I remember those words from Admiral James Stockdale. In case you don't remember, he was Ross Perot's running mate. A complete unknown in the political world. Those were his opening words in his first Vice-Presidential debate. I, for one, loved it! Right to the heart, no BS. He continued his debate style in exactly the same way and they lost miserably. Whether you agreed with them or not, they spoke what they thought was the truth without hesitation. And, they sure looked like they were having fun.
I have had the word "Energy" in my professional job title since 1982 when I took my first corporate energy manager job. Before that, as an industrial plant engineer (starting in 1976), energy was an important part of my job description.
My first involvement with solar (thermal) design was also in 1976. Back then (after what was called "the second oil shock") solar was going to save the world. All we needed was more government support to get it on its feet. Fast-forward 35 years: solar is going to save the world. All we need is more government support to get it on its feet.
So be ready; I am old and cynical. I am also, I hope, a skeptical optimist. I really WANT these new gadgets to work. But I have dealt with so many snake oil salesmen in my three-plus decades in this business that you really have to convince me.
I have degrees in both mechanical and electrical engineering. But don't let that intimidate you. I got them by going to night school for six years. Primarily because the only lottery that I have ever won is the Draft Lottery. When I got off of active duty in the Navy, I was married and had a growing family. During the day I was a full-time industrial plant engineer.
I want to share my experiences past and present. I will discuss some really good ideas and expose snake oil. I really love being smart with energy consumption. As far as I'm concerned; being green means saving money. Saving money by using energy wisely almost always produces environmental and other benefits that are good for everybody. It is a very satisfying arena to work in!
I hope that this can become somewhat of a dialog. So please let me know what you think.
Remember: You can never save more energy than shutting it off.
Rich
