SOLAQUA: Sundog Solar
by Ross Rice
Jody then worked on the “sol” part of Solaqua, starting SunDog Solar for retailing and installing solar PV (photovoltaic) arrays, solar hot water systems and bio-spray foam insulation. Jody had been working with solar since the seventies, even designing and building a solar powered PA system, called the “GEM Car,” that he takes around to fairs and events around the area, and at present is parked in the corner of the warehouse. Built onto a futuristic looking electric car, it sports solar panels built into the vertically opening doors. Once raised and exposed to sunlight, they power a 200-watt Bose system within, with help from a small cluster of batteries. Not big enough for a mondo rock show, but still pretty cool. (It’s available to rent, too.)
As well as providing the latest in PV, SunDog has also gotten funding from NYSERDA (New York State Research and Development Authority) to do some comparative testing between standard PV flat plate collectors and evacuated tube panels. According to Jody, the evacuated tubes, if they prove to be as efficient and easy to use as flat plates, will reduce costs significantly. He points out an evacuated tube array on the roof, with adjacent tank for hot water. It’s been working fine all winter, even with the tank outdoors.
So, two viable incubator businesses, one addressing the independent power precept—what next? Well, part of the land is up for sale as a land trust, priced below market value, with the proceeds hopefully funding the mill reconstruction. Jody has had the concrete tested by the Troy Architectural Program (TAP) in the main processing buildings, and after the stabilization report, local experts are helping to restore the buildings to usable standards. A call to artists is still in the works, and the word is out for glass, metal, and ceramic artists for space and use of the planned foundry. CONTINUE...
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