August 20, 2013

There were 3 posts published on August 20, 2013 (this is page 1 of 1).

Six things you might not know about solar panels

Solar PV deck

Solar PV deck


Recently a neighbor asked about our home’s solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Since he’s not the first I thought I might write about our system, specifically a few things people might not know about PV systems. This reflects my experience and may differ from others. As always, your mileage may vary.

Solar PV is not rocket science. Solar PV literally once was rocket science, as one of its first practical applications was to power orbiting satellites. Apollo astronauts even left solar panels on the moon. Fortunately, a PV system no longer requires a NASA-sized budget nor an engineering degree. While the jargon may be confusing at first, you’ll quickly learn what’s what and things will start to make sense.
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Abingdon vacation

We got back Friday evening from a great vacation in Abingdon, where much of our activity was spent outdoors.

I found a little cottage (the “Craftsman”) on the Cottages on the Creeper website and booked it last minute for a good price. We hauled our bikes with us, too, which allowed us to roam much of the town and Creeper trail without an automobile.

We had dinner Sunday evening at the Bone Fire Restaurant, mainly because it was one of the few places open. The meal was only so-so, and afterwards we roamed the town a bit before relaxing at our cottage.

Monday was spent riding the Creeper trail from Abingdon to Damascus and back, stopping in Damascus for lunch at the Blue Blaze Cafe. The Cafe had good food but had very slow service. Kelly and the kids wandered the nearby stores while I waited at the table for our order to arrive. Afterward we got ice cream at a corner shop, the Dairy King, before riding the 16 miles back to Abingdon. Oh, and it rained on us a bit while we were in and near Damascus.
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Wrapping up as Parks Board chair

CASL synthetic field dedication

CASL synthetic field dedication


Sunday afternoon I gave a speech at my last park dedication before I hand the Raleigh Parks Board gavel to another boardmember. For over three years (two as chair, one as vice chair) I’ve been representing the board at ribbon cuttings, dedications, groundbreakings, and other events. It’s been wonderful practice in public speaking, including how to research, write and deliver a speech. As Parks chair, I’ve attended more of these events than any single city councilor and even the mayor herself so I’ve had quite a bit of practice.

Sunday’s event was the dedication of new synthetic fields at CASL’s WRAL Soccer Complex. There were more staff, friends, and family there (including Kelly, the kids, and my parents) than there were members of the public but that was fine. I was glad that my parents could get a chance to see me speak while I was still chair.

Someone who’s heard my speeches before told me he liked my speeches because I usually have some numbers in them. My kids said they like how I include some humor. I think including some facts and jokes can help make a speech memorable.

The Board chair election is next month, so September will be the last official meeting I’ll lead. I’ve got one more year left to serve on the board but I’ll do so as a regular member. After that, who knows that the future will bring? It’s sure been fun being chair, though, and I appreciate the tremendous opportunity it’s provided to lead.