible space best practices, and resources for the community are available on the City’s website using the “Wildfire Preparedness” tab on the homepage www.nevadacityca.gov For additional information, please contact Fire Division Chief Sam Goodspeed at 530-265-2351 or Sam.Goodspeed@nevadacityca.gov. Chief Goodspeed can arrange for you to speak with volunteers from the Fire Safety Advisory Committee, local Firewise communities, and other fire safety groups to help you understand the rules. “Residents Helping Residents” will help us create a more fire safe environment in Nevada City.

You are always invited to share your fire safety experiences, needs, and concerns with the Nevada City Fire Safety Advisory Committee. It meets at 6 PM on the third Thursday of each month at City Hall, 317 Broad Street, Nevada City, CA 95959.

Thank you for your efforts to make and keep Nevada City a wildfire safe place!

Respectfully Submitted,
Sean Grayson, City Manager

Get your Sustain•able Spring Gear!

For a limited time we are giving our article readers a one-of-a-kind Sierra spring themed “Sustain•able” tshirt, while supplies last! 

Fill out this form to get your swag… first come, first served:

Don’t worry if the shirts run out, because we’ll send you a shiny sticker or magnet to keep you excited about spring :)

The Nader Family: Leading the Way in Sustainability

Picture from the Sand County Foundation

We would like to introduce you to the Nader family, a customer of SEG who recently installed solar and battery backup systems at their ranch in Penn Valley, CA . We believe they are a shining example of sustainability and environmental consciousness and we want to share piece by piece a project they have been growing and developing at another property they own. The Nader Family is doing some amazing work in promoting water conservation, soil health, biodiversity, and so much more on their 2,880-acre cattle ranch in Modoc County, CA and we want to share some of their accomplishments and use it as opportunity to teach through example.

Do you have a ranch or land and are looking for the next steps upward?  Are you looking for how you might leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Read how Marie and Glenn Nader, along with their son Alan, have made a significant impact on the environment through their working cattle ranch called Witcher Creek Ranch which recently won  the Leopold Conservation Award presented by the Sand County Foundation, which you can read more about more here.

When they first purchased the ranch in 1999, the Nader’s saw an opportunity to work with nature by fusing wildlife habitat with regenerative style of grazing pastures. They sought advice from various organizations to determine the most effective methods for conserving and enhancing the natural resources on their land. 

Shortly thereafter, their efforts were recognized and rewarded with assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). They were also assisted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Wildlife Program and California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Cantera fund. The Nader family was able to introduce strategic rotational grazing techniques for their cattle, conserve water, protect wetlands, and implement sustainable fencing methods with the guidance and support of their local Conservation District and other organizations.

Here is what they have accomplished:

Rotational Grazing:

• They introduced rotational grazing as a tool to improve the ecosystem on the ranch.
• Rotational grazing involves dividing pastures into small sections for high-intensity but short-duration grazing, timed to optimize weed control, wildlife management and forage production.
• The benefits of rotational grazing include improved soil health and reduced erosion, as well as better wildlife habitat and forage for cattle.

Benefits of Rotational Grazing: 1. Reduces soil erosion, 2. Increases soil fertility, 3. Enhances wildlife habitat

Picture from the Sand County Foundation

Water Conservation:

• The Nader’s received assistance from the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to create cattle watering sites away from creeks, reducing erosion and protecting water quality.
• They replaced seven miles of irrigation ditches with an efficient system of underground pipelines, allowing them to better manage water during droughts and use one pipeline’s gravity pressure to now run the irrigation sprinkler systems. This was a major action that eliminated electrical energy for pumping water.
• Their ranch is critically important to migratory birds who depend on the wet meadows for stopover habitat. The Nader’s make sure to not graze the wetlands during the waterfowl nesting season and leave behind enough dry grass to provide nesting material and cover.

Benefits of Conserving Wetlands: 1. Protects migratory birds, 2. Maintains wetland’s ecological balance

Ecological Fencing:

• They installed three miles of single wire electrified fencing around riparian areas to keep cattle out of the creek and allow deer and antelope to migrate.
• They also created cattle watering sites away from creeks, reducing erosion and protecting water quality.

Benefits of Ecological Fencing: 1. Allows deer and antelope to migrate, 2. Keeps cattle out of the creek, 3. Protects water quality, 4. Reduces erosion

Picture from the Sand County Foundation

Organic Hay Production:

• In 2014, the ranch transitioned to organic hay production and have since seen an increase in yield and revenue, as well as a decrease in labor costs.
• With organic production, they decrease pollution on the land and in the water by not using pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizer.

Working with Nature:

• Beaver Recruitment: Unlike many landowners who try to get rid of beavers, the Nader’s have recruited them. Beaver dams are restoring the hydrological function of their creek while raising the water table of a nearby meadow.
• Thermal Logging: They have also opened their stream to wildlife researchers interested in the viability of reintroducing a threatened species of trout. Thermal data loggers have collected hourly stream temperature data over a three-year period, showing that their conservation practices have reduced the stream’s temperatures.
• Through multiple types of monitoring programs and data collection, they have seen conclusive evidence that their conservation practices are making a positive impact on the environment and the region.

Recently we were able to talk to Glenn about the project. Their ideal is to make the land more sustainable.  It is very rewarding to them to see the dramatic changes on the land that has resulted from over 20 years of their efforts.  

Not only do they believe in land and ecological conservation they also believe in the importance of sustainable energy. Just as they conserved energy use at their Modoc ranch, the Nader’s were also interested using solar at their Penn Valley property.  They talked to many solar providers and after much review, the Nader’s determined that SEG provided superior products, knowledge and pricing.  Their solar/battery project was designed to be an alternative to carbon based generator use during power outages and allow them to also significantly reduce importing outside energy for the house and barns. 

Picture from the Sand County Foundation

Inspiring Transformation:

The Nader family is a true inspiration for sustainability and conservation efforts. Their commitment to working with nature, monitoring progress, and implementing innovative solutions are just a few examples of the steps they have taken to leave a sustainable legacy. We hope that more people will follow in their footsteps and make a positive impact on the environment for future generations.

Sustainable Energy Group is proud and appreciates solar customers like Marie and Glenn Nader for being a great example of sustainability in the community. We thank them for their commitment to the environment and for being a leader in conservation practices locally and regionally in California. Thank you!

The Future of Farming Is Looking Vertical

Imagine if you were snowed in, but you could still make it out to your greenhouse garden for a fresh salad? Imagine if you had a sauna attached that helped heat the greenhouse and left some space to read or do some stretching? Not only that, but imagine it to be solar powered, with a backup power source like a battery, where when power was out in your community you could also share this food and space with others?

This is a dream SEG has for our Sierra Foothills. Can we make this happen together? Can our resources and manpower help maintain your power systems and gardens? Give us a thumbs up or a shout out if you like the idea!

Let’s dive into vertical farming

As the population continues to grow, the demand for food is also increasing and our supply chain is straining. We have to optimize the land we already farm, continue to farm it in a positive ecological way and support the local farms to help keep their land. Projects stewarded by the Bear Yuba Land Trust like Forever Farms and events like the Sustainable Food and Farm Conference coming up March 3rd hosted by Sierra Harvest are great places for our people to plugin, learn and support. 

Another side of this type of local agricultural support and development is also a push for technological innovation to help our local food security.  There are possibilities for using technology to maximize land and create controlled environments that can withstand the pressure we have seen due to changing weather and lack of local fresh food in the winter months when our ground is frozen. Our reliance on far away shipping and distribution is a weak part in the food chain in our region. Even though we are close to one of the most fertile areas in the world, outside forces and agreements can make it difficult to get food in difficult times. 

One idea of a way to meet the demand for year-round local food is through localized, indoor, vertical farming. Vertical farming is a method of growing plants in stacked layers in a controlled environment with light or sun or a mixture of both.

Vertical farming has several benefits which are not realized in most outdoor farming methods. First, it allows for year-round crop production, as the controlled environment allows farmers to control the temperature, light, and other factors that affect plant growth. This means that farmers can grow crops even in areas where and when outdoor farming would be difficult or impossible.

Another benefit of vertical farming is that it uses significantly less water than traditional farming methods. Because the plants are grown indoors, farmers can recycle and reuse water, reducing the overall water usage. This makes vertical farming an environmentally friendly option for growing food especially when we are experiencing drought and water shortages in our area. 

Vertical farming also allows for removal of pesticides and herbicides, as the controlled environment reduces their need. This means that the food grown in vertical farms is not only fresh and nutritious, but also free of these harmful chemicals.

One other benefit that is often stated, is that vertical farming can be done in higher population areas, reducing the need for transportation and decreasing the footprint of the food supply chain. This allows for fresh and more locally sourced food options for in town/city residents.  Although some of the more dense areas are not quite cities, like Nevada City, other areas could benefit from localized food production in city centers like Auburn.  In my opinion what these controlled vertical farmers can bring to our community is the ability for our residents to grow food year round. We can use abundant solar energy to power the lights and pumping systems and create more resilience in our local food chain if things do go wrong. 

Some other innovations that I am seeing are cameras that can visually examine how plants are growing and adjust nutrients and water to help plants are visually struggling. Sensors are also being used to detect how much nutrients come back in the recycled water and are automatically being added back to the water to keep them at optimal levels. Lights are able to change position and spectrum to mimic the sun color spectrum at sunrise and sunset with corresponding light recipes tailored for each plant.  All of these ideas have space for innovation and if we can improve them a bi-product will be using less energy and producing less waste per pound of produce. 

Although this makes the organic soil gardener in me cringe, I do see it as part of our agricultural future. To me the idea that pesticides and herbicides do not have to be part of the equation is what makes me a supported of at least seeing this through and actually learning to use some of these techniques in my own garden. I feel controlled environment growing is happening regardless if we like it or not. The personal question is, “How can we do it better and more sustainably?”

More sustainable concepts are already in the works and have been so for a long time.  Concepts like incorporating fish into these systems to create the nutrients for a closed system of vertical farming and controlled environment growing.  Below is a shipping container has a simple and elegant design using concepts of Aquaponics. In our climate on our land I would try and add a heat source like a sauna, underground pipes or even some sort of radiant heating captured from our fire places. 

Vertical Farming however, is not perfect

Although vertical farming has it’s positives it is however not perfect and here are Sustainable Energy Group, we don’t greenwash. Those challenges are ripe for innovation.  One of the biggest challenges are that the nutrients of controlled environment grows are either chemically created or mined. Primarily the nutrients NPK, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. These are used in controlled systems a because they are easily dissolved in water and easier to control the how much of each are added to the solution.  The major challenge is that these nutrients are come from outside of our region.  Like any developing technology issues like these have are ready for solutions. Compost teas, or liquid compost or worm tea in organic forms of NPK are possible. Aquaponics using fish to fertilize are possible too. These possibilities are there but because they are organic they vary in nutrient concentration and because they are living in some cases that can create other challenges.  Can we standardize organic water soluble nutrients that don’t bring pests, disease or other problems to indoor controlled environment?

The definition of organic is that it involves soil, so often times in Organic circles controlled environment growing is said to not be Organic. I get that. I am for both. I would also prefer people to eat food without harmful pesticides and herbicides.  Check out some of the debates online if you’d like to dive deeper.

In conclusion, vertical farming has the possibility to be an innovative and sustainable method of growing food to help meet the increasing demand for food as the population grows. It offers year-round crop production, uses less water, and stacks the growing to produce more in a smaller area. It can also eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides, and can be done in areas that would not normally considered ideal for growing. Like our backyards in the middle of winter!

To state it briefly in bullet points:

Vertical farming is a revolutionary solution that is gaining popularity as a way to grow food in a sustainable and efficient way.

Vertical Farming is:

• A method of growing plants in a controlled environment, such as a multi level structure or warehouse.
• Plants are grown in stacked layers, using LED lighting and a hydroponic system to provide the necessary nutrients.
• This method of farming uses significantly less water and land than traditional farming methods.

Benefits of Vertical Farming:

• Increased yield: With vertical farming, it is possible to grow a much larger quantity of food in a smaller space for certain crops.
• Reduced water usage: Vertical farming uses a closed-loop hydroponic system, meaning it recycles water and reduces overall water usage.
• Pesticide-free and Herbicide-free.
• Year-round production: With controlled lighting and temperature, vertical farming allows for the growth of crops all year round.

“Vertical Farming in Action”

• Example of vertical farming: AeroFarms is a vertical farm located in Newark, New Jersey. They use a patented aeroponic system and LED lighting to grow leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens.
• Another example of vertical farming: Plenty is a vertical farm located in South San Francisco. They use a proprietary vertical farming system to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables.

“The Future of Vertical Farming”

• Potential for vertical farming to revolutionize the food industry: With the ability to grow food in urban areas, mountain sides and areas with pour growing possibilities, vertical farming could greatly reduce the need for long-distance transportation of food.
• Investment and innovation opportunities: As vertical farming gains popularity, there are opportunities for investment and innovation in this growing industry.
• Every home in our area could have some sort of controlled/indoor growing environment.

Innovation on the challenges in vertical farming is already underway, using sustainable energy like solar to power them, underground piping and composting techniques for heating and heat shedding, organic formulations for nutrients, and technology in lights, sensors, ai, robotics and automation. 

What do you think? Tell us on the SEG Facebook Page and other social media platforms. 

Solar Leasing No-Nos and How to Advise Your Friends

Why SEG Does Not Offer Solar Leases and Why We Do Not Recommend Them

Many big box corporate solar companies offer solar leases as an alternative to purchasing a solar energy system outright. We do not sell leases and do not recommend them to our clients. There are other ways to finance a solar system which keep you as the owner of your energy.

Friends don’t let friends get solar leases!

Here is why:

First, what is a Solar Lease?

A solar lease is a contract between a homeowner and a solar energy company, where the company installs a solar energy system on the homeowner’s property and leases it back to the homeowner for a monthly fee. The homeowner does not own the solar energy system, often times does not have control of their equipment, and the leasing company is responsible for its maintenance and repairs.

Why We Do Not Recommend It

1. Leases Can Be More Expensive Than Purchasing Outright

While a solar lease may appear to be an attractive option for homeowners who do not have the funds to purchase a solar energy system with cash or financing, it can be more expensive in the long run. Solar leases typically have a term of 20 years, and the monthly payments can add up to be much higher than the cost of purchasing the system instead.

2. Leases Can Be Difficult to Transfer

While some solar leasing companies offer a transfer of the lease to the new homeowner, the process can be complicated and may not be appealing to potential buyers. This put up majore roadblocks when you are trying to sell your home. Ask any realtor. 

3. Leasing companies may put a lien on your house!

This could lead to the infamous question you see online: “I am trying to sell my house but the solar company put a lien on my property.” Believe us, this is not fun for the homeowner trying to sell.

4. You Miss Out on Tax Incentives

When you purchase a solar energy system outright, you are eligible for a tax credit, and at this time that is a 30% tax credit of the total system cost! That is a lot! However, if you lease a solar energy system, the leasing company receives the tax incentives.

How can you purchase a system even if you don’t have the cash.

Solar financing is actually pretty easy to qualify for. Especially as you own your home.  Many of our customers simply get a low interest home equity loan from any of the local banks.  We are also partnered up with solar financing companies like Salal that offer great rates and payback periods. The loan will cost less than your monthly electric bill and in a short amount of time you won’t have to pay anything and still reap the benefits. 

Bottom-line:

We believe it is in the best interest of our clients to own their solar system. When you own your solar, you have the freedom to choose what equipment you want, and you can take full advantage of tax incentives and it is simply a better value than leases.

Also we want to ensure our people have the best experience when it comes to getting solar. Look around on the internet, those big box solar companies have terrible reviews! The person who sold them system is all the suddenly not available for questions and sometimes they don’t even live in town. They could have been just selling for a random installation crew from Sacramento. No accountability! We have seen out of town company goes bankrupt and no longer honor their warranties. We seen them not be available when service is needed or in emergencies.

On the other side, we are here for you, we live here locally, shopping in the same supermarkets. Our reputation in the community is important to us and it’s why we are still in business going on our 20th year!

Choose Solar Ownership over Leasing

In conclusion, leasing a solar system may seem like an easy and affordable way to go solar, but it comes with a lot of drawbacks that will end up costing you more in the long run. At Sustainable Energy Group, we believe in providing our customers with the best solar solutions that offer long-term financial and environmental benefits. That’s why we don’t offer solar leases and we don’t recommend them.

Here are some quick points to share with your friends as to why it’s better to own:

• You own the system and the energy it produces, which means you can enjoy the full financial benefits of your investment.
• You can take advantage of tax credits and other incentives that are only available to solar system owners.
• You can increase the value of your home by adding a solar system that you own, rather than one that is leased.
• You can have peace of mind knowing that you have reliable, trustworthy, local experts that are ready and able to maintain your solar system and backup power for decades to come.

If someone you know is ready to go solar, especially with NEM 3.0 approaching in April, please invite them to explore solar ownership options instead of leases with Sustainable Energy Group. Our team of experts can help design and install a custom solar system that meets their unique energy needs and budget. Please have them contact us today (530) 273-4422 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy future.