Conscious evolution--solar revolution.

We are at the beginning of the 21st century, now entering the "Age of Aquarius." We face all of the challenges and tribulations of a growing population with dwindling resources, people challenging and fighting each other over their views of reality, God, morality and their "inalienable right" to consume as much of the planet as they like at the expense of others.

While this commotion keeps most of humanity busy, we are seeing a dramatic shift occurring. People are choosing a different path, becoming conscious of their true natures and aligning with higher values that guide into a more peaceful and sustainable future in harmony with the planet we call home. Through this journey we run face to face into our desires and attachments, into "our way of life." We need to make choices that reflect our newfound identities and values.

Reducing, reusing and recycling are great first steps. Consuming less and buying more efficient appliances and automobiles provide great ways for us to step more lightly on the planet. However, when it comes to dealing with our appetite for energy, we face a more difficult task.

Over the last century, we have searched for answers to the ever-present problem that we are basing our entire civilization on fuel sources that are finite. These fuels are the very basis of our economy. Without energy there is no economy! We looked toward splitting the atom and other atomic energies for that infinite supply of energy, only to realize these technologies create even bigger problems.

In reality, the sun is the source for all life on the planet and all of the fossil fuels we have been consuming for the last 200 years. The infinite source of energy we have all been looking for has been right in front of our eyes the whole time!

Fortunately, we have seen an increased interest in solar energy over the last few decades." Beginning in the 1970s, federal tax credits virtually eliminated any of the upfront costs for the installation of solar hot water systems. However, when these credits were taken away, the industry nearly collapsed in this country. Presently, there are programs in several states which provide incentives for the installation of solar electric systems. A few states, including North Carolina, have tax credits which help to reduce the cost of both solar electric and solar hot water systems.

While these incentives help to transform "interest" into actually "going solar," for most people "going solar" is a choice that reflects their personal values. These values include a desire to live more in harmony with the planet, a desire to take personal responsibility not to add to the destruction of the planet and/ or become more self reliant. While solar electric systems have been getting a lot of attention lately, it must be noted that solar hot water systems are by far the best bang for the buck when it comes to solar energy.

Solar hot water is the most widely used form of solar energy throughout the world. It is relatively inexpensive to install, has a twenty-plus year life expectancy, and can pay for itself many times over throughout its lifetime. It is a great example of a sustainable technology, with each collector producing much more energy in its lifetime than was needed to produce it. It is time for solar hot water systems to be standard equipment on every home in the county.

Solar hot water systems are very versatile additions to any home and can be used in a variety of different ways. The most common system produces the domestic hot water for the home and uses a back up heat source for those times when the solar is insufficient. However, solar hot water systems can be used in conjunction with radiant floor heat and other hydronic heating systems as well as forced air heating systems. These systems can be used to heat swimming pools and spas.

Of all the active solar technologies, solar hot water provides the best return on investment. At current prices, a well-designed system should give a return in as little as five to ten years. Energy costs are going to continue to increase as we move into the future. It is truly liberating to tap into the sun to bring harmony and stability into our energy use, and realize we can actively make a conscious choice for a cleaner, greener, more peaceful future. So as we journey through our Conscious evolution, join the solar revolution!

Dave Hollister is the co-founder of Sundance Power Systems, Inc., a renewable energy company located near Asheville, NC. Dave also sits on the board of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association.