Naturalpath

The Union of Concerned Scientists posted an interesting "greentip" today on "green" roofs.  The rage these days, and the first of two options they presented, was literally going green on your roof -- covering it with soil and growing grass, flowers, shrubs (perhaps even vegetables!).  Benefits can include lower energy costs, providing shelter for wildlife (I couldn't help but think of the rats that got into our attic not too long ago...), and (counterintuitive to me) a longer lasting roof (because you shelter it from the elements).  Of course, you'd need a strong, well supported roof to do that.  I have a feeling most conventionally built roofs wouldn't last a day under that kind of weight.  I looked up in our own attic at the trestle roof we've got.... hardly any support at all.  UCS's estimated costs for a green roof:  $10-$25 per square foot including installation.  Check out Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' website for more and some cool photos of what your roof could look like.

UCS's second and, to me anyway, much more appealing option, is to go solar.  New  photovoltaic (PV) shingles are reputed to give the same look, protection and durability as asphalt shingles, with added bonus of providing clean energy and lowering your electricity costs (eventually as you pay off the cost of installation...).  UCS's estimated costs for going with solar shingles is $20 per square foot NOT including installation. 

This second option is something my husband and I have been considering for a while.  But I'm consumed by option paralysis and also the knowledge that new, much more efficient technology is on the horizon.  To help you make your own decision on this, check out the Department of Energy's Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  Another great site is FindSolar.com, a joint partnership among the American Solar Energy Society, the Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC, and the US Department of Energy.  FindSolar.com helps you to estimate costs, consider tax breaks, and connect with solar energy professionals.  For a listing of state, local, utility and federal incentives, check out DSIRE.org, which apparently has a comprehensive database.

For a neat, community based organization in the Santa Barbara area, check out the Community Environmental Council's site, whose energy slogan for the area is "fossil free by 33".  Check out this SourceGuides.com page on various solar organizations around the world -- not comprehensive by far, but does have some useful sites.  Solar Energy International has online courses in solar, wind and other renewable power.  The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, a nonprofit organization trying to move renewable energy resources into the market, also has some good information. 

The bottom line for me?  I still haven't found a contractor that deals in solar power that I feel good about.  I keep hearing about new developments in the area, especially one recently on NPR about Nanosolar, a Silicon Valley company on the forefront of a hopeful solar revolution.  So, for now anyway, I'm waiting a little while before leaping into the solar revolution.  But I'm definitely saving up for it!