Some detailed local research from Duke University and NC WARN, an anti-nuclear advocacy group, show the cost of solar electricity is now at parity with nuclear-generated electricity.

For all the problems we have with fossil fuels here in the US, you'd think we would be kicking out the solar jamz at a much bigger rate than the rest of the world. Massive foreign trade imbalances, oil spills polluting many of our most beautiful beaches and wetlands, dependence on unsavory states like Iran and Saudi Arabia, and of course global climate disruption which helps fuel storms like Katrina, to name the most obvious.

Here's a link to some data on a solar electric system Rebekah installed with Honey Electric Solar this spring. Good data for you solar nerds out there!

Our last two electric bills have been exciting, since we've made more solar juice than we consumed, displacing evil coal electrons that some of our neighbors are still using (I won't name any names, but you know who you are!). Since we tied to the grid in January, these are the first two months we've put out more than we've used, so hopefully we'll come out in positive territory come year-end.  If not, that will give Bekah a good excuse to buy some more solar panels!

It took a while, but Rebekah finally got our PV system tied to the grid from being a stand-alone off-grid battery system. She had to get it inspected not only by the city electrical inspector but also by the recalcitrant Duke Power, not known anywhere for their progressive views (although the CEO does do a lot of greenwashing).

 Wow, all our favorite authors are going to join us on the radio Saturday morning (the 13th) for a rotating panel discussion.