| | GeoStar Solar is a Colorado-based educational and consulting firm in the field of energy conservation and renewable energy, including both photovoltaics (solar electricity), solar thermal (solar heating) and wind power. We work with homeowners, non-profits, and commercial clients to answer their questions about and assess their suitability for a solar solution to their energy needs. We address technical, esthetic, practical, and economic matters, including rebate and tax implications of going with solar. If solar seems like a good approach (and this is by no means always the case) then we work with the client to select the best vendor to meet their need. In addition to helping people understand solar energy, we also work with them in the area of energy auditing and energy conservation. In fact, this should always be the first step in any energy upgrade or improvement project. Reducing energy use in existing buildings, or designing simple efficiency and passive energy-reducing features into new buildings and additions is by far the simplest and most cost-effective approach. Adding active components (PV, solar thermal, geothermal, etc) to new or existing structures should not even be considered until the building's insulation and air-tightness are brought up to high levels of performance. For most residences, steps such as caulking, weatherstripping, sealing around windows and doors as well as around other holes in the structure (vents, pet doors, etc) and possibly beefing up the attic insulation are usually quickly and cheaply accomplished and offer the highest return on investment. Only when these have been done, should further steps including active technologies be considered. |