A team of Berkley graduate students designed a solar hot water heater for low income households. They built heaters and tested them in Guatemala. It was a success and they are hoping to have more built in Guatemala and they are looking at doing this throughout several third world countries as a means of stimulating the economy. That’s all well and good. What I want to know is, why not do this here, in the USA? Our nation is in need of job stimulation, other than Walmart, too and there are enough low income families right here that could benefit from this solar hot water heater. I don’t begrudge third world countries getting renewable energy resources. If the economy of this country doesn’t start turning around, this nation will become a third world country and perhaps then we will qualify for low cost solar hot water heaters. Why should we have to wait until then?
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What about US?
Organizing for Change 
2 replies on “What about US?”
Simple answer – PACs.
There are many things that because of lobbyists prevent us from having access to in the US.
Real simple.
Yes! Keeping in mind the drastic environmental changes and rising fuel prices going Solar is one option open to all at minimal investments. The Solar Water heating systems are so easy to install and most of them come in a Do-it Yourself kit, With the technological advancement the once heavy, bulky hard to move panels are now available widely in light weight easy to carry by one personal only packages. The advancement in technology is not only limited to light weight, but for those concern about the asthetics of the panels, the good news is that the panels are now available with a variety of teim colors to choose from and can be easily matched to your roof. Saving about $25.oo on ones electricity bill on a residence of 4. We all use hot water, as one of our basic needs and what can be a better way, than helping our environment, saving our resources and ourself’s some money other than by investing in a Solar Water Heating System.
There are a couple useful websites I’m aware off, that I would like to share with you
1. http://www.dsireusa.org – is a comprehensive source of information on state, local
, utility ans federal incentives that promote renewable engery ans energy efficieny.
2. http://www.powerpartnerssolar.com – one of the many manufacturers of certified Solar Water Heating Systems available. One place I saw the light weight panels and trim color options I was mentioning earlier.
Lastly, the local utilites in some areas also provide additional rebates and incentives for adding a Solar Water Heating Sytem to your exisitng water tank.
Keep the look out on. Feel Good and save- money for you, environment for us.